Message from the NALA President

Out with the old, in with the new: may you be happy the whole year through. Happy New Year! I am so excited and energized to lead NALA into 2020! Settle in and hang on, 2020 is going to be an exciting year for NALA members! I am looking forward to celebrating NALA’s 45th anniversary during the Conference & Expo in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in July 2020. This is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event. NALA’s Conference will offer first-class education sessions; valuable networking opportunities; and an informative annual meeting of the membership. Be on the lookout for the conference brochure. I hope to see you there.

NALA has a very rich and accomplished history and a bright and promising future! NALA will continue to be the paralegal association and your go-to resource for continuing legal education, certification and networking. Speaking of networking, I am also looking forward to the launch of NALA’s new member collaboration platform. The collaboration platform will enable NALA members to communicate and share information and documents on an array of subjects relevant to the paralegal profession.

Here’s to 12 months of success, 52 weeks of laughter, 365 days of fun, 8,760 hours of joy, 525,600 minutes of good luck and 31,536,000 seconds of happiness. Cheers!

🎧The Paralegal Voice Podcast:
Paralegal Hot Topics: The ABA's Proposed Definition Changes and New Education Guidelines

In her first episode as co-host of the Paralegal Voice, NALA President Jill Francisco welcomes Chris Jennison to discuss the latest hot topics in the paralegal profession. In today’s episode, Jill talks with Chris about both his role as chair of the ABA’s Standing Committee on Paralegals and the inner workings of the ABA Approval Commission. They then focus their discussion on two trending topics: (1) the ABA’s consideration of the removal of the term “legal assistant” from the definition of legal assistants/paralegals in favor of distinct definitions for these roles and (2) changes to guidelines for the approval of paralegal education programs that would enable the development of online paralegal coursework.

Did you know that as a 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 members:

USP <800> Protecting Healthcare Workers Handling Hazardous Drugs
January 21   |   11 a.m. CT   |   CLE Hours: 1

This presentation focuses on new Standards of Practice for an old problem that has the potential for catastrophic harmful health effects from occupational exposure and the legal implications associated with failing to meet the requirements necessary to comply to the USP <800> standards of practice. Notably, this presentation is not focused on specific hazardous drugs but rather in providing the legal community with a background of a healthcare worker problem, new standards of practice to protect healthcare workers handling hazardous drugs and applicable resources for engaging in the battlefield of causation.

Using Certified Interpreters
January 23   |   12 p.m. CT   |   CLE Hours: 1   |   Non-Substantive

In this webinar, the following will be discussed:

Attendees will be able to understand the difference between an interpreter and a translator and what makes a translation a "Certified Translation."

Addressing the Causes of Wrongful Convictions

February 11  |  11 a.m. CT  |  CLE Hours: 1
Since 1980, there have been over 2,500 documented wrongful convictions. This presentation will cover the main factors that lead to a wrongful conviction, including studies that support these conclusions. The presenter will use specific cases that highlight some of these issues and will explore the efforts currently being pushed to minimize future wrongful convictions.

Focus is KEY to Success!

Thanks to your commitment and diligence, 2019 was an INCREDIBLE year for certification! There were 298 new CPs! To review the CP Certification Activities, click here.

Now that 2020 is here, let’s continue to focus! Let’s make 2020 NALA’s biggest year yet for both maintaining and promoting the CP and ACP credentials.

NALA CP Exam Fundamentals - 2nd Edition

NALA’s Certified Paralegal Exam Fundamentals book is designed to provide the examinee with 300 pages of newly developed 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

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

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

Join the NALA Board of Directors!

On behalf of the NALA Board of Directors, the Nomination Committee extends an invitation to qualified members to get involved in your GREAT association. Serving on the Board is a rewarding, gratifying and enjoyable way to be engaged in your association. 

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.

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

Introducing the All-NEW NALA Awards Program!