NALA Continuing Education Council Releases
Early Info Describing 2015 Convention Institutes 

 

The 2015 institutes offer a great mix of advanced and general skills programs for all paralegals. The institutes described below will be held each morning of the July program -- Wednesday, July 22, Thursday, July 23 and Friday, July 24. The educational institutes are the key programs of the NALA convention, offering over 8 hours of CLE.

Details regarding speakers and other information will be posted on the NALA web site until the 2015 app is released. Sessions include: 

      

 

Alternative Dispute Resolution. The purpose of this institute is to review with legal professionals the various aspects of Alternative Dispute Resolution. This institute will cover how different ways disputes can be resolved and what it takes to get to the table as well as what to do once you get there. This institute will review how the ADR options differ and how to determine which option you choose or how to determine whether you get to choose or the choice is made for you according to existing agreements or contracts. 

 

Corporate Law. Back by demand! Corporate Law covers any issues that accompany the formation and day-to-day management of a business. In this institute, we'll cover a broad spectrum of topics that most corporate paralegals encounter. On day one, we'll lay the groundwork by covering the formation of legal entities, with a focus on the LLC. Day two, we'll build on that foundation with a finance flavor and an overview of due diligence during the M&A process. The last day of the institute will be employment law as well as the provision of contract drafting skills that are imperative to all corporate paralegals. This will be a great introduction to various aspects of corporate law for newcomers, and a great refresher for seasoned paralegals. 

 

Environmental Law. From attending this environmental law overview, paralegals will have a more thorough understanding of (1) Environmental Governance; (2) Brownfields, Vapor Intrusion, and Hydraulic Fracturing; (3) Sustainability basics; (4) Water Rights Issues in Oklahoma and Texas; (5) Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Air Act (6) Keystone XL Pipeline Project; (7) Reviewing Phase I and Phase II Reports for Environmental Issues; and (8) Burlington Northern v. US.

Essential Skills. This practical course is helpful for everyone, especially those studying for the Certified Paralegal Examination. The Essential Skills Institute will cover legal research, judgment and legal analysis, and written communications. During legal research, you will learn a simple research procedure that can be used in any law library. Judgment and legal analysis will cover techniques to categorize facts and evidence, to analyze the relevant ones, and to organize them into a final product; and written communication will conclude this institute by covering the most difficult areas of writing for people in the legal environment. It is suggested that you review the rules of grammar and style in The Elements of Style by Strunk & White to prepare for the course.  

Immigration Law. This course will provide an overview of the legal immigration system in the United States. The course will focus on three categories including business and employment immigration, education visas and permanent residency and family based immigration. The course will also cover ethical and professional responsibilities of immigration law, and what makes immigration law different. Participants will gain a better understanding of vocabulary often used in immigration law.

Litigation with Emphasis on Government Liability. Students will learn the basics of complex issues involving government liability claims and the discovery leading up to trial. Students will gain skills to understand the law from Section 1983, identify types of immunities, and common causes of action. Students will also learn about ethical considerations when dealing with government claims and resolution strategies. Discussion subjects include:
*    Federal Claims Under 42 U.S.C. §1983
*    Statutory, Constitutional, and Common Law Claims
*    Filing The Claim, Defenses, Discovery, Damages, Statute of Limitations
*    Subject Areas of Litigation, Damages, and Settlement
*    Government Liability Ethics

Medical Malpractice and How it Differs from Run-of-the-mill Litigation
This program will review the paralegal's role in Medical Professional Liability cases; provide understanding as to why medical malpractice actions differ from general litigation matters; discuss HIPAA and Medicare compliance requirements and restrictions in a medical malpractice case; and, provide an understanding of the admissibility of evidence from the plaintiff's and the defendant's perspectives from the time the potential client walks through the door to the night before trial.

Legal Technology. We live in a digital world. Most if not all paralegal and legal assistant positions currently advertised require technology skills ranging from online research, e-filing, project management, knowledge of practice specific software for case and/or firm management. Moreover, hybrid paralegal positions are on the increase. Stay on the cutting edge of the legal technology and resources out there and acquire a proficient understanding of this technology to help you advance your career. Legal professionals of all skill levels will benefit from this institute. Come join us as we explore where law and technology intersect. 

 

 

Free program to kick off the new year!

 

Professional Identity Project - January 16, 2015
Combating Everyday Conflicts - Strategic Soft Skills for Conflict Resolution  

 

NALA's 40th year and the annual convention is a terrific opportunity to honor those who have given so much to the association and the paralegal profession.

Is there a member you know who is deserving of special recognition? The NALA Founders Award and the NALA Presidents Award programs are a terrific option for you! In addition, the NALA Board of Directors also offers the Making a Difference Award! Read on for details of the awards or click here to visit the web site page with details.

Founders Award
This award is designed to recognize extraordinary contributions to the growth and future of the paralegal profession. The accomplishments recognized have impacted the paralegal profession in a positive manner for a significant period of time.  The award is not presented each year automatically. Former award recipients include past presidents, attorneys, law firms that have supported the paralegal profession, and long-time NALA staff members. Consider those you know who are deserving of this special recognition!

Click here to open a pdf file of the Founders Award Application form. The form is due each year on April 15. Nominations must be submitted by a NALA active member in good standing. Nominees may include any individual or company and NALA membership is not a requirement.

Presidents Award
The NALA Presidents Award recognizes outstanding accomplishments of NALA members and their contribution to the future of the paralegal profession through their leadership activities within NALA and NALA affiliated associations.  Award recipients must be current NALA members, must have held membership for at least 2 years, and must have at least 5 years of experience as a paralegal. Recipients of the Presidents Award include members of NALA who have contributed greatly to the paralegal profession through their work with NALA affiliated associations, and through their volunteer work on NALA committees and task forces. Some on this list are also former presidents of NALA and are continuing their service to the paralegal profession.

Click here to download a pdf file of the Presidents Award nomination form. The form is due each year on April 15. Nominations must be submitted by NALA active members, and nominees must be active members of NALA.


NALA Making a Difference Awards
NALA members are SPECIAL! NALA members are working every day to support their associations, continue their education, help students, and mentor those who wish to know more know about the paralegal profession. In addition, members individually and through their associations are helping in their communities by volunteering in law-related community programs, and other non-profit community support programs. The Board of Directors has found a way to recognize members in their everyday activities, and has established the popular Member Making a Difference Awards! Making a Difference honorees are recognized throughout the year in Facts & Findings and through other communications programs of NALA, including the web site and newsletter. Each year at the NALA Annual Meeting, honorees present are recognized as a group for their inspiring and selfless contributions.

Click here to open the Making a Difference nomination form. All NALA members or NALA affiliated associations are eligible for this award, and any individual or association may submit a nomination form

Paralegal CLE by NALA is now available in the iStore and GooglePlay for your mobile devices!

Through this app, you may purchase or access previously purchased NALA Campus Self-Study programs and Advanced Paralegal Certification courses.

Today, there are 35 self-study programs offered by NALA through these web-based educational programs. These include:

*    7 Certified Paralegal examination prep courses
*    3 general education courses
*    25 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: