NFPA LEADERSHIP
TABLE OF President’s Message CONTENTS PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE.............................................2 TOP 10 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR PARALEGALS........................................................4 REGULATION ROUNDUP............................................8 NFPA JOINT CONFERENCE 2022........................... 11
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
DISCRIMINATION IN MEDICAL CARE...................12
Many of us put together a laundry list of things we’d like to change and try to commit to changing these things at the beginning of every year. The infamous new years resolutions. Some people do this faithfully every year, others strive to make improvements and new goals throughout the year. In 2022, I challenge you to put your career on your resolution list. Take courage from the “great resignation” to make career development a focus.
CONTRACT MANAGEMENT AND NEGOTIATION A DELICIOUS RECIPE FOR SUCCESS................... 18 SPYCRAFT & BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE.............20 CREDENTIAL HOLDERS...........................................22 CASE LAW ALERT: CAN’T DECIDE ON SEARCH TERMS IN DISCOVERY? FIND AN EXPERT.........23 BEING AN AIR FORCE PARALEGAL .....................24 YOU, TOO, CAN BE A LEADER!..............................26 AUTHENTICITY & CANDOR SAY WHAT YOU MEAN............................................28 IT AIN’T EASY BEING A PARALEGAL.....................31 2022 ANNUAL CONVENTION AND POLICY MEETING - PARALEGALS IN THE “LAND”...........35 VENDOR DIRECTORY...............................................38 ON THE COVER: The NFPA Joint Conference Committee welcomes you to the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis, MN from May 19-21, 2022. See the details on page 11.
2 N ATIONAL PARAL EG AL R EPO RT ER ®
Where to start? Branding of course! We are all aware of brands, we see them every day. Think about your favorite restaurant, store or actor. We are bombarded with branding every day. Amazon CEO and Founder Jeff Bezos offered a great explanation when he said, “Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.
Branding applies to our careers too! Personal branding is the practice of people marketing themselves and their careers. The job market can be very competitive, and branding can help you stand out from your peers. Personal branding will take some preparation on your part but, the return on investment is worth it! Start with some self-reflection. First consider who you are and what you have to offer. Dig deep, think about your skills, think about what you’ve done lately that helps you stand out – consider special skills, technical, critical thinking, certifications, education. What makes you unique and relevant? Even if you are new to the profession, you have skills that can translate to legal. Do you have experience dealing with difficult