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North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
37th Annual Meeting
March 24, 2017 Wrightsville Beach, NC
Annual Meeting Booklet
The North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc. is an affiliate of the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc.
The North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
PO Box 1133 Holly Springs, NC 27419
www.ncparalegal.org [email protected]
704-535-3363 Fax 704-535-3363
North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
37th Annual Membership Meeting
March 24, 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2016-2017 Officers, Committee Chairs and Board of Directors ..............................3
Agenda ....................................................................................................................5
Notice of Annual Meeting ........................................................................................6
Rules of Annual Meeting .........................................................................................7
General Instructions on Voting ................................................................................8
2016 Annual Meeting Minutes.................................................................................9
NALA Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility ...........................................14
Annual Report of the Chairman of the Board ..........................................................16
DISTRICT DIRECTOR REPORTS:
District I ...................................................................................................................18
District II ..................................................................................................................19
District III…………………………………………………………………………………..20
District V……………………………………………………………………………………21
District VI………………………………………………………………………………..…22
District VIII ...............................................................................................................23
District IX .................................................................................................................24
At Large Director (District VII) .................................................................................25
OFFICER REPORTS:
President .................................................................................................................26
First Vice President (Education) .............................................................................27
Second Vice President (Membership) .....................................................................29
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Treasurer
Annual Treasurers Report (February 1, 2016-January 31, 2017) ...............30
Audit Committee Report ..............................................................................31
Proposed 2017-2018 Budget ......................................................................32
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Historian ..................................................................................................................35
NC State Bar Paralegal Certification Liaison ..........................................................36
Nominations & Elections .........................................................................................37
Patron & Sustaining ................................................................................................38
Public Relations and Official Publications/Senior Editor .........................................39
Pro Bono .................................................................................................................40
Student/School Relations ........................................................................................41
NALA Liaison……………………………………………………………………………...42
NC Land Records Task Force Liaison…………………………………………………43
Convention Coordinator………………………………………………………………..47
*Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and are not necessarily the views
of the North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.*
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NORTH CAROLINA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION, INC.
P.O. Box 1133
Holly Springs, NC 27419
704.535.3363
Facsimile: 704.535.3363
email: [email protected]
www.ncparalegal.org
2016-2017 OFFICERS
President ................................................................................. Beverly K. Moore, NCCP
First Vice President ..................................................Lakisha A. Chichester, ACP, NCCP
Second Vice President .................................................. Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP
Secretary ....................................................... Martha L. Blackman-Hughes, ACP, NCCP
Treasurer ................................................................................. Cindy B. McGhee, NCCP
Parliamentarian .................................................................................. Diane Tally, NCCP
NALA Liaison ..................................................................... Charity L. Inglis, ACP, NCCP
2016-2017 COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Audit .............................................................................. Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP
Associations Network Committee ............................................................................. open
Education .................................................................Lakisha A. Chichester, ACP, NCCP
Annual Seminar ................................................... Lakisha A. Chichester, ACP, NCCP
............................................................................................. Kelly Collins Troy, NCCP
.......................................................................................... Crystal L. Robinson, NCCP
CLA Review Course....................................................... Charity L. Inglis, ACP, NCCP
Registration ...................................................................... Jennifer Eason, CP, NCCP
Ethics ......................................................................................... Eunice Wilkerson-Evans
Historian ..........................................................Martha L. Blackman-Hughes, ACP, NCCP
Job Bank ........................................................................ Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP
Long Range Planning ........................................................ Belinda Thomas, ACP, NCCP
Mentoring…………………………………………………………………………………….open
Membership ................................................................... Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP
NC State Bar Paralegal Certification Liaison .................. Yolanda N. Smith, ACP, NCCP
Nominations and Elections.................................................................... Denise K. Forbes
Patron and Sustaining ............................................................ Crystal L. Robinson, NCCP
Pro Bono .......................................................................... Paulene Scott Kearney, NCCP
Convention Coordinator…………………………………….Michele A. Bryan, CLA, NCCP
Public Relations and Official Publications:
Senior Editor ....................................................................... Charity Inglis, ACP, NCCP
Articles and Association News Editor................................. Crystal L. Robinson, NCCP
Advertising Editor .................................................................................................. open
Student/School Relations ......................................................... Charlotte A. Ward, NCCP
Survey ....................................................................................................................... open
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Technology .................................................................... Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP
NCPA Coordinator ......................................................... Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP
SPECIAL COMMITTEES
NC Land Records Joint Task Force Liaison ...................... Victoria L. Scally, NCSB/CP
2014-2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chairman of the Board ................................................................... Bonnie Ruffin, NCCP
District I ..................................................................................... Heather Padgett, NCCP
District II ................................................................................. Sandra Strickland, NCCP
District III ............................................................................ Michelle L. Troutman, NCCP
District IV ...................................................................................... Jane E. Goeke, NCCP
District V ......................................................................................... Ellen Thomas, NCCP
District VI .......................................................................... Michele A. Bryan, CLA, NCCP
District VII ................................................................................................................ open
District VIII ...................................................................................... Bonnie Ruffin, NCCP
District IX .................................................................................. Beverly K. Moore, NCCP
Immediate Past President ............................................. Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP
President .................................................................................. Beverly K. Moore, NCCP
NALA Liaison .................................................................... Charity L. Inglis, ACP, NCCP
Affiliate Director........................................................................................................ open
Bar Liaison ............................................................................................................... open
Paralegal Educator Liaison ...................................................................................... open
Attorney Advisors ........................................................................ Joseph N. Tissue, Esq.
