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Louisiana State Paralegal AssociationThe AdvocateLSPA Outstanding Paralegal of the YearCongratulations to Sonjanita C. JordanLSPA Outstanding Paralegal of 2011The AdvocateVolume XXVIIIssue INov/Dec 2011An LSPA Awards Reception was held on September 16, 2011, inCovington, Louisiana. Several awards were presented, includingLSPA Outstanding Paralegal of the Year, as presented by DebbieBilliot to Sonjanita C. Jordan, of Slidell, Louisiana (see Awardsarticle inside this issue).The LSPA Annual Membership Meeting was held on September17, 2011. New Officers for the 2011-2012 Term, are as follows:President - Jessie Cormier, CP, LCPFirst Vice President - Debbie BilliotSecretary - Sandy Pourciaux, CPTreasurer - Rebecca MaumNALA Liaison - Deborah Fontentot, CPCamille Moran, CP, was appointed as Parliamentarian byincoming President, Jessie Cormier. Shondra Broussard, CP, LCP,currently serves as LCP Certifying Board Chair, and Stacy Kooncurrently serves as District I Director.Check out our LSPA web site at http://www.la-paralegals.org forfurther information about LSPA, including photos of the AnnualMeeting and Awards Reception, order forms for the LCP StudyGuide, and new LSPA T-Shirts, “Paralegals are always Swamped”.We’re looking forward to another great year with LSPA.
President’s MessageJessie L. Cormier, CP, LCPPresident 2011-12It has been said that to know where you aregoing, you need to know who you are and whereyou’ve been. Before being appointed president–elect and installed as president at LSPA’s AnnualMeeting on September 17, 2011, I have been anactive member of LSPA. Since becoming amember in 1989 (if memory serves), I’ve beenCLE chairperson, Certification chairperson,Historian, Archives chairperson, NALA Liaison,District Director, Newsletter chairperson and LCPReview Course chairperson. I can confidently saythat I know where LSPA has been and who weare.LSPA is 26 years strong. At the time we came intoexistence, there were paralegal associations inthe major population areas of Louisiana, some ofwhich continue to flourish and some havedissolved. LSPA exists to support local paralegalassociations and individual paralegals in areaswithout a local association.My vision of LSPA includes being: A resource of information and assistance A network of colleagues A mentor to those entering the profession A source of continuing paralegaleducation opportunitiesThe AdvocateNov/Dec 2011 A sponsor of paralegal certification inLouisiana A supporter of national paralegalcertificationEvery president, every officer and every memberwho ever served LSPA has contributed to thecurrent well-being of this association. I amthankful for every one of those dedicatedparalegals.I’d like LSPA’s members to share their thoughtsand comments regarding the benefits andprograms you want LSPA to provide. What isyour vision for LSPA in the future? Would youlike to participate in creating that future? Pleasecontact me at jandlcormier@earthlink.net or callme at (337) 232-9700.One of my favorite quotes is “Be the change youwish to see in the world” by Gandhi.LSPA offers opportunities to advance the goals ofparalegals in the state of Louisiana. Get involvedand “be the change”.It is my hope that LSPA continues to prosper andgrow. We are poised for the best year ever!http://www.la-paralegals.orgPage 2
Meet Your New LSPA Board!(Pictured above, L to R, at LSPA Annual Membership Meeting)Parliamentarian: Camille Moran, CP, of NatchitochesNALA Liaison: Deborah Fontenot, CP, of LafayetteTreasurer: Rebecca B. Maum, of Baton RougeSecretary: Sandy Pourciaux, CP, of LafayetteFirst Vice President: Debbie Billiot, of LafayettePresident: Jessie Cormier, CP, LCP, of LafayetteThe AdvocateNov/Dec 2011http://www.la-paralegals.orgPage 3
THE ADVOCATELOUISIANA STATE PARALEGAL ASSOCIATIONThe Advocate is published quarterly for its membership.Web Site: http://www.la-paralegals.orgLSPA Calendar 2011-2012Save The Date!November, 2011Happy Fall, Ya’ll! Have an attitude of gratitude this month as wecelebrate ThanksgivingDecember 1, 2011Application deadline for January CP/CLA examDecember 10, 2011Late application deadline for January CP/CLA examDecember 25 – 31, 2011Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New YearJanuary 1 – 31, 2012Testing dates for the CP/CLA examJanuary 21, 2012Winter Board Meeting, Public Library in Alexandria, LAFebruary 17, 2012Application deadline for LCP exam on April 6-7, 2012March 30, 2012Spring “Gumbo” Seminar, Paragon Casino, Marksville, LAApril 6-7, 2012LCP exam administeredDon’t forget to Renew Your LSPA Membership!You will not want to miss further notice of these upcoming events!The AdvocateNov/Dec 2011http://www.la-paralegals.orgPage 4
