Thinking About Attending School?
PLSA has an Answer

 

 

Hmmm . . .

2 three-ring binders

2 copybooks

5 pocket folders (assorted colors)

3 pens, 4 pencils, markers . . .

 

Yes, it's that time of year again.  To some of us, it's the most wonderful time of the year.  Back to school!

As you prepare your children for school, perhaps you should think of going back to school yourself and furthering your education.  "Further my education?", you might say.  "Who has the time -- or the money -- or the ambition and stamina for studying?"  If it is difficult for you to commit to a curriculum of subjects for a semester, what about a goal which you can attain in less than one year?  What about becoming certified?

                                                     Nationally Recognized Credential

NALS . . . the association for legal professionals,(formerly the National Association of Legal Secretaries) is an education‑based association of legal support professionals which is dedicated to enhancing the competencies and contributions of members in the legal services profession.  NALS has been in existence since 1921 and is the only national professional association which offers certification programs for legal support staff.

Certified Professional Legal Secretary (PLS)

(the Advanced Certification for the Legal Professional)

Introduced in 1957, the PLS exam is a way to recognize legal secretaries who have mastered the skills of the profession.  The examination covers the wide range of duties performed by experienced legal secretaries and continues to be updated periodically as changes occur in the field of law.  It is a four-part, one‑day examination on the topics of:

·                    Written Communications

·                    Office Procedures and Technology

·                    Ethics and Judgment

·                    Legal Knowledge and Skill

 

                                                 Validating Your Skills and Knowledge

 

The exam tests the skills you have acquired and honed over the years, such as your mastery of office skills and people skills, the ability to interact on a professional level with attorneys, clients, and other support staff; the discipline to assume responsibility and exercise initiative and judgment, and a working knowledge of procedural law, the law library, and the preparation of legal documents.  Successful completion of the PLS exam entitles you to use the designation Certified Professional Legal Secretary (typed "Certified PLS" or simply "PLS") after your name in written communications.  This distinction puts you a cut above the rest in the eyes of your present employer.  It also is very impressive on your resume. 

                                                                   Other Benefits

Additionally, while studying for the exam you will notice an immediate improvement in your job performance.  Further, you can use the PLS exam as a stepping stone toward higher education.  The American Council on Education has accredited the PLS exam as equivalent to 27 college credit hours.

                                                          Eligibility and Requirements

A candidate for the PLS examination must have three years’ experience under the direct supervision of a lawyer or judge.  NALS provides a list of required and supplemental materials as well as sample examinations to help you prepare for the exam.  Members of the association receive significant discounts on course materials and exam fees, but you are not required to be a member in order to sit for the examination.

Don't Study Alone

To assist eligible legal secretaries who wish to meet the challenge of earning PLS certification, the Philadelphia Legal Secretaries Association is forming a study group for the taking of the March 2004 PLS examination.  An introductory meeting has been scheduled for Monday, September 16, 2003, 5:30 p.m. at Kaufman Coren & Ress, 1525 Locust Street, 17^th Floor, Philadelphia. 

                                                  The Family That Studies Together . . .

Visualize it this way:  as your children study and learn their language skills, you could be reviewing the very same grammar rules.  As your teenager studies history and geography, you could be learning legal terminology.  As your undergraduate ponders the abstract thinking required for calculus, you could be mastering legal skills and knowledge.  As your graduate student writes a thesis, you could be absorbing the ethical standards by which all attorneys are bound.

Many experts say that our children learn best by example.  What better way to teach them the importance of school and the benefits of studying than by seeing their parent pore over the books, study the concepts, put the lessons learned into practice, and take an intensive full-day examination.  What better way for them to learn some of life's lessons than by your example as you strive to enhance your career, improve your marketability and boost your confidence and self‑esteem.

                                                                Ready, Set, Study!

So while your thoughts turn away from summer vacations and toward school supplies, perhaps you should give a moment or two to what YOU want to do as YOU grow up!  Why wait?  You might as well study while our children study.  After all, you deserve an academic achievement of your own this year (and for a lot less than it will cost you for your children).

Accept the challenge and dare to be exceptional.  I guarantee that you won't regret it. Be known as --

 

                                                  [Your Name], Certified PLS!

 

Patricia E. Infanti, Certified PLS, is the current President of NALS of Pennsylvania, the state association of NALS, and a past president of PLSA.  She is employed by Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP, in the firm's Real Estate Department.  She can be reached at 215-864-8780 or infanti@ballardspahr.com.  For more information regarding the PLS Study Group, call Doreen F. Ziccardi, PLS, 215-981-7847 or doreen_ziccardi@comcast.com or visit PLSA’s web site at www.PhilaLSA.org.