Accurate Serve™
Member Newsletter
November 2021

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

Melissa's Minute! - November 2021 Edition
Melissa's Minute - October Icon
  Paralegal Voice Podcast Icon

[Paralegal Voice Podcast 🎧] Get Up and Get Out There
Learn how to get started, find opportunities and create the content professionals want (and need). Hear how to spot opportunities to serve on paralegal education advisory boards and even teach the next generation of paralegals.

Not only are you giving back, but you’ll keep up with the latest developments in your field, guide student curriculum and build your network (you might even make a little extra money). You can do this. Learn how. Listen Now!

  Paralegal Pathway Article

[MUST READ!] Paralegal Pathways: Legal Assistant to Law Student
Written by Kristine Custodio Suero, ACP

Many of us contemplate it but do not actually make the leap from paralegal to lawyer. Yet some of us make that transition to lawyer early in our careers, and some make the decision after many years of practice as a paralegal.

For those of us considering the law school route, what are some considerations that we should think about so that we move forward with our eyes wide open? I interviewed two legal professionals who made that leap and are currently in law school. Each has a unique and interesting perspective shaped by their personal and professional experiences. Click here to read the full article!

  NALA Panel Discussion Recording Link

NALA Panel Discussion: It’s All About the Journey – Recording Now Available
The NALA Panel Discussion: It's All About the Journey, which was held October 23, was an absolute success! Thank you to everyone who joined us.

Didn’t get to attend? No worries! The recorded panel is now available on the NALA YouTube channel. Simply click here to view.

The goal of this live discussion was to be a supportive resource and provide a platform for meaningful dialogue between paralegal students and paralegal professionals.

*This event was originally live-streamed October 23, 2021*

Boston University Metropolitan College
Outland Enterprises / Pixis, LLC
Membership
  Contact Info Icon

Congratulations Milestone Anniversary Members
NALA members are at the core of NALA’s success. Each quarter, we will honor those who have reached MILESTONE membership anniversaries with NALA. To see who, in the third quarter of 2021, reached five years, 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, and 25 years (Honorary Membership status) of continuous NALA Active type membership, please click here.

Want to be a part of this special recognition? If Active type members continue NALA membership – without lapse – for the number of years mentioned above, they will be eligible to receive one of our complimentary, exclusive membership anniversary pins. Do not forget to stay up to date with your emails to ensure your NALA membership does not lapse!

Thank you to the long-time members who have been recognized this quarter. You are truly appreciated!

Education
  2nd Ed. CP Fundamentals Book Icon

[2nd Edition] CP Fundamentals Book NOW AVAILABLE
We are excited to announce the release of the 2nd Edition of the Certified Paralegal Exam Fundamentals book! This book was updated to provide examinees with more than 350 pages of content, covering the topic areas in NALA’s CP Exam. This book is written by attorneys, paralegals and paralegal educators who share their knowledge and skills with examinees to help them study for the exam. Click here to order this official NALA book!

  2021 Conf. Recording Bundle Icon

2021 NALA Conference Recording Bundle Now Available!
We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Conference Recording Bundle is now available! This bundle includes all 32 conference sessions which total 39 CLE hours. Session materials include the recordings and the PDFs of all PowerPoint slides. 

If you attended the 2021 NALA Conference @ Home, you can purchase the entire Conference Recording Bundle at a discounted rate for only $199 for NALA members ($249 for non-members). If you did not have the opportunity to join us for this year’s virtual conference, you can purchase the bundle for $575 for NALA members ($628 for non-members). Click here to purchase the Conference Recording Bundle.

Please note that on-demand access to the recordings are available for one year from the purchase date. Also, if you already received CLE credit for a session during the live conference, you will not be able to receive additional CLE credit for that same session. 

  ACP Course Icon

Contract Management ACP Now Available!
This ACP course kicks off NALA’s interactive training approach to advanced certification courses. Not only was relevant, up-to-date information added, but the course introduces the single, comprehensive exam approach.

