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
On April 10, 1975, NALA began.Thank you to our members (long-time and new) who keep our association going strong and make this anniversary possible.Thank you to the countless volunteers, Board members, and committee members who selflessly give their time and energy to support NALA and better the paralegal profession. We could not do it without you!
There is just one month left to save up to $68 on registration for the 2022 NALA Conference & Expo! Join hundreds of paralegals both in-person in Phoenix, AZ, and virtually this July 14-16. Registration rates will go up starting May 14, so don’t wait to sign up for this one-of-a-kind paralegal event.
You can learn more about our virtual and in-person options and download the brochure by clicking here.
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NALA’s 2022 Voter Guide is now available!
This year Active Type NALA Members will elect a Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and three Area Directors. They will also vote on one bylaw amendment.
You can learn more about each of the candidates by visiting NALA’s 2022 Voter Guide.
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 Kristine Custodio Suero, ACP. Please click here to read the April Volunteer Spotlight!
The week of April 4, NALA celebrated its first-ever Member Services Representative Appreciation Week! Our MSRs are the wonderful people who answer your calls, reply to your emails, and do tons of work behind the scenes to keep NALA running smoothly. Take a moment to thank them for their hard work and dedication!
 
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In this month’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion article, DEI Committee member Sarah Duggan, CP, teamed up with NALA member Samantha Burns to explore how legal professionals can better work with those in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HOH) communities. Click here to read their full article, "National Deaf History Month: Deaf Awareness in the Legal Community."
Research has found that more than 30% of Black workers feel undervalued and disrespected on the job. Former attorney Curt Harris explores the idea of "diversity of thought" in the workplace and how it can hinder belonging among Black employees. Read the full article here.
Paralegal professionals are by default case management experts. Take a deep dive into Evidence Lifecycle Management, data flow, and e-discovery. Host Carl Morrison is joined by guest Ben Hengels of Ligl.io for a deep dive into the Evidence Lifecycle Management (ELM), e-discovery, and data flow management that law practices run on. With so many moving parts, taking proper stock of every component – from email and cloud systems to legacy on-site servers – is crucial. So is working with providers who understand how each piece works with the other. Recognize early warning signs of common problems, mistakes that find their way into the process and grow. Avoid inefficiencies and costly snafus. E-discovery and data management are not static processes. Technological advances continue yearly. Learn to collect, produce, and preserve the data you need to keep up with a busy caseload. Plus, “The Listener’s Voice.” Your content, comments, and questions matter. In this episode, tips and tricks on making the leap from paralegal to legal operations careers. Listen Now!
To align with Mental Health Awareness Month in May, NALA is observing Well-Being Week in Law (WWIL) the first full week of May. The aim of WWIL is to raise awareness about mental health and encourage action and innovation across legal professions to improve well-being. You can learn more about the Institute for Well-Being In Law by clicking here.
NALA will host a virtual open house for paralegal educators April 21 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Central Time. The purpose of this event is to learn more about NALA and the Certified Paralegal Program, talk with other educators that are NALA members, and ask any questions you may have.
Trust + Confidence = Success
April 20 | 12 p.m. CT | CLE: 1
It is always a great time to check-in with your confidence levels. A key measure of your confidence level is your “Trust Barometer.” How well do you trust yourself and how well do you trust others? Trust and confidence are cornerstones to living the life you want and succeeding at what you set out to do!
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ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys - 2021 Standards
April 27 | 12 p.m. CT | CLE: 1.5
In 1962, the American Title Association (the predecessor to the American Land Title Association) and the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (the predecessor to the National Society of Professional Surveyors) established the first Minimum Standard Detail Requirements for Land Title Surveys. These standards recognized the technical abilities and standards of the Professional Land Surveyor, along with the needs that the Land Title Insurance industry have when asked to “insure title to land without exceptions as to the many matters which might be discoverable from a survey.” Through the years, there have been numerous revisions and updates to these standards. The current version became effective on February 23, 2021.
Many commercial real estate lenders, developers, investors, and agencies utilize the ALTA Survey. Members of the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) are charged with reviewing surveys and titles as part of the due diligence process.
The purpose of this course is to review the history of the Minimum Standard Detail Requirements and discuss the recent changes in the 2021 version. An emphasis is placed on the understanding and application of these standards.
