CERTIFICATION AND CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION

FOR LEGAL SUPPORT STAFF

Are your legal knowledge and skills an asset to the law firm?  Are you a certified legal professional? Do you dare to be exceptional?  Where can legal support staff gain these assets; take this challenge; and where can they study for and earn national certification at affordable prices?

Through the Philadelphia Legal Secretaries Association (APLSA@), whose goal is to enhance the knowledge, skills, and professionalism of members of the legal services profession through certification and continuing legal education.  PLSA is the local chapter of NALS . . . the association for legal professionals (www.nals.org) and NALS of Pennsylvania (www.palegal.org).  This tri-level association is dedicated to enhancing the competencies and contributions of members in the legal services profession.

PLSA is offering the opportunity to achieve the nationally recognized certification of PLS . . . the advanced certification for legal professionals7.  The PLS certification began in 1957 and recognizes experienced legal support staff who have mastered the skills of the profession.  The four-part all-day examination covers a range of duties performed by seasoned legal professionals on written communications, office procedures and technology, ethics and judgment, and legal knowledge and skills.  Candidates must have three years= experience under the direct supervision of a lawyer or a judge.  Successful completion of the exam entitles the candidate to use the title ACertified PLS@ after his/her name in written communications.

The Certified PLS denotes a mastery of office and interpersonal skills, the ability to interact professionally at all levels, the discipline and understanding of legal ethics to assume responsibility and to exercise appropriate initiative and judgment, a working knowledge of procedural law, the law library, and the preparation of legal documents.  This status has been achieved by 5,075 PLSs nationwide.

The American Council on Education has accredited PLS certification for up to 27 college credit hours in recognition of the level of expertise required to complete this examination.

PLSA is now forming a study group to prepare for PLS certification.  The PLS Study Group meets on a weekly basis from September through February to prepare candidates for the national examination which is held on the first Saturday in March.  PLSA has scheduled a free information meeting on Tuesday, September, 16, 2003, at 5:30 p.m., at the offices of Kaufman, Coren & Ress, P.C., 1525 Locust Street, 17^th Floor, Philadelphia, PA.  Interested candidates may contact Doreen F. Ziccardi, PLS (doreen_ziccardi@comcast.com or 215-981-7847) to register.

Take the challenge; become a Certified PLS!

Jacquelyn A. Hannigan, PLS

President Phila. Legal Secretaries Association

215-735-8700

jacquiepls@yahoo.com