The President's Pulse is the monthly update from NALA's Board President. In the September 2025 edition, Cheryl Nodarse, ACP, joins us from the Continuing Education Council (CEC) Meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to talk about self-care and a new member-only benefit. Click below to watch.

What powers you up before the workday begins?

Whether it is a sunrise workout, a coffee-fueled podcast walk, or a homemade breakfast, we want to see how you start your day! Share your 5–9 routine before the 9–5 grind in NALA Commons and inspire fellow paralegals to rise and shine their own way. Post by September 30th for a chance to be featured in October’s newsletter.

August’s question was, “What is the most valuable thing you have learned as a paralegal outside of the classroom?” The featured answer comes from Viola Leslie-Foley, ACP.

“One of the most valuable things I’ve learned as a paralegal outside of the classroom is communicating effectively with attorneys and anticipating their needs before the attorney asks or even realizes that need. There is no way that any classroom could have taught me this, it could only come with practice!”

September’s Volunteer Spotlight is Jennifer M. Devine, ACP, the new 2025-2027 Certifying Board Chair. A dedicated member of the Certifying Board since 2018, Jennifer stepped into her role as Chair in July. She is committed to elevating the paralegal profession. Can you fill in the blank below? Check out her spotlight here to see if you are right.

Jennifer’s favorite part about serving with NALA is the spirit of _________.

• Community
• Collaboration
• Creativity

This fall, we are taking a Vogue-inspired look at paralegal life — blending style with self-care. How you show up, both in and out of the office, sets the tone for success.

👔 Power Blazer Energy – A sharp blazer in neutral tones instantly polishes your look, whether you are client-facing or virtual.
👢 Shoes That Mean Business – Comfort meets confidence with loafers, block heels, or ankle boots in rich fall tones.
🧘‍♀️Self-Care Spotlight – September is Self-Care Awareness Month. Even five minutes of desk stretches (neck rolls, shoulder resets, or wrist stretches) can recharge your focus.
☕ Seasonal Pick-Me-Up – Add a little fall flair to your break with your favorite pumpkin spice treat.

Self-Care Practices:

• ✍️Journal: Reflect on what you are releasing this fall.
• 🌄Take crisp fall walks: Walk in forests, parks, or even your neighborhood.
• 🍂Decorate with nature: Use pinecones, leaves, pumpkins, or gourds.

🧥Fall Office Fashion:

• Refresh Your Work Wardrobe With These Fall Officewear Trends
• 8 Office Trends Everyone Will Be Wearing to Work This Fall
• The Best Fall Clothes for Men in 2025
• 11 Men's Fashion Trends to Watch for Fall 2025

💪 “Deskercise:” Simple Moves for the Workday

• 9 Desk Stretches for People Who Sit All Day (with photos)
• Stretches to Do at Work Every Day (with gifs)
• Mayo Clinic: Desk Stretches (with videos)

🥧 Pumpkin and 🎧 Podcasts:

• From coffee to cookies, explore popular pumpkin spice recipes.
• Explore the latest legal insights with Top Podcasts for Paralegals.

Remember: Style is not just about clothes, and self-care is more than candles. Both are about showing up as your best, sharpest self this season.

NALA is excited to introduce an exclusive benefit for our members: the option to pay for the 2026 NALA Conference & Expo in convenient installments! We know budgeting for professional development can be a challenge, so we have made it easier than ever to plan ahead and invest in your growth. Split your conference registration cost into manageable payments and secure your spot without the stress of a lump sum. You can now register for the 2026 NALA Conference & Expo in Denver, CO! Also, easily calculate your expected total conference costs with the conference calculator.

Do you have exciting news to share? Whether it is a recent certification, work anniversary, promotion, publication, or personal milestone, we want to celebrate it with you!  

Congratulations Corner is a new space dedicated to spotlighting the achievements of our incredible members. We believe that every win deserves recognition. Submit your own accomplishments or highlight a fellow member using our simple submission form. Submissions must be received by the first of the month to be featured in that month's newsletter. Please limit your submissions to news from the past six months.

We cannot wait to congratulate you!

Spotlight on Success: NALA Members and ABA-Approved Paralegal Programs

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the ABA’s approval of paralegal programs. This milestone reflects decades of dedication to cultivating educational programs that develop skilled, knowledgeable, and empowered legal professionals.

As we celebrate, we are especially proud to recognize three NALA members whose stories have been featured as graduates of ABA-approved programs: Peonca Grier, CP (NALA Vice President), Alicia Kern-Johnston, and Carrie Warr (NALA 2025 Student of the Year). Check out their inspiring features here and join us in celebrating the ABA-approved paralegal programs that shape the future of the profession.

It has been a decade since the Supreme Court’s landmark 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide. The case is back in the spotlight following a petition by a former Kentucky county clerk asking the Court to overturn Obergefell. At the end of September, the Supreme Court justices will decide whether to hear the case. Read more about this development in this month's DEI article here.

In partnership with NALA, College of the Canyons continues to offer two comprehensive study courses, Knowledge and Skills, to paralegals pursuing certification. The courses are FREE for California residents and have a nominal fee of $75 for non-California residents.

Enrollment for the upcoming CP^® Exam study courses is now open, and the fall classes begin mid-September via Zoom and online. Do not miss out on the chance to benefit from top-tier instruction and guidance provided by experienced legal professionals.

For more information on the Certified Paralegal Exam study courses and enrollment details, please click here (California residents) or here (non-California residents) or email Lori Young.

Disclaimer: The NALA CP^® Exam creators do not develop or deliver any CP^® Exam study materials. Producers of study materials do not have access to actual CP^® Exam content. Use of any suggested study materials does not guarantee success on the CP^® Exam.

NALA proudly promotes the Certified Paralegal (CP^®) Exam review groups and programs that our affiliates offer nationwide. Several NALA Affiliated Associations host test preparation sessions throughout the year, and many are open to nonmembers. To review a current list of available programs, click here.

DISCLAIMER: The NALA CP^® Exam creators do not develop or deliver any CP^® Exam study materials. Producers of study materials do not have access to actual CP^® Exam content. Use of any suggested study materials does not guarantee success on the CP^® Exam.