The President's Pulse is the monthly update from NALA's Board President. In the November 2025 edition, Cheryl Nodarse, ACP, joins us from the Board of Directors Meeting in Port Charlotte, Florida, where the Board came together to discuss strategic planning. To help put names to faces, Cheryl introduced NALA's Vice President, Peonca Grier, CP; Affiliated Associations Secretary, Nita Serrano, ACP; and Affiliated Associations Director, Melissa Klimpel, ACP. Click below to watch.

What helps you feel connected this season?

From volunteering and mentoring to sharing a meal with friends, let us know how you build community at work, in your neighborhood, or among your fellow paralegals. Share your key to connection on NALA Commons by November 30th for a chance to be featured in December’s newsletter.

October’s question was, “What is your go-to fall productivity boost?” The featured answer comes from Rebecca Mills, CP:

“A cozy sweater, hot coffee, and a good witchy playlist!”

November’s Volunteer Spotlight is Jeff Watts, CP, a member of NALA’s Certifying Board. Jeff is a full-time teacher at Lone Star College in Houston, Texas, in the ABA-approved Paralegal Studies Program. Below are three fun facts about Jeff. Check out his spotlight here to find out more.

1. He got his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in his 40s.
2. He has received the Outstanding Faculty Award twice from Lone Star College.
3. He is a first-generation college graduate.

In the legal profession, no one thrives alone. Your strongest moments often come from connecting, learning, and growing alongside others who understand your journey. Community is not just supportive. It is transformative. In the spirit of community, here are three ways you can get connected.

👐 NALA Commons: Nationwide Networking

Through NALA Commons, you can connect with paralegals from across the country who are navigating the same challenges and celebrating the same victories as you are. Ask questions, exchange resources, and learn from others’ experiences. Commons provides a nationwide network for sharing insights and encouragement to build community. Click here to get connected today.

🤝 NALA Affiliated Associations: Local Connections

Nothing compares to in-person interactions with fellow paralegals. NALA’s Affiliated Associations bring you face-to-face with local professionals who know what it is like to work in your area. Attend meetings, access CLE, and participate in events that help you expand your network and enhance your skills. Click here to search for affiliates near you and find a place to belong in your community.

🫶 Volunteering: Shared Purpose

Volunteering lets you use your voice, talents, and unique perspective to help shape the future of the paralegal profession. Whether you lend a hand at events, serve on a committee, or mentor young professionals, you do not just contribute—you grow. Connect with others with a shared purpose as you seek to make a difference in your community. If you would like to get involved with NALA, fill out the volunteer interest form here.

You are part of a powerful community that lifts you up, stands beside you, and helps you move forward. However you choose to engage, your community is here for you and stronger because of you.

Here is another thing to be grateful for this November: a complimentary on-demand webinar for members! You can access this session, with one hour of non-substantive CLE, at no cost. “Unlocking RON Success for Legal Assistants: Tech, AI, & Time Mastery” explores how Remote Online Notarization (RON) empowers paralegals to boost efficiency, reduce errors, and earn more. Discover tech-driven tools and strategies to grow as a modern notary professional. Click here to enroll for free today!

If you have been impacted by the recent government shutdown and are or were unable to renew your membership on time, please reach out to us about receiving an additional 30 days to renew, on top of the standard 30-day grace period. We recognize that millions of people have been affected by the shutdown, and we want to provide extra support to our members in this challenging time.

Your input helps shape the future of NALA! The Annual Member Experience Survey will be open December 1-22, giving you the chance to share your thoughts about your membership and help guide improvements for the year ahead. The survey link will be delivered straight to your inbox. Keep an eye out and take a few minutes to complete it before 5 p.m. CT on December 22. Thank you for helping us strengthen our community and enhance the value of NALA membership!

Celebrate the paralegal in your life, or treat yourself, with our exclusive #1 Paralegal Legal Superhero ornament! Crafted from solid pewter, this piece features raised detailing and a textured design, giving it a premium, sculpted look and feel. Whether you hang it on your tree, display it in your office, or showcase it as a year-round keepsake, it is a meaningful way to honor the skill, dedication, and value paralegals bring to the legal community.

💰$20 — shipping included

⌛Limited quantities available

🎁 Perfect for gifting (or keeping—we will not judge!)

Grab yours today before they are gone!

