View from the Portland International Rose Garden. The NFPA 2024 Annual Convention is scheduled for September 26-29, 2024 at the Hilton Portland Downtown in Portland, Oregon.
The mission of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc. (NFPA®) is to promote a global presence for the paralegal profession and leadership in the legal community. Our core purpose is to advance the paralegal profession.
One method in advancing the profession is to volunteer for NFPA®, where individuals can aid in shaping the future of the paralegal profession, and in doing so, significantly enrich their own paralegal careers.
Benefits of volunteering include:
1. Networking opportunities: Volunteering provides a unique platform to meet and interact with one’s peers, mentors, and leaders of the profession. These connections offer valuable insights, advice, and opportunities that a person might not otherwise be able to access.
2. Skill development: Volunteering provides an opportunity to hone one’s skill set. By serving as a board member, a coordinator, or on a committee, an individual may further develop their abilities in project management, communication, and leadership. Employers regard these skills highly.
3. Visibility: By participating at the national level, an individual can raise their profile, thus gaining recognition as a committed professional.
4. Leadership opportunities: Volunteering strengthens one’s resume by demonstrating their ability to manage projects and lead others. It shows a commitment to the advancement of the paralegal profession and can provide individuals with other opportunities within the legal community.
5. Personal satisfaction and growth: It is satisfying to contribute to the success and advancement of one’s profession. It is also rewarding to give back to the profession that supports one’s career.
On a more personal note, I have been blessed to meet, learn from, and work with, passionate and dedicated paralegals from across the United States. I began my journey with the NFPA® as a Secondary Delegate for my home association, the Paralegal Association of New Hampshire. After serving in that role for one year I stepped up to the role of Primary Delegate, concurrently serving on my local Board of Directors and on national committees and in coordinator positions. When I joined the NFPA® Board of Directors as the Director of Region V, a board position I held for four years, I honed my skills as a leader, problem solver, and project manager, and became much more comfortable speaking in front of people.
As a probate and trust paralegal in New Hampshire I called on the assistance of paralegals from five or six other states around the country when the need had arisen while probating matters with ties to those states. I speak from experience when I say that the networking I have done while volunteering for the NFPA® has been priceless and that the attorneys I have worked for were appreciative that I could so easily make a call for assistance from around the country.
HAVE I CONVINCED YOU TO CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING?
Have I convinced you to consider volunteering? If you would like to learn more about open coordinator or committee positions, or about the qualifications for the board positions that will be open for nomination this summer, please email our Nominations Coordinator at nominations@paralegals. org, or myself at president@paralegals. org
NFPA® is a grass-roots volunteer driven organization. We depend on our team of volunteers to further our work in the advancement of the profession in which we have so much passion.
Allow me to thank you in advance for your consideration!
Best of luck,
Josie A. Estes is a member of the Trust and Estate Department at McLane Middleton, PA in Manchester, New Hampshire. She assists attorneys and clients in a variety of matters with an emphasis in probate and trust administration.
Josie is currently serving as President for the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc. (NFPA). Upon the completion of her term (September 2022 – October 2024) she will serve as NFPA’s Board Advisor for an additional two years. She has also served on NFPA’s Board of Directors as President Elect (2021-2022) and Director of Region V (2015-2019). Josie has also served the NFPA through the years in various other volunteer roles including Continuing Legal Education Coordinator, Membership Coordinator, Internal Marketing Coordinator and as a member of the Budget and Marketing the Paralegal Profession Committees. Josie is a member of the Paralegal Association of New Hampshire (PANH). She has served on the PANH Board of Directors as their Vice President, Secretary, Director at Large, and as their Primary and Secondary Liaison to NFPA (2011-2015).
Josie earned her Associate of Science Degree in Paralegal Studies from Hesser College in 2011.
Josie is a Justice of the Peace and Notary Public for the State of New Hampshire.
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Running for a national paralegal board position is not just about serving—it’s an opportunity to shape the future of the legal profession and make a meaningful impact. Imagine the thrill of being at the forefront of change, influencing policies that can better support paralegals across the country.
By stepping up to this challenge, you’re not only showcasing your dedication to the field but also demonstrating your leadership skills. Picture yourself as a catalyst for innovation, collaborating with like-minded individuals to drive progress and elevate the standards of the profession. The journey to a national paralegal board position is not just a campaign; it’s an exhilarating adventure filled with possibilities to enact positive change and leave a lasting legacy.
Moreover, running for a national paralegal board position offers an unparalleled platform to amplify your voice and advocate for issues you’re passionate about. Imagine the excitement of being the voice of thousands of paralegals, championing causes that matter deeply to you and your colleagues. From advocating for better professional development opportunities to advancing diversity and inclusion initiatives within the
legal community, the possibilities are limitless. By running for a national paralegal board position, you’re not just seeking a title; you’re seizing an opportunity to be a force for progress and make a tangible difference in the lives of fellow paralegals nationwide. So, dare to envision yourself as a trailblazer, igniting enthusiasm and inspiration among your peers as you embark on this exhilarating journey towards leadership and advocacy.
