We believe that hard work and dedication should be acknowledged, and the NALA Awards Program does just that. It has become a great way to recognize our exceptional members and affiliates for their contributions to the paralegal profession.
To recognize the outstanding accomplishments of NALA members and their contribution to the future of the paralegal profession.
Award Benefits Include:
Recognition during the Annual Membership Meeting at the NALA Conference & Expo
Travel expenses for the conference paid by NALA – per diem (two days), one-night hotel, round-trip coach airfare, and Day One registration fee
Significant accomplishment or achievement through their leadership activities within NALA and NALA Affiliated Associations.
NALA Active type member in good standing
To recognize long-time NALA members who have served on the NALA Board and/or NALA committees for their leadership, dedication, and extraordinary contributions to NALA and its members.
Award Benefits Include:
Current NALA members (including honorary members) who have retired from the NALA Board and/or NALA committees, been an Active type NALA member for at least 10 continuous years, and served on the NALA Board and/or NALA committees for at least 10 years
Demonstrated leadership as a Board or committee member, including outstanding and extraordinary contributions to the growth of the future of NALA, its membership, and/or certification development
Unsung Heroes Hall of Fame Nomination Committee
If you have someone you would like to nominate for this award, please email Paula VanStraten at pvanstraten@nala.org. She will forward your nomination to the Unsung Heroes Hall of Fame Nomination Committee.
To recognize outstanding achievement by an individual or by a NALA Affiliated Association in promoting and advancing NALA’s Certified Paralegal Program within the legal profession.
Award Benefits Include:
(1) Current member of NALA; or (2) May be a Certified Paralegal, Advanced Certified Paralegal, non-paralegal, attorney, or educator (Current NALA Board of Directors, committee members, and current Certifying Board members not eligible for the individual award)
(1) Demonstrates commitment to growth and expansion of the Certified Paralegal Program; (2) Recognizes and promotes the Certified Paralegal Program as a national professional standard for paralegals; (3) Demonstrates passion and enthusiasm in the Certified Paralegal Program advocacy and outreach within the association as well as in the community, state, or region (including with employers, educators, governmental associations, bar associations or other applicable affinity groups); (4) Demonstrates creative or innovative strategies in promoting and encouraging participation in the Certified Paralegal Program; (5) Demonstrates leadership and collaboration in offering, forming, or mentoring CP® Exam study groups, seminars, or other forums to assist members and nonmembers in preparing for the exam; (6) Encourages a high level of professional achievement.
NALA Active type member or NALA Affiliated Association in good standing
To recognize outstanding achievement by a full-time student in good standing at any college, junior college, or other school pursuing a course of study as a paralegal.
Award Benefits Include:
Current student members of NALA in good standing
(1) Enrolled for a minimum of six semester hours or equivalent; (2) Performed academic excellence (minimum 3.0 GPA); (3) Involved in a national, state, or local professional association; (4) Designated for an academic or professional recommendation; (5) Demonstrated dedication to the paralegal profession and legal community
Anyone, including self
To recognize exemplary service to the paralegal profession by a person who has been a paralegal for less than five years.
Award Benefits Include:
Current member of NALA in good standing (current NALA Board and committee members are not eligible)
(1) Demonstrates leadership (i.e., is a committee or Board member, presents an educational program, serves as a mentor); (2) Demonstrates personal commitment (i.e., contributes to legal publications, serves on a committee, assists at the conference); (3) Promotes NALA to the legal community (i.e., attends other events or offers pro bono services); (4) Models high ethical conduct; (5) Recognizes leadership/engagement efforts
NALA Active type member in good standing
To recognize exemplary service to the paralegal profession and its members by a person who has been a paralegal for at least five years.
Award Benefits Include:
Current member of NALA in good standing (current NALA Board of Directors and committee members are not eligible)
(1) Demonstrates leadership (i.e., is a committee or Board member, presents an educational program, serves as a mentor); (2) Demonstrates personal commitment (i.e., contributes to legal publications, serves on a committee, assists at the conference); (3) Promotes NALA to the legal community (i.e., attends other events or offers pro bono services); (4) Models high ethical conduct; (5) Recognizes outstanding volunteer contributions
NALA Active type member
To recognize the achievements and contributions of an individual affiliate member, a committee of a NALA Affiliated Association, or of a NALA Affiliated Association that have a substantial and long-lasting impact on NALA and/or the paralegal profession.
Award Benefits Include:
Travel expenses for the conference paid by NALA – per diem (two days), one-night hotel, round-trip coach airfare, and Day One registration fee for one individual or, if the award is given to a group, one affiliate representative
The achievement or contribution may consist of, but shall not be limited to, the following:
Affiliate member, affiliate committee, or NALA Affiliated Association in good standing (current NALA Board and committee members not eligible)
A NALA Active type member or NALA Affiliated Association in good standing may submit one nomination per year. This is not an automatic nomination from the Affiliate Award. It must be a separate nomination with a separate form.
Deadline: April 1