SONJANITA JORDANLSPA 2011 OUTSTANDNG PARALEGAL OF THE YEARBy Deborah P. Fontenot, CPThe Outstanding Paralegal of the Year Award isawarded only to those individuals who have shownthe qualities of a truly “Outstanding Paralegal”.Sonjanita Jordan exhibits these qualities and waschosen as the 2011 LSPA Outstanding Paralegal ofthe Year.This year Rhonda McManus and Sonjanita Jordanwere nominated for this award. The committee ofattorneys charged with the responsibility ofreviewing the information provided and selectingthe recipient of the award had a very difficult job.Both nominees exhibited the qualities that makethem truly “Outstanding” Paralegals.In addition to the nomination by a member of LSPA,Sonjanita was recommended for this award byseveral people whose lives she has touched in thepast few years. As her current employer said “Ms.Jordan’s energy seems limitless.”In addition to her OPY, Sonjanita was winner of ascholarship from the Lone-Wa Missionary BaptistChurch in Monroe, the Kinsey Memorial FundsScholarship Award from the University of Louisianaat Monroe, the Shades of Black Scholarship/BookAward from the University of New Orleans, theSherman Davis Extra Mile Award and the ShermanDavis Exemplary r Skills program at theOpportunities Industrialization Center of Ouachita,Inc., Paralegal Certification Program at theUniversity of New Orleans, Jackson Hewitt TaxCourse, Southern University Louisiana EconomicDevelopment Small Business Proposal Writing Class,as well as other courses, seminars and workshops.The AdvocateNov/Dec 2011Sonjanita C. JordanSonjanita has volunteered to serve trialization Center of Ouachita, Inc., the LivingWord International Church, the Veterans CelebrateFreedom Fund Raiser in Slidell, the University ofNew Orleans Team Teach Program, and the UNOParalegal Studies Program. In November, 2010 sheserved as the O.I.C. Career Day Speaker. As LSPA’sDistrict Director for the New Orleans area, Sonjanitacontinued to provide help to the former Director ofthe UNO Paralegal Studies Program, the graduates,and prospective employers.http://www.la-paralegals.orgPage 5
In addition to her involvement in LSPA where sheserves as Professional Development CommitteeChair, Sonjanita is currently a Director of theCitizens United International Advisory, Secretary ofthe Concerned Citizens 4 St. Tammany Parish,Employment Committee Chair and on the ParalegalAdvisory Board of the Herzing University, and amember of the New Orleans Paralegal Association.She has served as Vice President of Dove Outreach,Inc., Louisiana Chair for the National Congress ofBlack Women, O.I.C. Alumni President, AdvisoryBoard for JAG (Jobs of America’s Graduates), andhas served in various positions on the LSPA board.The former Director of the UNO Paralegal StudiesProgram says that Sonjanita “has proven herself tobe a dedicated and professional student of law, ateacher and advisor for legal students and someonetruly in love with the practice of law.” Sonjanita’sexcellent grades and motivation earned her highmarks by her instructors and students and enabledher to teach a number of paralegal courses.Although the Paralegal Studies Program wasdiscontinued, Sonjanita continues to provideassistance with job placements. “She already is anoutstanding example of what a paralegal can andshould bring to the practice of law.”The Director of Programs and Training of theOpportunities Industrialization Center of Ouachita,Inc. tells us that in her volunteer work for theorganization Sonjanita exhibited “an untiring effortto achieve perfection” with a “creative mind andindependent work ethic” and “exceptional decisionmaking abilities”. “Her sincerity and integrity haveearned her respect and admiration”. She is ‘veryorganized, efficient, extremely competent, and hasan excellent rapport with people of all ages.”Sonjanita is “truly professional”, “industrious anddedicated”.The AdvocateNov/Dec 2011The Ministry Director of the Living the WordInternational Church was so impressed bySonjanita’s commitment and dedication to tasksthat had been assigned to her that Sonjanita wasasked to oversee the Youth Sunday School whichministers to children from seven to ten years of age.