Here is a list of all the positions that will be on the ballot this fall. I am sure you, or someone you know, will be a perfect fit.
• President Elect – a few of the duties include: Shadow the President in supervising the day-to-day business of NFPA, perform any duties delegated by the President, serve on the Executive Committee and oversee the nominations. Serve two years and then become the NFPA President.
• Secretary and Director of Leadership Development– a few of the duties include: Take minutes of the meeting, review and supervise By-Law changes, credential for convention as
well as assist the planning of convention, oversee NFPA’s trademark and copyrights, work with the management company, serve on the Executive Committee
• Director of Profession Development – a few of the duties include: Manage NFPA®’s continuing legal education program; Supervise NFPA® approval of CLE; Identify CLE programs to support an expanded paralegal role.
• Director of Positions and Issues – a few of the duties include: Address issues that directly affect NFPA and the paralegal profession and inform the Board; Oversee ethical issues affecting the paralegal profession.
• Director of Membership – a few of the duties include: Guide NFPA® in attracting and retaining voting, sustaining, and individual members; Assist current member associations in retaining current members and attracting new ones; Communicate member benefits and services through NFPA® publications.
• Director of Paralegal Certification – a few of the duties include: Oversee the administration and maintenance of both NFPA exams; manage and promote the Assurance of Learning Program.
• Director of Marketing - a few of the duties include: Supervise NFPA® marketing efforts and Chair the Marketing Committee; Maintain NFPA®’s Marketing Plan; Develop and grow NFPA®’s Corporate Partners Program and strategic alliances
• Region Director - a few of the duties include: Act as a liaison between NFPA® and members of the region; Plan, prepare an agenda for, and preside at meetings of the region; Represent the interests of the members of the region to the NFPA® Board.
• Regions II, III and IV will be on the ballot this year.
To learn more about the qualifications and responsibilities of these positions please refer to the NFPA® Policy & Procedure Manual. Board Positions can be found in Appendix A beginning on page 147.
As incoming President this fall, I am so excited to work with this board and all of the possibilities we have. I am reaching out to you with a heartfelt invitation to team up with me and run for a board position.
Together, we can bring fresh energy and ideas to the table, shaking things up in all the best ways. Imagine the impact we could make, not just for ourselves but for paralegals everywhere. Let’s be the board that sparks positive change, setting the stage for a brighter future in our profession. So, what do you say? Ready to join forces and make some magic happen? Let’s do this together!
LORI WAGNER, RP, IRP has been employed by Burt, Blee, Dixon, Sutton & Bloom, LLP, for the past 36 years. During her years with the firm she has worked in many practice areas of law. Most recently she spends her time split between collections, in-house IT specialist and office administration.
The 26th Annual American Bar Association (ABA)/National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA) Equal Justice Conference (EJC) was held on May 9-11, 2024 at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. I attended the conference on behalf of NFPA as an exhibitor and in my capacity as the NFPA Chair of Pro Bono and Community Service and NFPA Liaison to The ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service.
The ABA/NLADA Equal Justice Conference is an annual gathering of legal services and pro bono advocates to share and learn about developments and innovations in providing legal services to low-income persons. The emphasis of this Conference is on strengthening partnerships among the key players in the civil justice system. Through plenary sessions, workshops, networking opportunities and special programming, the Conference provides a wide range of learning and sharing experiences for all attendees.
THURSDAY- MAY 9, 2024
On Thursday, May 9, 2024, I headed to the conference location for registration.
The Opening Plenary Session was held following the completion of registration. The session included the following presenters: (1) Jocelyn Benson, Secretary of the State of Michigan; (2) The Honorable Victoria Roberts (Ret.), Eastern District of Michigan; (3) Henry Su, Conference
Co- Chair and Chair of ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service; (4) April Frazier Carmara, President & CEO of NLADA; and (5) Jennifer Bentley, Executive Director of the Michigan State Bar Foundation. The host committee announced that attendance at the 2024 EJC exceeded 1,100 attendees. Following the opening plenary session, I returned to the exhibitor area to assemble and organize our NFPA table including conference materials, PACE/PCCE brochures, membership information and plenty of NFPA swag!
The EJC Conference had 20 total exhibitors set up in a “horseshoe” layout on the fourth floor of the hotel. This floor plan allowed maximum visibility to attendees. The registration area, ballroom, breakfast, morning/
afternoon breaks and lunch were also held on the fourth floor. This set up required attendees to walk past the exhibitors on their way to/ from all sessions. I actually commented (as did most exhibitors) that this was in fact the best set up in recent years. I visited with hundreds of attendees who stopped by our NFPA exhibitor table. I highlighted the history of NFPA, our mission, core values, membership benefits and our vision for the future. I am pleased to report that it was certainly a busy day at the NFPA exhibitor table!
