All Aboard the NALS Train

By Jacquelyn A. Hannigan, PP, PLS, Vice Chair Certifying Board

Legal staff around the country need to hop on board the NALS train.  Why you ask?  The reasons are numerous, but I’ll pinpoint a few.  Legal education in all areas of law, certification from the novice to experienced, and last but not least, networking.  Wherever you are, there’s a part of NALS for you.  NALS is a tri-level association; therefore, wherever you go, whatever area of law you’re in, a part of NALS can be with you.  There are destinations nationally, state-wide, and locally.  As members can attest, the rails of the NALS train run far and wide -- spanning the United States in fact.

Need I talk about the networking possibilities, when there are 6,000 NALS members?  I suppose I should and proudly do so.  NALS members hop on the train annually and some biannually to meet, greet, and share at the Annual Conference and National Forum held throughout the country, and at the Professional Development Conference held annually in March at headquarters in Tulsa, OK.  These two opportunities are, shall I say, priceless.  The Professional Development Conference offers roundtables focusing on the various offices held in each level of the association, as well as CLE in endless areas of law, and personal and professional development.  Returning from a Professional Development Conference, you will be rejuvenated with the information received and confident in your choice of careers.  Likewise, the National Forum will leave you feeling that this is the best association for a legal career-minded individual.

And now, more worthy notes on networking.  How many times has your office needed a court reporter or a service of process in another state?  Well, the members of NALS are more than willing to help.  Countless times I have accessed the schedule of members to attain these services for my firm.  Can you imagine my office’s gratitude?  Well, I’m sure you can.  Suffice it to say, they were nearly indebted to me.  I kid you not.  I have saved the firm hundreds of dollars by being a member of NALS and utilizing the network of passengers (members) it has to offer.

Another junction of NALS is its legal education, which is provided by skilled attorneys, judges, certified members, and others experienced in their field.  Certification, well, I can’t say enough about that.  Who wouldn’t want to be a certified legal professional?  The benefits of certification cannot be exaggerated.  NALS offers three distinct certifications:  ALS. . . the basic certification for legal professionals, PLS. . .the advanced certification for legal professionals, and PP, the certified Professional Paralegal.  Each of these certifications is exclusively provided by NALS.  What more could you ask?  Keep reading.

Employers look upon certification as dedication to the profession and an asset to the firm, while those certified attain self-satisfaction and confidence at having achieved a worthy goal. The self-esteem and mastery received through accomplishment of certification goes well beyond being simply a legal professional.  It exhibits the dedication of a legal professional who continually seeks routes of betterment and achievement.

Still not convinced?  NALS has conductors and engineers hard at work for its members.  The conductors are the staff at the Resource Center who diligently provide premiere services daily to all members and maintain the integrity of NALS.  The engineers are the NALS leaders (the Board of Directors) who provide assistance, pro bono, to keep the association running smoothly and offer their many years of experience to constantly evolve the association, all the while keeping it on track. 

The NALS train has an affordable fare for every destination.  Tri-level membership is reasonable and includes state and local dues.  In addition to membership status, you will receive the quarterly publication of @Law, Leading the Way newsletter, and the online publication of E-News, as well as opportunities to join the Online Chats, webinars, and the Online Learning Center.  These benefits alone will assist you as you travel the rails of NALS and gain the experience necessary to enhance your career.

Hop aboard the NALS train – you won’t regret a minute of the ride.