“This facet of the ministry now runs like a well-oiledmachine. . . The children not only enjoy themselvesin Sunday School, they are excited about learning.”Sonjanita exhibited leadership ability, a positiveattitude, and proved to be conscientious andtrustworthy as well as a joy to work with.Her prior employer advised “Ms. Jordan hasexhibited qualities of trustworthiness, diligence andcompetence. She is very well organized and carriesout any tasks requested in an efficient andintelligent manner.”Sonjanita’s current employer with the LouisianaState Bar Association advised that Sonjanita “hasbeen a tremendous asset to the LSBA”. She“demonstrates every day that she is aconscientious, dependable team player, who iswilling to help co-workers and other departments.”She is impressed by Sonjanita’s work ethic,excellent time management, organization andcommunication skills, and her “keenly-developedgift for attention to detail”. In addition, she isethical and “a woman of character and grace” with“a strong moral compass” who is well respected byher co-workers and clients. She fosters “personaland professional growth for her co-workers” and“creatively used adverse work situations as a meansfor developing new skills and strengthening officerelationships”. Her “quest for knowledge and newskills is never ending.”Congratulations, Sonjanita! You have trulyearned the right to be called an “OutstandingParalegal”. We are proud that you are a member ofLSPA.http://www.la-paralegals.orgPage 6
Highlights of the LSPA 26th Annual Membership MeetingBy Rhonda K. McManusLSPA held its Annual Membership Meeting onSeptember 17, 2011, in Covington, Louisiana.President Rhonda K. McManus called the meetingto order and welcomed all LSPA members andguests. She then announced Governor BobbyJindal’s Proclamation of September 11-17, 2011, asParalegal Week in Louisiana. The current officers,district directors and committee chairs wererecognized and commended for their voluntarycontribution, hard work and successful progressduring the year. All NALA certified paralegals,advanced paralegals and Louisiana certifiedparalegals were recognized. Charter member,Jimmie Murvin, ACP, LCP, was commended for herlong-term membership and many years of service toLSPA. President McManus recognized LSPA PastPresidents and extended appreciation for theirservice and contributions to LSPA and to theparalegal profession in Louisiana. New memberswere welcomed and challenged to actively supporttheir local and state paralegal associations and tobecome involved.The business session began with the minutes of the25th LSPA Annual Membership Meeting, which wereread and approved. The annual report of theTreasurer was read and approved. The LouisianaCertified Paralegal Exam update of LCP BoardCertifying Chair, Shonnie Broussard, was presentedby President McManus. Jessie L. Cormier, CP, LCP,was recognized as Louisiana’s newest LouisianaCertified Paralegal, having obtained her LCPcredential in the Fall of 2010. Parliamentarian,Camille Moran, CP, read the rules of the annualmeeting. She then presented in detail the proposedLSPA Bylaw amendments, which were approved.Treasurer, Rebecca B. Maum, presented each lineitem of the proposed Budget for the coming term,which was approved.President McManus acknowledged that Shondra D.Broussard, CLA, LCP, will continue her term as LCPCertifying Board Chair, and Stacy J. Koon willThe AdvocateNov/Dec 2011continue her term as District I Director for the NewOrleans area. President McManus announced thatJessie L. Cormier had been appointed as PresidentElect in August 2011, and, according to the Bylaws,Jessie L. Cormier, CP, LCP, will serve LSPA asPresident during the coming term of 2011-2012.The Election process began and the following LSPAofficers were elected:First Vice President: Debbie Billiot, of LafayetteSecretary: Sandy Pourciaux, CP, of LafayetteTreasurer: Rebecca B. Maum, of Baton RougeNALA Liaison: Deborah Fontenot, CP, of LafayetteMembers were provided the