The Networking Lunch was also held on May 9, 2024 in the ballroom. The networking lunch included 11 different sessions of “hot topics” facing our communities and constituencies. It should be noted that one session was entitled “Growing the Movement for Community Based Justice Workers.” In addition to general discussions with the conference attendees, the following specific connections were also made on Thursday afternoon:
1. Michael Monahan is the Director of Pro Bono at Georgia Legal Services Program and the Access to Justice Liaison to the State Bar of Georgia. Mr. Monahan advised that Georgia Legal Services (GLS) is currently working with several organizations in the Georgia area to “get the court navigators program going.” He is an advocate and firm believer in pro bono transformation and rural justice. Mr. Monahan advised that GLS has the backing of the judiciary for the program. He asked whether NFPA had a white paper that could be sent to him. He is gathering documentation to support the program. I reached out to Lisa Vessels, RP®, CP, Director of Paralegal Certification, who connected me with Beth Bialis, RP®, Director of Position and Issues. Beth Bialis will contact Mr. Monahan to inquire as to how NFPA may further assist. I have also sent an e-mail to Mr. Monahan to continue our dialogue. Additional information: https://www.glsp.org/who-we-are
2. Tom Linney is the Pro Bono Director at the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF). We have a long-standing relationship with ALDF. Mr. Linney advised that ALDF is in the process of hiring a pro bono coordinator to strengthen the ALDF pro bono opportunities. Paralegal volunteers will be needed to assist in pro bono projects throughout the United States. Mr. Linney advised he will reach out to me once the new coordinator is on-boarded. In the meantime, he recommended that NFPA members continue to monitor the web site for events and projects He also encouraged NFPA members to join ALDF as paralegal members. Additional i nformation: https://aldf.org/article/paralegalmembership-application.
3. Nesta Johnson, Esquire, is a Family Law Staff Attorney at the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR). NCLR is a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, legislation, policy, and public education. Nesta Johnson was extremely interested in speaking with any NFPA paralegal members who may be interested in assisting NCLR at events or clinics. I reached out to Nesta Johnson via e-mail to continue discussions. I will circulate additional information to the NFPA Board and members on paralegal pro bono o pportunities.
Additional information: www. nclrights.org/get-involved/ volunteer.
On Thursday evening, the Host Committee Reception was held at The Detroit Institute of the Arts. It was an evening of networking and celebration.
FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024
On Friday, May 10, 2024, I returned to the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center for the second day of the EJC. It was another busy day in the booth! I again met with conference attendees to promote NFPA. The Awards Presentation and Luncheon was also held on Friday afternoon.
Mary L. Smith, ABA President, addressed the EJC attendees. The ABA/ NLADA also presented several pro bono awards, including innovation awards. Seated at my lunch table were additional representatives from Georgia Legal Services as well as George “Buck” Lewis, a long time committee member and Past Chair of the ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono & Public Service. Mr. Lewis has practiced law for over 40 years and is highly respected in both the legal and pro bono communities. He is also the developer of ABA Free Legal Answers, the online platform to provide legal assistance to those in need. Buck Lewis has been a long-standing supporter of NFPA and paralegals in pro bono. In fact, Mr. Lewis commented to those seated at our lunch table his respect for NFPA’s commitment to the ABA and pro bono and our numerous contributions over the years.
In addition to general discussions with the conference attendees, the following specific connections were also made on Friday afternoon:
1. Maricarmen Garza is the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement at the Tahirih Justice Center (TJC) in Houston, Texas. TJC is a national, nonprofit organization that serves
immigrant survivors fleeing gender-based violence. Paralegal volunteers are needed in a variety of roles including translation, interpretation, transportation and administrative support. I forwarded a follow up email to Ms. Garza to secure additional information on coordinating paralegal pro bono volunteers. I will update the Board and members upon receipt of further information on this opportunity. Additional information: www. tahirih.org/get-involved/volunteer
2. Steve Jordan is the Executive Director of The Veterans Consortium based in Washington, DC. The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program was created with a dual mission: (1) to provide assistance to unrepresented veterans or their family members who have filed appeals at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (Court); and (2) to recruit and train attorneys in the field of veterans’ law. Steve Jordon and I considered ways to partner on paralegal pro bono opportunities. We agreed to conduct have a future conference call. Information will be supplemented once received. Additional information: www. vetsprobono.org/volunteer-info/
3. I also received word that representatives of the Innovation for Justice project (i4j) were in attendance at EJC. Additional outreach should be made by NFPA (if it has not already done so) to connect with i4j in order to monitor the status of innovation and solution projects and reform
work in the access to justice in the United States. For example, the recent Innovation for Justice training of the new 37 new Legal Advocates in Arizona this past spring. Additional information: https://www.innovation4justice. org/updates/i4j-trains-37-new-azlegal-advocates and https://iaals. du.edu/blog/diverse-landscapecommunity-based-justice-workers
4. Johnna Carey-Park, Pro Bono Senior Counsel at the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), was also in attendance at EJC. Johnna stopped by the exhibitor table. As you may recall, I have been in touch with Johnna over the years at prior EJC conferences to explore paralegal pro bono opportunities with NWLC. Johnna now has a need for paralegal pro bono volunteers to assist with national research projects to advance their litigation efforts. A blurb will appears in News You Can Use in the upcoming weeks. Additional information: https://nwlc.org/ donate/provide-pro-bono-or-cypres-support/
On Friday afternoon, EJC held a session entitled “Thinking Beyond Lawyers: Engaging Community Volunteers to Support Pro Bono and Court Programs.” The speakers for this session were Kimberly Crawford, Danielle Hirsch, Sarah Munro and Samira Nazam. The Michigan Advocacy Program (MAP) noticed many clients falling through the cracks of its pro bono expungement project due to administrative hurdles associated with preparing expungement applications. In response, MAP developed the Legal Navigator Program, which engages community volunteers and pairs them with expungement clients who they assist through the requisite administrative tasks, which reduces the burden on their staff and pro bono attorneys, and increases the number of clients who obtain expungements. This session analyzed how courts have also responded to the large number of unmet legal needs by engaging volunteer navigators, facilitators, and mediators to assist court users in navigating courthouses and resolving legal issues.
