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The May 2024 edition of Facts & Findings is out now! The cover was illustrated and designed by our very own graphic designer, Kelsey Humphrey. The elections for NALA Board of Directors and Affiliated Associations Secretary will be opening next month. The 2024 NALA Conference & Expo is drawing closer as excitement grows. Click below to hear updates on these topics and more from NALA’s President, Debra Overstreet, ACP.

NALA Volunteer Spotlight – Melody Johnson, CP

This month’s spotlighted NALA volunteer is Melody Johnson, CP, who serves NALA as the Ethics Chair on the Professional Development Committee. 

Fill in the blank: Melody has been a Certified Paralegal (CP^®) since _____.

• 2000
• 2006
• 2012

To see the answer and learn more about Melody, click here to read the May Volunteer Spotlight!

NALA’s CEO, Vanessa (Vinnie) Finley, MBA, CAE, joined former NALA President, Jill Francisco, ACP, and co-host Tony Sipp for a special episode of the podcast Paralegal Voice, which covers the latest issues and trends in the paralegal world. Tune in to hear about what NALA has planned for 2024 and get a preview of our upcoming conference in July. Check out the episode here.

Buckle up, friends! Hank is hitting the road for a journey of kindness. Follow #HanksAdventure as he trots from state to state, spreading joy and preparing for the 2024 NALA Conference & Expo in Louisville! Click here to learn more about For Hank’s Sake, NALA’s 2024 charity, and keep up with Hank’s travels.

The NALA Board of Directors election is coming up on June 12th. Before voting opens, we encourage you to get to know your candidates. The open positions are vice president, secretary, treasurer, and directors for areas 1, 2, and 3. The treasurer, area 1 director, and area 3 director positions are contested. Since the vice president, secretary, and area 2 director positions are uncontested, the candidate for each role will serve in that position.

On our website, scroll down to 2024-2025 Board of Director Candidates and click on Learn More below each candidate’s picture to read their biography, which includes three values they believe they demonstrate as a leader, and find a link to their candidate video.

Voting will be open from June 12th through July 8th at 5 p.m. CT for Active type NALA members in good standing. We will be using a process where you submit your vote and then confirm it via email. Your vote will not officially count until you have confirmed it. Election results will be announced during the Annual Membership Meeting at the 2024 NALA Conference & Expo on July 11th.

Mark your calendars! On June 11, 2024, at 2 p.m. CT, NALA will be hosting a Virtual Candidate Forum. This will be the perfect opportunity to get to know the Board of Director candidates. 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. Only NALA Active type members are eligible to vote in the election. Register here for the forum!

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 has reached five years, 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, and 25 years (Honorary Membership status) of continuous NALA membership, please click here.

Want to be a part of this special recognition? If you continue your NALA membership – without lapse – for the number of years mentioned above, you 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 longtime members who have been recognized this quarter. You are truly appreciated!

Nominations for Affiliated Associations Director and Secretary are now closed. The AA Director position was uncontested, and Sharon Jones, ACP, will remain in that role for the 2024-2025 term. Affiliated Association designated voters will receive Secretary candidate names and bios, along with voting information, before voting begins on June 1st.

In honor of Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we are excited to present you with our latest interview article featuring six inspiring AAPI professionals in the legal field. As part of our ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we sought to highlight the diverse perspectives and experiences within the AAPI community, particularly in the legal profession.

In this month's article, we had the privilege of asking these esteemed professionals a series of thought-provoking questions, delving into their personal journeys, professional insights, and aspirations for the future.

To read the full article and discover the enlightening responses from our esteemed interviewees, click here.

UPDATE: April's DEI interview on student-athlete compensation has been updated by the interviewee, Jeremy Evans. You can read the updated interview here.

Excitement is in the air as we gear up for a memorable evening at the Louisville Bats vs St. Paul Saints baseball game during the NALA Conference & Expo! We are thrilled to invite you to be a part of this special event on Saturday, July 13th, at 7:15 p.m. ET. 

Why Attend? 

• It is Wined-Up Saturday! Enjoy $4 wine pours, cocktails, and slushies.  
• Enjoy $4 craft beer from a local brewery. 
• Enjoy a spectacular post-game fireworks show. 
• Walk to the stadium in style with your fellow NALA members, showcasing our unity and pride. 
• Sit together in a designated NALA area with discounted tickets. 

Click here to learn more and get your ticket! 

Congratulations to the 59 new CPs who passed the February 2024 Skills Exam! In case you missed it, you are invited to join the NALA Certification Team and your fellow new Certified Paralegals for two sessions on topics essential to being a CP^®. These virtual meetings give you the opportunity to gain valuable insights while connecting with other CPs and meeting NALA’s Certification Team. Click here to register for the upcoming 30-minute sessions on Everything CLE! and Unleashing the Potential of Your Credential!

College of the Canyons is thrilled to continue its partnership with NALA and offer its two study courses, Knowledge and Skills, to paralegals pursuing certification. The courses are FREE to California residents and have a nominal fee of $75 for non-California residents. 

A special shoutout goes to the 17 new CPs who participated in the inaugural launch of College of the Canyons’ Certified Paralegal (CP^®) Exam study courses.

Enrollment for the upcoming CP® Exam study courses is now open for summer and fall. Individuals interested in pursuing the CP^® credential are encouraged to seize this opportunity to receive top-tier instruction and guidance from experienced legal professionals.

For more information on the Certified Paralegal Exam study courses and enrollment details, please click here (California residents) or here (non-California residents) or email Lori Young. 

Unleash your pet’s style with NALA’s limited-edition bandana! Designed with love, this bandana is not only a fashion statement but also a symbol of your support for a great cause. All proceeds will be donated to the Tulsa Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), helping animals in need find loving homes and receive the care they deserve.

For just $15, including shipping, you can order this pawsome bandana here. Quantities are limited. Do not miss this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of animals while treating your pet to a stylish accessory. Order now to join NALA in supporting the Tulsa SPCA!

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.