NALA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield NALA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the primary purpose of legal research? → To locate and interpret relevant laws and legal precedents
2. What is the most ethical action if a client offers a gift? → Refer to office policy or decline the gift
3. What is the correct structure for a legal memorandum? → Heading, issue, facts, discussion, conclusion
4. Why is confidentiality critical in legal work? → To build client trust and comply with legal ethics
5. Which of the following is an example of a conflict of interest? → Handling two clients with opposing interests
6. Which of the following best describes a key competency required for family law & domestic relations in NALA practice? → Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment
7. Under pure comparative negligence, if a plaintiff is 30% at fault and total damages are $100,000, how much can the plaintiff recover? → $70,000 — total damages reduced by the plaintiff's fault percentage
8. Under the traditional contributory negligence doctrine, if the plaintiff is found even slightly at fault for their own injury: → They are completely barred from any recovery
9. What is a pretrial conference? → A meeting to plan the trial and narrow issues
10. Which of the following is NOT considered a primary source of law in the United States? → Legal encyclopedias and treatises
11. What is the role of the jury in a civil trial? → To determine the facts and deliver a verdict
12. In the context of NALA certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing real estate law & transactions? → Ensuring alignment with established standards, stakeholder needs, and best practices
13. The assumption of risk defense in tort law requires that the plaintiff: → Voluntarily and knowingly encountered a known risk
14. Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) applies to which of the following transactions? → The sale of a fleet of delivery vehicles
15. In the context of NALA certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing family law & domestic relations? → Ensuring alignment with established standards, stakeholder needs, and best practices
16. Which writing style is typically used in legal documents? → Formal and objective
17. Which of the following is an example of a civil law issue? → Breach of contract
18. Which of the following is the most complete defense to an intentional tort claim of assault? → Consent — the plaintiff voluntarily agreed to the conduct
19. What is the role of citations in legal writing? → To properly credit legal sources and support arguments
20. Under New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, a public figure seeking to recover for defamation must prove: → Actual malice — knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for the truth
21. In criminal law, who bears the burden of proof? → The prosecution
22. Which source is considered primary authority in legal research? → Court decisions and statutes
23. What is a summary judgment? → A ruling by the judge without a trial
24. What is discovery in civil litigation? → A method for collecting evidence from opposing parties
25. What is discovery in legal proceedings? → Exchange of evidence before trial
26. Under the 'reasonable person' standard in tort law, conduct is measured against: → An objective, ordinary person exercising ordinary care
27. Why should paralegals avoid making misleading statements? → To avoid legal repercussions and uphold credibility
28. In tort law, which of the following best defines 'battery'? → Intentional harmful or offensive contact with another person without consent
29. What is 'shepardizing' a case? → Verifying the case's precedential value
30. What is substantive law primarily concerned with? → Rights and obligations of individuals