NALA works closely with the following organizations to support the paralegal profession:

American Bar Association (ABA) – A membership organization that stands committed to its mission of defending liberty and pursuing justice. NALA has a representative on the ABA’s Standing Committee on Paralegals to ensure compliance with established standards and promote proper paralegal utilization.

American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) – The premier resource and advocate for paralegal education and paralegal educators in the United States. NALA engages with AAfPE to stay informed of trends and insights in paralegal education and to recognize the value of paralegal educators.

American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) – The preeminent source of learning, knowledge, and future-oriented research for the association and nonprofit profession. NALA maintains ASAE memberships for its staff and board officers to encourage professional development and share timely and relevant updates.

Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System (IAALS) – A national, independent research organization that innovates and advances solutions that make our civil justice system more just. NALA partners with IAALS to raise awareness of gaps in access to justice and to advance justice for all.

International Practice Management Association (IPMA) – An association for practice managers and aspiring leaders in the legal industry. NALA associates with IPMA to enhance its understanding of the needs of legal managers and how best to serve them.

Professional Certification Coalition (PCC) – Addresses legislation that affects professional certification programs, those who hold private certification credentials, and the many constituencies that rely on professional certification. NALA holds a PCC membership to remain up to date on information affecting the Certified Paralegal (CP^®) Program.

Institute for Credentialing Excellence  (I.C.E.) – A professional membership association that provides education, networking, and other resources for organizations and individuals who work in and serve the credentialing industry. NALA’s Certification Manager is an I.C.E. member and has received a certificate as a Credentialing Specialist. NALA’s Certified Paralegal (CP^®) Program is accredited through the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), with the support of I.C.E.

Recent Updates

March 2026 – Vanessa (Vinnie) Finley, MBA, CAE, NALA CEO, and Melody Drew, NALA Certification Manager, attended the ASAE Legislative Fly-In and PCC meeting in Washington, DC.

July 2025 – 529 Savings Plans now cover professional certifications and credentials, including NALA’s.

The Power of A – Stronger by Association

One in every three Americans is a part of our nation’s vital association and nonprofit industry. There are nearly 64,000 trade and professional associations in the U.S., representing literally every industry, profession, and interest.

Associations make broad contributions to American life. They are an essential piece of our national, state, and local economies. They create jobs in every state. Their measurable economic benefits include more than 1.3 million jobs for Americans and a total payroll of nearly $51 billion. Beyond their economic impact, associations play a vital role in educating the nation’s workforce and developing voluntary industry standards to keep families safe. Associations illustrate how America works best when it works together.

Support for Allied Legal Professional Programs – click here to read

Click here to read more about National Paralegal Day, August 6th.