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The Complete Guide to Cite Checking and Proofreading a Litigation Filing
May 4 | 12 p.m. CT | CLE: 1
In this webinar, experienced litigator and legal tech founder Jacqueline Schafer will share practical tips for every paralegal who drafts and/or reviews pleadings (briefs, motions, etc), demand letters, memos, and other attorney work product. We will cover:
-The point of citations and why their accuracy is critical to winning the case
-The old fashioned way and the tech-powered way to review the form and substance of any exhibits or cited sources in a document
-How to use Clearbrief for Word to generate a fully-formatted Table of Authorities in minutes
-Free Bluebook resources
-A checklist of core steps before sending out documents for filing (and how to tweak it for your own practice)
Attendees will also receive a special extended free trial offer of Clearbrief, an official partner of NALA.
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Financial Planning for Paralegals
May 11 | 12 p.m. CT | CLE: 1
Do you ever stress about money? Whether tackling student loan debt, looking to invest, or just needing some assurance, managing your finances can be one of the most emotionally fraught aspects of your life. In addition, the fast-paced world you work and live in brings challenges that too often prevent paralegals from adequately addressing their own situation. During this program, Kristin Printon, Co-Founder and Vice President of Moxie Wealth Management, will provide practical tools and tips to help you define your goals and create long-term financial strategies that address every level of your “financial house.”
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CP Examinees
- Online testing (remote proctoring) is here! Examinees now have three ways to take the Knowledge Exam:
- PSI testing center. Click here to view the process.
- Place of employment (business), college, or military base.
- Online. Click here to view the process and rules.
- Results from the February 2022 Skills Exam will be released soon! Be on the lookout for an email from us with more details.
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Certification
- April certificants! Enter your 50 hours of CLE, including five hours of legal ethics, and not more than 10 hours non-substantive areas so that you can recertify before 4/30/2022! 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!
- If you have not accepted your digital badge, please login to your Credly account and accept it. It is a great way to display and share your NALA achievements online!
- Be on the lookout for an email to participate in the 2022 Job Analysis survey. This survey will be sent to paralegals across the nation to get detailed information about on-the-job duties and responsibilities of paralegals and the skills needed to perform their work. Survey findings are utilized by the NALA Certifying Board to ensure the Certified Paralegal Examination focuses on the skills and knowledge required of working paralegals in today’s environment. The job analysis study is conducted approximately every six years.
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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
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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
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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.
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Office Depot Spring Cleaning
It’s time for a fresh start.
Whether you’re in charge of the entire workplace or just your own workspace, spring cleaning is the annual opportunity to break out the cleaning products, get organized, and declutter for a healthier work environment.
The NALA Member Office Depot Savings Program can help you rejuvenate your space, and keep you stocked up on the essentials you need to stay productive.
Open or use your business.officedepot.com account and save up to 75% off on Office Depot’s Best Value List of preferred products. Compared to the regular retail price offered on officedepot.com. Plus, you’ll enjoy free next-business-day delivery on qualifying orders of $50 or more within local delivery areas.**
Visit: officediscounts.org/nala to shop online.
*Office Depot is a trademark of The Office Club, Inc. © Office Depot, Inc. All rights reserved.
**Free Delivery: Minimum purchase required after discounts and before taxes. Orders outside our local delivery area and most furniture, oversized, bulk items, cases of bottled water, and other beverages and special order items do not qualify. Non-qualifying orders incur a delivery charge. Delivery fees will be noted prior to purchase. Many orders can be delivered next business day (between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM) if placed online or via phone by 3:00 PM or via fax by 1:00 PM, local time (in most locations).
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Spring Travel Savings
Whether you’re traveling for business or booking your next getaway, make the experience safe and comfortable with a rental from Avis or Budget. NALA Members can enjoy up to 35% off base rates, plus other great deals like complimentary upgrades and flexible reservations with the “Pay Later” option for risk-free bookings. Enroll in the complimentary Avis Preferred® or Budget Fastbreak® programs and unlock even more perks to help accelerate your savings, earn rewards, and bypass the counter for an expedited rental experience.
To make a reservation with Avis, visit: www.avis.com/en/association/B155180 and use your Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number B155180
To book with Budget, visit: www.budget.com/en/association/R584780 and use your Budget Customer Discount (BCD) number R584780
Or Text: NALAABG to 833-344-0228 and receive exclusive limited-time offers.
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The deadline to submit nominations for the NALA Affiliate Awards is May 1, 2022. The purpose of the NALA Affiliate Awards is to recognize members or committees of affiliated associations for their contribution to the goals and programs of the nominating affiliated association. Nomination forms and more information about this award can be found by clicking here.
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Wellness Edition
