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Findings & Conclusions 1

Findings & Conclusions

Presidents’ Cornerby: Brenda Cothary

Summer has finally arrived here in the Pacific Northwest, just about a month before schools are back in session and vacation season is over! I guess we can be thankful we haven’t had the blistering heat of other parts of the country. As summer winds down and people begin to settle back into their routines, WSPA Officers and Directors are busy planning events for the fall. Here are just a few things happening in the next few months:

Fall CLE

! The WSPA Annual Fall CLE will be held on October 28 at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. The event is the culmination of Paralegal Week (October 24-28), as proclaimed by the Governor. I challenge you to reach out to your law offices and attorneys for some sort of paralegal recognition during the week! There will be 4 concurrent tracks in litigation, corporate, real estate

and intellectual property. We are currently seeking advanced paralegals or paralegal/attorney teams to speak on the above topics. In addition, we are seeking volunteers to assist in planning and to help the day of the event. This would be an excellent way to get involved with WSPA and network with others.

Chapter Meetings

! As summer winds down, the various chapters begin planning meetings and events. Some

chapters hold “brown bag” lunch time CLs and others meet in the evening. Anyone can attend a chapter meeting, but occasionally a non-member may be asked to pay a small fee. We encourage members to make the most of their membership and take advantage of the more frequently held chapter meetings. All of them earn you at least ½ CLE credit toward the 10 required credits to renew your membership as a voting member. There are currently chapters in Spokane, South Puget Sound, South King County, East King County, Seattle, Snohomish County, and the Northwest (which includes Skagit, Whatcom, and Island Counties). We are always looking for energetic and helpful volunteers to serve as Chapter Directors or assist current directors with event planning. Additionally, if you live in an area without a chapter, (Olympic Peninsula, Central Washington, etc.), consider forming a chapter and hosting local meetings. Becoming involved with a local chapter is an excellent way to network with other paralegals from your region, share ideas, and earn continuing education credits. If you have any questions about chapter events, please email the chapter director or president @wspaonline.org.

(Continued Page Four)

Our Mission: To enthusiastically support and promote the paralegal profession in the State of Washington.

President’s CornerAs summer winds down and people begin to settle back into their routines, WSPA Officers and Directors are busy planning events for the fall. Here are just a few things happening in the next few monthsPage 1

Management ReportsPage 3Military Page

Page 7

A Bi-Monthly Newsletter Volume 26 Issue 4 July/August 2011

2011 WSPA President Brenda Cothary

Definition of a Paralegal – as defined by NFPA and WSPA

A Paralegal is a person, qualified through education, training or work experience to perform substantive legal work that requires knowledge of legal concepts and is customarily, but not exclusively, performed by a lawyer. This person may be retained or employed by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency or other entity or may be authorized by administrative, statutory or court authority to perform this work. Substantive shall mean work requiring recognition, evaluation, organization, analysis, and communication of relevant facts and legal concepts

F I N D I N G S & C O N C L U S I O N S

2 Findings & Conclusions

Administrator

Administration Services, Inc.PO Box 58530Seattle, WA 98138-1530206.623.8632administrator@wspaonline.org

Officers

PresidentBrenda Cotharypresident@wspaonline.org

Vice-PresidentMembership & AdministrationSue Beichley

vp-membership@wspaonline.org

Vice-President Professional Development

Brian Haberlyvp-profession@wspaonline.org

SecretarySarah Eisenhauersecretary@wspaonline.org

Treasurer Opentreasurer@wspaonline.org

Immediate Past PresidentBrian Haberly RP

Management Directory

NFPA Representatives

NFPA Primary RepresentativeSue Beichleynfpa-one@wspaonline.org

Secondary RepresentativeJeanenne Rutherfordnfpa-two@wspaonline.org

PACE AmbassadorOpenpace-chair@wspaonline.org

Directors

East King Co. DirectorMary Knightekco-director@wspaonline.org

Northwest Director Jennifier Provalenkonw-director@wspaonline.org

Seattle DirectorJosh Normandseattle-director@wspaonline.org

Snohomish Co. Chapter Director Sue Holstromsnohomish-director@wspaonline.org

South King CountyOpenskco-director@wspaonline.org

South Puget SoundMisty Carmensps-director@wspaonline.org

Director Marketing & Vendor RelationsDonna Ziegler

Director At-Large, WestOpenal-west-director@wspaonline.org

Committee Chairs

CLE Approval Committee ChairStephanie Dermontcle-chair@wspaonline.org

Job Bank Committee ChairJennifer Dannerjob-bank-chair@wspaonline.org

Pro Bono CoordinatorJeanenne Rutherfordprobono-chair@wspaonline.org

Newsletter Coordinator/EditorJay Jenkinseditor@wspaonline.org

Legalman Coordinator Jeanenne Rutherfordmilitary-paralegal-support@wspaonline.org

