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. When calculating child support under the Income Shares Model used by most states, the court considers: → The combined gross income of both parents proportionally
3. What is the most ethical action if a client offers a gift? → Refer to office policy or decline the gift
4. What is the correct structure for a legal memorandum? → Heading, issue, facts, discussion, conclusion
5. The West Key Number System is primarily useful for: → Locating cases on the same point of law across different reporters
6. Under Federal Rule of Evidence 404(b), evidence of prior crimes or bad acts may be admissible in a criminal trial to show: → Motive, opportunity, intent, plan, or absence of mistake
7. A lis pendens is a recorded notice that: → Notifies the public that litigation is pending affecting title to specific real property
8. Which of the following scenarios best illustrates 'transferred intent'? → A defendant intends to shoot A but accidentally shoots B instead
9. Which doctrine allows a buyer to rescind a real estate contract when the seller knew of a material defect and deliberately concealed it? → Active fraud or fraudulent concealment
10. Under the doctrine of stare decisis, lower courts are bound by: → Decisions of higher courts within the same jurisdiction
11. Why is confidentiality critical in legal work? → To build client trust and comply with legal ethics
12. Under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, a defendant must generally file an answer within how many days after being served with a summons and complaint? → 21 days
13. Under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), which article governs the sale of goods? → Article 2
14. Which of the following is an example of a conflict of interest? → Handling two clients with opposing interests
15. Which of the following actions best demonstrates a paralegal's adherence to NALA Canon 3, which prohibits assisting in the unauthorized practice of law? → Drafting correspondence for attorney signature
16. What is the primary purpose of a 'deposition' in civil litigation? → To obtain sworn out-of-court testimony for discovery purposes
17. Which research tool would be most appropriate for finding the legislative history of a federal statute enacted in 2010? → ProQuest Congressional or HeinOnline U.S. Congressional Documents
18. The doctrine of res judicata (claim preclusion) bars a subsequent lawsuit when: → There is a final judgment on the merits between the same parties on the same claim
19. The principle of stare decisis requires courts to: → Follow precedent established by higher courts in the same jurisdiction
20. Which doctrine allows a defendant charged with a greater offense to be convicted of a lesser offense included within it? → The lesser included offense doctrine
21. What is 'remittitur' in civil litigation? → A court's reduction of an excessive jury damages award
22. A class action lawsuit may be certified under FRCP Rule 23 only if, among other requirements, the class meets the element of 'numerosity,' meaning: → The class is so numerous that joinder of all members is impracticable
23. What is an 'interlocutory appeal'? → An appeal of a non-final order during pending litigation
24. A testamentary trust created in a will becomes irrevocable: → Upon the testator's death when the trust is funded
25. Which of the following is an example of a bilateral contract? → An exchange of promises where both parties commit to future performance
26. Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits the government from compelling a person to be a witness against themselves in a criminal case? → Fifth Amendment
27. 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
28. A legal assistant discovers that a contract was induced by fraudulent misrepresentation. The remedy available to the innocent party is typically: → Rescission and restitution
29. What legal concept describes the right of a higher court to review and correct decisions made by lower courts? → Appellate jurisdiction
30. An interpleader action is appropriate when: → A party holding funds or property is subject to competing claims from multiple claimants