opportunity to elect adistrict director for each of their districts, however,none were elected during the meeting. It wasacknowledged that, in accordance with the Bylaws,district directors may be appointed during thecoming term. Incoming President, Jessie L. Cormier,announced the appointment of Camille Moran, CP,as Parliamentarian. Jimmie Murvin, CP, LCP, thenadministered the Installation of new LSPA officers.Outgoing President, Rhonda K. McManus, passedthe Torch and the care and keeping of “Ms. LSPA”to the competent and capable, incoming President,Jessie Cormier, CP, LCP, and wished Jessie and LSPAsuccess in the coming term.http://www.la-paralegals.orgPage 7
LSPA MembershipDebbie Billiot, First Vice-President, Membership ChairWelcome to a new LSPA year!The new Board is excited to be able to work withyou this year. We have 19 members so far thisyear. At the end of last year we had 52 members,so we are missing a lot of your renewals! If youhave already renewed your membership for thisyear, THANK YOU! If you haven’t, it’s time to get inyour application and dues. The MembershipApplication is on the website at http://www.laparalegals.org/lspamembership.html. Also, on thispage of our website you can see many reasons tojoin LSPA. If that’s not enough to get youinterested, check out some of the other pages onthe website, including the photos!When you complete your application, please takesome time to look over the list of committees andselect one or more that you would like to workwith. There are still some committee chairs andboard positions available. To see the availablepositions, take a look at the Board & CommitteeMembers page of the website at html.If you would be interested in chairing a committee,assisting on a committee, or filling one of the vacantpositions on the board, please write that in on yourapplication and your name will be provided to ourLSPA President. Remember, you get a lot out ofyour membership in LSPA, but the more youparticipate, the more rewards you reap. Getinvolved, you will be glad you did!Questions regarding ctmeatCHANGE OF ADDRESS FORMNamePreferred Mailing AddressCity, State, Zip codeTelephone NumberPreferred E-Mail AddressPlease send this completed form to Debbie Billiot at dcb1030@yahoo.com.The AdvocateNov/Dec 2011http://www.la-paralegals.orgPage 8
Highlights of the First Quarterly Board Meeting of LSPABy Sandy Pourciaux, CP, LSPA Secretary, and Jessie L. Cormier, CP, LCP, PresidentThe First Quarterly Board Meeting of theLouisiana Paralegal Association was held onNovember 5th, 2011, in Lafayette, Louisiana.Debbie Fontenot, CP, our NALA Liaison,graciously offered the use of her offices for thismeeting. We thank her for her hospitality! Andthanks to Debbie Billiot for bringing donuts.We quickly got down to business. The Boardvoted by e-mail to move LSPA’s bank accountsto Iberia Bank, and the progress towardcompleting that process was discussed. Ournewly formed board was off to a running startwith plans for the Mid-year Seminar. To giveyou a sneak peak, the spring seminar will beheld at the Paragon Casino in Marksville, andwill include a mix of topics regarding matterswe deal with as paralegals and in our regulardaily lives which everyone can relate to.Suggested topics include Family Law, Medicare,Wills, and Mandates which you may findextremely useful. The topics will be fine tunedand speakers will be named as we move towardThe AdvocateNov/Dec 2011the beginning of next year, so stay tuned forupdates on the seminar. We also discussedprograms of LSPA, including our scholarship,subject for the Fall 2012 seminar, status ofmembership renewals, a proposal from ourProfessional Development Chair, the budget,the LCP Review Course, LSPA’s web site andmore.Be sure to check back on future issues of TheAdvocate for these updates. Our next meetingwill be held in Alexandria, Louisiana, on January21, 2012, at the Parish Library starting at 10:00a.m. Plans are to have the final topics andspeakers for the Spring Seminar, so be sure tocheck it out and make plans to join us.If you are not currently an officer or committeechairperson and would like to attend thequarterly meetings of LSPA’s Board, membersare welcome! Please check the calendar fordates and locations, and let me or President,Jessie Cormier, know if you are planning toattend. Hope to see you there.http://www.la-paralegals.orgPage 9
