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!

Findings & Conclusions

President’s Corner!by: Brenda Cothary!

As   we   head   into  another  summer  and  another   nearly   half-­‐‑year   gone,   WSPA  continues   to   grow  and   thrive.     Thank  y o u   f o r   y o u r  c o n t i n u e d  membe r sh i p   and  support  of  WSPA  and  t h e   p a r a l e g a l  profession.    I  am  honored  to  call  myself  a  paralegal  and  to  work  beside  such  a  great  group  of  people.      

Your   WSPA   Board   has   been   busy   with  many   projects.     We   are   working   on  revisions   to   the   by-­‐‑laws   to   adjust   for  

revised   membership   categories   and   re-­‐‑instituting  the  CLE  requirement.    We  feel  it   is   important   for   members   to   grow  personally   and   professionally,   and   the  requirement   of   continuing   education  supports  those  or  goals.    I  hope  this  year  our   Board   can   focus   on   updating   the  Procedures  Manual  and  Director  Manual  in   order   to   have   a   complete   set   of  working  documents.  

Your  Board  voted  two  years  ago  to  lower  dues   to   reflect   the   difficult   economy.    While   we   hope   things   improve   for   our  economy,   we   understand   that   times   are  tough   now   and   everyone   is   forced   to  juggle   financial   responsibilities.     Dues  that   are  paid   to  WSPA   largely  go   to  pay  membership   in   NFPA,   with   a   small  portion  retained  by  WSPA  for  operations.    Recently,  NFPA  has  discussed   increasing  their   dues   to   cover   their   ever-­‐‑growing  expenses.    NFPA  has  not  raised  their  dues  

in   many   years,   so   based   on   the   cost   of  doing   business,   this   is   not   unexpected.    Please  be  aware   that  WSPA  may  need   to  increase   its   dues   in   order   to   keep   pace  with  NFPA.    We  will,  however,  give  you  as   much   notice   as   possible   before   any  changes  are  made.  

We  are  still  working  on   the  website   (yes,  it  has  been  an  18  month  project  thus  far),  but   perhaps   it   will   be   rolled   out   by   the  time  you  read   this.    WSPA  is  an  entirely  volunteer  organization,  so  finding  time  to  review   and   update   website   content   has  been   a   difficult   task.     I   appreciate   the  efforts  of  all  who  have  contributed  to  this  project.     I   am   excited   for   all   of   our  members   to  see  what   the  new  site  has   to  offer.     It   is  more   user   friendly,   allowing  members   to   update   their   profile,   easily  access   a   member   directory,   and   have   a  truly   dedicated   “members   only”   (Con’t  Page  3)  

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

President’s Corner Page 1!!Spring CLE Page 3!!Law Day Page 5

A Bi-Monthly Newsletter Volume 29 Issue 1 April/May 2014 !Management Reports Page 8!Support Our Sponsors Page 11 !Membership App 16

2013  President    

Brenda  Cothary

Time to

Renew Dues.

To check membership status and/or

request an in

voice, please

email:info@wspaonlin

e.org

Mail Payment to

:

WSPA

PO Box 58530, Seattle 98138-1530

A P R I L / M A Y 2 0 1 4

Findings & Conclusions " 1

!!Administrator!

Administration Services, Inc.!PO Box 58530!Seattle, WA 98138-1530!206.623.8632!administrator@wspaonline.org!!Officers!!President!Brenda Cothary!president@wspaonline.org!!Vice-Presidident Membership !Sue Beichley-Lewis!vp-membership@wspaonline.org!!Vice-President Professional Development!

Rebecca Charles!vp-profession@wspaonline.org!!Secretary!Sarah Eisenhauer!secretary@wspaonline.org !!Treasurer !Debra Smith!treasurer@wspaonline.org!!Immediate Past President!Brian Haberly RP!!!

