The Credential
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The new program will offer a new name and a new credential. Upon completion of an Advanced Paralegal Certification program, those with a valid CLA/CP credential will be awarded use of the credential "ACP", Advanced Certified Paralegal.  NALA has applied for service mark protection for the ACP mark.

The credential awarded will include the paralegal's certified status and demonstration of advanced knowledge in the specific practice area or areas. Accepted ways of using the credential include:

Jane Doe, ACP
Contract Administration Paralegal

Jane Doe, Advanced Certified Paralegal
Discovery

Jane Doe, ACP
Advanced Certified Paralegal - Discovery

You may also choose to use the term "legal assistant" instead of "paralegal" but the credential is "ACP."

The use of credentials on letterhead and business cards is a policy of your employer. While you may be awarded the ACP credential, its proper use on employer letterhead and printed material is determined by the employer.

Nearly all regulations regarding firm letterhead require that if non-lawyers are allowed to be included on letterhead, the non-lawyer status must be clearly indicated. This is why the initials  - CLA, CP or ACP - alone, may not be sufficient.

Award of the Credential

To receive the ACP credential, all candidates must be Certified Legal Assistants/Paralegals in good standing and:

  • Submit a completed learning contract for each APC course taken within 30 days of enrollment. The learning contract asks candidates for certification to outline learning objectives for the course and reviews information about self-directed learning.
     

  • Complete all modules and exercises in the course and all course requirements.
     

  • Submit a completed statement of completion to advise the board the course work is completed, discuss how learning objectives were met, and request the award of the credential.

Candidates agree to abide by the NALA Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and are advised that falsification of the information on the learning contract and statement of completion may result in suspension or loss of the CLA/CP and the ACP certification credentials.

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