Opportunities for professional and personal development abound when you join NALS.  NALS is a tri-level organization composed of NALS, state associations, and local chapters, with each offering top-notch professional growth through seminars, quality publications, and networking.  NALS offers several regional and national conferences each year with outstanding education and excellent speakers from around the country.By joining NALS you have the opportunity to attend local chapter meetings, where quality legal education is offered every month. You can attend state association meetings (where applicable), where you will be exposed to some of the top legal experts in your state. At the National conferences, speakers from across the country address issues of national importance, enlightening NALS members with a national perspective. As a NALS member, you also receive valuable legal education every month via the newsletters, e-Learn@NALS and Leading the Way, delivered directly to your computer through your e-mail address. The NALS quarterly publication @Law, is packed with informative articles and association information in an award-winning format.NALS also supports members and chapters by providing other benefits, including:

States & Chapters
NALS is structured so that you will have a support system on every level by being a part of your local chapter, the state association and the national association you will be connected across the country.

NALS Code of Ethics
The NALS Code of Ethics gives you credibility in the legal industry by showing your adherence to a strict set of professional guidelines.  This adherence shows your dedication to the industry and your career as a legal professional.

Affinity Programs
Members enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services.

NEW AFFINITY PROVIDER – SAM’S CLUB!
Log into the Member Information area on the home page for details!

Education
By offering several ways for you to gain the needed continuing legal education for you to advance in your career, NALS gives you options in your learning.

Legal Training Course - The NALS Legal Training Courses are offered locally by states and chapters and Online through a partnership with Stetson University.  These courses can prepare you for a career in the legal profession and are a great way to prepare for certification.

Online Learning Center – This online chat room offers a mechanism for conversation about select topics with moderators that have prepared materials for you to learn more about topics ranging from substantive law to ethics and even more information about NALS.  This complimentary feature for members is a great way to get to know more members while discussing topics that are meaningful to you.

NALS WebEd – The latest and greatest form of online education from NALS are these multimedia webinars presented by experts in the area.  WebEd sessions cost $35 for members and $50 for non members and offer attendees the best online educational experience.

Certification
With three levels of certification NALS offers something for everyone and if you are just starting your career we offer you ways to prove yourself as you advance and gain experience.

Accredited Legal Secretary (ALS) – The ALS certification is for beginners in the legal industry and helps you to prove your capabilities. This is a four-hour, three-part exam covering written communications, office procedures and legal knowledge, and ethics.

Professional Legal Secretary (PLS) – The PLS certification is an advanced certification for legal professionals showing a mastery of skills.  This is a four-part exam covering written communications, office procedures and technology, ethics, and legal knowledge and skills.

Professional Paralegal (PP) – Are you looking for a way to establish your credentials nationwide as a Professional Paralegal? Established in 2004 at our members’ request, the Certified PP designation is an attainable goal for paralegals who wish to be identified as exceptional in all areas of law. The certificate is received after passing a one-day, four-part examination. This exam covers written communications, legal knowledge and skills, ethics, and substantive law.

Online Study Group – NALS members are offered a free online study group to help them prepare for any of the three NALS certifications.

Communications
NALS is on the cutting edge of technology by providing information to you in the ways you want to receive it.  Whether it is a print publication, digital newsletter, email alerts, or even through social media, NALS will keep you up to date on what is going on in the association and the industry.

@Law – The NALS magazine for legal professionals is sent to members four times per year and includes expert written articles on all areas of law as well as specific topics of interest to members.  This is a top-notch publication that NALS members can be proud of while learning from the content and anticipating the next issue.

the NALS docket - A new feature for members is this digital newsletter that includes e-Learn (a trend update), Leading the Way (information from NALS committees), Blogworthy (information on what the blogging world is talking about), ReTweet (the chatter on Twitter), member spotlights, news from the president and executive director and more information from NALS.

e-News – This is the electronic newsletter from NALS.  e-News is sent to member inboxes each week with reminders and information on ways you can utilize your membership.  These are also great deadline reminders so you do not miss any opportunities!

insideNALS – The official NALS blog features posts from NALS officers and NALS staff and will also show the latest posts made to the NALS website, including press releases and industry news, and article content that is also featured in @Law and the NALS docket.

Community – NALS has a widespread online community keeping in touch with members and letting the world know what we are doing.  Our presence on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and through our own online social network, the NALS Community, gives you the opportunity to stay in touch the way you are comfortable.

Conferences
We all still like to meet in person, and NALS conferences are well known for offering great education while creating a fun environment for you to enjoy your time away from the office.  With state, regional and two national conferences we hope that you can make the most out of your membership and attend a NALS conference.

NALS Education Conference & National Forum – The crown jewel of NALS conferences, this gathering features three days of education and networking opportunities at different destinations each year.  Held in October, this conference changes locations around the country so keep any eye out as it may be headed your way soon!

Professional Development & Education Conference – NALS gathers each March in Tulsa, Oklahoma (the home of the NALS Resource Center), to provide members with the leadership knowledge and skills it takes to successfully operate a local or state chapter.  Not planning on becoming a NALS leader?  This conference also offers an educational track providing you with great speakers on timely topics.

Regional Conferences – NALS is broken down into eight regions.  These regions host one conference each year providing you with a closer-to-home way to attend a NALS event.  Many of these conferences are held in the summer and vary in location and schedules.

The NALS Foundation
The non-profit wing of NALS offers states and chapters grants to supply you with quality educational programs.  They also offer scholarships for members looking to become leaders within NALS.

We are pleased to announce our new partner, ReadyTalk. We have partnered with ReadyTalk to bring audio and Web conferencing to our members to help them better manage their budgets and facilitate communication. Remember, all NALS members are eligible for discounted pricing as well as volume discounts.

ReadyTalk is the preferred provider for some of the nation’s top companies and law firms. They have several features that help the legal industry:

• On-Demand Worldwide Audio Conferencing: Toll-free conferencing to 80+ countries plus direct dial-out to anywhere.
• Recording: Record with a single click. Useful for depositions and any other time a call record is needed.
• Reporting: Assign client matter codes to calls for easier billing.
• Web Meetings: Conduct meetings, sales demos, train employees and collaborate with others right from your desk.

For more information about ReadyTalk, please contact:
Jay Mills
jay.mills@readytalk.com