Management Directory!!!NFPA Representatives!!NFPA Primary Representative!Sue Beichley-Lewis!nfpa-one@wspaonline.org!!Secondary Representative!Jeanenne Rutherford!nfpa-two@wspaonline.org!!PACE Ambassador!Helen Halloran, CRP!pace-chair@wspaonline.org!!Directors!East King Co. Chapter Director!Vacant!ekco-director@wspaonline.org!

Northwest Chapter Director !Patty Christensen!nw-director@wspaonline.org!

Seattle Chapter Director!Vacant!seattle-director@wspaonline.org!

Snohomish Co. Chapter Director !Vacant!snohomish-director@wspaonline.org!

Spokane County Chapter Director !Elena Manley!spokane-director@wspaonline.org!

South King County Chapter Director!Julie Wescott!skco-director@wspaonline.org!!South Puget Sound Chapter Director!Vacant!sps-director@wspaonline.org!!!

!!!!Director At-Large, West!Vacant!al-west-director@wspaonline.org

Committee Chairs Certification Coordinator!Vacant!pace-ambassador@wspaonline.org!

CLE Coordinator!Stephanie Dermont!cle-chair@wspaonline.org!

CLE Event Coordinator!Vacant!Conference_chair@wspaonline.org!

Job Bank Coordinator!Barbara Parnell, RP!job-bank-chair@wspaonline.org!!Marketing Coordinator!Debra Smith!marketing-chair@wspaonline.org!

Pro Bono Coordinator!Vacant!probono-chair@wspaonline.org!

Newsletter Co-Coordinator/Editor!Jay Jenkins!editor@wspaonline.org!

Newsletter Co- Coordinator/Editor!Marsha Milroy!newsletter-assistant@wspaonline.org!!Webmaster!webmaster@wspaonline.org

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

" Findings & Conclusions2

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Spring

Join us June 7th for a day of enrichment and information that will help you develop your skills and expand your knowledge in several key practice areas:!•! Ethics!•! Asset Investigations!•! Landlord Tenant!•! Family Law Mediation!•! Medical Record Retrieval!•! Depositions!•! Trial Practice!Each seminar is approved for 1.5 hours of CLE credit. We will also have several exhibitors on site and offer a vendor bingo drawing at the end of the day.

������Schedule!!

Registration! ! ! ! ! 8:00-8:30!Seminars! ! ! ! ! 8:30-2:45!Vendor Bingo! ! ! ! 2:45-3:00!!

Cost!WSPA Members! ! ! ! $125!Non-Members! ! ! ! $200!Student/Govt/Non Profit! ! ! $100!!Register Online:! ! www.wspaonline.org

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CLE

During lunch we will announce the winners of our annual awards:!!• Lifetime Achievement!• Paralegal of the Year!• Paralegal Pro Bono!• Community Service!• WSPA Volunteer of the Year!• Student Scholarships. !• Longevity Awards !!We will also honor those who have passed the PACE and PCCE exams, as well as introduce the new Board of Directors.!

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

Findings & Conclusions " 3

F O R O V E R 6 0 Y E A R S , N O R T H W E S T C O U R T REPORTERS HAS BEEN THE T R U S T E D S O U R C E F O R SEATTLE DEPOSITIONS AND TRANSCRIPTS. WE TAKE THE TIME TO BUILD A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH EVERY CLIENT, WHICH GUARANTEES EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE. OUR DEDICATED TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS SPECIALIZES IN MEDICAL, TECHNICAL, AND P E R S O N A L I N J U R Y L I T I G A T I O N . W E A R E COMMITTED TO PROVIDING F A S T, A C C U R AT E , A N D RELIABLE SERVICES TO OUR CLIENTS. N O R T H W E S T C O U R T REPORTERS ALSO OFFERS EMERGENCY AND SHORT-NOTICE SERVICES. WE ARE P R O U D T O S E R V E T H E GREATER PUGET SOUND AREA, INCLUDING SEATTLE, B E L L E V U E , E V E R E T T , TACOMA, OLYMPIA, FEDERAL W A Y , B R E M E R T O N , SILVERDALE, PORT ORCHARD, BAINBRIDGE ISLAND AND THE K I T S A P A N D O L Y M P I C PENINSULAS.

