From Member to Leader: 4 Ways to Volunteer with NALA

As a member of a professional organization dedicated to advancing the paralegal profession, you have access to rewarding volunteer opportunities to give back to the community, enhance your career, and contribute to the legal field. From 2022 to 2023, the number of NALA volunteers increased by 45%. Volunteers are the backbone of our member-led organization. Their remarkable commitment and tireless efforts drive the growth and advancement of the paralegal profession. Whether you are looking to share your expertise, engage in leadership, or help shape the future of the paralegal profession, NALA provides numerous avenues for involvement. Here are a few exciting ways you can volunteer with NALA:

1. Present a Live Webinar

NALA’s continuing legal education (CLE) webinars are a valuable resource for paralegals looking to expand their knowledge and skills. You can volunteer to present a live webinar on a topic you have expertise and insight in, such as a legal practice area, practical skills, or professional development.

As a webinar presenter, you will have the opportunity to share your specialized insights with a national audience of legal practitioners to enhance their skills and knowledge while establishing yourself as a thought leader in your field. Click here to learn more and submit your proposal.

2. Write an Article for Facts & Findings

NALA’s award-winning quarterly publication, Facts & Findings, is a leading source of information for paralegals across the country. You can volunteer to write an article on a wide range of topics, from legal issues and trends to technology and career advancement.

As an article contributor, you can share your knowledge, research, and experience with your peers. NALA’s editorial team will work with you to refine and polish your submission, ensuring it meets the publication’s high standards. Writing for Facts & Findings is an excellent way to expand your professional portfolio and engage with readers. If you are a CP^®, you can even earn three CLE hours for being the sole author of an article of at least 1,000 words. To learn more about submitting an article, click here.

3. Join a Committee, Task Force, or Subject Matter Expert Group

NALA relies on the expertise and dedication of our members to drive initiatives, develop resources, and create programs that benefit the paralegal profession. Volunteering for a committee, task force, or subject matter expert (SME) group allows you to have a direct impact on NALA’s mission and strategic goals.

NALA committees and task forces focus on a range of initiatives, from developing our certification exam to organizing continuing education programs. SMEs provide input on specific areas of law or paralegal practice. By joining one of these groups, you can actively shape the future of the paralegal profession while developing leadership and teamwork skills. Your work will have a lasting impact on NALA’s programs and paralegals across the country. To fill out our Volunteer Interest Form, click here.

4. Join the NALA Board of Directors

For NALA members who are passionate about leadership and governance, volunteering to serve on the Board of Directors is one of the most significant ways you can contribute to your association. Board members play a critical role in setting the strategic direction of NALA, ensuring that the organization fulfills its mission. As a Board member, you will help guide NALA’s long-term goals, make decisions about our programs and services, and represent the interests of our members.

Serving on the Board is an opportunity to bring your unique perspectives and experiences to the table, ensuring that NALA continues to meet the needs of paralegals nationwide. You can declare your candidacy between January 1^st and March 15^th each year. Board members are elected by a vote of NALA’s Active type members. Results are announced at the annual membership meeting in July.

Why Volunteer with NALA?

Volunteering with NALA is more than just an opportunity to give back to the paralegal profession. It is a way to enhance your career and connect with a nationwide network of legal practitioners. Whether you choose to share your expertise through a webinar, impart your insights through a Facts & Findings article, or serve in a leadership role, your contributions will strengthen the paralegal community and help propel the profession forward. To learn more about the responsibilities of NALA’s committees and boards, click here. If you would like to explore other ways to get involved with NALA, there is a section on the Volunteer Interest Form where you can indicate how you would like to contribute. Are you ready to make an impact? Visit our website to take the first step toward getting involved with NALA today!