Webmasterwebmaster@wspaonline.org

F I N D I N G S & C O N C L U S I O N S

Findings & Conclusions 3

(President’s Corner continued from Page One)

Student Dinner

! Planning is in the early stages for WSPA’s Annual Student Career Night and Dinner. The event is generally held in Seattle on the last Friday in January. It is an excellent opportunity of students and job seekers to network and get a jump start into the paralegal working world. The evening begins with a resume review workshop, wherein paralegal professionals review students’ resumes and provide tips to help them stand out. After a delicious dinner, the evening is capped off with presentations from a wonderful group of speakers. A panel of currently working paralegals will discuss their day to day activities and their roles as a paralegal in the office. In addition, a law office administrator/hiring manager speaks about tips for interviewing and what they look for in a successful candidate. Finally, a legal recruiter discusses hiring trends, interview tips, professionalism, and other topics relevant to the job search. It is a fun and informative evening and one of our most popular events.

PACE Study Groups

! Currently, study groups are forming for fall. If you are qualified and have thought about taking the PACE exam, why not challenge yourself and take the next step to advance your career? The RP credential is becoming more recognized on the West coast and having the designation will only set you apart from other paralegals. If you are on the fence about taking the test, I encourage you to talk to a current RP. After just a few moments, you will see the pride and sense of accomplishment they show. It is a great achievement and one that is and should be worn proudly. WSPA recognizes its RP’s at the CLE’s, where they receive their RP pin. Also, the RP is recognized on the NFPA and WSPA website for their achievement. If you would like to participate in a study group or have more questions a b o u t P A C E , p l e a s e e m a i l president@wspaonline.org.

! As you can see, WSPA is gearing up for a busy fall and winter. What do you get from your membership? You get what you put into it. I challenge you to get involved with WSPA at a level you never have before. If you regularly attend

chapter meetings, become a volunteer with the chapter. If you have an interest in membership, marketing, vendor relations, finance, etc., inquire about ways you can get involved with WSPA. We are an all volunteer organization and welcome the opportunity to have people help in any way possible. If you want to advance your career, challenge yourself to take the PACE or PCC exam. There are plenty of ways you can grow professionally. WSPA provides you the tools, but you have to use them. I am honored to be your President for the coming year and I look forward to seeing you at future WSPA events.

WHY SHOULD I CARE ABOUT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT?by Brian Haberly, WSPA President

It has been said that when we stop learning we stop growing. For far too many paralegals, they have chosen to stop growing professionally, and they have thereby relinquished some of their full earnings potential and likely too some future job opportunities by shortchanging themselves when it comes to continued legal education. The good news is that YOU have the power to shape your own future, be deciding to invest in yourself and your career, and WSPA stands ready to help you get to the next level!

WSPA has long supported the concept that quality paralegal educational programs are essential for proper entry into the paralegal profession. Ongoing legal education, in the form of WSPA's well received Spring and Fall CLE programs and local chapter meetings, is integral to your keeping up to date with evolving legal practices, current case law, and making you more valuable to present and future employers.

I am often both surprised and frankly disappointed when meeting a fellow paralegal for the first time, when I learn of their lack of interest in their own professional development. As a longtime member

of WSPA, I naturally ask if they are a member of any professional association, or if they have attended any continuing legal education programs in the past year or two that they especially liked. Sadly, many paralegals have "checked out" mentally and decided that they are "just too busy" to take the time to keep their skills sharp and their legal knowledge up to date. They have come to the conclusion that participating in a professional organization or attending CLE programs is for "someone else" and that they'll get around to joining some type of organization "someday" when they have more time and a bit more money. They try to justify their decision with phrases such as "the programs offered aren't directly useful to my type of legal practice" or "I would like to attend, but my boss won't give me the time off" or "my firm no longer pays for CLE costs and I can't afford to pay it myself."

