Accurate Serve®
Member Newsletter
March 2023

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

The wait is over! We can finally spill the tea! This year’s Conference & Expo will be held in Boston from July 12-14. Registration is now open! If you want to take your career to the next level, connect with other legal professionals and learn from the best of the best. Do not miss out on the opportunity to attend this year’s conference. It is the perfect way to gain insight, expand your network, and stay up-to-date with the latest legal trends and best practices. If you are hoping to become a Certified Paralegal, the NALA conference offers a special CP Review track of classes to help you prepare for the Exam.

Registering for the conference is simple. Visit our website to view the 2023 Conference & Expo brochure and choose the attendance option that works best for you and register! We offer in-person, virtual, and single day pass options. Early bird pricing is available now, so secure your spot before prices go up! With 30 educational sessions, an array of excellent speakers, meetings, and an Expo Hall, there is something for everyone at the NALA Conference.

The historic city of Boston is the perfect backdrop for a conference that is all about innovation and growth. From the renowned Museum of Fine Arts to one of the oldest public libraries in the nation, Boston is a hub of creativity and opportunity. With so many iconic landmarks, museums, and restaurants to explore, you will have plenty of ways to unwind and recharge after a long day of learning. Do not wait any longer to register for the 2023 NALA Conference & Expo in Boston! Be in the now. Be in the know. Be NALA.

The NALA Conference & Expo only comes around once a year, so it is important to take the necessary steps to make the most of your time at conference. You will be able to network with other professionals, expand your legal knowledge, and explore historical Boston. NALA is invested in your professional development, so we want to help you maximize your time at conference. In NALA Conference & Expo Success: NALA’s Tips and Tricks for Making the Most of Your Time, you will read about the importance of preparing for conference, living in the moment at conference, and applying what you have learned after conference. From setting goals ahead of time to taking notes during sessions and keeping in touch with new connections after conference, there are a lot of important things to prepare for. This article is a valuable resource for making the most of your time at this year’s NALA Conference & Expo. Check it out here.

Why attend the 2023 NALA Conference & Expo alone when you can invite your colleagues and other paralegal association members to join you? Not only will attending as a group energize your team, but it will also provide your organization with a wealth of professional development and new knowledge and ideas. Imagine the benefits of deepening your professional relationships and connections with your team while experiencing the exciting activities that NALA has to offer. Plus, NALA offers discounted conference group rates for those who attend as part of a team. Why not change the pace and have some fun while learning and growing professionally? Start planning today, and make the most out of your experience at the 2023 NALA Conference & Expo! To support your group planning efforts, be sure to read NALA’s Mastering the Art of Coordination: How to Organize a Successful Group Trip to the 2023 NALA Conference & Expo for some helpful tips.

Get ready to level up your career! We know how hard it can be to attend conferences with limited financial resources, but do not worry. Check out our tips and examples on how to convince your employer to cover the costs, and join us at this year's conference! Be sure to read NALA’s Investing in Your Future: The Importance of Attending the 2023 NALA Conference & Expo and How to Convince Your Employer to Cover Your Costs.

Professional development is an important part of anyone’s career, but it is particularly important for paralegals. They should prioritize their professional development to stay up to date on legal trends and news. They can build their skills and become more of an asset at their job. From continuing education credits and professional associations to workshops and conferences, there are plenty of opportunities for professional development for paralegals. To learn more about prioritizing professional development, check out our article, Why Should Paralegals Prioritize Their Professional Development?

A message from Debbie Overstreet, ACP, NALA President, Board of Directors.

NALA Volunteer Spotlight – Angela Oberle, ACP
In each monthly newsletter, an outstanding NALA volunteer is featured in the NALA Volunteer Spotlight. This spotlight includes the volunteer’s professional achievements and fun facts about them. We hope you enjoy this opportunity to get to know your fellow NALA members on a more personal level!

In this month’s spotlight, we would like to introduce you to Angela Oberle, ACP. Please click here to read the March Volunteer Spotlight!

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Education

NALA has a great lineup of webinars for March and April.