LCP Certifying Board NewsBy Shondra “Shonnie” Broussard, CLA, LCPHello everyone,More and more I am finding that there are many interested paralegals in taking the LCP Examination. Ihave answered several inquiries since the October exam was given.LSPA encourages you to take the LCP exam, too. Just think of what the LCP designation will do for yourresume. Send an e-mail to me at shonnieab@yahoo.com and I’ll be glad to provide any informationyou need.The deadline to get your application in to take the next examination is February 17, 2012.Examination Dates:Application Deadlines:April 6 & 7, 2012February 17, 2012You may also visit our LSPA web site for information about the LCP certification exam.I look forward to hearing from you!!The AdvocateNov/Dec 2011http://www.la-paralegals.orgPage 10
“A SPRING GUMBO”at the Paragon Casino Resort-MarksvilleSite of LSPA Mid-Year SeminarSet for March 30, 2012by Karen L. McKnight, CP, Program ChairmanOn Friday, March 30, 2012, LSPA will present itsmid-year seminar at the Paragon Casino Resortin Marksville, Louisiana, titled “A SpringGumbo”. Your CLE committee is working hardon what promises to be a fantastic seminarwith varied topics of interest to everyone.Seminar rates are 95.00 for LSPA members, 120.00 for non-members and 35.00 forparalegal students.The Paragon is a shimmering retreatwhere you will encounter a lavish hotelcomplete with well-appointed rooms, a tropicalindoor pool, top-notch entertainment includinga state-of-the-art three-screen cinema, and aThe AdvocateNov/Dec 2011variety of restaurants. It’s a complete getawaywhere you can spoil yourself at the Spa La Vieand of course, partake of gaming if you desire.We have negotiated an excellent guestroom rate of 84.00 for a standard room or 109.00 for a deluxe atrium guest room. Goahead and make your reservations now bycontacting the Paragon at 1-800-WIN-1WIN orlog onto www.paragoncasinoresort.comIf you have any questions, pleasecontact me at 318/445-6384 or via e-mail atkmcknight@mpassmanlaw.com. See you inAvoyelles Parish, cher!http://www.la-paralegals.orgPage 11
THE LOUISIANA STATE PARALEGAL ASSOCIATIONCordially invites you to join all Members in theANNUAL LSPAMEMBERSHIP DRIVELSPA reminds you to get the message out!ALL LOUISIANA PARALEGALS ARE INVITED TO JOIN LSPA!RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIPINVITE YOUR PARALEGAL FRIENDSINVITE YOUR PARALEGAL COWORKERSTo take advantage of the many Benefits of Membership!For LSPA Membership Application please contact:Debbie Billiot, LSPA First Vice President& Membership Chair @ dcb1030@yahoo.comThen make plans to join all LSPA Members at theLSPA Mid-Year CLE Seminar, “A Spring Gumbo”March 30, 2012, at the Paragon Casino Resort, in Marksville, Louisiana(For further information about this seminar, please see article entitled,“A Spring Gumbo” inside this issue. Also, check LSPA’s web site.Seminar Registration form will be forthcoming)The AdvocateNov/Dec 2011http://www.la-paralegals.orgPage 12
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP IN LSPAPromotion of the paralegal profession, paralegal education, and ethical conduct for paralegals in theState of Louisiana and specifically in cooperation with local and state bar associationsNetworking opportunities with other paralegals throughout the State of Louisiana.Free subscription to LSPA's quarterly newsletter, The Advocate, which is prepared especially forLouisiana paralegals, contains information on CLE, organization activities, professional achievements,local paralegal association activities, and features regular articles and columns of special interest toparalegals such as "Ethics Talk," "Computer Talk," and "Paralegal Student News"Two annual statewide continuing education opportunities which are specific to paralegal educationinterests and needs, plus a yearly LCP Review Course which also serves as CLE and the preparation forparalegals desiring to take the LCP examination, all of which offer reduced tuition benefits to LSPAmembers.Affiliation with the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc.Acknowledging and rewarding paralegal excellence through various awards such as LSPA's OutstandingParalegal of the Year Award, the Meritorious Service Award, and