I would argue that investing in yourself and perhaps using some of your own vacation time (if your employer is too stingy to send you on their dime) is a wise investment. In fact, taking advantage of the knowledge sharing and networking opportunities afforded at WSPA's cost effective all day CLE programs is one of the best values in paralegal education offered anywhere, and may well kick-start your otherwise stalled legal career!

The American Bar Association has long understood the need for Continuing Legal Education, and most states require their attorneys to complete several hours of CLEs each year in order to keep their license to practice law in effect. Unfortunately, for paralegals, the decision to attend CLE programs is not a requirement but rather one that requires a certain amount of vision and common sense. These days though, it seems that Common Sense is in increasingly short supply.

If you want to be seen as a leader in your law firm or legal department, you need to demonstrate to your manager or supervising attorney that you are someone who has taken the necessary steps to advance your career, and that you are teachable and promotable. One of the BEST ways to do that is to join organizations like the Washington State Paralegal Association, and to attend both WSPA and non-WSPA CLE programs throughout the year.

(Continued Next Page)

Brian Haberly, VP Professional Development

F I N D I N G S & C O N C L U S I O N S

4 Findings & Conclusions

Findings and Conclusions is the official publication of the Washington State Paralegal Association and is published six times per year.

(Continued from Previous Page)

Even better is to step up and volunteer some time to your profession, by serving on a WSPA committee, or as a local or statewide leader.

By highlighting both your continued WSPA membership and your scheduled and already competed CLE classes to your manager as part of your own career development plan, you can make a strong case that you are adding value to your legal team. You will gain the tools and confidence necessary to speak up at your mid-year and annual review sessions, and to demonstrate why you should be given a raise or a promotion, or both!

The motivational speaker Anthony Robbins said it best. He noted, "The Road to Someday leads to the Town of Nowhere. Procrastination is the silent killer."

Don't put off the first steps to a better future in your paralegal career. Make a commitment to yourself TODAY to attend as many WSPA Chapter Meetings and our Statewide Spring and Fall CLE programs to keep advancing your legal knowledge. Consider demonstrating your knowledge by taking either the new Paralegal Core Competency Exam (to be offered nationwide beginning in November 2011) or if you qualify, by taking the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam and becoming a PACE Registered Paralegal (a/k/a an "RP").

Take a moment now to set aside Friday, October 28th on your Calendar as the date for our Fall CLE Program, which will be offered in Seattle. (More details coming soon!) Hope to see you there!

NW Chapter Reportby Michele Snow-Waltz

The WSPA NW Chapter April brown bag CLE was held at the Elder Law Offices of Meyers & Avery. Our speaker was Virginia Tucker. Virginia teaches

at the School of Library & Information Science at San Jose University and is the head law librarian for Whatcom County. She received the prestigious Liberty Bell Award in 2010 from the Skagit County Bar Association. Virginia has been a paralegal’s best friend for quite some time, and now she has co-authored the how-to manual “Finding the Answers to Legal Questions.” Virginia described the process of writing a book meant to be used by paralegals, paralegals students, and pro se litigants. The book can be ordered through Amazon.

On May 25 our Chapter Meeting was held at Cascade Pizza in Bellingham, Washington. We recognized our out-going chapter director, Michelle Snow-Waltz, and greeted our new chapter director, Jeniffier Provalenko. Jeniffier has put together a calendar full of activities for the remainder of 2011, and we are looking forward to the CLEs, chapter socials, and community volunteer opportunities she has planned. Keep checking the WSPA calendar for notices of upcoming events.

Michelle expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to serve as NW Chapter Director since 2009, and for those chapter members, WSPA officers, and other WSPA chapter directors who have helped her to ensure that the NW Chapter continues to be a success and to thrive.

Thank you all. Michelle J. Snow-Waltz, RP®

East King County Chapter Reportby Josh Normand

For May, the East King County Chapter held its monthly meeting at the Panera Bread in Redmond. The featured speaker was Judi Maier, Esq. of Omnitek Systems Solutions, Inc. who spoke to the

group about a “Less-Paper Office”. She recently attended the ABA Technology Show in Chicago and shared with us her lessons learned about going paperless. For example, the average law firm has between 10-19 copies of each document and it costs $20 to file one sheet of paper. There’s a cost factor involved with keeping hard copies of documents today that didn’t exist 10-20 years ago. It’s easier to scan documents into the drive and with the advent of the “Cloud”; it’s in everyone’s best interest to have as few “hard copies” of paper as humanly possible.

