National Paralegal Day, now celebrated on August 6, honors the skilled professionals who keep the legal system running efficiently. The date was officially moved from October 23 in 2024 to better reflect a key milestone in paralegal history—the creation of the American Bar Association’s Special Committee on Lay Assistants in1968.
Paralegals handle research, draft documents, organize case files, and assist attorneys at every stage of a case. Their work ensures law offices function smoothly and clients receive timely, well-prepared support.
Want to know more about what exactly paralegals do? Watch this video about a day in the life of a paralegal by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office:
History of National Paralegal Day
The date of National Paralegal Day changed in 2024, when it was officially recognized in the Congressional Record and moved from October 23 to August 6.
The new date was chosen to commemorate August 6, 1968, the day the American Bar Association (ABA) established its Special Committee on Lay Assistants for Lawyers—now known as the Standing Committee on Paralegals. This committee played a defining role in recognizing and shaping the paralegal profession in the United States.
Before 2024, National Paralegal Day had long been observed on October 23, but the shift to August 6 better reflects the historical foundation of the profession. The change also highlights how far paralegals have come since the ABA first acknowledged their essential role more than half a century ago.
When Is National Paralegal Day Observed?
National Paralegal Day is celebrated every year on August 6. Below is a list of upcoming dates through 2030.
| Year | Date | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | August 6 | Thursday |
| 2027 | August 6 | Friday |
| 2028 | August 6 | Sunday |
| 2029 | August 6 | Monday |
| 2030 | August 6 | Tuesday |
How to Celebrate National Paralegal Day
You don’t need to work in the legal field to appreciate what paralegals do. Here are some meaningful ways to recognize their contributions:
Give thoughtful gifts: Many firms express gratitude with personalized presents, gift cards, or bonuses.
Acknowledge and appreciate: Attorneys and law firms can thank their paralegals personally. A simple message, card, or team email makes a big difference.
Host an office event: Organize a lunch, catered meal, or after-work gathering to celebrate your paralegal team.
Invest in professional growth: Support continuing education by sponsoring a certification course or webinar.
Share online: Use hashtags like #NationalParalegalDay and #ParalegalAppreciation to spotlight the contributions of paralegals on social media.
Facts About Paralegals
Paralegals often work behind the scenes, yet their efforts keep the legal process on track. Here are some quick facts that show how vital they are:
- The paralegal profession took shape in the late 1960s as law firms sought trained support staff to manage increasing casework.
- Erin Brockovich, though not formally trained as a paralegal, became a symbol of legal persistence and investigation after helping uncover corporate pollution in a landmark case.
- Paralegals often handle multiple cases simultaneously—balancing deadlines, research, and client communication with precision.
- Their work helps attorneys focus on strategy while maintaining efficiency in every part of a case.
📝 This article was originally published on September 9, 2024. It has been thoroughly updated, and the publishing date has been changed to reflect the new version.
