History of the VPO
Vermont Paralegal Organization ~ Established 1990
The Vermont Paralegal Organization ("VPO") was founded in the spring of 1990 as a forum to discuss paralegals' needs, to share information, and to generally provide support for a growing profession. The VPO soon became a networking vehicle for paralegals throughout Vermont. The founding members, Trudy Seeley of Langrock Sperry & Wool and Suzanne Richert of Woodbury College Legal Clinic, along with other hard-working paralegals, Nancy Peck, Lou Ann McGahey, Annette Jack, Julie Lax, Joseph O'Donnell and Jean Kennedy, formed committees to create a dynamic and functional organization.
The VPO's first newsletter, The Paralegal Perspective, was published in October 1990, and in November 1990, the first Statewide Meeting was held at Vermont Law School. The meeting which had over 30 attendees, included seminars on the organization of a personal injury file, deciphering medical records, and preparation of a trial notebook.
In November 1991, the VPO established its criteria for voting membership. By the summer of 1993, the VPO had grown to 102 members. Cell meetings and mixers were being held throughout the state. In September 1994, the VPO proposed affiliating with a national organization. The membership voted and in January 1995, the VPO joined the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA®).
The VPO implemented a scholarship program in the summer of 1995 with the first scholarship being awarded to a worthy paralegal student in the spring of 1996. In 2005, the VPO obtained official tax-exempt status. In early 2008, the VPO unveiled a brand new logo, revamped newsletter and website. In May 2010, the VPO awarded its first PACE scholarship. As of May 2011, the VPO has 74 voting members and 15 associate members. It is Vermont's only paralegal networking medium which provides visibility to the paralegal community through its newsletter, Paralegal Focus, and its website.
