Paralegal CLE by NALA is now available in  Google Play for your android devices! Through this app, you may register or access previously purchased NALA Campus Self-Study programs and Advanced Paralegal Certification courses.

Today, there are 32 self-study programs offered by NALA through these web-based educational programs. These include:

*    7 Certified Paralegal examination prep courses
*    3 general education courses
*    22 Advanced Paralegal Certification courses

CLE Credit is available for completion of web-based programs, on the basis of 10 hours for the general review and CP Exam prep courses, 20 hours for completion of multiple module APC courses, and 10 hours for the one-module APC PI Specialty courses. Check the courses for more info.

NALA Campus Self-Study courses and the Advanced Paralegal Certification courses are on the internet at www.nala.org>Continuing Legal Education>Online Education. Click below for access to the apps for your mobile devices:

 

The November/December issue of Facts & Findings focuses on technology. In this issue, Karen Trumpower, ACP, and Kathy Miller, ACP, have turned their 2013 membership exchange presentation, 90 Apps in 90 Minutes, they gave at the NALA Convention in Portland, OR into an article for Facts & Findings. Many of these applications can be very useful to you in your job and make your life run more smoothly. Anne Hughes, ACP, FCP has written on the minimum requirements paralegals should know regarding technology.  Legal Document Technology Management Systems are reviewed by Karin Scheehle, ACP. This article delves into different document management systems that can aid the paralegal in the management and review of documents. 

  

Other featured articles include discussion on electronic offices, technology in the work place and issues such as overtime,  investigation by using social media, and  a look at the question "Is My Communication Really Secure?" .

Click here to access the digital version using your login name and password shown above.

Click below to access the issue on your iPad or Android device ...

  2014 NALA Member Exchange Presentations Announced   

 

Plans are falling into place for a terrific educational program for NALA's 39th Annual Convention to be held July 23-25 in Charleston, South Carolina!  The NALA Continuing Education Council has just announced the selected presentations for the 2014 member exchange!   A large number of excellent member exchange proposals were submitted for the Charleston meeting.  

 

Four presentations were chosen this year. The presentations will be offered concurrently on Thursday, July 24, from 1:45-3:15 pm.  There is no registration fee for these presentations. Sessions to be offered are:

The Hole In Superman's Cape
Sharon G. Robertson, ACP, NCCP, Linville Falls, North Carolina
Belinda A. Thomas, ACP, NCCP, Burlington, North Carolina

This presentation is for all paralegals, from experienced to novice levels. It is based on a case involving the criminal convictions of a prominent district court judge, a defense attorney, and the indictment of the defense attorney's paralegal.  After a dramatic presentation, loosely based on the events surrounding the case, attendees will be asked to identify possible ethical and criminal violations. Options available to the paralegals when facing these problems will be identified and discussed, utilizing the NALA Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and the ABA Model Guidelines for the Utilization of Paralegal Services.  

Mastering Effective Workplace Strategies for Today's Paralegals
Patricia J. Gustin, CP, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Kimberly J. Houser, ACP, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Today's legal workplace is changing dramatically.  The ever-increasing use of technology, workforce streamlining, client cost control, and ineffective communications create increased demands on paralegals to meet their obligations. In this session, we will work together to learn and share useful tips on how to effectively deal with, and overcome, the challenges  that impact the paralegal's work day, define successful workplace strategies, and strengthen one's professional reputation and career opportunities.  

Power Up!  How to Boost Your Brain Power!
Kristine M. Hill, ACP, FRP, Pensacola, Florida            
Lydia Brackett, ACP, FRP, Pensacola, Florida                    

In a paralegal's day-to-day working world, there are stresses, deadlines, and multiple drains on our energy. This, in turn, can affect our ability to think clearly, analyze information, and act.  By becoming aware of how the brain is designed to function and how it functions most efficiently, we can (1) use this knowledge to change the way we respond to situations; and (2) take measures to maximize our brain health. In this presentation, we will guide you through the anatomy and physiology of the brain. We will examine typical scenarios and delve into what could have been done differently to optimize the brain's functional design. We will examine how the brain responds to physical and mental exercise. Finally, we will offer tips and guidelines for paralegals on how to integrate this information into their lives.

What's Your Communication Style
Cynthia L. Patterson, ACP. Delta, Ohio

Most of us have difficulties communicating with others in high impact situations. Understanding your communication style and recognizing that of the other person can facilitate discussion and reduce misunderstanding or argument. This is beneficial in communicating with colleagues, attorneys, clients, and family. Additionally, attendees will learn how to avoid overreacting, and how to steer clear of the pitfalls that might cause someone else to over react. Through this interactive process, participants at all professional levels can identify their communication style and learn how to plan/practice a high stakes conversation.