This course is also available in the 2019 Paralegal Cruise Bundle.

Getting involved in a professional association can feel intimidating at first, especially if it means raising your hand, speaking up, or stepping into something unfamiliar. This session breaks down why that step is worth it and how it can have a real, lasting impact on your paralegal career.

We will talk honestly about why professional associations matter, what participation actually looks like, and how to get started in ways that feel manageable and authentic. You will walk away with practical ideas for involvement, whether that means attending events, volunteering, serving on a committee, or simply showing up more confidently.

You will also learn how association involvement helps you build valuable, transferable skills such as public speaking, leadership, communication, and professional confidence. We will connect those skills directly to career growth and opportunities you may not even realize are within reach yet.

Finally, we will cover the basics of NALA, including what it offers its members and how it supports paralegals at every stage of their careers. If you are ready to grow, challenge yourself, and take a more active role in your profession, this session will show you how to start.

Course Format

This is an on demand seminar – you’ll receive immediate access to the on demand recording, handouts and a certificate of attendance/CLE. You have lifetime access to this program, so once it’s in your account, you can return to complete it whenever it is convenient for you.

Video length: 53 Minutes.

Continuing Legal Education Credit (CLE)

NALA CP or ACP: This program meets the requirements of the NALA Certifying Board for continuing legal education credit required to maintain the CP (Certified Paralegal) credential. This program is pre-approved by NALA for 1.0 hour of Substantive CLE.

Florida Bar FRP: As approved by NALA, this seminar meets the requirements under Rule 20-6.1 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar for continuing legal education credit required to maintain the FRP credential.

NALS: This program has been approved by NALS for 1 General CLE Hour.

NFPA RP® or CRP™: NFPA automatically accepts substantive CLE hours which bears the accreditation of NALA on the certificate of attendance.

State Bar of Texas – Paralegal Division – The Division will accept substantive law CLE approved by the National Association of Legal Assistants for credit towards the Paralegal Division mandatory membership renewal CLE requirement.

Meet your Speaker

Jill I. Francisco, ACP, received her BA in Criminal Justice, (concentration in Legal Studies), from Marshall University in 1994. She became a certified paralegal in 2005 and obtained two advanced certifications (trial practice and discovery) in 2010. Mrs. Francisco is employed as a paralegal with Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP, in their Huntington, West Virginia office. She previously worked as a paralegal at Huddleston Bolen LLP, 1997 through January of 2015 when they merged with Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP.

She is very active in local and national professional associations within her profession. She was Charter President of the Legal Assistants/Paralegals of Southern West Virginia 2004-2006, and has served as a member of the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) Professional Development Committee 2003-2006, NALA’s Affiliated Associations Secretary 2006-2007, Affiliated Associations Director 2008-2010, NALA’s Treasurer 2010-2012, NALA’s Secretary 2012-2014, NALA’s Second Vice President 2014-2016, NALA’s Vice President 2016-2018, and is currently serving as NALA’s President.

She also currently serves on the Legal Assistant Program Advisory Board for Mount West Community College and the Marshall University Big Green Scholarship Foundation Board of Trustees. She resides in Kenova, West Virginia, with her husband, Shawn and their son, John David.