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E-MAIL: NWCOURTREPORTERS@IINET.COM

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

" Findings & Conclusions4

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

Findings & Conclusions " 5

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

WSPA Member of the Month

Michelle  Lynn-­‐‑Moore  Cummings,  RP  graduated  from  Highline  Community  College  in  1998  with  an  AA  in  Paralegal  Studies.  Ms.  Cummings  worked  for  several  law  firms  ranging  from  a  solo  practioner  to  large  litigation  firms  in  the  following  areas  of  law:   family   law,  personal   injury,  criminal  and  products   liability  civil   litigation.  Ms.  Cummings  currently  employed  at  Fiori  Law  Office  in  Auburn,  WA  working  with  Lore]a  M.  Fiori-­‐‑Thomas.  Primary  area  of  practice  is  Family  Law.  !Ms.  Cummings  passed   the  Paralegal  Advance  Competency  Exam  (PACE)  on   January  5,  2014.  Ms.  Cummings  says   that   she  “utilized  the  7  week  PACE  Review  Course  by  API  and  found  this  course  to  be  extremely  helpful  in  passing  the  PACE  Exam.    !This  review  course  has  also  helped  prepare  me  for  the  online  courses  I  am  now  taking  at  the  U.W.  School  of  Law.  There  are  three  courses  I  am  required  to  complete,  they  are  Family  Law  I,  II  &  III.  These  classes  are  to  prepare  me  for  taking  the  Limited  License  Legal  Technician  exam  in  March  2015  in  the  area  of  Domestic  Relations.  I  plan  to  continue  working  for  the  Fiori  Law  Firm  as  a  LLLT  so  our  firm  will  be  able  to  offer  a  more  affordable  option  of  limited  legal  services  where  I  would  be  able  to  

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

Findings & Conclusions " 7

(President’s Corner Con’t. from Page one)!

section   for   forms,   job   bank,   newsle]ers,  etc.     In   addition,   our   sponsors   are   be]er  highlighted,  and  officers  and  directors  can  now  update   the  website   and   calendar  on  their   own.     The   best   feature,   in   my  opinion,   is   the   integrated   event   payment  system.     It   will   eliminate   the   need   for  visiting   additional   sites   to  pay   for   events  or   other   listings.     We   have   switched   to  PayPal   for   event   registrations   and  payment   processing.     We   had   to   move  away   from   our   long   time   payment  system,   Acteva,   due   to   slow   payment  from  them.     It  has  been  an  adjustment  to  use   PayPal,   as   it   doesn’t   seem   to   have   a  good   place   in   our   event   announcements.    It   will   work   much   be]er   on   the   new  website.     I   look   forward   to   hearing   your  reviews  of  our  efforts  to  update  the  site.  

F inal ly ,   we   unexpectedly   had   to  reschedule   the   Spring   CLE.     We   always  hold  our  event  on  the  last  Friday  in  April.    This   year   we   didn’t   realize   how   many  competing   events   were   occurring   at   the  same  time.    Feedback   from  our  members  was   that   it   was   too   difficult   to   a]end  everything  they  wanted.    We  have  moved  the   Spring   CLE   and   Annual   Awards  Luncheon   to   Saturday   June   7.     We   are  excited   about   our   new   venue   at   the  Embassy   Suites   in   Tukwila.     It   is  conveniently   located   near   several   major  highways  for  ease  of  commuting,  and  we  plan   to  wrap  up  early  enough   in   the  day  that   members   can   still   enjoy   a   beautiful  Saturday  afternoon.    I  hope  you  will  plan  to  a]end  this  event  –  we  have  a  great  line  up  of  speakers  and  topics  for  everyone  to  enjoy.  

