Founded in 1974, the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) was the first national paralegal association. NCAPA was one of the founding NFPA Associations. Created as a non-profit federation, NFPA is an issues-driven, policy-oriented professional association directed by its membership. It is comprised of more than fifty member associations and represents over 11,000 individual members reflecting a broad range of experience, education and diversity. It was also the first national association to have a website. NFPA's Mission Statement and Core Purpose delineate its dedication to the advancement of the paralegal profession and leadership in the legal community.
In June 1989, NCAPA, together with five existing paralegal associations in the Commonwealth of Virginia, formed The Virginia Alliance of Paralegal Associations (VAPA), formerly: Virginia Alliance of Legal Assistant Associations. VAPA is currently comprised of paralegal associations and individual area liaisons located within the Commonwealth of Virginia. It represents over 1,500 paralegals/legal assistants and students across the state. NCAPA has a Primary and Secondary Delegate who are elected by the NCAPA Board of Directors and are responsible to represent NCAPA in VAPA.
Member Associations include Central Virginia Paralegal Association, Charlottesville Association of Legal Assistants, Fredericksburg Association of Legal Assistants, Peninsula Legal Assistants, Inc., Richmond Association of Legal Assistants, Roanoke Valley Paralegal Association, Shenandoah Valley Paralegal Association, Southside Paralegal Association, Tidewater Association of Legal Assistants, and National Capital Area Paralegal Association.