NFPA 2025 Annual Convention Highlights

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KatherineGalland_KCT Posts: 286 image
edited 3:20AM in Legal Careers

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Adapting to Change

The key takeaway from the NFPA 2025 Paralegal Convention is clear: the profession is not just evolving, it's undergoing a rapid transformation. The overarching theme, "Paralegals: Adapting to Change," was a central focus.

Technology Takes Center Stage

Artificial Intelligence (AI) was, without a doubt, the dominant topic. Instead of being a threat, AI was framed as a powerful tool for empowerment. Sessions covered:

  • How to ethically and effectively use AI for tasks like legal research, e-discovery, and document drafting.
  • The importance of attorney supervision, maintaining client confidentiality, and a "verify-before-you-file" workflow to prevent "AI hallucinations" (incorrect or fabricated citations).
  • A new, distinct field is emerging, focusing on legal issues that arise from AI itself, such as intellectual property rights and liability.

Legal Tech Proficiency is no longer a "nice-to-have" but a core competency. Attendees learned about a wide range of tools, including cloud-based case management platforms (like Clio and MyCase), e-discovery and document review platforms (like Relativity), and legal research tools (like Westlaw and LexisNexis). The message was clear: tech-savvy paralegals are more efficient, valuable, and likely to command higher salaries.

Evolving Skills and Roles

The modern paralegal's role is expanding. They are no longer just legal support staff; they are seen as leaders, innovators, and key collaborators. The focus was on building a diverse skill set that goes beyond traditional legal knowledge.

  • A commitment to lifelong learning was highlighted as a crucial skill. Conferences offered continuing legal education (CLE) credits in a wide range of topics, ensuring that paralegals stay relevant in a fast-changing legal landscape.
  • There is a growing demand for paralegals with expertise in niche areas. Sessions were dedicated to high-growth fields like cybersecurity, intellectual property, and cannabis law.
  • Beyond technical proficiency, conferences stressed the importance of soft skills. Emotional intelligence, strong communication, and adaptability were identified as essential for career advancement and navigating complex client and team dynamics.

Were you able to attend this year? If so, what was your biggest takeaway?

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