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Tune in for the April 2024 edition of Deb's Details. NALA President, Debra Overstreet, ACP, discusses the upcoming NALA election, our new book, and early bird registration for the 2024 conference. Click below to watch.

NALA Volunteer Spotlight – Cheryl Nodarse, ACP

This month’s spotlighted NALA volunteer is Cheryl Nodarse, ACP, who serves on the Board as President-elect. She will begin her term as President following the Annual Membership Meeting at the 2024 NALA Conference & Expo in Louisville, Kentucky, on July 11th.

Here are three fun facts about Cheryl:

1. She became a CP^® in 1990.
2. She is a licensed realtor in Michigan.
3. She has served NALA for over a decade.

To learn more about Cheryl and meet Tank, click here to read the April Volunteer Spotlight!

Exciting news, paralegals! We have selected the keynote speaker and topic for the 2024 Conference & Expo in Louisville, KY, from July 11-13. We searched far and wide for the best and brightest, and we found Iliana Oris Valiente, CPA, CA, a renowned speaker on AI and innovation. She has agreed to lend her expertise to an exclusive keynote session at this year’s conference. The topic is, “Embracing the Future: Human-Centric AI for the Modern Paralegal.” Learn more about Iliana and the keynote session here. To register for the 2024 Conference & Expo, click here.

The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Committee’s recommendation for NALA’s Membership Eligibility Requirement Regarding Convicted Felons: In the interest of being inclusive, the NALA DEI Committee recommended that the Board modify the Membership Attestation, Bylaws, and Policies to match the language of the NALA Certified Paralegal (CP^®) Exam Application. The Board approved the recommendation and amended the Bylaws.

New Language: An application for any class of membership shall be rejected, membership canceled, or a director may be removed from office if the applicant is currently incarcerated for any felony offense, or on probation, parole, or other court-imposed supervision for a felony offense.

SAVE THE DATE: VIRTUAL CANDIDATE FORUM

The election for the NALA Board of Directors is coming up in June!

On June 11, 2024, at 2 PM CT, we will be hosting a Virtual Candidate Forum. This will be the perfect opportunity to get to know the candidates and ask them questions. You can sign up here. The forum is free to attend, but space is limited, and attendees must register in advance. If you cannot attend this event, do not worry! The forum will be recorded.

Voting will be open from June 12 to July 8. If you are an Active type member who is eligible to vote, you will receive voting instructions prior to June 12.

This month’s DEI article is an interview with Jeremy M. Evans that explores the evolving landscape of NCAA student-athlete compensation through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Jeremy is interviewed by John Robinson, a member of NALA's DEI Task Force. To learn more about Mr. Evans and read the full interview, click here.

You do not want to miss this! Whether you are looking to earn legal ethics CLE or eager to learn about ethics and the constitution, let veteran NALA speaker, John Bermingham, Jr., Esq., be your guide.

Explore the law and the ethical issues that arise when laws provide a certain outcome that may not seem fair, ethical, or necessarily the “right thing.” Analyze and debate some key constitutional and state court cases that deal with ethical issues outside of the law. 

This webinar is FREE for NALA members and discounted to only $24 for non-members. Register for the live webinar here before spots fill up! If you cannot attend live, you can pre-order the on-demand webinar here.

We have some great webinars coming up. Click on the picture to explore upcoming live webinars.

Join Equality Ohio’s Interim Co-Executive Director, Siobhan Boyd-Nelson, JD, and NALA leaders in exploring the vital topic of providing trauma-informed legal services, shedding light on Equality Ohio’s mission to identify and transform systems and institutions so LGBTQIA+ Ohioans can fully access legal and lived equality.

During this episode, you can gain invaluable insights, strategies, and perspectives on navigating and addressing LGBTQIA+ issues within the legal landscape. Whether you are a legal professional, advocate, or ally, this discussion on fostering inclusivity, understanding, and superior service in the legal profession is for you.

Do not miss out on this invaluable opportunity to expand your understanding of the legal challenges the LGBTQIA+ community faces. Click here to tune in for an enlightening and enriching discussion.

Panelists:
Siobhan Boyd-Nelson, JD - Interim Co-Executive Director at Equality Ohio
Kristine Custodio Suero, ACP - NALA DEI Chair
Juan Pablo Figueroa Rentas - DEI Task Force Member
Debbie Overstreet, ACP - NALA Board President

As the NALA conference draws near, we are thrilled to invite you to a special live session featuring our Ambassador and Hospitality Team. Whether you are a seasoned attendee or embarking on your first in-person conference adventure, this event is designed to ensure you are fully prepared and connected for what lies ahead. 

Join us as we delve into insider tips, local recommendations, and must-see attractions in Louisville. But this session goes beyond just practical advice - it is an opportunity to forge personal connections and get ready for the conference experience of a lifetime. Learn how to navigate networking opportunities, discover ways to connect with fellow attendees, and gain insights that will elevate your time at the event. 

Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to connect, ask questions, and build relationships that will enhance your conference journey. Join us and embark on a voyage of discovery with NALA's Ambassador and Hospitality Team! 

With two different date options, we hope you can attend. Register today! 

For over a year, we asked CP^® Exam candidates, “Are You Ready?” In January 2024, 32 candidates proved they were ready by passing the new Knowledge Exam!

After a two-month pause for standard-setting for the updated Knowledge Exam, the test reopened on April 1. Approved applicants can now schedule their Knowledge Exam for the remainder of April.

The Paralegal’s Companion: Fundamentals for Legal Practitioners and Those Preparing for the CP^® Exam is NOW AVAILABLE on Amazon! This 3rd-edition print features a new chapter on Debtor/Creditor and Bankruptcy. Covering primary practice areas and cultivating core competencies and durable skills, this guide is an indispensable tool for professionals looking to enhance their legal knowledge. Order your copy from the NALA store or Amazon today.

Note to members: We recommend you order from NALA’s website to receive the discounted member price of $106 (includes shipping).

NOTICE: If you have purchased Certified Paralegal Exam Fundamentals - Second Edition, you can access the new chapter on Debtor/Creditor and Bankruptcy for FREE. We sent an email out in December 2023 to people who had purchased the book with instructions on accessing the new chapter. If you cannot find this email or if you bought the book this year, please email nalanet@nala.org for assistance.

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.