About the NALA
The National Association of Legal Assistants is also known as the NALA. This association is a professional association for paralegals and legal assistants. The National Association of Legal Assistants is a non-profit organization that thrives to bring professional development programs and continuing education programs to all paralegals. The National Association of Legal Assistants welcomes experienced paralegal professionals and beginner legal assistants. The NALA represents over 18,000 paralegals throughout the United Sates.
What the NALA Offers
The National Association of Legal Assistants has several programs available for members. The annual CLE conference is held every year. This conference is the United States’ largest conference for paralegal professionals. The annual CLE conference lasts for a few days. The point of this conference is for paralegals to gain additional education.
The NALA has held the career standard for paralegals and legal assistants for the past three decades. The National Association of Legal Assistants gives the Certified Paralegal credential test. This test includes a series of tests and certifications. A paralegal with these credentials has the ability to gain additional employment or better wages.
NALA Self-Study Programs
In 1999, the NALA began to offer its members self-study programs via the Internet. Through the years, the programs grew to include a variety of self-study courses. Members can access previous live programs at their convenience. This program is very helpful for busy paralegals that do not have the time to attend physical conferences but still want to have the educational benefit of them.
The National Association of Legal Assistants publishes a journal every quarter for its members. In addition to the journal, they also publish a study guide for paralegals in preparation for the Certified Paralegal exam.
Who Makes Up the NALA
The NALA is made up of members. The association is governed by a board that consists of members. The board for the NALA has several responsibilities. They continually come up with new goals for membership and association. With every decision they make, they have to uphold the standards that are defined in the organization’s bylaws.
How to Join the NALA
Any paralegal or legal assistant is invited to join The National Association of Legal Assistants. In order to become a member, a legal assistant must agree to the association’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility. A paralegal can download an application directly from the NALA website. The application lists the criteria needed to apply. Once the application is filled out properly, the paralegal can mail the application to the address listed on the application.
Membership Dues
The NALA is member based organization that charges its members dues. The dues range for 50 dollars for a student membership to 125 dollars for active members. They do offer a 20 percent discount for active military members. The dues are required annually to continue membership. Members cannot deduct their dues as a charitable contribution. Members can deduct the dues as a business expense on their federal income taxes. In order to deduct the dues as a business expense, a member must retain their receipts.