This  will  be  a  great  year  for  WSPA  as  our  profession   grows   and   evolves.     The   eyes  of   the   country   are   on   Washington,   with  the  Limited  License  Legal  Technician  Rule  and   procedures   coming   to   fruition   this  year.     Look   further   in   this   newsle]er   for  d e t a i l e d   i n f o rma t i on   a bou t   t h e  requirements   for   becoming   an   LLLT   and  the  scope  of  practice.    It  has  been  an  honor  for   me   to   serve   on   this   ground-­‐‑breaking  board   and   to   help   set   the   parameters   for  these  practitioners.  

As   we   head   into   the   summer   months,   I  encourage   you   to   reflect   upon   your  profession   and   your   career.     Where   are  you  now  and  where  do  you  want  to  go?    I  a pp r e c i a t e   y ou r   c ommen t s   a nd  suggestions   about   how   WSPA   can   meet  your   needs   and   help   you   get   what   you  need   for   your   personal   and   professional  development.  Have  a  happy  summer!!

LLLT Updates!The  Washington   Supreme  Court   adopted  the   Limited   License   Legal   Technician  (LLLT)  Rule,   effective   September   1,   2012.  This   rule   authorizes   non-­‐‑a]orneys   who  meet   certain   educational   requirements   to  advise   and   assist   clients   in   approved  practice  areas  of  law.  

The   Washington   State   Bar   Association  (WSBA),   through   the   Limited   License  Legal  Technician  Board’s  (Board)  role  is  to  maintain   the   high   standards   set   for   the  legal   profession   while   serving   as   the  regulators  of  this  new  rule.  The  goal  is  to  ensure   quality   implementation   aimed   at  suppor t ing   WSBA   members   and  upholding  protection  of  the  public.  There  is  no  other  state  with  a  similar  LLLT  rule.  This   rule   provides   Washington   the  opportunity   to   lead   the   nation   in  expanding  legal  services  for  the  people  of  our  state.  

In  late  December  2012,  the  Supreme  Court  appointed   the   first   LLLT   Board,   which  includes  several  non-­‐‑a]orneys  and  a  legal  educator.  The  Board'ʹs  charter   for   the  first  year   is   to  begin  creating  and  drafting   the  operational  details  for  the  LLLT  program.  This   includes  regulations   for  professional  conduct,   exam   procedures,   continuing  education   requirements,   and   disciplinary  procedures.  

The   LLLT   Board   began   its   work   in  January   2013.   As   one   of   its   first   actions,  the  Board  recommended  family  law  as  the  first   practice   area   in   which   to   license  LLLTs,   which   the   Supreme   Court  unanimously  approved  in  March  2013.  

The   LLLT   Board   has   developed   a   LLLT  scope  of  practice  and  is  currently  working  

on  Rules  of  Professional  Conduct  (RPC’s).    Addi t iona l ly ,   the   Board   defined  educational  and  experiential  requirements  for   admission   into   the   LLLT   program.    Currently   there   are   approximately   17  students  taking  classes  either  in  person  or  via   webinar   from   the   University   of  Washington   Law   School.     The   WSBA   is  expected   to   begin   accepting   applications  for   the   licensing   examination   in   March  2015   and   begin   licensing   of   LLLTs   in  Spring  2015.      

If   you   are   interested   in   learning   more  about   the  LLLT  program,  please  visit   the  WSBA   website   (www.wsba.org)   or  contact   Program   Lead   Thea   Jennings   at  theaj@wsba.org.  

WSPA   is   accepting   2014   membership  applications   and   renewal   applications.  Membership   in   WSPA   is   open   to  paralegals   living   and   working   in   the  State   of  Washington,   students   currently  enrolled   in   a   paralegal   program,   and  certain   other   parties   interested   in   the  success  of  both  WSPA  and  the  paralegal  profession.  