There were approximately 10 people attending this meeting, representing law firms and newer WSPA members. Additionally, I want to thank Mary Knight, incoming East King County Chapter Director, for her work and cooperation on this meeting and plans for the coming year. I will be taking her place as the Seattle Chapter Director of WSPA. We look forward to a great year of fun and rewarding chapter meetings and other events.

Secretary’s Reportby Sarah Eisenhauer

I am thrilled to be elected to the Secretary’s position. I am looking forward to working with the other WSPA management to further the mission of the Association in the coming year.

I have been a member of WSPA since 2009 and held the position of Snohomish County Chapter Director during that same time.

At this time, I am getting a feel for what my role will be in the coming year and am helping to work on some goals for the position and the Association. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to contact me at secretary@wspaonline.org.

(Reports Continued Page Seven)

Josh Normand, Seattle Chapter DirectorSue Beichley, VP-Membership & Primary

4200 23rd Avenue WestSeattle, WA 98199ph: 206.957.6495fx: 206.829.2190info@tscan.biz

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F I N D I N G S & C O N C L U S I O N S

6 Findings & Conclusions

(Reports Continued from Page Five)

Membership Reportby Sue Beichley

As of mid-July, we had a total of 245 members. We would like to welcome the following new members to WSPA:

Angela Berg, Tiffanee Chaufty, Brandon Eastman, Kathy Folkers, Justine Goodwin, Kelly Hamilton, Sherry Kness, Dawn Lenn, Angela Lewis, Nina Marie, Matt Monkress, Darlene Murray, Alison Ramsey, Jacob Reichert, Justin Roodman, Ginger Smith, William Tronvig, Sandra Watanabe

NFPA Primary Reportby Sue Beichley

The National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc. will be holding its 2011 Annual Convention October 13 – October 16 in Bloomington, Minnesota. It will be hosted by the Minnesota Paralegal Association.

by: Jeanenne Rutherford

On June 11, 2011 NFPA launched the new Paralegal Core Competency exam (PCC). WSPA was honored to sponsor the pilot test at Highline Community College.

There are many who have not been in a proctored testing situation. While being told in the instructions that they can have no bags of any kind, including their purse, many were still surprise that they had to part with their belongings. The seats are often assigned and you do not sit next to anyone (usually one seat in between).

Danya Clevenger, Education Test Coordinator at the University of Washington, had been contracted to be Chief Examiner. She brought along three assistants to help proctor and check in the testers. Some test takers arrived early and there were only five no shows.

The main duties for a proctor is to administer the test, oversight (yes, no cheating), maintaining a suitable environment (keeping annoying sounds at a minimum, like eating, pencil tapping, etc.), walk through the group and make sure they were filling in the answer bubbles on the exam card and not

circling them and collecting materials at the end of the test (making sure all test materials are accounted for, and test cards signed).

The first person to finish did so in 40 minutes. He told me "it was easy." In one and half ours 5 more had completed the exam. Only one person took the entire 2 and 1/2 hours. Results of the test are to be mailed out on August 1st.

The pilot test was a steal at only $65! The regular fee for the computer-based PCC Exam will be $215 and it is expected to debut in November 2011.   The full Handbook is expected to be available by download in August.

WSPA would like to give Highline Community College (HCC) and Jessica Neilson, Coordinator for the HCC Paralegal Program, a big thank you for allowing our pilot test exam to be held on t h e i r c a m p u s !

Findings and Conclusions is the official publication of the Washington State Paralegal Association and is published six times per year. Letters to the Editor, articles, advertisements or correspondence should be submitted to:

WSPA Newsletter EditorP.O. Box 58530Seattle, WA 98138Email: editor@wspaonline.orgWSPA Email: Info@wspaonline.org

All submissions are due the 20th of each odd numbered month for publication the following month. Articles may be submitted on disk in Word format or via Email.

ADVERTISING RATES:Dimensions Month to Month Pre-Paid One Year! ! ! (6 Issues)1/8 page! $ 50.00! 20% discount 1/4 page! $100.00 ! 20% discount1/2 page! $150.00 ! 20% discountFull page! $200.00 ! 25% discountContact editor@wspaonline.org for additional advertising information.