SUBMISSIONS
2024 ANNUAL AWARDS CATEGORIES
• NFPA Paralegal of the Year Award Application
• William R. Robie Leadership Award Application
• NFPA Student Scholarships
• NFPA Paralegal Certification Ambassador Award Application
• Outstanding Local Leader Award Application
• Justice Champion Award Application
• Individual Pro Bono Award Application
• Association Pro Bono Award Application
• PACE Scholarship Award Application
• PCCE Scholarship Award Application
https://www.paralegals.org/page/ awards-scholarships
You can imagine my excitement when Kim Crawford stopped down with other speakers to the NFPA exhibit table after their session. The speakers heard that NFPA was in attendance at the conference and advised “we love paralegals!”.
I met for a considerable amount of time with the Kim Crawford and the representatives to discuss how NFPA paralegal members might provide support to the Legal Navigator Program. MAP advised it is currently seeking Legal Navigators to assist with the expungement case/criminal record correction, which involves research, corresponding with law enforcement agencies and courts, and following up until the error is resolved.
Paralegal navigator volunteers are able to use their skills and training to remove barriers that directly impact a client’s employment eligibility. This work can be performed by paralegal volunteers on a remote basis. Navigators are provided with training and support as they assist clients (remotely and on a schedule that works for the navigator and the client). MAP has reached out to me already with a call for volunteers. This information will appear in the next edition of News You Can Use.
On Saturday, May 11, 2024, the Closing Plenary Session and Brunch was held. The presentation was entitled “Addressing Environmental Justice: Challenges and Remedies in the U.S.” This session was presented in conjunction with the ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice. The conference concluded at 11:45 a.m.
I extend my sincerest thanks to the NFPA Board for approving my attendance as an exhibitor at the ABA/ NLADA Equal Justice Conference as well as the ongoing support of our outreach on paralegal pro bono projects. The conference was attended by over 1,100 individuals from every aspect of pro bono. Our attendance confirmed NFPA’s commitment to be the leader of the paralegal profession.
The conference also afforded me the opportunity to network and expand our ability to help those in need, foster our skills and experience, increase dialogue, while garnering innovative ideas about how to approach pro bono and community service projects. Our main objective remains increasing awareness and educate the legal profession about the many roles paralegals can fill to help reduce the access to justice gap. However, I can truly attest that again the most important take-away from this conference was our rekindled inspiration, passion, and energy for the importance of NFPA’s ongoing work and dedication to assist in the access to justice efforts. As the leader of the paralegal profession, I look forward to continuing our crucial work in this area through NFPA.
CHRISTINE FLYNN is a litigation paralegal for James C. Haggerty, Esquire, with whom she has worked for 32 years. She started working for Jim Haggerty after she graduated from college, starting initially with a job in billing and transcription.
Paralegals who take the traditional route of working in a law firm often ponder what the advantages and disadvantages are of leaving a private law firm in search of a paralegal position in-house within a corporation. We surveyed several paralegals who did exactly that (kept their identities anonymous for privacy reasons), we wanted to share their experiences, and including Georgette who has taken this path, as well.
A few of the immediate pros and cons that stood out when leaving law firm life and jumping into corporate life are:
PROS:
In most instances, no more billable hours; generous corporate level benefits, including bonuses, and stock options.
CONS:
Red tape; possible loss of autonomy.
Why would a law firm paralegals switch positions to be an in-house paralegal within a corporation?
Being an In-House Corporate Paralegal does not only mean working for a corporation and providing support in the area of corporate law. It can also mean doing paralegal work in the areas of litigation, real estate, intellectual property, contracts, employment, mergers and acquisitions, filings, governance, ethics and compliance, and among other areas.
During our careers we have met several paralegals who worked at law firms who decided to seek a position as an inhouse paralegal. There are many reason paralegals would choose to do so. As follows are some of the reasons for this type of job change:
• The most common response was that once in-house typically there is no longer a requirement to track your time;
• Work-life balance;
• Can often work remotely or hybrid;
• More time to train paralegal coworkers;
• Typically, better working hours;
• No more all-nighters when working in-house;
• More predictable schedule being inhouse;
• Flexible work schedule and hours;
• Bad eating habits because of the need to complete discovery in law firm job;
• No time to exercise because of case load at law firm;
• Not as much pressure when in-house;
• B eing in-house can foster close relationships with company leaders;
• Working in-house usually means having only a single client instead of multiple clients;
• B etter compensation and benefits inhouse;
• Team-building events;
• Paid leave for volunteer activities;
• Opportunities to apply for different positions or on different team but remain at the same company.