New   members   must   apply   via   paper  application.   The   application   is   available  at   the  end  of  this  newsle]er  or  at  h]p://www.wspaonline.org/   and   should   be  mailed   in  with   payment   (made   payable  to   WSPA)   to:WSPA,   PO   Box   58530  Sea]le,  WA  98138-­‐‑1530.  

You  may  renew  your  membership  online  securely   at   h]p://www.wspaonline.org/  or,   if   you   prefer,   you   can   print   the  renewal   application   at   the   end   of   this  newsle]er  or   from  the  website  and  mail  it  in  with  payment.  All  checks  should  be  made   payable   to   WSPA   and   sent   to  WSPA,   PO   Box   58530,   Sea]le,   WA  98138-­‐‑1530.  

Membership !Report!By Rebecca Charles

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

" Findings & Conclusions8

TrustDEPOSITION AND TRIAL

Since our company’s inception in 1980, NAEGELI Depostion and Trial has offered the highest level of litigation support services to the legal community. We utilize only the most qualified professionals to assist you and your client at every stage of the legal discovery process.

Est. 1980

N a e g e l i U S A . c o m

WSPA  Mission  Statement  We  are  dedicated  to  providing  tools  and  resources  

Guiding  Principles  &  Values  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  (CLE)  credits  per  year  to  retain  full  voting  status  or  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  

   WSPA  Vision  Statement  for  2020  The Washington State Paralegal Association is the regulatory and licensing body of paralegals in Washington State. The Washington State Paralegal Association will define standards of skill and competence for paralegals and legal assistants in Washington State. It has a reputation for being a welcoming, supportive professional organization. It offers opportunities to increase personal and professional growth through educational opportunities and social events. The Washington State Paralegal Association is highly regarded by the public, the media, and public policy makers as the voice of the profession. The Association is influential and politically effective.

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

" Findings & Conclusions10

Thank  You  Please  join  WSPA  Board  of  Directors  and  Management  as  we  sincerely  

PLATINUM  SPONSOR

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

Findings & Conclusions " 11

Thank  You  Please  join  WSPA  Board  of  Directors  and  Management  as  we  sincerely  

MES Home | Contact Us | Site Map | Copyright © 2009 MES Solutions

!!!MES!Home!)>!Services

!

MES!Services

MES!Solu2ons!is!a!management!services!organiza2on!which!was!originally!established!as!Medical!Evalua2on!Specialists,!(MES)!in!1978!toprovide!legal,!insurance!business!and!other!en22es!direct!access!to!mul2specialty!examiners/reviewers!with!exper2se!in!conduc2ngindependent!medical!evalua2ons.

Over!the!last!thirty)two!years,!MES!grew!to!become!the!largest!freestanding!IME!Company!in!the!na2on.!This!was!accomplished!by!afocused!drive!to!provide!the!best!service!and!quality!possible.!MES!is!the!first!and!only!IME!organiza2on!to!apply!for!and!earn!URAC!Coreaccredita2on!for!Independent!Medical!Evalua2on!services.

In!the!last!decade,!clients!began!to!inquire!if!we!could!assist!them!with!their!Peer!Review,!Disability!Management!and!Federal!Programneeds.!MES!recognized!that!these!services!complemented!independent!medical!evalua2ons!our!core!business!allowing!us!to!stay!true!toour!moUo:

Focus!on!what!you!do!best,!and!do!it!beUer!than!anyone.

With!the!addi2on!of!Peer!Review,!Disability!Management!and!our!Federal!Programs!division,!MES!has!become!more!than!a!Na2onal!IMEorganiza2on;!it!is!a!Solu2ons!company,!providing!Independent!Medical!Solu2ons!to!exis2ng!and!prospec2ve!clients.

MES!looks!forward!to!assis2ng!you!in!developing!Solu2ons!to!address!your!claims!resolu2on!needs.

