The Voting Process

The National Association of Legal Assistants conducts association business during the Annual Meeting.  This is held on the Friday of Convention week (July 10,  2009). The agenda includes election of national officers, consideration of a proposed amendments to the NALA Bylaws, and consideration of member resolutions.

Member participation in this process is crucial to the strength and effectiveness of NALA’s governance in serving the needs of members and the paralegal profession. Only active members present at the annual membership meeting, or represented by a designated proxy (another NALA active member), may vote. Voting members who cannot attend the annual meeting may submit a designation of proxy to cast their vote. 

Candidates

Early each calendar year, NALA issues a call for nominations for national officers and for directors.  The call provides details about the election process and the terms of office, expenses, etc., and bylaw provisions related to the office.

Officers and Directors

Association officers (First Vice President, Second Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer) are elected for one-year terms and may serve a maximum of two terms. Members present or represented by individual proxy elect NALA officers. Candidates for office are described in the May issue of the NALA Newsletter.

The NALA membership elects nine directors to the NALA Board of Directors. The directors are elected for a two year term, and may serve a maximum of two terms. Directors from regions 1, 5, 6, 7, and 9 are elected in even years; directors from regions 2, 3, 4, and 8 are elected in odd years. Directors must reside or work in their region. All voting members present during the annual meeting or represented by individual proxy elect NALA directors.

The President of NALA is elected for a one-year term by the Board of Directors from among its members during the March Board meeting. Linda J. Wolf, ACP was elected to as NALA President in March 2008 and officially began her term in July 2008 along with the other new officers and board members.

Bylaw amendments

Active members of NALA may submit proposed amendments to the bylaws in writing to the NALA Secretary by March 1 of each year. A member of the NALA Board of Directors may submit a proposed amendment prior to the spring meeting of the board. The bylaws require that the board of directors consider the amendment and recommend for or against its adoption by the membership.  A 2/3 vote of the members is required for the adoption of a bylaw amendment.

Member Resolutions

Member of NALA or NALA affiliated associations may submit a resolution for consideration by the NALA members at the annual meeting. Resolutions are due 30 days prior to the annual meeting. They may be filed with the NALA Secretary.

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