NALA - The National Association of Legal Assistants began developing the CLA/CP certification program for paralegals shortly after its inception in 1975. 

Offered by professional associations,  certification programs are voluntary and provide career development tools for those who have completed formal training. 
 

Certified Paralegal Program

Currently, there are over 13,000 certified paralegals throughout the United States.

Use of the CLA or CP credential signifies that a paralegal is capable of providing superior services to firms and corporations.

The credential has been recognized by the American Bar Association as a designation which marks a high level of professional achievement.

The CLA/CP credential has also been recognized by over 47 paralegal organizations and numerous state or local bar associations.
 

NALA
1516 S. Boston, #200
Tulsa, OK 74119
918-587-6828
fax:  918-582-6772

email:  nalanet@nala.org

This web site is the information source for the Advanced Paralegal Certification Program.

The CLA/CP certification program offers professional certification for paralegals immediately upon completion of their training.  In 1982, NALA instituted the CLA Specialty program, an advanced certification for those with the general certification, to recognize specialized knowledge and assist in career development.  Twenty years after the institution of the CLA Specialty program, a special task force was appointed to look at the specialty program and see if changes were needed. The Task Force determined it was time to redesign and restructure the program.  The result is the Advanced Paralegal Certification program.

In 2006, NALA  unveiled a new web-based format for the advanced certification program. The pages that follow discuss the program details and the courses currently offered.

Over three years in development, this program will increase access to advanced certification for paralegals working in specific practice areas. Beginning in July 2006, the following Advanced Paralegal Certification programs are available:

• Contracts Management/Contracts Administration

• Discovery

• Social Security Disability

• Trial Practice (Introduced January 2007)

• Alternative Dispute Resolution (March 2008)

• Business Organizations: Incorporated Entities
  (June 2008)

Click on the course name for more information.

Programs scheduled to begin before the end of 2008 include:

• Land Use

• Torts

• Trademarks

The Advanced Paralegal Certification program of NALA is administered by a board composed of experienced paralegals, attorneys, paralegal educators, and paralegal managers.

Paralegals who have a valid CLA/CP certification credential from NALA and successfully complete an APC Course are awarded use of the ACP credential to signify this outstanding achievement.

Paralegals who do not have the CLA/CP certification are welcome to participate in these advanced programs. The credential will not be awarded, however.

Please visit the pages on this web site for more details.