Gold  Sponsors

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

" Findings & Conclusions12

Thank  You  Please  join  WSPA  Board  of  Directors  and  Management  as  we  sincerely  thank  the  following  sponsors   for  their  generous  

Bronze  Sponsors

SeaLle  Insurance  and  Legal  Investigation

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

Findings & Conclusion 13

Build your own pack! Pick the courses and formats that best meet your needs…

Select the courses that are right for you, and get all your credit in one place!

IPE On-DemandCourse Recordings

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Choose from:

IPE Telewebinars (pdf manual included)

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» Bankruptcy & Creditor / Debtor

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» Ethics

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» Intellectual Property

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» Law Office Management

» Legal Research & Writing

» Litigation

» Medical Records

» Professional Development

» Real Estate

A small sampling of the topics available:

Browse our full catalog of courses at www.ipe-sems.com

NFPA Accreditation Packs12-hour pack (2 years) – $799 6-hour pack (1 year) – $499

Introducing new continuing education packages specifically for paralegals and legal assistants! IPE Accreditation Packs provide you with the opportunity to meet your continuing legal education requirements in two ways:

Multi-Year Pack Fulfills the 2-year continuing education requirements

of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA®)

One-Year Pack A smaller 12-month option for those who want

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Julie Weinkauf Senior Paralegal Market Specialist Julie.Weinkauf@nbi-sems.com

Get Your Own Personal Account Representative! Each accreditation package comes with your own Personal Account Representative who can assist you – just call with your list of chosen titles and event ID numbers!

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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'ʹ  views.  

" Findings & Conclusions14

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 o r m a y b e a u t h o r i z e d b y administrative, statutory or court authority to perform this work. Substantive shall mean work requiring recognition, evaluation, o r g a n i z a t i o n , a n a l y s i s , a n d communication of relevant facts and legal concepts

WSPA WANTS YOU!!WSPA   is   currently   seeking   motivated   and  energetic   paralegals   to   fill   vacant   Chapter  Director   positions.     Chapter   Directors   are  responsible   for   coordinating   meetings   in  their   designated   areas,   which   includes  arranging   speakers,   selecting   meeting  locations  and  topics,  and  marketing  events.    In   addition,   chapter   directors   are   required  to   a]end   quarterly   Board   meetings   and  write  bi-­‐‑monthly  articles  for  the  newsle]er.    Chapter   Directors   should   live   or   work   in  the  area   they  represent.    We  are  seeking  to  fill   the   following   Chapter   Director  vacancies:  

President  

•  Vice  President  

•  Secretary  

•  Treasurer  

•  Sea2le  Chapter  Director  

•  South  King  County  Chapter  Director  

•  Snohomish  County  Chapter  Director  

•  At-­‐‑Large  West  Director  

In  addition,  WSPA   is   seeking  volunteers   to  serve   on   several   commi]ees,   including  marketing   ,   event   planning,   speaker  coordination,   mentoring,   etc.,   please  consider  volunteering;.  

If   you   are   interested   in   any   of   the   above  position,  please  email  a  le]er  of  interest  and  your  resume  to  president@  wspaonline.org

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

All  submissions  are  due  the  20th  of  each  odd  numbered  month  for  publica6on  the  following  month.  Ar6cles  may  be  submi;ed  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% discount!1/2 page! $150.00 ! 20% discount!Full page! $200.00 ! 25% discount!!Contact 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.!

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

Findings & Conclusions 15

Washington State Paralegal Association

Membership Application

PO Box 58530, Seattle WA 98138 Membership Year 1/1/2014 to 12/31/2014

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.

Applicant Name:

Preferred Mailing Address:

Daytime Phone: __________________________

Evening Phone: ___________________________

Fax Number: ___________________________

E-Mail Address(es): Employer Name & Address:

Send Mail to: ! Home ! Work

WSPA Membership (See below for definitions and requirements.)