Service Achievement Award.Take advantage of a statewide Job Bank available and accessible to LSPA members only.A Lobbying Committee which actively and continuously monitors legislation and jurisprudence thatcould in any way affect the paralegal profession in Louisiana and which stands ready to lobby forparalegal interests in our state.Paralegal Compensation & Utilization SurveyWebsite which provides LSPA's history, mission statement, membership applications, news, activities,LCP examination schedules, seminar schedules, and legal links.Administration of the LCP (Louisiana Certified Paralegal) examination, which provides an opportunityfor Louisiana paralegals to demonstrate their high level of knowledge of Louisiana law (connected toNALA's CLA examination)CALL NOW! JOIN TODAY!For LSPA Membership Application please contact:Debbie Billiot, LSPA First Vice President and Membership ChairPhone (337) 254-1363 or e-mail @ dcb1030@yahoo.comThe AdvocateNov/Dec 2011http://www.la-paralegals.orgPage 13
LOUISIANA STATE PARALEGAL ASSOCIATIONAnnual Rochelle Scholarship to be AwardedIt is nearing that time of year again when the Louisiana State Paralegal Association awards its RochelleScholarship. We are pleased to announce that the 500 scholarship will be offered to a paralegalstudent enrolled in an institutionally accredited Louisiana paralegal program.The Rochelle Scholarship was established during the association’s 1989-1990 fiscal year in honor ofCarol Rochelle, a founding member of LSPA. Carol was very dedicated to the paralegal profession andwas an advocate of the advancement of paralegal education. While returning from a meeting of theadvisory committee prior to the first annual meeting of LSPA, Carol was killed in an automobileaccident just outside of Alexandria. Therefore, when the scholarship fund was established, it was onlyappropriate to name it in Carol’s honor.Qualifications for the Rochelle Scholarship are as follows:Applicant must be currently enrolled in an institutionally accredited paralegal program in Louisiana which offersa curriculum of at least sixty (60) semester hours.Applicant must have an overall grade point average of at least a 3.0, and must be enrolled in a minimum of sixhours of paralegal studies.Applicant must be planning on a future career as a paralegal.Membership in LSPA is NOT mandatory. There is a 5.00 application fee.Applicant and supporting documentation must be returned by January 31, 2012.The Rochelle Scholarship is a 500.00 cash reward. Additionally, the recipient receives a freemembership to LSPA for one year and free tuition to all LSPA education workshops and seminars forthat same year. The recipient is selected after all applications have been reviewed and screened, andfinalists have been interviewed, if necessary. The screening and final selection is made by themembers of the LSPA Scholarship Committee and the LSPA District Directors. The Rochelle Scholarshipwill be awarded at the LSPA Mid-Year Seminar on March 30, 2011, in Marksville, Louisiana.Paralegal students may contact Rhonda McManus at rkm0321@yahoo.com or at (318) 324-0101, foran application packet or further information. Call or write for your opportunity to apply for thisscholarship award. May you enjoy success in your paralegal studies!The AdvocateNov/Dec 2011http://www.la-paralegals.orgPage 14
NALA CORNERBy Deborah Fontenot, CP, LSPA NALA LiaisonAs your new LSPA NALA Liaison, I would like for you to know that I am here for your benefit and will behappy to assist you with any NALA.Annual NALA ConferenceI have attended three NALA conferences, including the 2010 and 2011 conferences held in Jacksonville,Florida and Dallas, Texas, and I can’t wait to go to Omaha. I encourage all of you to consider joining meat the NALA conference to be held in Omaha, Nebraska July 25 – 28, 2012. It is an experience you willnever forget. Imagine the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with over 300 paralegals fromacross the nation; paralegals with expertise in all areas that you can later contact when you have aquestion regarding their area of expertise. You will make friends that you will want to see year afteryear at conference (I have a few I stay in touch with via Facebook).I have attended the seminar/institutes which I can highly recommend. As