The President's Pulse is the monthly update from NALA's Board President. In the January edition of the President's Pulse, Cheryl Nodarse, ACP, discusses casting a vision for 2025. Click below to watch.

This month’s volunteer spotlight is Desiré Smith, CP, the Chair of NALA's Continuing Education Council. Click here to read her spotlight and learn more about her dedication to NALA and the paralegal profession. Here are two truths and a lie about Desiré. See if you can guess the lie, and then find out if you are right by reading her spotlight.

1. She serves as Editor of Facts & Findings.
2. She enjoys riding horses.
3. She passed the CP^® Exam after joining a Facebook study group.

Happy New Year! Thanks to you, 2024 was an exciting year for NALA. We appreciate your dedication, support, and contributions to NALA and the legal profession. Over 900 attendees joined virtually or in person for the NALA Conference & Expo in Louisville, Kentucky, in July. We hosted 35 live webinars, celebrated 224 new Certified Paralegals (CPs), and welcomed over 2,300 new members and three new NALA Affiliated Associations. As we prepare to celebrate our 50th year in 2025, we reflect on our progress and look forward with anticipation to what is ahead. May the new year bring you renewed energy, fresh perspectives, and exciting opportunities. Here is to another great year filled with success, growth, and countless reasons to celebrate.

As you embark on a new year, you may feel compelled to make resolutions. It is only natural to view the new year as a clean slate on which you can write your goals and vision for the next 12 months. Are you ready to cast your vision for 2025? Discover how you can set the stage for success by creating SMART goals, cultivating healthy habits, prioritizing work-life balance, and committing to positive change. Read more here.

Whether it is a year-long goal or something you plan on knocking out soon, we would love to hear what you are working toward in 2025. Share one thing you hope to accomplish this year by commenting on the Featured post on our Facebook page.

Registration is now open for the 2025 NALA Conference & Expo, taking place from July 10-12 in vibrant Atlantic City, New Jersey! This year’s theme – Golden Legacy, Radiant Future – celebrates NALA’s five decades of excellence and innovation in the paralegal profession as we look back with pride and move forward with purpose. Do not miss this milestone event, complete with networking, education, and inspiration. Plus, as a member of NALA, you can enjoy an extra $30 off full registration when you register by February 12th. Secure your spot today to be part of this historic celebration!

RISING STAR AWARD: Nominations due February 1st - Is there a NALA member that you feel has made an impact on the paralegal profession in less than five years as a paralegal? Do not wait to nominate them for the Rising Star Award. Show them you are proud of them by submitting a nomination here.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD: Nominations due February 1st - Now is the time to highlight a special member's service to the paralegal profession. You can nominate a fellow member for the Volunteer of the Year Award if they have been a paralegal for at least five years and have served the profession admirably. Submit your nomination here.

In a rapidly evolving legal landscape, having accurate, comprehensive data on paralegal compensation and professional utilization can be a powerful asset. Every two years, NALA conducts a nationwide survey to gather and analyze data from paralegals across the country. The 2024 Utilization & Compensation Report provides a rich source of information on compensation trends, paralegal responsibilities, job satisfaction, and the evolution of the legal field. Designed as an essential tool for career planning, this report enables legal professionals like you to gain insights that can inform career development, salary negotiations, and even employment decisions. As a NALA member, you have free access to this vital report. To learn more, click here.

Ready, Set, CP^® Exam: The Preparation You Need 

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

Enrollment for the upcoming Certified Paralegal (CP^®) Exam study courses is now open, and classes begin in late February. Do not miss out on the chance to benefit from top-tier instruction and guidance provided by experienced legal professionals.

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

Dana Fischel, ACP, CAS, a member of NALA's DEI Committee, explores AI's treatment of older users and those who do not speak Standard American English.

"Like it or not, ChatGPT is here to stay. But could technology that helps us search, summarize, and research faster harbor unintentional biases?"

To read the full article, click here.

Are you ready to take your understanding of tort law to the next level? The thrilling conclusion to our four-part tort series will take place on January 16th at 1pm CT. Cannon Funderburk, Esq., will close out the series with an examination of the elements of Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress (NIED) claims and how they can be proven. To learn more and register, click here.

The on-demand bundle with all four sessions will be available on January 17th. You can earn 4 CLE hours and save over 20% while expanding your knowledge of torts when you order it here.

As we kick off the new year, it is the perfect time to refocus on your professional development. NALA’s Paralegal Resource Navigator is here to help you do that!

Why Visit the Navigator?

— New Content Added: Fresh resources, including the latest industry insights and tools, are now available.
— Tailored for You: Discover content specifically designed to meet the needs of paralegal professionals.
— Boost Your Skills: Access webinars, eBooks, and more to keep your skills sharp and stay ahead of the curve.

Click here to peruse the Paralegal Resource Navigator. Take Charge of Your Growth: Explore, Learn, Excel!