Mount Horeb attorney Mark Rooney (left) with paralegal Ashley Kempf (right), who is the first SBWCP to be certified by the new General Certification Test. Congratulations, Ashley!

Oct. 8, 2025 – One of the best aspects of being an attorney who works with a paralegal is this: “Our collaboration, and sharing the responsibility for meeting our clients’ needs.”

That’s the message from Atty. Mark Rooney, who runs a solo practice in Mount Horeb.

In fact, paralegals are needed in his practice for many reasons, including “to keep me on track and check for drafting errors,” to help keep his office organized and running smoothly, and perhaps most importantly: “to suggest better ways to do things.”

Rooney has that – and more – working with his paralegal, Ashley Kempf. “I like knowing that my work helps people,” said Kempf, who has been working as a legal assistant/paralegal since 2005.

Kempf has one more set of initials to include at the end of her name, as of August this year: SBWCP – which shows she is a State Bar of Wisconsin Certified Paralegal™.

She is one of the first to become certified by taking the program’s new General Certification Test.

The test is a component of the three separate pathways to becoming an SBWCP paralegal – the pathways allow for those with varying education and work experience to obtain certification. The test is a required component for two of the three pathways.

By becoming certified through the SBWCP program, paralegals like Kempf showcase their dedication to professional growth and their commitment to excellence in the legal field. This credential affirms their role as knowledgeable and dependable partners in the legal process.

As the first to complete the new certification exam, Kempf has set a meaningful benchmark for others to follow.

“I feel very proud of this accomplishment,” Kempf said. “Becoming certified can open so many more doors. Attorneys appreciate that certified paralegals are knowledgeable and are serious about their work. I am excited to see where my future takes me!”

The State Bar of Wisconsin Certified Paralegal Program

Paralegals are vital players in Wisconsin’s legal ecosystem. In Wisconsin, these skilled professionals not only bolster attorneys but also significantly enhance the overall efficiency of legal services.

The State Bar’s voluntary certification recognizes the experience of paralegals and underscores their commitment to lifelong learning: certified paralegals maintain their certifications by completing a minimum of 15 CLE hours every two years, including three focused on ethics.

“I am very glad the program exists to provide a path for talented, legal paraprofessionals to advance their understanding of the law and to further improve their much-needed skills in a busy law office,” said Rooney.

In January 2025, the program added the General Certification Test, which provides attorneys with the assurance of hiring paralegals who meet rigorous high standards and who embrace continuing education and lifelong learning in the legal community.

The test is online, and covers diverse areas of Wisconsin law, such as real estate, probate, and family law.

Kempf took the test this summer. “I wanted to prove to myself that after 20 years in the legal field, I had the knowledge to pass the test. I enjoyed refreshing myself on all the different areas of law.”

Being certified gives Kempf a proud feeling of accomplishment – including being the first to pass the rigorous test. “I didn’t realize I was the first person to take the new test until after I took it and was asked for my feedback.”

More About the Certified Paralegal Program: SBWCP

The State Bar of Wisconsin Certified Paralegal (SBWCP) program provides a benchmark to ensure paralegal competency and enhance the quality of the legal services they provide.

Endorsed by the Paralegal Association of Wisconsin, the SBWCP™ credential publicly recognizes Wisconsin’s most highly qualified paralegals, able to perform substantive legal work under the direction of a licensed lawyer.

The program is voluntary. To be certified, all paralegal program applicants must:

• meet the program’s education requirements through degrees and/or CLE credits;

• have a minimum of 2000-4000 hours of substantive work experience as a paralegal (hours vary based on qualifying educational requirements);

• confirm and attest to not engage in the unlicensed practice of law; and

• consent to a criminal history background check.

To maintain their certification, SBWCPs must meet the program’s employment practice and education requirements, including 15 hours of continuing legal education every two years, with at least 3 ethics and professional responsibility credits.

The new SBWCP General Certification Test is an additional opportunity for certified paralegals to further distinguish themselves within SBWCP program. The exam assesses paralegals’ substantive knowledge and practical skills across key areas of Wisconsin law, including real estate, family law, estate planning and probate, and more.

For more information about the State Bar of Wisconsin Certified Paralegal program, call the State Bar at (800) 728-7788 or visit wisbar.org/paralegal.