The President's Pulse is the monthly update from NALA's Board President. In the October 2025 edition, Cheryl Nodarse, ACP, joins us from the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Committee Meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to talk about the importance of hitting refresh. Click below to watch.

P.S. Want to snag your own NALA sweatshirt? This limited-edition fall staple is available in Army green and royal blue in the NALA store. Grab yours here!

What is your go-to fall productivity boost?

From seasonal sips and traditional treats to autumn activities, tell us what helps you rise when the temps start to drop. Share your favorite fall boost in NALA Commons by October 31st for a chance to be featured in November’s newsletter.

September’s question was, “What powers you up before the workday begins?” The featured answer comes from Candace Russell, ACP.

"A blood pumping and sweaty workout; followed by coffee and breakfast. A healthy start to the day helps me to stay on track with physical activity and diet."

October’s Volunteer Spotlight is Jennifer “Jen” Salisbury, MLS, CP, the new 2025-2026 Chair of the Continuing Education Council (CEC). Jen is a paralegal educator in Reno, Nevada, and the President of the Sierra Nevada Association of Paralegals (SNAP).

Below are two truths and a lie about Jen. Can you spot the lie? Check out her spotlight here to find out what it is.

1. Jen has been a Certified Paralegal since 2013.
2. She attended her first NALA conference in Albuquerque.
3. She previously worked as a litigation paralegal.

Fall is a season of fresh starts and the perfect time to hit refresh, at work and beyond.

💻 Digital Refresh – Declutter Your Files
Organize your files, delete outdated documents, and streamline your inbox. A tidy digital workspace can make tasks feel more manageable and sharpen your focus. Clutter can be distracting.

🗂️ Desk Refresh – Create Your Space for Success
Clear your desk of clutter, wipe down surfaces, and add a touch of fall flair, like a scented candle, a small plant, or a seasonal accessory. A refreshed desk can reenergize you and help you feel more in control of your day.

🍂 Personal Refresh – Reboot Your Routine
Outside the office, hitting refresh can be just as impactful. Take walks in crisp autumn air, explore a new hobby, or indulge in a seasonal treat like a pumpkin spice latte or apple cider donut. Small changes can restore your energy and improve your overall well-being.

This fall, give yourself permission to hit refresh in every corner of your life. A few mindful adjustments at your desk, on your screen, and in your personal time can help you stay balanced, productive, and energized. After all, the most powerful tool you bring to work is a refreshed mind and body.

Earn CLE with Your Complimentary Facts & Findings Subscription

Did you know that your membership includes a complimentary subscription to Facts & Findings, NALA’s award-winning quarterly magazine? The Q4 edition hits mailboxes (and your NALA account) in November. This issue covers topics such as AI, technology, and wellness. You can even earn CLE credit for reading designated articles. For information on accessing digital issues of Facts & Findings, click here.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Take a moment to brush up on best practices for protecting your data and client confidentiality. Here are some tips from the ABA’s Law Firm Guide to Cybersecurity.

🌐 Strengthen your passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.

🌐 Fortify your systems with automatic updates.

🌐 Limit system access to the minimum privileges necessary.

By following these steps and staying up to date with cybersecurity training, you can strengthen your defenses against digital threats.

This space is dedicated to celebrating our members’ achievements! Share your news or highlight a fellow member using our form. Submissions are due by the first of the month and are limited to the past six months.

In August, Jane McKinnon, ACP, former member of the NALA Board of Directors, was awarded the Alabama Association of Paralegals, Inc. (AAPi) "Trailblazer Award" for 2024-2025. Jane truly has been a paralegal trailblazer for her entire career!

A recent policy change has sent shockwaves through multiple industries - not just tech. With the new H1-B visa application fee soaring to $100,000 as of September 21, 2025, businesses across healthcare, finance, education, and technology are bracing for major impacts. From staffing shortages to rising operational costs and potential legal battles, the ripple effect could reshape the US workforce. Read the full story here. 

Estimated Reading Time: 2-3 minutes

These four cases will go before the Supreme Court in November. You can read more about them and other upcoming cases here.

• Rico v. U.S. (11/03/2025) – Issue: Whether the fugitive-tolling doctrine applies in the context of supervised release.
• Hencely v. Fluor Corporation (11/03/2025) – Issue: Whether federal interests emanating from the Federal Tort Claims Act should be allowed to preempt state tort claims against a government contractor.
• Coney Island Auto Parts Unlimited v. Burton (11/05/2025) – Issue: Whether Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 60(c)(1) imposes any time limit to set aside a void default judgment for lack of personal jurisdiction.
• Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections and Public Safety (11/10/2025) – Issue: Whether an individual may sue a government official in his individual capacity for damages for violations of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000.

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