How could this course apply to your career as a paralegal? A contract manager has the ability to work between many sectors including academia, government, large corporations and small businesses alike. Use this course to understand the tasks and duties of a contract manager regardless of where you work. The ACP Contract Management course content provides the foundational knowledge for this advanced certification exam.

To find out more about the innovative Contract Management ACP course, please click here.

Upcoming Events
  Live Webinar Icon
 

Making the Best Record
November 16  |  12 p.m. CT  |  CLE Hours: 1 
Lawyers make the record. Court reporters preserve the record. Learn the importance of hiring the right court reporter for your legal proceeding. Just as clients take a lot of time to select legal representation, law firms will see the benefits of selecting the best court reporting services. Moreover, learn why it's crucial to ensure the best-suited court reporter for legal proceedings held outside of the courthouse.

  Live Webinar Icon
 

How to Operationalize Your Privacy Program
November  18  |  12 p.m. CT  |  CLE Hours: 1
This webinar steps through how to create an operationalized privacy program. Presentation includes addressing privacy programs, whether they are in their infancy or are mature. Topics include: Key components of a privacy program, effectively rate your program maturity, and how to embed the privacy components as part of your everyday business model.

  Live Webinar Icon
 

Legal Protections for Students with Diabetes
December 1  |  12 p.m. CT  |  CLE Hours: 1
Students with diabetes and other disabilities face discrimination at school when they do not receive needed care and are treated unfairly at school. Unfortunately, diabetes does not take a break when a child boards the school bus. Diabetes management is a 24/7 process requiring schools to provide essential care and other accommodations. Sometimes schools deny safe and fair access to these students by failing to provide school nurses and back-up school staff who have been trained and are available to provide diabetes care during the school day and at school-sponsored activities.

Federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA), along with many state laws, prohibit discrimination against students with disabilities – such as diabetes – and require schools to provide needed accommodations to optimize student success and participation. This webinar will cover relevant laws, key cases and their application to resolve frequent challenges faced by students with diabetes. This webinar will also cover tools and resources offered by the American Diabetes Association and other stakeholders to help schools and parents implement relevant laws and best practices to ensure maximum access, safety and health in the school setting.

AffiniPay
PRAISE TRAINING LLC
Certification News
  Military Icon

CP Examinees

  • WOW! A NEW RECORD has been set! There were 158 Skills Exam examinees during the October 2021 testing window! Thank you examinees and proctors for your support. Thank you to NALA’s own Sabrina Smith for processing the applications!
  • NALA plays a significant role in helping service members and veterans apply their military training and experience to professional credentials. We are proud to announce that we have created a section for our military friends on our website (scroll down to For Military).
  NALA Certification Badges

Certification:

  • November certificants! Don’t let your CERTIFICATION and DIGITAL BADGE expire! Enter your CLE and submit the online Recertification Affidavit and fee or the PDF Recertification form to cle@nala.org before 11/30/2021!
  • As our website has changed, accessing your CLE account is now easier. Click here for step-by-step instructions on How To Enter Your CLE!
Store
Paralegal Definition Tshirt  
[NEW!] 'Tis the Season for Paralegal Gifts!
Looking for the perfect holiday gift for the paralegal in your life? Our super-soft, lightweight breathable unisex tees are the perfect addition to a paralegal’s wardrobe. Limited quantities available.

$22.00 (Includes Shipping)


River  
Phenomenal Paralegal - Face Masks!
These custom reusable face masks are engineered with a replaceable filter system. Masks include adjustable ear straps and are molded to fit around the nose and chin for better comfort and breathing. With our popular "Phenomenal Paralegal" messaging, this is the perfect way to stay safe while displaying your paralegal pride during these uncertain times. Available in sizes Small and Large.  

$19.50 + Shipping


NALA Tumbler  
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 + Shipping

 

Affinity Discounts

As a NALA member, you receive exclusive local and national discounts on hundreds of products and services. To access these deals, go to the NALA homepage and click Login in the upper right hand corner, then go to the Affinity Discounts page on our website.