One paralegal lamented an incident where she expressed concern that management within the corporation can reassign a paralegal to another area of law that the paralegal does not like or in which they are not interested.
More corporations are seeing the benefit of employing in-house paralegals. Whether a paralegal is working in-house or at a law firm, they are still ethically bound and should provide their client(s) with the best practices! In-house paralegals serve an important role in the corporation’s legal department.
Both in-house and at a law firm a good paralegal is well-educated, knowledgeable, and detail oriented. Attorneys and corporate executives rely heavily on the paralegals who work for them, and expect their paralegals to know how to find answers using all available resources. This is an extremely valuable skillset, and one in which a paralegal can continue to perfect over time.
If you are interested in making the career change from a law firm paralegal to an in-house paralegal, be sure to fully research not just the roles and responsibilities of the position you are considering, but also the corporation’s position on the environment, its stance on diversity, equity and inclusion, its community support, and its mission/ vision/values. It’s important to make
sure that the corporation is the “right fit” for you individually, not just professionally. Good luck!
GEORGETTE M. PECORARO, RP®
Paralegal Association of Northern Virginia (PANV)
member, NFPA In-House Paralegal Committee Member
RENEE DE LA CRUZ, ILAP, MJ
Cars Commerce
Senior Corporate Paralegal
Member of Illinois Paralegal Association (IPA), Member of New Orleans Paralegal Association (NOPA), Member of NFPA - Region II, affiliated with NFPA In-House Paralegal Committee
ENDS ON TUE, JUL 2, 2024
NFPA will award annual scholarships to paralegal students in the United States to be used to pursue a paralegal education.
The scholarship essay topic for 2024 is:
• Why do you want to become a paralegal?
• Describe your ideal paralegal program and what education do you most value and why?
• What emphasis would you place on ethics and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion?
• What courses would you change or add and why?
The application must include:
• The essay;
• Two references;
• A letter of recommendation from the program director;
• Transcripts;
• Participation in extracurricular and paralegal activities;
• Statement of financial need. Submit online
This year marked Ohio’s second annual Statewide Paralegal Food Drive and it was a smashing success!
During the month of February, paralegals from PACO (Paralegal Association of Central Ohio), CAP (Cleveland Association of Paralegals), PANO (Paralegal Association of Northwest Ohio), and CPA (Cincinnati Paralegal Association) built on the tradition that began in 2023 of helping the hungry in our communities. Once again, planning began in October with each local association developing its own strategies and determining how its donations would be distributed to the local communities. Each association planned and prepared with much excitement and enthusiasm and came together during regular Zoom meetings to discuss our progress.
During our planning sessions, each Statewide Representative shared the plans and ideas of their local associations and offered suggestions to one another about how to be as successful as possible. Each association planned its own individual food drive and each association planned its own logistics and marketing strategies. One commonality was the use of social medial to publicize our food drives and drive collections.
We all kicked off our food drives on February 1, 2024 and everyone continued their collections throughout the entire month of February. Many law firms and legal departments served as collection points and helped support all of our food drives. The results were impressive to say the least!
In Columbus, PACO once again partnered with the Mid-Ohio Food Cooperative, a non-profit serving 20 counties covering nearly 10,000 square miles. We collected both non-perishable food items and monetary donations. Mid-Ohio provided a QRL code specific to PACO through which individuals could make financial donations directly through Mid-Ohio’s web site. MidOhio then provided a report indicating that a total of $95.75 was collected on our behalf. In addition, we partnered with law firms and sustaining members who graciously offered their offices as collection sites for non-perishable donations. In all, 700 pounds of nonperishable food items were collected.
In northwest Ohio, PANO collected both financial and non-perishable donations that were distributed to the Toledo Food Bank and Chopin Hall, both local non-profits who assist local residents by providing food items. The Toledo Food Bank serves residents over eight counties in northwest Ohio. Chopin Hall is a faith-based non-profit
that provides many services including its food bank to residents in Hancock County. The paralegals of PANO collected $700 in donations in addition to the non-perishable food items that were donated.
The Cincinnati Paralegal Association collected 565 pounds of non-perishable food items in addition to cash donations, all of which were donated to the SEM Food Pantry which is a nonprofit organization serving residents in Clermont County and eastern Hamilton County. A church-based organization, the SEM pantry is a client-choice pantry that allows clients to make their own selections from pantry offerings similar to selecting items in the local grocery.
The Cleveland Association of Paralegals collected both financial donations and non-perishable food items, all of which were donated to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, a non-profit organization serving residents over a six county area.
The 2024 Statewide Paralegal Food Drive was a huge success. We all are proud that we were once again able to come together to help the hungry in our own communities. Our efforts made a big impact locally, and we know our efforts provided much needed food items for the hungry in our own neighborhoods.
