Entire Issue - National Association of Legal Assistants

ility of course content and materials.
The curriculum-based model is seen as
a distinct improvement over the current
self-study process that has been likened to
shopping without a list. The curriculumbased
program provides continuing legal
education, and ensures that specific content
is being covered. This is an accepted model
of certification and professional development
programs throughout the United
States and across numerous occupations.
An assessment component is part of
the curriculum-based program. Details of
assessment are part of the work still being
done by the Task Force, but the principle
of requiring participants to prove that
they have learned remains paramount.
Both the educational and assessment components
will be online.
A curriculum-based model assumes
that participants will discuss course material
and consult outside sources, including colleagues
as well as reference books or specialty
practice area experts. The focus is on
education and learning specific subject matter
rather than testing, which has already
been done by the CLA Examination to
ensure that candidates have the requisite
analytical, research, and writing skills.
When Will it Happen?
The first specialty area in development
is Contracts Administration/
Management. Prototype evaluation is
expected to begin in a few months and
actual implementation is expected before
the end of 2004. Because the subject of
contracts touches many areas of law, this
was seen as a good place to start.
Other specialty areas will be developed
according to the needs of CLAs.
While the task force is considering a wide
range of possibilities, each specialty program
will be designed to reflect the work
of legal assistants in specific, narrow practice
areas. The task force will seek input
from CLAs and NALA members, review
survey data, and other information to
determine specific specialty areas.
Some examples of areas under
consideration are Gaming Law, Trademark
Law, Patent Law, Elder Law, Complex
Litigation Management, Reorganizational
Bankruptcy, etc. CLAs are welcome to
submit requests for specialty areas to
the task force.
The current CLAS Examinations will
remain in place until the new curriculumbased
programs are ready to be phased in.
Those who wish to attain their CLAS
through the testing program may do so
with assurance that the examination program
continues to be monitored and
maintained by testing experts to ensure
the tests’ integrity.
F&
F
COMMUNICATIONCORNER
It’s a Matter of Its Possession
by Virginia Koerselman, Esq.
Have a communication question? Submit it
to the Communication Corner for an
answer. Post your questions to the FACTS &
FINDINGS discussion board on NALANet
or send them to nalanet@nala.org.
1. No matter how much we _______
father never allowed us to place or to Virginia Koerselman
receive calls after 10:00 p.m.
a. pleaded, whined or cajoled, my
b. pleaded, whined, or cajoled, my
2. The law is exacting in ________ application.
a. it’s
b. its
3. Our newest _____ are justifiably pleased with their success.
a. CLAs
b. CLA’s
4. The storm damaged most of the ____ windows in our town.
a. house’s
b. houses’
5. Every lawyer ___________ fortunate.
a. lawyer who has a talented legal assistant in her office is
b. lawyer, who has a talented legal assistant in her office, is
ANSWERS:
(page references are to the CLA Review Manual, 2d ed.)
5. a—This adjective clause is necessary for identification and is not set
apart from the rest of the sentence by commas. Page 84…lawyer who
has a talented legal assistant is…
4. b—A plural possessive is the better choice in this sentence. Page 79.
houses’ windows in our town.
3. a—As used in this sentence, CLA is plural but is not possessive.
Page 79… CLAs…
2. b—Use the possessive form in this sentence. Page 75…its application.
1. b—Use a comma after each item except the last in a series. Page 83
… pleaded, whined, or cajoled,…