GROWING AND STRENGTHENING YOUR NALA AFFILIATED ASSOCIATION 

GROWING AND STRENGTHENING YOUR NALA AFFILIATED ASSOCIATION 

Sunday, July 14, 2024 – 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET

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Welcome to all NALA Affiliated Associations!Meet the 2023-2024 Team

Sharon D. Jones, ACP
Sharon D. Jones, ACP

Affiliated Associations Director

Richard Hahn, ACP
Richard Hahn, ACP

Affiliated Associations Secretary

The structure of NALA permits the affiliation of organizations whose objectives, aims, constitutions, and bylaws are in harmony with the objectives and aims of NALA. Through affiliating with NALA, state and local organizations receive the support and assistance of NALA in advancing the paralegal career within their geographic areas.

NALA Affiliated Associations are provided a voice in the management of NALA through their election of a member of the NALA Board of Directors. NALA Affiliated Associations are also offered a voice in developing policies and positions of NALA, not only through their representative on the NALA Board of Directors but through the annual meeting of NALA Affiliated Associations held during the national conference in July. NALA Affiliated Associations may present resolutions to the NALA membership for consideration during the annual membership meeting. Resolutions are adopted by the voting membership of NALA. Affiliates are represented in this body through their own NALA Liaison and any other members who may also be voting members of NALA.

NALA Affiliated Associations vote annually to select the Affiliated Associations Director and the Affiliated Associations Secretary. Learn about these elected leadership roles and the responsibilities involved for AA Director and AA Secretary.

NALA Affiliated Associations Election Information

Call for nominations will be sent to all Affiliated Associations no later than April 1. Nominations must be received by NALA no later than 5:00 p.m. CST on May 1. Immediately after May 15, NALA will confirm that any candidates for Affiliated Associations Director and Affiliated Associations Secretary are NALA members in good standing. We will forward a list of the candidates and their qualifications to each Affiliated Association on or before June 1, with copies sent to the current Affiliated Associations Director and Affiliated Associations Secretary. 

In the event of a vacancy, these positions shall be filled by appointment by the President, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. 

 

Affiliated Associations Director  

The duties and responsibilities of the Director are: 

  1. In concert with the NALA President and NALA, plan the Affiliated Associations Annual Meeting to be held at the NALA Annual Conference, and prepare an agenda for said meeting for distribution to all attendees.
  2. After the Annual Conference registration, and prior to the Affiliated Associations Annual Meeting, appoint three attending NALA Liaisons to review the minutes of the Affiliated Associations Annual Meeting. When possible, appoint a NALA Liaison from each of the three NALA areas.
  3. Disseminate information concerning the affiliate program.
  4. Assist with organization of potential affiliates.
  5. Promote cooperation between NALA and affiliated associations and provide the affiliated associations with a formal voice in the management of NALA.
  6. Promote educational programs for all members of the profession.
  7. Review and make recommendations regarding affiliate bylaw amendments.
  8. Serve as a voting member of the NALA Board of Directors under the provision of Article IV.4.4 of the NALA Bylaws.
  9. Act as Chair of the Affiliated Associations Awards Committee. 

 

Submit your nomination for the Affiliated Associations Director here. 

 

Affiliated Associations Secretary  

The duties and responsibilities of the Secretary are: 

  1. In the event of a contested election for Affiliated Associations Director or Affiliated Associations Secretary, work with NALA Headquarters to maintain the list of all affiliated associations and prepare a list of designated voting representatives.
  2. Prepare minutes of the  Affiliated Associations Annual Meeting for review by the Affiliated Associations Director and the three designated NALA Liaisons.
  3. Work with NALA Headquarters to coordinate communications with affiliated associations.
  4. Serve as pro tem Director in the absence of the Affiliated Associations Director.
  5. Assist the Director on any special projects. 

 

Submit your nomination for the Affiliated Associations Secretary here.  

 

Please email affiliates@nala.org for a list of email addresses of current NALA Affiliated Association Presidents and NALA Liaisons. Please note that the use of this information is to express interest in being nominated and should only be used for that purpose. 

