5 replies to this topic

[A B Maynard]

I am completely confused about how one may use the CP and ACP designations on a business card or in the signature line on a letter. I find NALA's instructions confusing in this regard. My title is "Paralegal." As such, would the following as a signature line on letterhead be acceptable?

Angela B. Maynard, CP, ACP, NCCP
Paralegal

On business cards, NALA's instructions specify that the mark cannot be used as a title. This section then goes on to say "any combination of letters (CLA or CP) and titles (legal assistant or paralegal) may be used." I work for the government and they will not add the additional language required by NALA for the designation on a business card - even on the back and there is no room for it on the front. Can anyone provide an acceptable example of a business card? You may email me directly at amaynard@ncdoj.gov.

Thank you,
Angela B. Maynard, CLAS, NCCP
Paralegal

[M D Osonski]

Ditto

[I C Brite]

I too am confused. I posted the same question in the "Questions for Administration" area, and have not received a reply yet. I also work for the government, and while they currently pay for my business cards, if I have to add the registered trademark information, they won't be able to because I would be asking to have more information on my cards than the attorneys have on their cards.

I'll keep checking both areas to see if we get a response.

Ida Carol Brite, CLA
Senior Paralegal

[W Kimbel]

I, too, was confused by the recent communications about the use of the designations and I'm glad to read that I'm not the only one.

I was under the impression that if one held the new ACP designation, it would be used without the CLA or CP. Is that correct?

I'm also unclear about what constitutes using the designation as a title. I've just started a new freelance business and my business cards read, in pertinent part, as follows:

Paralegal Assistance, Inc.
Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP
Real Estate
Corporate and Busines Law

If this is not correct, I would like to know as soon as possible before I go spreading them around too far.

Thanks!

*NCCP=North Carolina Certified Paralegal

[Mariah Williams]

You may use the ACP with or without the CP or CLA designation. You may also use ACP without listing the specific area:

Jane Doe, ACP
Advanced Certified Paralegal

or, if you wish to use the area the following would be acceptable:

Jane Doe, ACP
Advanced Certified Paralegal - Civil Litigation

Our main concern is that the credential is not used by itself but has the nonlawyer status spelled out. The use of these marks on business cards and letterhead of corporations and law firms is always a determination of your employer and we encourage use of the marks wherever possible as a way in which your employer may inform others of the expertise of its staff.

Mariah Williams
NALA

[W Kimbel]

Mariah, thanks for the answer. I think in my case I make my status clear by virtue of the name of my company. However, if NALA thinks otherwise, I'll make changes as requested.