NALA is a nationalorganization, they obtain the best speakers from across the nation. And the fee is very reasonable.Institutes are presented during the morning and conference events are presented in the afternoons.On a couple of nights there are fun-filled parties held for attendees after the events which wrap uparound 7:00 or 7:30 so that you can go enjoy dinner at one of the great nearby restaurants with yournew friends.Facts & FindingsIn the last issue of The Advocate our former NALA Liaison, now LSPA President, Jessie Cormier, let youknow that even if you are not a NALA member you can now subscribe to NALA’s bimonthly magazine,Facts & Findings, for only 25.00 per year through LSPA. You want to know why you would want tosubscribe to this magazine? Each issue contains Ethics Tips, a Communications Corner, ProfessionalDevelopment Tips, Education Tips, TechnoBits, and more; as well as great Feature articles. Forexample, the September/October issue contained articles entitled Deciphering ParalegalNomenclature, Get Organized, Preparing Clients and Witnesses, and others. And again, because theyare a national organization, NALA finds writers from across the nation so you can be assured of onlythe best articles and information. It’s well worth the 25 investment in your career! I can assure youthat once you have received a couple of issues, you will anxiously await the next.I found the “Deciphering Paralegal Nomenclature” Article written by Elona M. Jouben, MPS, to be ofparticular interest. It provides a lot of information of each on the following. Certified paralegals havemet certain certification requirements and generally have an advanced level of competency andminimum number of years experience in the profession. Paralegals who have passed the NALAcertification exam are entitled to use the CP or CLA certification mark; or the ACP certification forpassing Advanced Certified Paralegal exams. Certain states also have certification exams, such as theLouisiana LCP certification offered exclusively by LSPA. Certificated paralegals have earned a certificateupon successful completion of a paralegal program of study.The AdvocateNov/Dec 2011http://www.la-paralegals.orgPage 15
NALA Certification (CP/CLA)The NALA certification exam is computer based testing offered at over 200 ACT testing centersnationwide. The testing dates and application deadlines each year are as follows:NALA CP/CLAExamination DateSeptember 1 – 30January 1 – 31May 1 – 31Application Filing DeadlineAugust 1December 1April 1Late Application Filing Deadline ( 25 late fee)August 10December 10April 10Application forms, application procedure overview, information on study material, and all otherinformation an applicant needs can be found on the NALA website at,http://www.nala.org/Certification.aspx.Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP)Once you have obtained your CP/CLA certification you may want to consider your ACP (AdvancedCertified Paralegal) certification. This program offers advanced certification for paralegals working inspecific practice areas. Advanced Paralegal Certification programs are currently offered in thefollowing areas:Contracts Management/ContractsAdministrationDiscoverySocial Security DisabilityTrial PracticeAlternative Dispute ResolutionBusiness Organizations: IncorporatedEntitiesTrademarksPersonal InjuryLand UseCriminal LitigationCommercial BankruptcyComing soon:Real Estate PrinciplesBusiness Organization: Non-corporate EntitiesFor more information go to http://www.nala.org/apc.aspx on the NALA website.NALA WebsiteThere is a lot of great information available to you at the NALA website whether or not you are a NALA member.Please check it out at www.NALA.org. Here are a few links you might find interesting:Educational Materials – NALA offers educational programs to anyone who wants to participate (membersreceive a discount). http://www.nala.org/ContinuingEducation.aspxLegal Vendor Directory – When looking for a product or service for your office check
Citizens United International Advisory, Secretary of the Concerned Citizens 4 St. Tammany Parish, Employment Committee Chair and on the Paralegal Advisory Board of the Herzing University, and a member of the New Orleans Paralegal Association. She has served as Vice President of Dove Outreach,
