National Association of Legal Assistants, NALA National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) About NALA & Join NALA is the leading paralegal association in the US. Its mission is to provide continuing education and professional development programs to all paralegals. NALA provides current information about the profession, continuing education materials and seminars, networking opportunities, professional certification programs, occupational survey findings and manuals to help paralegals excel in the workplace. NALA is a non-profit organization, representing over 18,000 paralegals, who are individual members or members of NALA affiliated associations. Major Programs NALA programs are supported by membership dues, and program fees. The major programs of NALA are all described in further detail on this web site. They are: Professional Certification for Paralegals For over 30 years, the Certified Paralegal credential has been the career standard for paralegals. In 2006, this program was expanded to include the ACP, an Advanced Certified Credential for certification in specialty practice areas. Web based Live and Self Study CLE programs NALA is the leader in offering the first web-based self study programs for paralegals in 1999. Today, NALA's curricula of web-based programs include live programs, archives of live programs, and the standard self-study courses. Annual CLE conference Each July, NALA hosts the nation's largest paralegal conference, a highly anticipated educational program. It consists of in-depth educational programs in several practice areas, a review program for the Certified Paralegal exam, an expo for legal vendors and association business meetings, Publications Through its publisher, Cengage, NALA publishes a study guide for the Certified Paralegal examination, and an introductory text entitled "NALA Manual for Paralegals." NALA is also well known for its award winning FACTS & FINDINGS, a bi-monthly journal for paralegals. Leadership Development NALA members and NALA Affiliated Associations have a unique opportunity to participate in leadership development programs. From serving on a NALA committee or board through participation in the year-long LEAP (Leadership Enhancement and Preparation), personal growth opportunities are ever- present. Standard Setting and Occupational Research NALA members have created and follow the NALA Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and take this responsibility very seriously. In addition, every two years, NALA conducts a survey of paralegal utilization and compensation. The survey findings are published on the web site, free to all.