In addition to planning our food drives, our meetings gave the opportunity to become better acquainted with colleagues from around Ohio, fostered communication between our local associations, and provided opportunities to continue conversations about issues concerning the paralegal profession in our own communities and across the state. We welcome these conversations and plan to continue discussing issues impacting paralegals across the state. Perhaps we’ll have the ability to share continuing education opportunities and find other ways to discuss how to improve the services we provide and how best to move the paralegal profession forward.
We are looking forward to holding our statewide food drive again next year and can’t wait to see the impact we make in 2025! What a wonderful outreach – paralegals feeding Ohio from the river to the lake!
ANGELA M. VOHSING is a paralegal in the Employment Section of Eastman & Smith Ltd. She currently serves as Treasurer of PACO and has twenty five years experience as a paralegal.
• July 16, 2024
NFPA® Summer BoD Meeting & Executive Session
• August 5, 2024
Nominations Open for NFPA® Elected Positions
• August 14, 2024
Deadline for proposed 2025 budget to be presented to the Board
• August 15, 2024
Deadline for Agenda Topics, Bylaws Resolutions, Administrative Resolutions, and Discussion Topics to Secretary
| Director of Leadership
• August 20, 2024
NFPA® BoD Meeting & Executive Session
• August 25, 2024
Nominations for Elected Positions close
• August 30, 2024
Deadline to submit candidate materials
• August 30, 2024
Leaders’ Credentialing Letters Due to Records Coordinator
• September 4, 2024
Candidate Materials posted to NFPA® Policy Meeting Webpage
• September 14, 2024
Policy Meeting Packet posted to NFPA® Policy Meeting
Webpage
• September 14, 2024
Proposed 2025 Budget posted to NFPA® Policy Meeting
Webpage
WATCH THE CALENDAR ONLINE AT HTTPS://WWW.PARALEGALS.ORG/EVENTS/EVENT_LIST.ASP
The NFPA Annual Convention, scheduled for September 26-29, 2024, will celebrate five decades of unwavering commitment to the paralegal community.
Since its inception in 1974, NFPA® has been at the forefront of championing the rights and interests of paralegals, while bridging the gap between legal professionals and the broader legal landscape. With this milestone, the association looks back on fifty years of remarkable achievements, advancements, and contributions to the field.
The convention, a focal point of the 50th anniversary celebrations, will gather paralegals from across the nation for a comprehensive program featuring prestigious speakers, educational workshops, and networking opportunities. Attendees can expect to gain invaluable insights on emerging trends, best practices, and the future of the paralegal profession.
“We are thrilled to mark this significant milestone in our association’s history,” said Josie Estes, NFPA® President. “Over the past five decades, paralegals have played an integral role in the legal industry, providing crucial support to attorneys, and ensuring that the wheels of justice turn smoothly. This convention will be a platform to honor our achievements, showcase our profession, and inspire and educate our members.”
The 50th anniversary convention will feature high-profile keynote speakers who are prominent authorities in the legal field. These experts will share their insights and provide a unique perspective on the role of paralegals play in shaping the future of the legal profession.
In addition to the stimulating educational sessions, attendees will have numerous opportunities to network with peers, exchange ideas, and strengthen professional relationships.
The convention will also include an exhibition space featuring the latest products, services, and technologies relevant to the paralegal community.
NFPA® invites paralegals, legal professionals, industry leaders, and stakeholders to attend this momentous event and join in celebrating 50 years of advocacy, growth, and excellence within the paralegal profession.
Exhibitor and vendor registration is open now at https://www. paralegals.org/page/2024-annual-convention. Registration for attendees will open in July.
In 1974, in response to a growing interest in the development of the paralegal profession, eight paralegal associations founded NFPA. Among the first orders of business are:
• A draft Code of Ethics.
• The establishment of a task force regarding certification.
The first Chairperson of NFPA was Jennifer Moulton, who served until the conclusion of the 1975 Annual Meeting. Those eight charter member associations were:
1974
Historical information reprinted from “NFPA Celebrates 40 Years” published by the Dallas Area Paralegal Association. Access the history and photo collection on the NFPA website.
POPULAR FILMS
• The Sting
• The Exorcist
• Papillon
• Association of Paralegal Professionals, n/k/a Philadelphia Association of Paralegals;
• Atlanta Association of Legal Assistants, n/k/a Georgia Association of Paralegals;
• Chicago Association of Paralegal Assistants n/k/a Illinois Paralegal Association;
• D.C. Metropolitan Area Paralegal Association, n/k/a National Capital Area Paralegal Association;
POPULAR TV PROGRAMS
• Herbie Rides Again
• Blazing Saddles
• The Great Gatsby
• Serpico
POPULAR MUSICIANS
• ABBA
• David Bowie
• Carpenters
• Alice Cooper
• Deep Purple
• Los Angeles Paralegal Association;
• Minnesota Association of Legal Assistants, n/k/a Minnesota Paralegal Association;
• Rocky Mountain Legal Assistants Association, n/k/a Rocky Mountain Paralegal Association; and
• San Francisco Association of Legal Assistants, n/k/a the San Francisco Paralegal Association
• USA Yearly Inflation Rate: 11.3%
• Dow Jones Industrial Average: 616
• Average Cost of new house: $34,900
• Average Monthly Rent: $185
• Cost of a gallon of Gas: 55 cents
• Average cost new car: $3,750
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• First class stamp: 10 cents
• US Population: 214 million
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Whether it’s your first trip to Portland or you want to experience Portland with fresh eyes, explore our guide to must-sees and must-eats.