Each quarter, we honor NALA members who have reached MILESTONE membership anniversaries. To see who reached five years, 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, and 25 years (Honorary Membership status) of continuous NALA Active type membership between July and September 2025, please click here.

Thank you to the longtime members who have been recognized this quarter. You are truly appreciated! If you would like to request a complimentary, exclusive membership anniversary pin, click here.

As the year winds down, take a moment to acknowledge the people and experiences that supported your growth. Try one—or all—of these simple gratitude habits:

💌 Write a thank-you note to a coworker, mentor, or friend who has encouraged you this year.

📝 Keep a daily gratitude list of three things for which you are thankful (people, places, moments).

📣 Give a shoutout to someone who has had a positive impact on your life.

Practicing gratitude strengthens relationships and boosts resilience, connection, and well-being. Keep celebrating everything that makes you and your community better.

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.

NALA Honors Rhonda Hoadley, ACP, with the 2025 CP^® Champion Award

NALA proudly recognizes Rhonda Hoadley, ACP, as the recipient of the 2025 Certified Paralegal (CP^®) Champion Award. A dedicated advocate for NALA certification, Rhonda has inspired countless paralegals through teaching, mentorship, and leadership in LAW—The Wyoming Paralegal Association.

As Vice-Chair of the Laramie County Community College (LCCC) Paralegal Studies Advisory Board, Rhonda helped establish LCCC as a CP^® Exam testing center and continues to integrate certification preparation into the paralegal studies curriculum. Her journey—from overcoming test anxiety and personal challenges to achieving her ACP^® in Criminal Litigation—demonstrates that persistence truly pays off.

Now serving as the sole paralegal for the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Rhonda exemplifies the passion and professionalism that make her a true champion of NALA’s CP^® Program.

Retirement may feel distant for some and urgent for others, but long-term financial planning matters at every stage of your career. With rising costs, longer lifespans, and more workers moving into gig and contract roles, financial literacy has never been more critical. Recent federal updates, including the SECURE 2.0 Act, aim to expand access to retirement savings and fortify long-term security. Understanding the latest changes and building strong financial habits today can make a lasting difference in tomorrow’s peace of mind and stability. Click here to read the article.

Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

Have you heard? As of July 2025, 529 savings plans can now be used to pay for professional certifications and credentialing programs, including testing fees and continuing education requirements. Since NALA’s Certified Paralegal (CP^®) program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), it is considered a qualified postsecondary credential under the new law. This expansion gives paralegals the opportunity to use their 529 savings plan to fund their NALA certification.

529 plans were designed as tax-advantaged savings accounts used to fund college and university tuition. Contributions are made after tax, but qualifying withdrawals are tax-free, making them a powerful tool for educational support. Thanks to updates included in the federal Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, 529 funds can now go toward professional development outside of the classroom, including certification.

If you are already a NALA Certified Paralegal (CP^®), you may be eligible for reimbursement from your 529. CPs can also use 529 funds for continuing education that is required to maintain their certification, including live and on-demand CLE sessions.

You can learn more about the expanded 529 savings plans here. We encourage you to contact your plan administrator for more information about your specific situation.

Click the image above for more information.

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.

Ready for a weekend escape? Now’s the perfect time to hit the road in comfort and style with an SUV from Avis. For a limited time, rent an SUV for just $55 per weekend day—whether you're heading out for a fall adventure or just need extra space for your crew. This special offer is valid from now through 12/15/25, so book now and make the most of your weekends!

Reserve with Avis

Your office refresh starts here.

From breakroom perks to office must-haves, explore supplies from ODP^® curated to help your team stay productive.

$25 Off Your Qualifying $200 Delivery Order **

Coupon Code: 47264954

Valid at odpbusiness.com from 10/01/2025 - 12/31/2025.

Excludes technology. Other exclusions apply.

Buy online and pickup in an Office Depot^® or OfficeMax^® store or curbside.*

Ready in 20 minutes+

PRINT & COPY

Plus, select Print & Copy Services are available for same-day+ pickup if the order is placed before 2:00 PM. Learn more about Same-Day Print & Copy Services today.

Learn More

FREE DELIVERY

On qualifying orders of $30 or more within our local delivery areas. Click the button below or see bottom for more details. 

Learn More

How to Shop:

Register for an account to access your ODP Business Solutions Savings Program discounts.

Register

Log into your NALA ODP Savings account to order.

Text NALASPC to 833-344-0228 to receive exclusive limited time offers.

Terms & Conditions