MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) White (29th)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE MISSISSIPPI DIVISION OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LEGAL SECRETARIES (NALS) AS IT HOSTS THE REGIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION ON THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST.

WHEREAS, NALS, Inc., (formerly known as National Association of Legal Secretaries) has been providing high quality education, certification and networking for legal support staff throughout the United States since 1929; NALS is a nonprofit, nonunion professional association with a membership of over 6,000 people in the United States and Canada; membership is not limited to legal secretaries, but is made up of people engaged in work of a legal nature such as attorneys, law office administrators, paralegals, court reporters, court clerks, trust departments, governmental offices, etc. Members support and abide by the Code of Professional Responsibility of The American Bar Association as well as the NALS Code of Ethics; and

WHEREAS, members benefit from local, state, regional and national programs that enhance not only the members, but also their law firm, corporation or government office. Their careers are expanded through the exceptional educational opportunities available at all levels of the association: continuing legal education, resource materials, networking opportunities, professional certification and a commitment to the Code of Ethics and Professional Standards as set forth by The American Bar Association; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Division of NALS, Inc., (formerly known as the Mississippi Association of Legal Secretaries or (MALS) was organized in 1962. There are chapters in Greenwood-Greenville, Jackson, Hattiesburg-Laurel, Biloxi-Ocean Springs and Harrison-Hancock Counties; and

WHEREAS, these members are dedicated to assisting in maintaining the highest level of performance and expertise of the legal profession; in addition to the many educational and certification programs offered to their members and individuals in the legal profession, their association is involved in various civic projects throughout their local communities; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Division of NALS, Inc., is hosting the Third Annual Region 6 Meeting on the Mississippi Gulf Coast July 14-16, 2000, at The Oasis Resort at the Gulfport Grand Casino; Region 6 consists of members from Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas; additionally, members from Alabama and Georgia are registering for this conference as well and it appears this meeting will be their region's largest conference to date; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we thank legal secretaries for their important role in the state's judicial system and recognize this organization as it brings honor to its members and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the Mississippi Division of the National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS) as it hosts the Region 6 Conference of the national organization on the Mississippi Gulf Coast on July 14-16, 2000, and wish this exemplary group of citizens continued success in their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be furnished to the President of NALS and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.