Many things about the City of Roses are weird, exciting and downright amazing, but nothing compares to a first trip to Portland. You might have some preconceived notions of Portland: It’s enveloped in nature, the food carts are incomparable, and the city is often the stage of political and social debate. All those things are true, but Portland is more than the national headlines. Our neighborhoods encompass entire worlds, each with its own curiosities, flavors and unique experiences. There’s a vibrancy here that can only be credited to Portlanders themselves and their distinct stories that beckon visitors back to this culturally rich metropolis year after year.
Whether you’re outdoorsy, a bookworm, a foodie, you’re here to hit the shops, or you’re ready to challenge your perception of this historically complex city — your first trip to Portland will be nothing short of memorable.
Suppose you’ve centered your first trip to Portland in the Southeast or Downtown areas. In that case, chances are you’ll cross paths with Stumptown Coffee Roasters , the ushers for a thirdwave coffee movement focused on specialty beans. They have multiple café locations, but you’ll also encounter their brews at many independent Portland coffeehouses. Be sure to check their rotating menu of seasonal drinks with locally inspired flavor combinations like salted maple and mint matcha lattes.
Now, Portland’s fourth-wave coffee movement focuses on sustainable and ethical coffee production and more BIPOC-owned coffee businesses. Nossa Familia brings deeply flavorful coffee from direct-trade and familytrade coffee growers in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Peru and Ethiopia. A visit to any of their locations across Portland includes a piece of the company’s history and relationships, not to mention a delicious cup of coffee.
Powell’s City of Books, the country’s largest independent bookstore, is undeniably a favorite among travelers and locals alike. With a maze-like variety of titles and a rare books room, Powell’s has welcomed new generations of readers since 1971. While it may be an essential appetizer, a literary feast lies beyond Powell’s in Portland’s rich independent bookshop scene. Read like a local and explore Portland’s neighborhoods for every genre of new and used books.
Third Eye Books boasts Portland’s richest collection of exclusively BIPOC literature, from history and fiction to an entire dedicated kids’ section. “It’s disheartening sometimes to walk into a store and see you get a shelf or a box,” says co-owner Michelle Lewis. At Third Eye Books, you’ll find a healthy supply of classic authors like Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou, along with the owners’ favorite Black, Indigenous and POC authors.
If ambiance is needed for your booksearching journey during your first trip to Portland, find it at Rose City Book
Pub. Channel your best Ursula K. Le Guin and cozy up with a book and brew in one of the pub’s comfy oversized couches. Rose City Book Pub also has a rich calendar of events, with poetry readings, trivia nights and live music.
While most food trucks are mobile, food carts in Portland tend to stay put in food cart pods, allowing patrons to sample a variety of cuisines in one spot. Food cart pods in Portland typically have outdoor seating, with many providing heated or covered seating options for rainy seasons. Most pods contain anywhere from two to 10 food carts, and you can find one to fit your tastes with Portland’s food cart finder.
Named after a 19th-century psychiatric hospital, Hawthorne Asylum sits just two blocks from another popular food cart pod, Cartopia, and entices diners with its unmistakable wrought-iron signage and cartoonish barbed wire fence. There are so many options to eat from here it’s hard to choose just one — but it’s great for families or groups with diverse tastes. Locals love this pod for
its mini brewery, Black Dagger, offering a great selection of draft brews and fireside seating.
Dig into your next favorite craving and explore the city’s booming food scene.
Find must-try Portland doughnuts all across the city, from zany creations to tried-and-true classics (think crullers and bear claws) to gluten-free options.
There’s a reason foodies flock to Portland restaurants and bars — follow our three-day tour de fork for an ample taste of the best food city in America.
The Mercado is a food cart pod and also a hub of Latine culture and local entrepreneurship and may be one of the city’s most delicious destinations.
Southeast Portland’s “super pod” is sure to fit the bill for an even bigger selection of good eats. Meet Springwater Cart Park, home to a full-service bar with 18 beers and ciders on tap, a familyand dog-friendly outdoor beer garden
and more than 30 carts representing 15 different countries.
In case outdoor dining isn’t your scene, Portland chefs continue to bring home food accolades yearly with awardwinning restaurant concepts. Complete your trip with a visit to well-loved local favorite Eem. This Thai barbecue spot is true to its “deep fried funk” mantra, offering patrons a twist of flavors between Thai street foods and curries and southern classics like hot chicken and smoked pork. Kann is another local gem, where chef Gregory Gourdet explores his childhood in Haiti through a health-centered food lens. Kann prioritizes gluten- and dairy-free eating and gives equal attention to its creative zero-proof cocktail menu, making it a great place for sensitive eaters. Be warned: This is one of the hottest tickets in town, so you should definitely make reservations in advance!