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North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.
37th Annual Membership Meeting
March 24, 2017
AGENDA
Call to Order Beverly K Moore, NCCP
Introduction of 2016 - 2017 Executive Committees,
Board of Directors and Special Guests Beverly K. Moore, NCCP
Notice of Annual Meeting Martha L. Blackman-Hughes, ACP, NCCP
Credentials Committee Report Denise Forbes
Rules of Annual Meeting Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP
General Instructions On Voting Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP
2016 Annual Meeting Minutes Martha L. Blackman-Hughes, ACP, NCCP
President’s Report Beverly K. Moore, NCCP
Report of the Board of Directors Bonnie Ruffin, NCCP
Student/School Relations Beverly K. Moore, NCCP
Audit Committee Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP
Treasurer’s Report/Vote of Proposed Budget Cindy McGee, ACP, NCCP
Election of 2017 – 2018 Officers Beverly K. Moore, NCCP
Other Business
Adjourn
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NORTH CAROLINA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION, INC. P.O. Box 1133
Holly Springs, North Carolina 27540
(704) 535-3363 www.ncparalegal.org [email protected]
Reply to: Martha L. Blackman-Hughes, ACP, NCCP NCPA Secretary 919-606-0236 [email protected]
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
TO: General Membership of the North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc. FROM: Martha L. Blackman-Hughes, ACP, NCCP – NCPA Secretary DATE: January 23, 2017 In accordance with Article V, Section 3 of the North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.’s Bylaws, notice is hereby given of the Annual Meeting to be held on Friday, March 24, 2017, at 3:00 pm at the Holiday Inn at Sunspree, 1706 N. Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville, North Carolina 28480.
Although Associate, Student, Patron, Sustaining, Affiliate and Paralegal Educational Program members may not vote, this notice is being sent to you for your information.
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RULES OF ANNUAL MEETING
The proposed rules of this Annual Meeting are in compliance with the NCPA Bylaws and
Standing Rules and Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised.
1. Registration
Badges must be worn for check-in and will indicate whether General or Associate
Member and includes proxies. Members must check in and out of the meeting
with Credentials. Members may leave the assembly only upon permission of the
Credentials Chair.
2. Proxies
At any meeting of the membership of this Association, any General Member shall
have the right to vote either in person or by individual proxy.
3. Ballot
Any proposition before a meeting of the membership may be taken by voice vote
or by a show of hands.
4. Motions
The Chair has the right to require any main motion, amendment or instructions in
writing, and motions may only be made by General Members.
5. Privilege of the Floor
Privilege of the floor is granted to all members but no speaker shall be permitted to
speak more than twice at the request or permission of the Chair.
6. Debate
The Chair may limit time for debate on any subject.
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NORTH CAROLINA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION, INC.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON VOTING
1. Voting Rights
Only General Members in good standing as of 8:30 a.m. on March 24, 2017 shall be
qualified to vote at membership meetings or upon other matters coming to the members
for action.
2. Proxies
At any meeting of the membership of the Association, any General Member shall have
the right to vote either in person or by individual proxy.
Each member will be given a ballot sheet for his/her use and that of the proxies they
hold.
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MINUTES OF THE 36TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE
NORTH CAROLINA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION, INC.
HOLIDAY INN RESORT
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA
MARCH 18, 2016
The 36th Annual Meeting of the Membership of the North Carolina Paralegal Association,
Inc. was called to order by President Beverly K. Moore, NCCP, at 3:22 p.m. on March
18, 2016 at the Holiday Inn Resort, Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina.
President Moore and Chairman Bonnie Ruffin, NCCP, recognized the Officers, Directors,
and Committee Chairs for the 2015-2016 year with a certificate of appreciation and a gift.
President Moore recognized special guests NALA President Kelly LaGrave, ACP, and
Joy Belk, Assistant Director for Paralegal Certification, NC State Bar.
President Moore asked that all voting members be seated in the voting section and that all
non-voting members be seated in the non-voting section. She then asked if all members
checked in at the credentials desk. President Moore requested that anyone who leaves the
room receive permission from the Credentials Chair.
Secretary Martha L. Blackman-Hughes, ACP, NCCP, read the notice of the meeting. A
copy of the Notice of the Annual Meeting and Proxy Designation to the membership was
published on page 6 of the Annual Meeting Booklet. A copy of the Agenda for this
meeting was printed on page 5 of the Annual Meeting Booklet. Heather Padgett, NCCP,
made a motion to adopt the Agenda for this meeting as printed. The motion was
seconded by Kaye Hare, ACP, NCCP, and approved by a vote of the membership.
