Paralegals from over 40 states gathered in early July in Portland, Oregon, for NALA's 38th Annual Convention. This year's program featured seven institutes, featuring the best in CLE for paralegals across the nation.  From e-Discovery,  to CP exam preparation, to an indepth study of a case involving planned acts of terrorism on a high school, this years' educational program provided something for everyone. In addition, NALA members Anna Buchner,  Kathy  Miller, ACP, and Karen Trumpower, ACP, participated as featured Member Exchange speakers, providing workshops on Going Paperless in the Legal Office (Buchner), and 90 Apps in 90 Minutes (Miller and Trumpower).    Other events included a busy exhibit hall, and annual meetings of the NALA Affiliated Associations and the Membership.

Voting/Election Results

(L-R) President, Ann Atkinson, ACP; 1st Vice President, Kelly LaGrave, ACP; 2nd Vice President, Cassandra Oliver, ACP; Secretary, Jill Francisco, ACP; Treasurer, Melissa Hamilton, ACP; Reg. 1 Director, Elisse Stern, CP; Reg. 2 Director, Belinda Thomas, ACP, NCCP; Reg. 3 Director, Nancy Beaty, MA, ACP, FRP; Reg. 4 Director, Debra Overstreet, ACP; Reg. 8 Director, Deana Waters, ACP; Affiliated Associations Director, Debby Sawyer, ACP; Reg. 6 Director, Melissa Klimpel, ACP; Reg 7 Director, Karin Scheehle, ACP; Reg. 9 Director, Mary Theroux, ACP. Not pictured:  Reg. 5 Director, Cheryl Nodarse, CP

There was a record number of 14 candidates for the NALA Board of Directors this year. We appreciate all who expressed an interest to serve NALA in a leadership position. We are grateful for the enthusiastic interest of members from throughout the United States.

NALA Bylaw Amendment
The NALA Certifying Board and Board of Directors recommended an amendment to the NALA Bylaws to provide that terms for all members of the Certifying Board be three years, and that the immediate past chair remain a member of the board for two years. The amendments were adopted by the NALA membership.

For More Information ...

* Click here for pictures from the NALA 2013 Annual Meeting!
* Click here to download and read the 2013 NALA Annual Report
* Click here to review the 2013 NALA Awards Recipients!

October 1 Deadline for Member Exchange Applications, July 2014 - Charleston, SC

Paralegal Voice Podcast Available

Family Law - Division of Property and Spousal Support APC Course

New APC Course!

Click here to open "Role of the Paralegal" in division of property and spousal support matters. This is the basis for the advanced course.

Upon successful completion of this course, including all course requirements, qualified Certified Paralegals will receive an Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) credential in Family Law - Division of Property and Spousal Support.

Click here to learn more about Family Law - Division of Property and Spousal Support.

Since late 2012, the APC Board has released courses on:  Real Estate Principles, Family Law, Child Custody, Child Support, Visitation, and Family Law, Division of Property and Spousal Support.  The list of advanced programs for paralegals has grown to 22 programs!

Around the States ...

A recent ruling from the Court of Appeals of Georgia and revisions to the Connecticut UPL statute may be of interest to NALA members throughout the nation.

On July 1, in Hodge et al v. URFA-Sexton, LP et al (No. A13A0056) the Court of Appeals of Georgia considered the issue of conflicts of interest resulting from a paralegal changing employment, and screening measures implemented by the new firm. The court's decision found the paralegal had not divulged confidential information to the firm prior to the implementation of screen measures, and that the screen measures implemented were adequate. The decision's discussion of the issues related to conflicts and screening measures considers the mobility of employees, and opinions of the ABA Committee on Professional Ethics. Click here to download the opinion.

In May of 2013, legislation was enacted in Connecticut to provide that persons found guilty of the Unauthorized Practice of Law will be guilty of a class D felony, unless the defendant is admitted to practice in any other state, DC or territory. A class D felony is punishable by up to five years in prison, up to a $5,000 fine, or both. The statute becomes effective October 1, 2013. Click here to download the bill.