ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR PARALEGALS
and CP/ACP EXAM REVIEW
Friday, October 23, 2026
8:00a - 4:45p
Location:
Missoula College | Room 122
1205 East Broadway
Missoula, MT
Approved for 6 CLE Credits by MALA and NALA (including 1 ethics credit**)
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This program will take place in person at Missoula College. While we plan to offer a virtual option to those needing it, please note that the technology and connection may not always be reliable. To get the most out of the experience, we strongly encourage attending in person.
This program will cover essential skills for paralegals as well as serve as a review course to prepare for the Certified Paralegal (CP) exam offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). For additional information about the exam, be sure to visit NALA’s website at www.nala.org.
A room block has been reserved at the Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown from 10/22/2026 - 10/24/2026. Rooms are $159 + tax. You can either Click Here or call the front desk at 406-721-8550 and ask for the MALA room block to book your accommodations. We look forward to having you join us in Missoula!
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SCHEDULE
8:00a - 8:15a Registration & CP Review Overview
Mahkia Clark, CP, President
8:15a - 9:15a Civil Litigation: Rules, Discovery & Alternative Dispute Resolution
Paul F. Kirgis | Professor of Law, University of Montana
9:15a - 9:30a Break
9:30a - 10:30a Criminal Law & Procedure
Craig Shannon, Attorney
10:30a - 10:45a Break
10:45a - 11:45a Corporate/Commercial Law
Mahkia Clark, CP | BJM Law
11:45a - 1:00p Lunch (offsite/open campus)
1:00p - 1:15p NALA Benefits and the CP Exam
Cate Benge, Membership Manager & Jade Brooks, MSR-Certification
1:15p - 1:35p Legal Guildhouse Presentation
Cindy McGinnis, ACP
1:35p - 2:35p US Legal System
Ed Higgins | Montana Legal Services Association
2:35p - 2:45p Break
2:45p - 3:45p Professional and Ethical Considerations**
Ed Higgins | Montana Legal Services Association
3:45p - 4:45p Torts
Robert Carlson | Adjunct Professor University of Montana
4:45p - 5:00p Q&A Session
