EST. 1979
The Indiana Paralegal Association, (“IPA”) gives annual awards to honor its members pursuant to Section 11 of the IPA Policies and Procedures. Awards are given in the following categories: Paralegal of the Year, New Member Paralegal of the Year, Outstanding Board Member of the Year, and from time to time, a Lifetime Achievement Award. The Officers of the Corporation (President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer) meet to select the winners. The Officers are NOT ELIGIBLE for the Paralegal of the Year and Outstanding New Member awards.
The Paralegal of the Year Award has traditionally been IPA’s most distinguished award, because it is given to a member of IPA who has demonstrated exceptional loyalty and commitment to the betterment of IPA, and is recognized as being the most valued, the most respected and the most deserving of IPA members to earn this sterling reputation.
The Outstanding New Member of the Year Award is given to an outstanding new member of IPA. Although a member less than three years, the recipient of this award quickly rises to the top of leadership and commitment to IPA.
The Outstanding Board Member of the Year Award is given to recognize an outstanding member of IPA’s Board of Directors. Board members work tirelessly in their already hectic schedules to serve the needs of its paralegal members, to educate the public and promote the paralegal profession. This award is nominated and chosen by the IPA’s Board of Directors.
The Paralegal Employer of the Year Award recognizes an Indiana law firm, corporation, organization or government entity that encourages its paralegals to be members of the Indiana Paralegal Association, supports its paralegals attending monthly IPA meetings, supports IPA by sponsoring events and actively promotes the education of current and future paralegals.
The IPA Board decided that there were a few paralegals that have truly pioneered the paralegal profession and stayed through its evolution for many years. To recognize the achievements of such an individual, the Board decided that from time to time, when appropriate, they would award a Lifetime Achievement Award.
IPA Award Recipients
2023 Lottie Wathen, Paralegal of the Year Cristy Heisey, Outstanding Board Member of the Year Candice Holcomb, Outstanding New Member of the Year Kyle Gough Law, LLC, Paralegal Employer of the Year 2022 Rayann Knepley, Paralegal of the Year Kathy Thurston, Outstanding Board Member of the Year Cristy Heisey, Outstanding New Member of the Year Kids Voice, Paralegal Employer of the Year 2021 Anita Haworth, Lifetime Achievement Award Ellen Wilkerson, Paralegal of the Year Lottie Wathen, Outstanding Board Member of the Year Wendy Freeland, Outstanding New Member of the Year Smith Amundsen, Paralegal Employer of the Year 2020 Cathy Canny, Lifetime Achievement Award Lucy Snyder, Paralegal of the Year Kathy Thurston, Outstanding Board Member of the Year Kristy King Gordon, Outstanding New Member of the Year Hall Render, Paralegal Employer of the Year 2019 Angela R. Hopson, RP, IRP, Lifetime Achievement Award Sarah Ogden, Outstanding Board Member of the Year Tracey Woolsey, RP, Paralegal of the Year Dawn Edmondson, Outstanding New Member of the Year Plews Shadley Racher & Braun, Paralegal Employer of the Year 2018 Rhonda Murphy, Outstanding Board Member of the Year 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 | 2003 2002 2001 |