Curriculum Resources Related to Core Competencies

In addition to the technical and legal skills taught in academic settings, core competencies are critical skills for paralegal success. NALA’s Professional Development Committee created and maintains a listing of these necessary
core competencies. Additionally, NALA works closely with the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE), which has developed its own set of core
competencies.

Incorporating core competencies into your educational curriculum does not require a separate course. Exercises and assignments in other courses can double as lessons in core competencies. Below are links to resources provided by NALA’s School Relations Task Force during its presentation at AAfPE’s spring 2024 virtual conference. Please feel free to utilize any or all in your own lesson plans. Hover your mouse over any resource to select.

• Identifying Unethical Behavior (Ethics)

• Create a Scenario Based on Image (Ethics)

• What Am I / Who Am I Exercise (Legal Knowledge)

• Elements of a Statute (Legal Knowledge, Critical Thinking)

• Create a Budget for a Firm (Durable Skills)

• Litigation Budget (Durable Skills)

• Billing Exercise (Durable Skills, Critical Thinking)

• Practical Assignment #1 (Durable Skills, Writing & Communications)

• Practical Assignment #2 (Durable Skills, Writing & Communications)

• Create a Memo – Research and Analysis Exercise (Research & Analysis, Writing & Communications)

• AI Prompts Assignment (Technology, Writing & Communications)

• Total Quality Management (Writing & Communications)

• Sample Syllabus (Organization)

• Create a Law Office Manual (Practices & Procedures)

• Link to AAfPE’s Education Resource Library (ERL) – members-only access