Check one and submit the appropriate membership fee with your application. Make checks payable to WSPA. Mail check with this form to WSPA, P O Box 58530, Seattle, WA 98138-1530. WSPA is a Washington not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization, Tax ID # 51-0140447:

! Regular Member - $100.00 Employer Paid? !Yes !No

! Associate Member - $100.00

! Student Member - $50.00 ! Sustaining Member - $250.00

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.**

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

" Findings & Conclusions16

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.

Privacy Policy WSPA’s general policy regarding member information is that we do not share this information indiscriminately. We must share name and mailing address with NFPA in order for you to receive your full membership benefits. We may share name and mailing address with certain legal-related vendors, including seminar sponsors, for a fee. This provides WSPA with non-dues income and allows us to keep our membership fees low. We provide this information in the form of printed labels, and we make it clear that the information is to be used only once. We do not give information to any vendors in electronic form which could be used multiple times. We will share with other members of WSPA any of the contact information which is usually available in the WSPA Membership Directory. This includes name, mailing address, daytime telephone, fax number, e-mail address, employer name, practice areas, and chapter affiliation(s). Any other information which we may maintain about our members is available only to WSPA officers, directors, and committee chairs. However, if your primary mailing address, phone, or e-mail is no longer accurate, we may substitute another address, phone, or e-mail. The alternate information would then become shareable as though it were the primary information for that member. You may specify stronger restrictions on certain of your information than under the standard WSPA policy, by completing and signing the following. Please check if any of the specified items should not be shared with WSPA members or vendors:

Item WSPA Members Vendors Home address (usually shared only if it is the primary mailing address) Work address (usually shared only if it is the primary mailing address) Daytime phone Evening phone √ Fax number √ E-mail address √

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:

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

Findings & Conclusions " 17

Washington State Paralegal Association 2014 Membership Renewal Form PO Box 58530, Seattle WA 98138-1530 For the Membership Period of 1/1/2014 to 12/31/2014

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 WSPA membership, please use the Membership Application form.

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:

" Regular Member - $100.00 Employer Paid? "Yes "No " 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 – Regular 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. Regular members are eligible to vote and hold office.

Student Membership - $50: Any student currently enrolled in a paralegal program and not eligible for regular or associate membership status. Student membership is limited to 3 years. Student members are eligible to vote and hold office.

Associate Membership - $100: Any paralegal living or working outside Washington, not currently practicing, or retired. Associate members are eligible to vote and hold office. CLE Credits: WSPA recognizes CLE credits are an important part of developing and maintaining one’s skills and abilities.

As such, all WSPA members are strongly encouraged to obtain 10 CLE credits annually. Individuals who earn 10 CLE credits in a membership year will be recognized in the WSPA newsletter Findings and Conclusions, and will be eligible for a 10% discount off the registration fee for one WSPA CLE of his/her choice during the following calendar year. CLE credits may be reported on the attached form.

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

18 Findings & Conclusions

DECLARATION OF CLE ATTENDANCE

Year 01/01/20______ to 12/31/20_____

Name: ___________________________________ Member Number (if known): _________________

I declare, under penalty of perjury, that I have attended the following continuing legal education seminars or courses during the indicated year; and that said seminars or courses qualify for CLE credit under the WSPA CLE guidelines:

Date(s) Sponsor Topic Credits

WSPA Approval Code

Total:

Attach additional pages if necessary. If you do not have a WSPA Approval Code, please attach to this Declaration the Sponsor’s Certificate of Attendance or WSPA’s CLE Approval Certificate. Signed: ______________________________________________Date: ___________________________ Email Address where we can reach you regarding this Declaration: _______________________________

To file this declaration, Mail it to WSPA, P O Box 58530, Seattle, WA 98138-1530; Fax it to: 206-575-9255 or scan and email it to: info@wspaonline.org

Findings & Conclusions 19

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