Why Affiliate with NALA?

Affiliating with NALA, the largest professional organization for paralegals in the US, can significantly enhance your association’s impact and reach. Here are the steps and benefits to becoming a NALA Affiliated Association.

Five simple steps to become a NALA Affiliated Association

Benefits of Becoming a NALA Affiliated Association

Certified Paralegal (CP®) Program: Offer your members a nationally recognized credential.

Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP®) Program: Help members develop specialized skills.

Webinars and Online CLE Courses: Access various educational topics relevant to the legal industry.

Discounts: Offer your members discounted NALA membership ($5 for Students, 25% off Active type).

Publications: Stay informed with resources like Facts & Findings and the NALA Utilization & Compensation Report.

Affiliate Connection: A quarterly newsletter focused on strengthening your association, offering resources, celebrating affiliate success, learning from challenges, and upcoming events and awards.

CLE Approval: Obtain NALA CLE approval for all your substantive, technology, legal ethics, and non-substantive educational events.

Free CLE Sessions: NALA provides affiliated associations with up to two on-demand webinar courses (*excluding course bundles) per calendar year at no cost. These webinars can be offered to your members as part of the four educational events or ten CLE hours recommended annually for NALA-affiliated associations.

NALA Affiliated Association Logo and Digital Badge: Enhance your association’s credibility and visibility.

Affiliate Awards: Nominate members or committees for national recognition.

NALA AA Awards: Recognize substantial contributions to the paralegal profession.

Annual NALA Conference & Expo: Connect with legal professionals nationwide.

Affiliated Associations Annual Meeting: The annual conference event features the announcement of elections, recognition of award winners, and an affiliate presentation.

Regularly Scheduled Online Forums: Engage with other paralegal associations and legal professionals through:

  • NALA Commons: NALA’s online community forum and network.
  • Affiliated Association Town Hall Meetings: These meetings provide a platform for open discussions, sharing of ideas, and addressing common challenges, fostering a sense of community among affiliated associations.
  • Affiliated Association Presentations: These presentations cover a wide range of topics relevant to paralegal associations, providing valuable insights and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
  • NALA online discussions, meetings, and focus groups.
  • Affiliate Showcase: Market your association and share ideas at the annual conference.

Technical Assistance: Receive free consultations from NALA’s experienced staff, Affiliate Director and Secretary, and NALA Board members.

Affiliate Reporting: Submit annual and mid-year reports to track progress and maintain affiliation. Online submission.

Promotional Materials: Request brochures and materials to inform and attract members.

NALA Speakers: Request virtual and onsite speakers for events.

Discounts: Affiliated association members receive 25% off an Active type NALA membership, and AA student members receive $5 NALA Student membership.

Policy Development: Participate in developing NALA’s policies and positions.

Affiliate Director and Secretary: Nominate and vote for elected positions. The Affiliate Director sits on the NALA Board of Directors to advocate for affiliates.

Legislative Support: Advocate for legislation that benefits the paralegal profession

Maintaining NALA Affiliation

Submit payment for annual affiliated association dues $250.

Submit annual and mid-year reports detailing activities and governance structure.

Submit annual and mid-year member rosters.

Submit an annual copy of your association’s current bylaws and addendums.

Adhere to the NALA Affiliate Agreement, guidelines, and requirements to ensure a successful partnership.

Conduct at least four Continuing Legal Educational (CLE) events or 10 CLE hours annually.

Association representation, at a minimum, your NALA Liaison attends the NALA Affiliate Annual Meeting at the NALA Conference & Expo.

Schedule a Virtual Meeting with NALA Today!

By affiliating with NALA, your paralegal association can leverage a wealth of resources, enhance its credibility, and provide valuable opportunities for its members. Join us in our mission to advance the paralegal profession and make a meaningful impact in the legal community.

For more information or assistance or to schedule a virtual meeting to discuss your association’s affiliation with NALA, please email us at affiliates@nala.org. We are here to help you every step of the way.