In addition to our popular ongoing Real Estate Law webinars, NALA is offering webinars on Ethics and Professionalism for Paralegals, Overcoming Overwhelm, and Secondary Trauma in the Legal Profession.

To register for these live webinars, visit our website.

 
   

 March's DEI article delves into the details of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII prohibits workplace discrimination based on race, religion, gender, and more. Potential and current employees cannot be discriminated against based on those reasons and others. To learn more about Title VII, click here to read this month's DEI article.

  
 
   

Throughout history, women have made significant contributions to the legal field by breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. From Arabella Mansfield, the first woman admitted to practice law in the US in 1869, to Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman appointed to the US Supreme Court in 1981, women have left an indelible mark on the legal profession. This month, we celebrate the achievements and contributions of trailblazing women in the legal field. They continue to inspire us with their dedication to justice, equality, and human rights. They have shown us that hard work and perseverance can lead to incredible accomplishments, inspiring generations of women to chase their dreams and make a difference in the world. 

To read more, click here.

 
   

Every year on March 21st, people from all over the world come together to celebrate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It is a day to reflect on the progress we have made in creating a more inclusive and just world while acknowledging that there is still much work to be done in the fight against discrimination. This day is not just about acknowledging the struggles of those who have faced discrimination, but also celebrating the diversity that makes our world a rich and vibrant place. We must renew our commitment to creating a world where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their race or ethnicity. Together, let us stand up for equality and justice for all.

This comprehensive series covers all the fundamentals of how the law applies to real estate and includes topics such as contracts, deeds, liens, leases, easements, legal descriptions, surveys, title insurance coverage and claims, and communication difficulties. To learn more, visit our website.

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Upcoming Events
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It is time! NALA is gearing up for our 2023 Conference & Expo in Boston from July 12-14. You do not want to miss this opportunity to network, learn, and have fun! We are offering three different attendance options this year. You can attend in-person, virtually, or with a single day pass (Weds, Thurs, Fri). When you purchase early bird in-person registration, you can save between $70 and $100. With early bird virtual registration, you can save $30 to $50. Early bird single day pass registration will save you $25. Do not miss out on our early bird pricing! Register today and secure your spot at the premier paralegal event of the year!

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The Founders' Award is given to recognize extraordinary or outstanding contributions to the growth and future of the paralegal profession that impacted or affected the paralegal profession in a positive manner for a significant period of time.

Award Benefits Include:

  • Recognition during Annual Membership Meeting at conference
  • Travel expenses paid by NALA – per diem (2 days), 1-night hotel, round-trip coach airfare, and Wednesday's registration fee

To learn more about nominations and eligibility, visit our website.

 
   

The President's Award is given in recognition of the outstanding accomplishments of NALA members and their contribution to the future of the paralegal profession.

Award Benefits Include:

  • Recognition during Annual Membership Meeting at conference
  • Travel expenses paid by NALA – per diem (2 days), 1-night hotel, round-trip airfare, and Wednesday's registration fee

For more information about award eligibility and how to nominate someone, visit our website.

 

 

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Certification News

CERTIFIED PARALEGALS

March 2023 CPs

Enter your 50 hours of CLE, including five hours of legal ethics, and not more than 10 hours of non-substantive areas, so that you can recertify before 3/31/2023 and avoid the $25 late fee! Here is the PDF Recertification form that you may email to cle@nala.org, or click here to access the Recertification Affidavit and fee to recertify online!

 

CERTIFIED PARALEGAL CANDIDATES

Since applying for the Certified Paralegal Exam is a commitment, please take some time to review the Certification Process to determine if the NALA CP credential fits your career goals. Check your eligibility here. Click on the image below for a closer look.

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NALA Travel Tumbler

Find it in the NALA store today!

This sleek tumbler is stainless steel with a navy blue PVC outer sleeve with white stitching. It is equipped with double wall insulation to keep your drink hot or cold, a stainless-steel lid with a slide lock to help prevent spills, and a no-slip bottom to keep your cup in place. It can be yours for only $10 plus shipping. Click here to purchase.

Affinity Discounts

OTHER EXCLUSIVE MEMBER 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 Affinity Discounts page on our website and log in.