Member Newsletter
February 2020

NALA is the Nation's Leading Professional Association for Paralegals

Equipping paralegals for the challenges of the future through certification, professional development, and advocacy.

-NALA Mission Statement
Ensuring paralegals are known and valued as an integral part of the legal ecosystem.

-NALA Vision Statement
Association News



Watch this short video from NALA President, Jill I. Francisco, ACP!
 
Paralegal Voice Icon  
As we begin a new decade, NALA is looking forward to developing even more ways to serve its members and the paralegal profession as a whole. Host and NALA president Jill I. Francisco, ACP, talks with the association’s new CEO, Vanessa Finley, MBA. Vanessa discusses what drew her to the role, and she shares a taste of her passion for serving paralegal professionals.They discuss current programs, resources, benefits available for members, emerging trends in the profession and NALA’s plans for 2020, including info on the annual conference and expo in July! Listen now!
New Year with New Rates!
Please note that effective January 1, 2020, new membership rates went into effect:
  • Active Membership - $154
  • Associate/Sustaining Membership - $129
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Membership
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Make a Difference by Joining the NALA Board!
The NALA Board of Directors recognizes the importance of exceptional board leadership and believes that a strong and effective board is needed for continual success in reaching its mission (“Advancing paralegals through certification and professional development”). Our board members are active advocates and ambassadors for the organization and for the paralegal profession. Serving on the Board is a rewarding, gratifying and enjoyable way to be engaged in your association.

To learn more about the expectations of NALA Board members and start the process of running for a position, download the Candidate PacketYour completed Declaration Form must be submitted by the March 15, 2020, deadline.



  
 
Check out our Paralegal Resource Directory!
The Paralegal Resource Directory is a quick and convenient way to find legal support services for any paralegal role. The directory includes process servers, corporations, deposition servers and much more. Companies include:
  • Capitol Lien
  • Capitol Services
  • Milestone Reporting
  • CobbleStone Software
  • and more!

If your organization is interested in being listed on the directory, please view our Media Kit

 
Excellence Should Be Rewarded!
We believe that hardwork, dedication and participation should be recognized! That is why NALA created a new Awards Program. With several different award categories, including four brand new awards, there are many opportunities to recognize others for their involvement and contribution to the paralegal profession. There is still time to submit a nomination form for the following awards:
  • Founder's Award - Deadline April 1
  • President's Award - Deadline April 1
  • Student of the Year Award - Deadline March 1
  • Certified Paralegal Champion Award - Deadline September 1

To learn more about all the different awards we offer and to how to nominate someone, please visit our website.

Please help us keep in touch with you!
We want to ensure you continue to receive your membership renewal notifications, important NALA communications and special discount offers! Please log in to your NALA account and update your primary contact information (email address, street address and phone number). If you have questions or need assistance updating your contact information, please call our office at 918-587-6828.
Education
 
Consider Advancing Your Paralegal Skills
The Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) program is designed to recognize a paralegal's commitment to continued growth and lifelong learning. 

The ACP courses are designed to advance your education by learning specific areas of law, rather than just testing on your current knowledge. An assessment component is part of the curriculum-based program, as well as interactive exercises. The average course is about 20 hours in length and organized into multiple chapters, so you can earn up to 20 hours of CLE for completing an ACP course. These web-based courses are available on a 24/7 basis.

Anyone can take an ACP course; you do not have to be a NALA Certified Paralegal. However, the distinguished ACP credential is only available to current Certified Paralegals. Upon successful completion of the program, a CP can earn the Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) credential and the continuing education hours. ACP courses include: 

  • Criminal Litigation
  • Discovery
  • e-Discovery
  • Family Law
  • Land Use
  • Trial Practice
 
Members Can Earn FREE CLE!
Did you know that as an Active NALA member you have exclusive access to complimentary on-demand webinars? This is your chance to earn up to 4.75 hours of CLE credit. The following courses are available only to Active type members:
Upcoming Events

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Work Smarter, Not Harder: Tech Tips for the Office and Courtroom
February 26   |   11 a.m. CT   |   CLE Hours: 1.5   |   Non-Substantive
From organizing your email inbox to presenting exhibits at trial, participants will learn what tips, tricks, software and hardware will simplify their work life. This will allow them to focus their time and attention to what really matters - their clients.
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Use of Videos in Court Doesn't Tell the Whole Story
March 3   |   1 p.m. CT   |   CLE Hours: 1   |   Non-Substantive
In this webinar, the following will be discussed:
  • Why videos do not always tell the whole story
  • Understanding the use of force continuum in police confrontations
  • What are acceptable police reactions in threatening situations
  • The effect of human factors in confrontations and how they influence videos
  • Supreme Court rulings regarding the use of videos in court
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Legal Project Management 101
March 12  |  12 p.m. CT  |  CLE Hours: 1
This presentation is designed for paralegals, attorneys or legal professionals to gain a general level of Legal Project Management. It will address the history and background of the LPM movement, the benefits of an LPM program, the components of an LPM initiative and what qualities may make a successful Legal Project Manager. This introductory level webinar is designed to provide the attendee with knowledge to further conversations with their colleagues, firms/employers and other professionals to assist in determining how an LPM initiative may benefit their clients by increasing efficiencies, improving communication and enjoying significant cost savings – both for the firm and the client.
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Naylor Association Solutions
Certification News
Certification Reminder
To help prevent duplicate CLE entries, please do not manually enter CLE credits for any NALA sponsored education course. Upon completion, NALA’s system will upload the appropriate CLE credits to your account within 48 hours.
CP Examinees
  • The February 2020 Skills Exam testing window is now open until 2/29/2020!
  • If you pass the Knowledge Exam by 2/24/2020 and you’re able to schedule an appointment to take the Skills Exam before 2/29/2020, go for it!
Store
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NALA CP Exam Fundamentals - 3rd Edition
NALA’s Certified Paralegal Exam Fundamentals book is designed to provide the examinee with 300 pages of new and updated content covering all of the topic areas in NALA’s CP Exam. The book is written by attorneys, paralegals and paralegal educators who share their knowledge and skills with examinees to help them study for the exam. 

Book Rates:

$99 - Members
$119 - Non-members

 
[MORE SIZES BACK IN STOCK!]
"Phenomenal Paralegal" T-Shirt
Dress for success with our new super-soft, breathable “Phenomenal Paralegal” t-shirts. This Next Level shirt comes in a heather gray color with the NALA logo printed behind the neck. This comfortable, roomy top is the perfect addition to your wardrobe. Limited quantity avilable.

$18.50 + Shipping

 
[NEW] Stainless Steel Coffee Tumbler
Stainless steel outer wall with a navy-blue PVC outer sleeve with white stitching. Tumbler has double-wall insulation, a stainless-steel lid with slide lock to help prevent spills and a no-slip bottom. Not microwave or dishwasher safe.

$20.00 + Shipping

Affinity Discounts

As a NALA member, you receive exclusive local and national discounts on hundreds of products and services. To access these deals, log in to your NALA account and then go to the Affinity Discount page on our website.