wspa oct-nov 2012 newsletter
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WSPA NewsletterTRANSCRIPT
O C T / N O V 2 0 1 2
Findings & Conclusions 1
Findings & Conclusions
President’s Cornerby: Brenda Cothary
Fall is in the air! Despite the sunny weather, there is a chill in the air, as the leaves change colors and the hours of daylight are shorter. Life is becoming more routine, with our kids back in school, vacations over until the holidays, and work back in full swing. WSPA officers and directors have been busy planning events for your learning and enjoyment. Our Northwest Chapter has continued to hold meetings monthly throughout the summer. The South King County Chapter hosted a meeting in September after a long hiatus, and the South Puget Sound Chapter will host a Wine Social on October 13. For our members east of the mountains, the Spokane Chapter will be meeting later this month as well. It is, indeed, a busy time.
I am excited for Paralegal Week 2012. October 29 through November 3 has been dedicated to Washington’s wonderful paralegals! I encourage you to let your employers know so they can
celebrate you and all you do! We have all heard of Secretaries Day and Bosses Day. Well, you deserve to be thanked for your hard work and dedication. In previous years, some offices have provided breakfast for their paralegals; others have handed out special gifts. However your firm chooses to celebrate, know that it is well deserved! Please share with me how you were honored by your bosses. I would love to hear your stories! The Proclamation from Governor Gregoire is in the newsletter and is available on our website.
I am happy to announce two exciting changes for WSPA. First, we are in the process of re-designing our website. I hope to roll it out early in November. It will have a completely different look and feel. Our hope is to make it more user friendly and better organized. This has been a long and thoughtful process for WSPA management and we hope you are pleased with the result. In addition to the new website, WSPA will be rolling out a new logo in November as well. The new design has updated colors and a more modern look, while still holding true to our Northwest home. I welcome your comments about both the website and logo once they are presented in November.
Another different twist is coming with the Fall Continuing Legal Education Seminar. We have heard so many comments from people wanting a less expensive CLE option, as fewer and fewer employers are paying for paralegals to attend continuing education events. In addition, many paralegals who work in small offices are unable to attend a Friday event because it is too hard to leave the office. As such, we have put together a less expensive Saturday conference to meet members’ needs.
(continued page three)
Our Mission: To enthusiastically support and promote the paralegal profession in the State of Washington.
President’s CornerPage 1
Management ReportsPage 3
Fall CLE InfoPage 4
Paralegal WeekPage 7
A Bi-Monthly Newsletter Volume 27 Issue 4 OCT/NOV 2012
2011 WSPA President Brenda Cothary
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 [email protected]
Officers
PresidentBrenda [email protected]
Vice-PresididentMembership Sue Beichley
Vice-President Professional Development
Brian Haberly, [email protected]
SecretarySarah [email protected]
Treasurer Julianne [email protected]
Immediate Past PresidentBrian Haberly RP
Management Directory
NFPA Representatives
NFPA Primary RepresentativeSue [email protected]
Secondary RepresentativeJeanenne [email protected]
PACE AmbassadorHelen Halloran, [email protected]
DirectorsEast King Co. DirectorMary [email protected]
Northwest Director Jennifier Provalenko, [email protected]
Seattle DirectorJosh [email protected]
Snohomish Co. Chapter Director Sue [email protected]
Spokane Chapter Director Elena [email protected]
South King CountyJerri [email protected]
South Puget SoundMisty [email protected]
Director At-Large, [email protected]
Committee Chairs Certification CoordinatorHelen Halloran, [email protected]
CLE Approval Committee ChairStephanie [email protected]
Job Bank Committee ChairJennifer [email protected]
Director Marketing & Vendor RelationsDonna [email protected]
Pro Bono CoordinatorJeanenne [email protected]
Newsletter Co-Coordinator/EditorJay [email protected]
Newsletter Co- Coordinator/EditorMichelle [email protected]
Military Paralegal Outreach Coordinator Jeanenne [email protected]
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
Findings & Conclusions 3
(President’s Corner Continued from page one)
Our Fall CLE will be Saturday November 3 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at 901 Fifth Avenue in Seattle. Space is limited to 50, so register as soon as possible at www.acteva.com/go/wspa. This will be the culmination of paralegal week, which is October 29 through November 3, so we are planning many professional development events to celebrate what we do. The Honorable Richard F. McDermott will be our keynote speaker. In addition, Bobby “Buzz” Wheeler, J.D., will be speaking regarding paralegal ethics. A full schedule of speakers and topics will be available soon. There will also be a catered lunch, which is included in the amazing price of $50.00. That’s right - $50.00 for a top notch, 5 hour CLE with lunch! We will be finished early enough for people to enjoy all Seattle has to offer! I encourage you to make a day of it for your personal and professional g r o w t h
South King County Reportby Jerri Corbett
On September 20, 2012, the South King County Chapter hosted a meeting and CLE training. It was held at the Federal Way Branch of the King County Library System. The training was technology based with a focus on the application of IPAD technology in the courtroom. Our presenter, Mr. Steve M. Rullman, was wonderful! Mr. Rullman is a Client Relations Manager at Naegeli.
I found the training insightful as well as helpful. Yes, I learned something new! I believe those in attendance did too. If you are interested in receiving a copy of Mr. Rullman’s handout, let me know.
I would like to schedule our next chapter meeting for the last week in December. If you would like to help plan our next meeting please contact me. I am looking forward to meeting some of the South King County Chapter members at the 2012 Fall CLE!
