The Bulletin – NALS of Philadelphia’s Quarterly Publication
The Bulletin is a quarterly publication which provides all members with updates on current events happening at the local, state, and national levels of NALS, as well as providing timely information and articles to assist members in their professional careers.
Certifications
NALS offers members and nonmembers the opportunity to sit for three unique certifications dedicated to the legal services profession. The exams are of varying levels and are developed by professionals in the industry. Each of the three certifications is developed by NALS and takes advantage of the more than 84 years of experience and dedication to the legal services industry only NALS has to offer. NALS has the certification for you, whether you are beginning a career in the legal industry or are a veteran paralegal ready to display your skills.
Accredited Legal Professional (ALP™) f/k/a Accredited Legal Secretary (ALS)…the Basic Certification for the Legal Professional
The ALP exam is designed for newer/entry-level legal secretaries and covers the general duties performed by legal secretaries. This four-hour, three-part exam covers the areas of written communications, office procedures and legal knowledge, ethics, human relations, and judgment. Successful completion entitles the individual to use the title “Certified ALP” after their name in written communications.
Professional Legal Secretary®/Certified Legal Professional
The PLS/CLP certification recognizes experienced legal support staff who have mastered the skills of the profession. Successful completion of the exam entitles the individual to use the title “Certified PLS” after their name in written communication. Those candidates meeting the NALS requirements for the national PLS certification examination usually organize a study group to prepare for the exam administrated in March or September. NALS also offers online study groups.
Professional Paralegal Certification (PP®)
Any person who has five years’ experience performing paralegal/legal assistant duties (a candidate may receive partial waiver of one year if he or she has a post-secondary degree, other certification, or a paralegal certificate; a candidate with a paralegal degree may receive a two-year partial waiver.)
Career Opportunities
NALS of Philadelphia is dedicated to assisting its members in furthering their career opportunities and members looking for assistance should contact the employment chair for information about current openings. Philadelphia and surrounding area law firms should contact the employment chair to schedule a free posting of any job opportunities.
Community Activities
NALS of Philadelphia is an active participant in local community activities providing members with various opportunities to donate either time or necessary items for local non-profit and pro bono agencies. The annual Breast Cancer Awareness Secretarial Tea is currently scheduled for Thursday evening, May 8, 2014.
Court Observance Week
In 1974, through the Congress by House Joint Resolution 898, President Gerald Ford proclaimed the second week in October as NALS Court Observance Week. NALS of Philadelphia celebrates Court Observance Week by offering lunch-n-learn programs or after hours seminars centering on the importance of our nation’s judicial system.
Lunch-n-Learn
The Lunch-n-Learn program, held from September through May at various law firms throughout the City, provides opportunities to enjoy your lunch while learning a variety of topics. The attendance price is FREE for members and $5 for nonmembers (which can be accumulated during the fiscal year and applied toward the dues to join NALS of Philadelphia).
Marketplace
A place where members and visitors to our site can browse our items designed with the NALS of Philadelphia insignia. New items will be added as they become available. So be sure to stop in from time to time. Support NALS of Philadelphia and wear our logo proudly!
Membership
NALS of Philadelphia is part of a tri-level association (local, state, and national affiliation) of legal professionals. Membership is open to legal secretaries, paralegals, and others employed in a law office, the courts, the trust department of a bank or trust company, or any public or private institution or office directly engaged in work of a law-related nature, including any governmental agency. New member dues: $155.