Lone Star College-North Harris Paralegal Studies Professor, Jeffrey Watts, was recently appointed to the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) Board.

Watts received the invitation from the board, which is composed of attorneys, paralegal educators, and experienced certified paralegals. To be considered for a position, a nationwide invitation is issued by NALA, who issues an examination.

“The exam lasts two days and includes an essay component,” Watts shared. “Once certified, paralegals must complete 50 hours of continuing education every five years to maintain their certification. After receiving the invitation, I completed interviews with the chair and several board members. Ultimately, I was elected to the Board by its members.”

“Lone Star College is fortunate to have such an esteemed professor filling this role,” said Dr. Bennie Lambert, President of Lone Star College-North Harris. “This is a great honor, and we are extremely proud of him and this accomplishment.”

The NALA Certifying Board is responsible for overseeing the content, standards, and administration of the Certified Paralegal Program. It determines the eligibility requirements for candidates to sit for the exam and sets the passing score.

The goal of NALA is to equip paralegals for the challenges of the future through certification, professional development, and advocacy, ensuring paralegals are known and valued as an integral part of the legal ecosystem. NALA provides current information about the paralegal profession through continuing education, networking opportunities, professional certification programs, occupational survey reports, and other publications to help paralegals excel in the workplace.