Jerri Corbett
SKCO Director, Washington State Paralegal Association
NW Chapter Reportby Jennifier Provalenko, RP
Paralegal Week October 29-November 4, 2012:
Every year the NW Chapter of WSPA makes an effort to support local charities and non-profit organizations by giving back to the community. This year, with the help of our donors, we are sponsoring a county-wide canned food drive. October 29- November 9, 2012, local paralegals will collect canned and boxed food to be donated to our local food banks. To promote this exciting event we are giving away one of three prizes to the workplace with the most donations. 1st place winner will receive a pizza party (6 pizzas, breadsticks, and two 2-liters of soda), 2nd place winner will receive a continental breakfast (bagels, pastries, coffee, yogurt, fruit platter, coffee/oj), 3rd place winner will receive three dozen doughnuts and coffee. Please contact the NW director if you would like to participate in this exciting event or donate one the prize items. [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> .
PACE Study Group- WSPA NW Chapter
We are currently seeking paralegals interested in joining our PACE study group in Skagit, Whatcom, and Island counties. The NW Chapter Director, Jeniffier Provalenko, RP, will provide tips/advice, help with the application process, study outlines, guest speakers and more. If interested, please contact Ms. Provalenko.
Child Support Workshop CLE
The NW WSPA Chapter and the Skagit Volunteer Lawyer Program joined forces to co-host this exciting event held September 26, 2012, at Max Dales in Mount Vernon, WA. Guest speakers included Gwen Halliday, Skagit Family Support Prosecutor, presenting child support orders, WA State child support schedule/instructions and how to calculate your worksheets, deviations and other factors that may apply; and Commission G. Brian Paxton, Skagit Superior Court, presenting modification or
adjustments to child support and post secondary support.
WSPA Newsletter EditorP.O. Box 58530
Seattle, WA 98138Email: [email protected]
WSPA Email: [email protected]
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 [email protected] 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.
Jennifier Provalenko, RP , NW Chapter
F I N D I N G S & C O N C L U S I O N S
4 Findings & Conclusions
Join Us for the WSPA Fall 2012CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATIONPROGRAM
November 3, 2012- 9:00 a - 2:00 p
5th Avenue Conference Room901 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98164
This year’s program offers a variety of classes to enhance your
Professional Development and celebrate Paralegal Week.King County Presiding Judge Richard McDermott
will deliver the keynote addressIn addition, attorneys, paralegals and legal professionals will present on topics such as Ethics, the new Limited License Legal Technician Rule, and Legal Research
Registration is only $50.00 for the entire session!
In addition, you will be treated to a buffet lunch from
Buca di Beppo
and have the opportunity to bid on items at
WSPA’s First Annual Silent Auction
Register Securely Online today at: www.acteva.com/Go/WSPA
(select the Fall 2012 Paralegal CLE Registration option).
Hurry – Space is limited to the first 50 registrations! Seats won’t last long at this price!
Last day to register is November 1st.
4200 23rd Avenue WestSeattle, WA 98199ph: 206.285.6322fx: [email protected]
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F I N D I N G S & C O N C L U S I O N S
Findings & Conclusions 7
PARALEGAL WEEK
Paralegals play a vital role in the legal profession. We are trained professionals who uphold the highest standards of excellence and integrity. We are dedicated to promoting
equal access to legal and law related services throughout the State
Celebrate you, your profession and all your hard work during this special week!
�������������� �����������������
8 Findings & Conclusions
HELP WSPA SUPPORT MILITARY PARALEGALS AROUND THE WORLD
! Calling all WSPA members! We have set a goal for 2012 to send 6 Military paralegal care packages to make life easier for those who have chosen to serve our country.
! We have been assigned to the legal office on the USS Enterprise!
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 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, [email protected]
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.
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NFPA Accreditation Packs12-hour pack (2 years) – $799 6-hour pack (1 year) – $499
Introducing new continuing education packages speci"cally for paralegals and legal assistants! IPE Accreditation Packs provide you with the opportunity to meet your continuing legal education requirements in two ways:
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of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA®)
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Call to Order! 866-242-0783
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.
Washington State Paralegal Association
Membership Application
PO Box 58530, Seattle WA 98138 Membership Year 1/1/2012 to 12/31/2012
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:
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.WSPA is a Washington not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization, Tax ID # 51-0140447:� Regular Member - $85.00 Employer Paid? �Yes �No
� Associate Member - $60.00 � Student Member - $40.00 � Sustaining Member - $200.00
Who referred you to WSPA? (Please be specific so that we can thank them!): ______________________________
Special Qualifications: � PACE® Registered Paralegal � CORE™ Registered Paralegal � LPO � Other Please Describe:___________________________________________________
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: ____________________________
**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:
Washington State Paralegal Association 2012 Membership Renewal FormPO Box 58530, Seattle WA 98138-1530 For the Membership Period of 1/1/2012 to 12/31/2012
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: [email protected]
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): Preferred Mailing Address: Company Name (if applicable):
BBBB�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 - $85.00 Employer Paid? �Yes �No � Associate Member - $60.00
� Student Member - $40.00
� Sustaining Member - $200.00
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 - $85: Any individual currently employed as a paralegal (see definition above). Regular members are eligible to vote and hold office. Student Membership - $40: 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 - $60: Any paralegal living or working outside Washington, not currently practicing, or retired. Associate members are eligible to vote and hold office. Sustaining Membership - $200: A person, organization or other entity interested in supporting the objectives of WSPA. Sustaining members may not vote or 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.