The Editor reserves the right to edit material for clarity, space or advertising.The articles published herein express the opinions of their authors and, unless expressly stated, do not necessarily reflect those of WSPA.Unless otherwise indicated, the authors of the submissions contained in Findings & Conclusions are paralegals. All reports, profiles, summaries, checklists, articles, or other submissions are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon for that purpose. All opinions expressed in any submission are the authors’ sole opinion and should not be taken as the opinion or position of the Washington State Paralegal Association.

Original items printed here are the property of WSPA. We ask that National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) member associations who reprint articles from Findings and Conclusions, credit the article and provide WSPA with a copy as reprinted. Others may not reproduce original material for any purpose without prior, written consent of the WSPA Newsletter Editor.

Publication of any advertisement does not imply endorsement of the product/services offered. WSPA reserves the right to reject advertisement due to content or space considerations.

Unless otherwise indicated, the authors of the submissions contained in Findings & Conclusions are paralegals. All reports, profiles, summaries, checklists, articles, or other submissions are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon for that purpose. All opinions expressed in any submission are the authors’ sole opinion and should not be taken as the opinion or position of the Washington State P a r a l e g a l A s s o c i a t i o n

WSPA's Mission: To enthusiastically support and promote the paralegal profession in the State of Washington.

We are dedicated to the enhancement of the paralegal profession.

We strive for personal and professional development.

We will encourage increased utilization of paralegals to broaden employment opportunities statewide.

We advocate high quality paralegal educational programs in preparation for entry into the profession.

We hold our members to high standards by requiring 10 Continuing Legal Education credits per year to retain full voting status or to hold an office in the Association.

We will monitor proposed state and federal legislation affecting paralegals and will participate in the legislative and regulatory process to represent our Members' views.

7 Findings & Conclusions

HELP WSPA SUPPORT MILITARY PARALEGALS AROUND THE WORLD

! Calling all WSPA members! We have set a goal for 2011 to send 6 Military paralegal care packages to make life easier for those who have chosen to serve our country.

! We have been assigned a paralegal who is stationed at Guantanamo.

These soldiers work almost non-stop and can not just run to the store for a treat or something to read. Along with food hygiene and entertainment items, we include postcards from the Seattle area and current magazines for men and women.

Please help us with our goal by bringing your donations to the WSPA chapter meetings. You can also include a card to thanking them for their service and telling them a little about ourselves and where we live. Items will be collected, boxed and mailed to designated military base or ships every other month.If you would like to participate but are unable to bring an item to the meetings, contact me at the email below and we will arrange for pick up. You could also send a check to:

WSPAPO Box 58530

Seattle, WA 98138-1530Please make the check out to WSPA and indicate that the funds are for the military outreach program. This will help purchase phone cards or other items that we would like to include.WSPA is a founding member of the NFPA Military Paralegal Outreach program, which began in February 2006. We appreciate the members of WSPA for the strong support of this program!Any questions regarding this continuing project may be directed to Jeanenne Rutherford, jrutherford@perkinscoie.com

Suggested Items:

Hygiene: Food:Antibiotic Ointment Single Serving Pasta LicoriceChapstick/lip balm/Carmex Ready to Heat Soups Sunflower SeedsSunscreen (Bull Frog is good) Lunchables Aqua DropsBug Repellent (with deet) Ramon Noodles GumFace cleaner Powdered Power-Aide/Gator-Aide/ Peanuts in a shellEye drops/Saline Koolaid/Tang Rice Krispy TreatsLiquid hand sanitizer/Baby wipes Granola Bars/Cereal Bars Snack CakesFoot/body powder (Gold Bond) Fruit Roll-ups Misc:Deodorant Raisins CondimentsShampoo/Conditioner Beef Jerky (no pork) Lemonade/Ice Tea MixTooth Brush/Toothpaste Applesauce Cough DropsNose spray/nose drops Fruit/Pudding Cups Stationery/envelopesHand/Body Lotion Cereal (individual Servings) Stamps/PensBand-aids, Mole Skin Chex Mix Dice/Travel GamesSoap Tuna Kits Individual Instant CoffeeMouth Wash Snacks: Books/MagazinesNail Clippers Hard Candy (no chocolate-it melts) Tylenol/IbuprofenDental Floss Snack Mix Allergy MedicineTums/Rolaids Chips/Cookies/Crackers/Microwave Ziploc BagsTylenol/Aspirin Popcorn/Pretzels Instant CamerasQ-Tips Pop Tarts RainX

TIPS FROM A SOLDIER'S MOM: • Send sauce packets (like Arby's sauce). I am told this can make any MIC's taste good.• Send cards and email/snail mail so soldiers can say thank you.• Holiday cards, photos and stories of the everyday things at home are priceless. • Some of the favorite letters are about walking the dog, the kids holiday show and local sports, even if it is not their family it helps you

know that life goes on.