Become a NALA Affiliated Association

  • Waiver of the $50 approval fee for sponsors requesting NALA CLE credit approval.
  • Waiver of the $50 approval fee to be listed in the CLE directory promoted on our website.
  • Publications and assistance with insight on organizational matters upon request – a leadership manual, guidelines on how to conduct seminars, bylaws and a description of this document. Affiliates are also entitled to receive a free consultation and support from NALA’s professional staff, representing many years of experience in association management.
  • Quarterly magazine published by NALA, Facts & Findings.
  • Special reports and insights, so that your association may inform and connect with members directly regarding any urgent or special actions having an immediate effect or requiring announcement.
  • Affiliate events at NALA Annual Conference & Expo including Annual Meeting, Exchange, and Showcase. These events are opportunities for association representatives to meet, elect their board representative, and share ideas concerning association governance and more!
  • Members of NALA Affiliated Associations will receive 25% off the NALA Active membership cost.

Student paralegal associations may also become NALA Affiliated Associations. Student associations receive all of the benefits with the exception of voting privileges.

Materials and communications from NALA are furnished to NALA Affiliated Associations through their presidents and NALA Liaisons by email from affiliates@nala.org. These officers serve as the communication link between NALA and their association to maintain the membership.

     NALA Affiliated Association Dues

  • The flat rate is $250 per year to be a NALA Affiliated Association.
  • The Student NALA Affiliated Association rate is only $50 per year.

NALA AA Instructions, Forms, and Sample Bylaws

NALA-AA-New-Membership-Packet

  • Individual members of NALA Affiliated Associations are not required to become members of NALA, except the NALA Affiliated Association’s NALA Liaison. NALA believes membership in a national association is a choice best left to individual paralegals and legal professionals.
  • Affiliation with NALA does not jeopardize the unique programs and philosophies of the NALA Affiliated Association and its respective members.
  • During the July annual membership meeting at conference, time is dedicated to an annual meeting of NALA Affiliated Associations, providing an opportunity for those association leaders and members to share their experiences and programs, successes and difficulties. Solutions for association management are also discussed. These events and presentations have proven to provide value and support in a community of knowledgeable professionals.
  • NALA Affiliated Associations are provided with an opportunity at conference to set up exhibit tables displaying information on programs and activities offered through their associations at the Affiliate Showcase. More information is available each year when registration opens for the Annual NALA Conference & Expo.

If your association is interested in becoming a NALA Affiliated Association and would like additional information, please contact NALA at affiliates@nala.org today!

Find Your Local NALA Affiliated Association

The NALA Affiliated Associations are listed below. Those with web sites include links to the sites.

New Jersey

Paralegal Association of New Jersey, Inc.

New York

Greater New York Paralegal Association

North Carolina

Metrolina Paralegal Association (Charlotte)

North Carolina Paralegal Association

North Dakota

Red River Valley Paralegal Association

Western Dakota Association of Legal Assistants

Ohio

Paralegal Association of Northwest Ohio

Oklahoma

Central Oklahoma Association of Legal Assistants

Oklahoma Paralegal Association

TCC Student Association of Paraprofessionals & Legal Assistants

Pennsylvania

Lancaster Area Paralegal Association

South Carolina

Charleston Association of Legal Assistants

South Carolina Upstate Paralegal Association

South Dakota

South Dakota Paralegal Association

Tennessee

Greater Memphis Paralegal Alliance

Smoky Mountain Paralegal Association

Tennessee Paralegal Association

Texas

Capital Area Paralegal Association

El Paso Paralegal Association

Houston Metropolitan Paralegal Association

Houston Paralegal Association

Northeast Texas Association of Paralegals

San Antonio Paralegal Association

Texas Panhandle Paralegal Association

Tyler Area Association of Legal Professionals

West Texas Paralegal Association

Utah

Utah Paralegal Association

Virginia

Richmond Paralegal Association

Roanoke Valley Paralegal Association

Tidewater Paralegal Association

Virginia Peninsula Paralegal Association

Virgin Islands

Virgin Islands Association of Legal Assistants

West Virginia

Legal Assistants/Paralegals of Southern West Virginia

Wisconsin

Madison Area Paralegal Association

Wyoming

Legal Assistants of Wyoming

Affiliate offered CP Exam review programs

Since NALA Affiliated Associations are located throughout the United States, these state and local paralegal organizations are tremendous resources for paralegal activities in a specific region. NALA Affiliated Associations in multiple states offer exam review programs. Contact the association directly for confirmation and details of review programs listed.

If your association has a CP Exam review program that should be included on this list, please email affiliates@nala.org with details of the State, Association Name, Website Link, and any other relevant information for course registration or reoccurrence.