Rose gardens and bushes pepper Portland’s public parks and sidewalks, imbuing the air with a rich floral scent from May through September. Still, none compare to the Portland
International Rose Test Garden (locally known as the Portland Rose Garden), which features over 10,000 roses with a spectacular view of Mt. Hood. If you’re a real rose nerd or enjoy a seasonal festival, try to line up your springtime trip with the annual Portland Rose Festival, a community celebration with parades, concerts, carnival rides, and plenty of roses.
Have you ever visited a live museum? In Portland, you can. Like a scene out of Narnia’s Wood Between the Worlds, Hoyt Arboretum features a diverse preservation site of 190 acres (76.8 ha) home to 2,300 species of trees and shrubs from six continents. While you won’t find pools that lead to other worlds here, you might be surprised to find that the Oregon Zoo, boasting a variety of Pacific Northwest-inspired animal exhibits, is just across the street.
International Rose Garden is located right in Washington Park. There are thousand different types of roses to see and great place to have a picnic in the summer.
If you’ve spent more than a few hours walking around on your first trip to Portland, you’ll notice that ferns, moss, and conifer trees dominate
the landscape here. Oregon’s Pacific temperate rainforest environment is best observed at Forest Park, where 70+ miles (112+ km) of trails give way to a lush green escape that’s verdant all year round. First-time visitors to Portland should head to the Lower Macleay trailhead that takes hikers past the tallest fir within a city, a 242-foot (74 m) heritage pine tree, and the Witch’s Castle or Stone House, a two-story, charming moss-laden structure that makes an excellent hide-and-seek fort.
End your day with a sunset walk at Mt. Tabor, the local (dormant) volcano. Depending on where you stand, you can see Mt. Hood peek through the trees or the sun dip behind the downtown skyline. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear a pianist serenade hikers on a pop-up restored piano.
Take advantage of clear and sunny days with a ride on Portland’s Aerial Tram, which connects the South Waterfront area to the main Oregon Health & Science University campus. This is a great morning adventure; start your day off at Blue Star Donuts, then head to the lower tram terminal to begin your journey. The tram ride will give you access to some of the best bridge
and skyline views the city offers, not to mention bragging rights for riding one of two commuter aerial tramways in the United States. (The other’s in some place called “New York.”)
Forgetting to actually relax on vacation is common, and there’s no better city respite than Lan Su Chinese Garden. Despite the busy thoroughfare outside its stone garden walls, it’s serene and surprisingly quiet. Born out of a collaboration between China’s Suzhou city and Portland, Lan Su brings authentic Ming dynasty garden designs to Old Town Chinatown. Fall and winter are the perfect times to catch annual cultural events like the Lunar New Year Lantern Viewing and the Celebration of the Chrysanthemum.
Take the MAX Light Rail 15 minutes south and explore the Portland Art Museum, framed among the picturesque South Park Blocks. The museum features a wide collection of prints and drawings from art legends like Dürer and Rembrandt, but its curation focuses on Native American and Northwest art as the primary attraction.
Saturday mornings are the busiest; throngs of folks bustle into the park
several blocks south for the Portland Farmers’ Market at PSU for a variety of food stands and fresh produce all year long. When you’ve had your fill at the market and enjoyed the many exhibits at the art museum, exit right out of the museum and head around back, where you’ll find the Behind the Museum Café , a Japanese-inspired java spot with excellent snacks and delicious matcha.
Finally, if you don’t visit the Portland Oregon Sign, did you really come to Portland? It’s not mandatory, but the sign is one of the city’s designated historic landmarks, glowing brightly each night across the Willamette river facing westbound traffic. While there are many places to snap a good picture commemorating your visit, we recommend posting up on the Burnside Bridge for the best view.
Paola Santiago is the Content Manager for Travel Portland and originates from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Photos courtesy of Travel Portland.
In April, NFPA held a 3-day virtual Joint Conference. Attendance exceeded the goal by 42%, with attendees furthering their paralegal education in areas including Regulation, Leadership, and Certification.
“We are delighted that year’s Joint Conference exceeded all of our projections,” says NFPA President Josie Estes. “Staying up to date in certification, leadership, and regulation is vital to our members’ professional development and effectiveness, and we accomplished that very successfully in 2024!”
Session handouts are online at: https://www.paralegals.org/ page/2024jointconference
Two sessions were recorded and available to purchase:
• Embracing Diversity at Your Firm - A Case Study on One Firm’s Strategic Approach - Joint Conference
• Ethics of Licensed Paraprofessionals - Joint Conference
Be a step above the restJoin the Paralegal Division of the State Bar o_f Texas
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UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI ONLINE
online.uc.edu/paralegal-programs
Now more than ever, lawyers are looking to provide affordable, effective legal services for clients — and you, paralegals, are the solution. For those looking to boost their marketability in the ever-growing paralegal field, the University of Cincinnati Online offers premier Law and Paralegal Studies programs approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).
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