NALS Vision Statement
NALS Goal Statements & Strategic Plan

NALS Vision Statement
NALS . . . the association for legal professionals is the trendsetter for providing information and education through its worldwide partnership with all related professional associations.

NALS STRATEGIC PLAN

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT GOAL:  NALS will provide the opportunity for continuing legal education, certification, information, and training.

Strategy:  Recommend products and programs to meet the needs of members and the legal community.

• Conduct research regarding trends and needs/desires of both members and non-members through
  • On-line surveys
  • Focus group sessions

PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY GOAL:  NALS will be an inclusive and accessible association adapting to changes in the best interests of its diverse membership, the legal profession and the public. NALS members will serve the public interest by their adherence to a Code of Ethics and professional standards.

Strategy:  Recommend methods to involve members, chapters, states, and regions in creating an awareness of the need for educated, competent and skilled legal professionals.

• Evaluate ideas, suggestions, comments, etc. received through the NALS Online Community, and implement feasible ideas; contact all contributors to let them know NALS leadership/staff heard their ideas.
• Encourage member awareness and adherence to the NALS Code of Ethics.

Strategy:  Promote the NALS Code of Ethics and Code of Professional Responsibility through membership awareness and enforcement.

Strategy:  Recommend methods to promote bar relations and recognition within the legal community.

• Encourage/promote a positive image of legal ethics in the legal profession.

Strategy:  Recommend methods of communicating the benefits of NALS membership to current members, potential members, and their employers.

• Ensure that information to the board and others is consistent, accurate and timely.
• Encourage town hall meetings and focus groups at all levels.

MARKETPLACE RELEVANCE GOAL:  NALS will ensure recognition of the need for educated, competent, and skilled legal professionals, as well as fostering increased networking opportunities within the legal profession at the local, state, regional, and national levels.

Strategy:  Partner with common interest groups to keep abreast of trends and issues.

• Establish relationships with the executives of and develop specific contacts with other law-related associations to seek endorsement for NALS programs, products, and certifications.

ORGANIZATION EFFECTIVENESS GOAL:  NALS will be respected, well managed, and financially stable.

Strategy:  Assess governance to ensure flexible and timely decision-making processes are in place.

• Gather information on and analyze the governance structure of similar associations.
• Evaluate the multi-level structure and seek member input.
• Establish an ongoing review process for the NALS strategic plan.
• Ongoing review of Volunteer Policy and Procedures Manual, NALS Bylaws, and NALS Standing Rules.

Strategy:  Allocate resources based on information obtained through member needs assessments and surveys.

• Devise a system for ongoing program and product analysis, focusing on efficiency, relevancy, and member needs.
• Conduct strategic assessments of all proposed products and programs prior to their implementation.

Strategy:  Utilize effective/efficient methods of communication among leaders, members, and Resource Center staff to forge collaborative partnerships.

• Subscribe to and read trade journals.