NALA ACP Trial Practice study guide
NALA ACP Trial Practice · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The ACP Trial Practice designation is an advanced credential within NALA's Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) program, which builds on the Certified Paralegal (CP®) credential. NALA describes the CP® credential as the only nationally accredited paralegal certification and as its "gold standard" credential. The ACP program is designed for experienced paralegals who already hold the CP® credential and want to demonstrate specialized knowledge in a focused practice area. Trial Practice is one such specialization, aimed at paralegals who support attorneys through pretrial preparation, trial, and post-trial activities. Candidates typically include litigation paralegals who manage exhibit and witness lists, prepare trial binders, coordinate depositions and discovery, assist with jury selection logistics, and support courtroom presentation. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by NALA. Topics on this exam: Trial Practice. The NALA ACP Trial Practice study guide has 1 section and about 426 words.
01Trial Practice
The Trial Practice domain tests the paralegal's command of courtroom procedure from pretrial motions through post-trial practice: how motions in limine shape what the jury hears, how voir dire and jury selection are documented, how exhibits are marked and admitted, and how the paralegal supports the attorney during direct and cross-examination. The ACP exam favors fact patterns that turn on the timing and form of an objection or motion, not on substantive tort or contract law. Motions in limine are filed before trial to exclude or condition evidence; a ruling is preserved for appeal only if the objecting party renews the objection at trial or the court gives a definitive pretrial ruling. Voir dire: challenges for cause are unlimited and require a showing of bias; peremptory strikes are limited and cannot be used to exclude jurors on race (Batson) or sex (J.E.B.).
426 words, about 2 minMore study resources for NALA ACP Trial Practice
- Practice questionsUnder the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, a party who has been served with a complaint must respond within how many days after service of the summons and complaint?
- FlashcardsJury demand deadline. Under FRCP 38(b), a written jury demand must be served no later than 14 days after service of the last pleading directed to the issue; failure waives the right under FRCP 38(d).
- Cheat sheetParalegal trial role boundary: a paralegal may interview witnesses, organize exhibits, prepare trial notebooks, and coordinate logistics, but may not give legal advice, set fees, or appear in court on behalf of a client except where a tribunal's rules expressly permit nonlawyer representation.
- Key termsparalegal. A person qualified by education, training, or work experience who performs substantive legal work under the supervision of an attorney, is not licensed to practice law, and cannot give legal advice to the public.
- Study planMap the trial-practice blueprint by listing every tested task area and ranking each by the number of practice questions it is likely to generate.
- Common mistakesCandidates confuse 'knowing the law' with 'showing the law' and fear that paraphrasing looks imprecise, so they dump text and lose the analytical thread under time pressure.
- Exam-day guideBring the original, unexpired ID in the name on your registration.