Study Tool for NALS Certification Examinations

NALS is a recognized leader in the development and implementation of continuing education in the legal profession. NALS has developed basic and advanced curricula for training beginning and experienced lawyers' assistants.

Benefits from offering the NALS Legal Training Course (LTC) include the following:

i. Quality legal education for your members and community.
ii. Membership growth.
iii. Financial profit.
iv. Recognition by the local bar.
v. Training for the ALS and PLS exams.

Please refer to the NALS Store as a source for helpful books, including The Lawyer’s Assistant Curriculum and Guide for Study. The Guide is a helpful tool for the class instructors.

The basic course is designed for individuals who have little law office experience or whose experience has been limited to a specialized area of the law. It is an excellent way to prepare for the ALS examination*. The Basic Manual for the Lawyer’s Assistant with accompanying study guide is the primary text book for the basic course. The Gregg Reference Manual is also a recommended supplemental textbook.

The advanced course is designed for legal professionals who may be called upon to perform the duties of a lawyer’s assistant or want to expand their current skills. It covers the same topics as the basic course, but in more depth, and assumes some knowledge of the law. It, too, is an excellent way to prepare for the PLS examination. The Advanced Manual for the Lawyer’s Assistant, along with its study guide, is the textbook for the advanced course. The course may also reference The Gregg Reference Manual and The Basic Manual for the Lawyer’s Assistant.

NALS has established requirements for the course and prior approval must be obtained. A minimum of thirty-two (32) hours of classroom instruction are required for the basic course and thirty-six (36) hours for the advanced course. To successfully complete the course, registrants must attend a minimum of 80 percent of the scheduled classroom instruction and score 70 percent or above on the final examination.* Note: The BLTC and ALTC can be used as study tools toward ALS and PLS/PP certification, respectively. The references listed for the LTCs do NOT include all of the reference books necessary for those seeking certification. Check the NALS website to confirm the current reference books necessary for each certification exam.