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This page . . . |
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Provides general
information about the new Advanced Paralegal
Certification program to be introduced in the
spring of 2006. |
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Click on the following to open
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with details about the subject: |
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For Employers |
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Admission/Eligibility
Requirements |
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Curriculum Based
Format |
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Rules and
Regulations |
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More information. . |
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NALA Headquarters
nalanet@nala.org
You may also use the Guest Register to
advise us of your interest and to order
printed material. Click the icon below:
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National Association
of Legal Assistants
1516 S. Boston
Suite 200
Tulsa, OK 74119
918-587-6828
fax: 918-582-6772
E-mail:
nalanet@nala.org
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Background
The purposes of the
CLA/CP Advanced Certification programs are:
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Provide top class
continuing education courses for paralegals in
various specialty areas of the law.
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Provide a
certification process to recognize those who have
achieved the CLA/CP certification and successfully
complete advanced courses in specialty practice
areas.
The CLA Specialty
program began in 1982 with the examinations for
those working in the areas of Civil Litigation and
Probate and Estate Planning. In 1984, the
Corporations/Business and Criminal Law and Procedure
examinations were offered. A Real Estate specialty
examination was offered for the first time in 1987;
Bankruptcy in 1992; and Intellectual Property in
1995. As of the July 2005 CLA Specialty
examinations, 1108 CLAs have received a CLA
Specialist designation.
The NALA Specialty Program is over 20 years old and
entering a new phase to stay in step with the
accelerating pace and evolving needs of the
paralegal profession. A shift from the current
exam-site testing program to a curriculum-based
Internet learning and assessment process is the main
transformation of the advanced certification
program.
The transition to curriculum based certification is
a slow and deliberate process - which involves the
dedication of paralegals, subject experts and
technical experts. Recommended changes in the
program were first introduced to paralegals from
across the nation in July 2003. The presentation
included changes planned for the program, described
Advanced Paralegal Certification Board review and
evaluation methodology, and explained the rationale
behind the recommendations.
At the 2005 NALA Annual Convention, NALA members
were informed the transition from the CLA Specialty
program to the Advanced Paralegal Certification
program will take place in the fall of 2005. We did
not make this deadline due to last minute
modifications to the course and time was needed to
complete the course reviews. The last administration
of the CLA specialty examinations, including the
California Advanced Specialist programs, took place
in July of 2005. Advanced programs on Contracts
Management/ Contracts Administration and Business
Organizations are now set to be offered in early
2006. California Advanced Specialty Program. Since
the late 1990's NALA has administered the California Advanced Specialty Certification program
in an agreement with the California Alliance of
Paralegal Associations. NALA has been working with
the California organizations throughout this
transition period and the changes involved in
changing the specialty certification process. The
California certification body and the California
Alliance of Paralegal Associations intend to
transition the California certifications in the same
way. It is contemplated the credential "CAS" will
not change. Members and California paralegals
will be advised as this process continues. |
Why Change?
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The work environment is entirely
different than when the CLAS program was launched in 1982. Devising a
program with curricula to meet ever-sharpening focus required by
today's employers was a key element in the Board's desire to re-tailor
the CLA specialty program. This aim is supported by consistent
feedback from certified paralegals who have asked for more narrowly
focused specialty certifications.
The Advanced Paralegal Certification Board also sought a program that
would better serve CLAs wishing to enter new areas of specialty
practice, as well as those seeking specialty credentials in their
current practice areas. This recommendation was based on the
observation that the current program is aimed at those who either have
the experience to pass the exam in a certain area of law, or who are
willing to undertake a grueling (and often indistinct) regimen of self
study to achieve the required knowledge.
Logistical issues surrounding location and times of examinations were
also a matter the Board addressed. The current four-hour written exam
given three times a year at locations nationwide require the
inconvenience, or outright hardship, of travel for many who wish to
earn specialty certification. A more “user friendly” means of
qualifying for the CLAS was sought, without compromising the required
level of expertise. |
More Information
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| Click on the links below (answers appear in the frame
below) and the questions to the left for more details. More
details remain to be confirmed by the Advanced Paralegal Certification
and will be announced on this page.
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