8 Findings & Conclusions

Washington State Paralegal Association

Membership Application PO Box 58530, Seattle WA 98138 Membership Year 1/1/2011 to 12/31/2011

WSPA Membership Application- Membership Application form page 1

Important: This form should be used only to apply for new membership. If you are a current WSPA member, please use the Membership Renewal form. You may also Renew and pay by credit card securely online at

http://www.acteva.com/GO/WSPA.

Applicant Name:

Mailing Address:

Daytime Phone: __________________________

Evening Phone: __________________________

Fax Number: ____________________________

Primary Email Address: Alternate Email Address for emergencies:

Employer Name & Address (if applicable):

Does your Employer pay for your Dues? Yes ____ No _____

Can we send a thank you note to your manager? If yes, supply Manager or Paralegal Supervisor name and email address:

WSPA Membership Categories

Type (Check one and submit the appropriate membership fee with your application. Make checks payable to WSPA. WSPA is a Washington

nonprofit corporation, Tax ID # 51-0140447):

! Voting Member - $100.00 - Any paralegal (see definition on reverse) living or working in Washington State holding an associate

or bachelors degree and at least 24 semester hours in paralegal studies, OR with minimum of three years experience as a paralegal as

defined by NFPA (see reverse). 10 CLE credit hours per year are required to maintain voting status when renewing voting membership.

! Non-Profit or Government Employee Member - $75.00 – Any individual eligible for voting membership who works for a

federally recognized non-profit [501(c)(3)] organization or a government agency (including armed forces).

! Student Member - $50.00 - Full-time student currently enrolled in a paralegal program & not eligible for voting nor associate

membership status.

! Associate Member - $100.00 – Any individual unable to meet the requirements of the above 3 membership categories.

! Sustaining Member - $200.00 - Any person, partnership, organization, or other entity interested in supporting the purposes of

the Association. PLEASE USE THE SEPARATE SUSTAINING MEMBERSHIP FORM RATHER THAN THIS FORM.

Who referred you to WSPA? (Please be specific so that we can thank them!): ______________________________

Special Qualifications: ! PACE® Registered Paralegal ! LPO ! CLA (Certified Legal Assistant)

Chapter Affiliation(s):

! East King County ! Northwest ! Seattle ! Snohomish County ! South King County

! Spokane ! South Puget Sound ! Central Washington ! Other: _______________________

Check all areas in which you are willing to help:

! Chapter Activities ! Events (CLE's, Convention) ! Membership ! Newsletter

! Job Bank Admin. ! Other:_______________________________________________________________________

**Please visit our website at www.wspaonline.org to sign up for specific list servs. Please note that by participating in these list servs, you will receive regular e-mail updates and have the opportunity to participate in e-mail discussion of issues relevant to the list serv.**

WSPA Membership Application- Membership Application form page 2

Education: (check all completed)

! Assoc. Degree, Paralegal Studies*

! Assoc. Degree, Other

! Bachelor's Degree, Paralegal Studies*

! Bachelor's Degree, Other

! Certificate in Paralegal Studies*

! Master's Degree

! Other Postgraduate Degree

! Other: ____________________________

*Must include 24 semester credit hours (or equivalent) of paralegal specialty courses. See Bylaw 2.1.1 for credit hour requirements.

**If you are currently enrolled in a paralegal studies program, give:

Name of the school/program: __________________________________________________________________________

Location:_____________________________ Length of program:_______________________

Degree expected: Type:_________________ Month & Year:___________________________

Employment:

Number of years of experience as a paralegal _______.

