In this episode of The Paralegal Voice, I chat with NALA President Cassandra Oliver, ACP about the organization and the significance of paralegal certification. First discussion point includes a brief history of NALA, beginning with its incorporation in 1975, and continuing to the recent celebration of NALA’s 40th anniversary last year.
Cassandra touches on the importance of continuing education in the profession, how it allows paralegals the opportunity to manage their careers, and lists the self-study courses and on-demand webinars that NALA offers to assist paralegals toward that aim. Published bi-monthly, “Facts & Findings” provides educational articles written by paralegals, attorneys, and experts to help working paralegals stay abreast of trends, current events, court rules, cases, and recent developments in the field.
Cassandra also offers insight into her decision to continue her career development and lists values, like providing a set of distinguishing standards that create more opportunity for advanced promotions that a paralegal certification program brings to the industry. She explains how integral participating in Toastmasters International has been for her success in the field and closes the interview with her thoughts on the biggest challenges paralegals face today and the future of the profession.
Cassandra Oliver, ACPis the president of NALA and a paralegal in the legal department at the Williams Company in Tulsa where she 
works with litigators and assists the environmental attorney Cassandra Oliver, ACP, is the President of the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). She is employed as a Senior Paralegal in the Legal Department at The Williams Companies in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Cassandra graduated with a BS Degree from Oral Roberts University. Also she is a member of the Tulsa Area Paralegal Association and the Oklahoma Paralegal Association. Cassandra has authored articles for Facts & Findings, and she is a prior NALA Affiliates Award Recipient for outstanding contribution and dedication to the advancement of the legal assistant profession through volunteer service to NALA affiliated associations. Additionally Cassandra is a member of Leadership Tulsa. In understanding the value of service to others, she has served as a volunteer with the Tulsa Court Appointed Special Advocates, Resonance Center for Women, Junior Achievement, etc. and continues to serve in other local nonprofits. Also Cassandra is a Distinguished Toastmaster and a speaker at local, state, and national conferences.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Boston University, NALA, and ServeNow.