NALA Certified Paralegal/Legal Assistant Exam

SLCC is now offering evening sessions of the CLA Exam Prep Workshop each Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 9:50 pm at the downtown Library Square Campus for qualified paralegals who wish to update thier professional development by taking the CLA/CP Exam.  The cost of the 14 week workshop is just $150.00 plus the cost of the study manuals.

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The Certified Legal Assistant/Paralegal (CLA/CP) Exam offered through the National Association of Legal Assistant (NALA) has proven over the years to have a positive impact on the individuals who have taken the exam.  This exam is, after all, a tool for a legal assistant/paralegal to use in the advancement of his/her career.

For many legal assistants/paralegals, achievement of professional certification is a career goal.  For everyone in the profession, it is a means of recognition and demonstration of competency.

In the past, it appears that obtaining the CLA/CP credentials was only as important as the perception of the individual achieving it.  However, national surveys conducted by NALA have shown over 25% of CLA/CP's reported in:

  • Salary
  • Job Responsibility
  • Independence
  • Credibility with clients
  • Job satisfaction
  • Professional status
  • Recognition from peers
  • Respect from lawyers
  • Awareness of professionalism and ethics
  • Positive self-image
  • Personal and professional accomplishment

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There is no doubt of the importance of the CLA/CP credentials to the legal profession. From the public recognition of peers and employers, to the personal pride of achievement and dedication to continuing education, the CLA/CP offers paralegals great opportunities and that can-do attitude that is necessary in this competitive and challenging world.

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NALA has offered the CLA/CP Exam since 1976 across the nation.  This Exam has been designed to:

  • Increase the professional standing of legal assistants/paralegals throughout the nation.

  • Provide uniformity in the identification of legal assistants/paralegals

  • Establish national standards of professional competence for legal assistants

  • Provide uniformity among the states in the utilization of legal assistants/paralegals

The CLA/CP Exam is a two-day examination consisting of the following major subject areas:

  • Communications (which includes Human Relations and Interviewing Techniques)

  • Ethics

  • Judgement and Analytical Ability

  • Legal Research

  • General Law (American Legal System)

  • Substantive Law (select 4 of the following)

    • Administrative Law

    • Bankruptcy

    • Business Organizations/Corporations

    • Contracts

    • Criminal Law Procedure

    • Family Law

    • Litigation

    • Probate and Estate Planning

    • Real Estate

Knowledge and understanding of each of these areas is vital to the professional success and achievement of all paralegals regardless of individual specialty areas.

Don't let the preparation for this Exam be overwhelming.  We have the answer!