Current status (Check all applicable):

!Employed full-time as a paralegal !Employed part-time as a paralegal

!Employed full-time, not as a paralegal !Employed part-time, not as a paralegal

!Full-time student in a paralegal program** !Part-time student in a paralegal program**

!Unemployed !Other: _________________________

Employer Type:

!Private Law Firm !Government Agency

!Public Service Agency !Self-employed/freelance/contract

!Corp. Legal Dept./Other Private Industry !Temporary Employment Agency

Practice Areas (check all areas in which you regularly practice):

!Admiralty/Maritime !Bankruptcy !Civil Litigation !Collection

!Commercial Torts !Contracts !Corporate/Business !Criminal

!Elder Law !Employment/Labor !Environmental !ERISA/Employee Benefits

!Estate Planning !Family/Domestic !Foreclosures !Government

!Intellectual Property !Land Use !Legal Technology !Malpractice/Professional Liability

!Personal Injury !Probate !Real Estate !Securities

!Tax !Workers Compensation !Other:__________________________________

Definitions Paralegal (NFPA Definition): A paralegal is a person qualified through education, training, or work experience to perform substantive legal work that

requires knowledge of legal concepts and is customarily, but not exclusively, performed by a lawyer. This person may be retained or employed by a

lawyer, law office, governmental agency, or other entity or may be authorized by administrative, statutory, or court authority to perform this work. For additional definitions, requirements, and various other information, check our web site at http://www.wspaonline.org.

Signature:

I affirm that the information given in this application is true and correct and that I meet the requirements for the membership category indicated above.

Signed: Date:

Please mail your completed application and check made payable to "WSPA" to:

WSPA Membership Dept. P.O. Box 58530 Seattle WA 98138

Washington State Paralegal Association 2011 Membership Renewal Form PO Box 58530, Seattle WA 98138-1530 For the Membership Period of 1/1/2011 to 12/31/2011

To file this Renewal Form with your check payment (payable to WSPA), Mail it to WSPA, P O Box 58530, Seattle, WA 98138-1530;

Questions? Please email for assistance to: info@wspaonline.org

Important: This form should be used only to renew a current or previous WSPA membership. If you are applying for a new WPSA membership, please Join Online at www.wspaonline.org. You may also Renew and pay by credit card securely online at http://www.acteva.com/GO/WSPA (Renewing Member option)

Member’s Name: WSPA Membership Number (if known):

Mailing Address:

!!!! Check here if this is an updated Mailing Address

Daytime Phone: Evening Phone:

E-Mail Address (primary):

E-Mail Address (secondary):

WSPA Membership (See below for definitions and requirements.)

Check one and submit the appropriate membership fee with your application. Make checks payable to WSPA.

WSPA is a Washington not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization, Tax ID # 51-0140447:

" Voting Member - $100.00 Employer Paid? "Yes "No

" Non-Profit or Government Employee Member - $75.00

I hereby certify that I qualify for voting membership by reason of education and/or experience, as described below. If I have previously been a voting member for a year or more, I further certify that I have met the CLE requirement for continued voting membership, and I have attached the necessary CLE Declaration.

Signed:_______________________________________________________________________________

" Associate Member - $100.00

" Student Member - $50.00

Definitions & Requirements

Paralegal (NFPA Definition): A paralegal is a person qualified through education, training, or work experience to perform substantive legal work that

requires knowledge of legal concepts and is customarily, but not exclusively, performed by a lawyer. This person may be retained or employed by a

lawyer, law office, governmental agency, or other entity or may be authorized by administrative, statutory, or court authority to perform this work. Substantive shall mean work requiring recognition, evaluation, organization, analysis, and communication of relevant facts and legal concepts.

Membership Types – Voting Membership - $100: Any paralegal (see definition above) living or working in Washington with an associate or bachelors degree and 24

semester hours in paralegal studies OR having a minimum of three year’s experience as a paralegal as defined by NFPA. 10 CLE credit hours are required to maintain voting status when renewing membership after one full year as a voting member.

Non-Profit or Government Employee Member - $75.00 – Any individual working for a federally recognized non-profit [501(c)(3)] organization or a

government agency (including armed forces). Eligible to vote and hold office and is subject to the same requirements as other voting members (see above).

Student Membership - $50: Any student currently enrolled in a paralegal program & not eligible for voting nor associate membership status. Student

membership is limited to 4 years. Associate Membership - $100: Individuals not eligible for voting, nonprofit, governmental, or student membership. CLE Credits: 10 credits are required each year to renew as a voting member or a nonprofit or governmental member after one full year of voting

membership. Up to 15 unused credits may be carried over to satisfy the next year’s requirement. See bylaws and CLE guidelines printed on the web site of the Association (http://www.wspaonline.org).