2013 PAULA GRADY MEMORIAL EDUCATION AWARD

TWO (2) $500 AWARDS
FOR THE 2013/2014 ACADEMIC YEAR

2013 PAULA GRADY MEMORIAL EDUCATION AWARD APPLICATION

In memory of Paula Grady, an IALA Region VI member, leader, mentor and friend, who died suddenly on October 2, 1995, IALA offers the PAULA GRADY MEMORIAL EDUCATION AWARD to any active, associate or student IALA member who pursues further education. Paula truly believed in education at all levels. She was a former teacher, member of the Linn-Mar School Board, serving as President at the time of her death. Paula supported continuing education for Legal Assistants. As a Legal Assistant at Simmons, Perrine, Albright & Ellwood, P.L.C. in Cedar Rapids for 12 years, she was very active in IALA, serving on the seminar committees for several years and as Region VI Director during 1992/93 and 1993/94. As the Legal Assistant profession has grown, the educational background requirements continue to grow, too.

The two education awards this year are in the amount of $500 each. Applications and essays will be taken through July 1, 2013. The committee will review the applications and essays during July 2013 and present the award in August 2013. The education award can be applied toward the fees/tuition/books for the recipient during the next IALA fiscal year (i.e., September 1 to August 31), the fall of 2013 semester or spring 2014 semester.

The award recipient will receive the cash award after submission of proof of successful completion of his/her continuing education (proof of credit earned or CLA/PACE Certificate) and the invoice for fees/tuition/books, etc. The education awards will be in the amount of the invoices submitted, up to the maximum amount of $500.00.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Resident of the state of Iowa.

2. IALA active, associate or student member OR a student currently enrolled in a legal assistant/paralegal program within the state of Iowa.

3. Interest in pursuing education in a legal assistant program, legal assistant class(es), course work toward an additional degree (Associates, Bachelors, Masters, etc.), or CLA/PACE exam.

4. Submission of original essay.

KEY POINTS FOR COMMITTEE TO REVIEW:

• Importance of additional education

• Benefits to IALA

• The future of the paralegal profession or its goals

2013 PAULA GRADY MEMORIAL EDUCATION AWARD APPLICATION

Cengage Learning Recognizes Exceptional Professional Achievement with the ‘NALA Certified Paralegal Professional Scholarship Award’

Cengage Learning, as a proud partner with NALA, is pleased to introduce the ‘NALA Certified Paralegal Professional Scholarship Award’ to recognize outstanding professional achievement and excellence in the legal field.

To be considered for the scholarship award, nominees must meet the eligibility requirements for the Certified Paralegal (CP) exam (as established by NALA and outlined on www.nala.org). Additionally, qualified professionals must be nominated by a NALA Affiliated Association. They must be currently working as a paralegal at the time of both the nomination and receiving the scholarship award, in a nonfreelance and/or non-contractor position, and have worked as a professional paralegal in a nonfreelance/non-contractor position for at least the past 2 simultaneous years. Each nominee must also have a separate professional reference.

Based on the nominations received, Cengage Learning will select one professional who excels in his or her career, has demonstrated strong leadership potential through professional, business, community or educational activities, and plans to take the CP Exam. The NALA Certified Paralegal Professional
Scholarship Award recipient will receive:

• NALA Certified Paralegal Professional Scholarship Award certificate
• Certified Paralegal Review Manual (published by Cengage Learning)
• CP Study Guide and Mock Examination (published by Cengage Learning)
• Application fee to be admitted to the Certified Paralegal program

Nominations for the ‘NALA Certified Paralegal Professional Scholarship Award’ must be completed online by May 3. For more details and to download an online nomination form please visit www.cengage.com/community/paralegal. Information on seeking the Certified Paralegal credential and taking the CP exam can be found at www.nala.org.

About Cengage Learning
Cengage Learning is a leading educational content, software and services company for the academic, professional and library markets worldwide. The company’s products and services are designed to foster academic excellence and professional development, increase student engagement, improve learning outcomes and deliver authoritative information to people whenever and wherever they need it. For more information on Cengage Learning, please visit www.cengage.com.