President Moore recognized Kaye Hare, ACP, NCCP, as Acting Credentials Chair in the
absence of Cindy McGhee, NCCP. The Acting Credentials Chair reported that the
credentials of 28 general members were in order and properly certified for the meeting;
19 in person and 9 by individual proxy. Fifteen constituted a quorum (simple majority)
and was needed to adopt the rules of the meeting.
Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP, as Acting Parliamentarian in the absence of Diane L.
Tally, NCCP, presented the Rules of the Annual Meeting as printed on page 7 of the
Annual Meeting Booklet. She made a motion that the Rules of the Annual Meeting be
adopted as printed. The motion was seconded by Jamie Coll, NCCP, and approved by a
vote of the membership.
President Moore appointed Charity L. Inglis, ACP, NCCP as timekeeper.
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The President then requested that all lengthy motions be in writing with a copy given to
the Chair. Any NCPA general member may have the privilege of the floor to offer
motions, second motions, enter into discussions, and vote.
Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP, Acting Parliamentarian, then presented the General
Instructions on Voting as printed on page 8 of the Annual Meeting Booklet. She made a
motion that the General Instructions on Voting be approved as printed. The motion was
seconded by Jane Goeke, NCCP, and approved by a vote of the membership.
President Moore then appointed Heather Padgett, NCCP; Jane Goeke, NCCP; and Bonnie
Ruffin, NCCP, to serve as tellers to tally the ballots for the election of officers.
Secretary Blackman-Hughes presented the Minutes of the 2015 Annual Meeting as
approved by Sandra Strickland, NCCP; Yolanda N. Smith, ACP, NCCP; and Bonnie
Ruffin, NCCP. She then made a motion to waive the reading of the minutes and approve
the minutes of the 2015 Annual Meeting as printed in the Annual Meeting Booklet
beginning on page 9, for the permanent records of the Association. The motion was
seconded by Bonnie Ruffin, NCCP, and carried upon a vote of the membership.
President Moore then appointed Kaye Hare, ACP, NCCP; Kelly Troy, NCCP; and
Michele Bryant, ACP, NCCP to approve the Minutes of the 2016 Annual Meeting.
President Moore presented her report as printed on page 22 in the Annual Meeting
Booklet.
Chairman Bonnie Ruffin then read her Annual Report of the Board of Directors.
Chairman Ruffin then made a motion to ratify the Board’s actions during fiscal year
2015-2016. The motion was seconded by Kelly Troy, NCCP, and carried upon a vote of
the membership.
Chairman Ruffin announced the following will represent their districts on the NCPA
Board of Directors for the 2016-2017 fiscal year, and will be appointed, as necessary, at
the Board of Director’s Meeting on March 19, 2016:
DISTRICT I: Heather Padgett, NCCP
DISTRICT II: Sandra Strickland, NCCP
DISTRICT III: Shelly Trautman, NCCP
DISTRICT IV: Jane Goeke, NCCP
DISTRICT V: Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP
DISTRICT VI: Michele Bryant, ACP, NCCP
DISTRICT VII: Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP
DISTRICT VIII: Bonnie Ruffin, NCCP
DISTRICT IX: Beverly K. Moore, NCCP
President Moore stated that the reading of Executive Committee reports would be
dispensed of in order to allow time for elections, except for those of the Student/School
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Relations Committee, Audit Committee and Treasurer. She noted that the committee
reports were included in the Annual Meeting Booklet.
President Moore, in the absence of Charlotte A. Ward, NCCP, Student School Relations
Chair, presented the recipients of the 2016 Student Scholarships:
1st place: Emily Swaringen, Meredith College
2nd place: Jill York, Western Piedmont Community College
3rd place: Ashley Anderson, Western Piedmont Community College
4th place: Brittany Honeycutt, Western Piedmont Community College.
President Moore, in the absence of Treasurer Lakisha Chichester, ACP, NCCP, then
presented the Treasurer's Report for fiscal year 2015-2016, as printed on pages 25-26 of
the Annual Meeting Booklet and noted that the report had been reviewed and approved
by the Audit Committee. Kaye Hare, ACP, NCCP, then moved for approval of the report.
The motion was seconded by Crystal L. Robinson, NCCP, and carried upon a vote of the
membership.
President Moore then presented the proposed budget for fiscal year 2016-2017. Kaye
Hare, ACP, NCCP, moved that the proposed budget be adopted as set forth on pages 28-
29 of the Annual Meeting Booklet. The motion was seconded by Patricia F. Clapper,
ACP, NCCP, and passed by a vote of the membership.
Acting Credentials Chair Kaye Hare, ACP, NCCP, presented the declared candidates for
office.
Beverly K. Moore, NCCP is the declared candidate for the office of President for the
2016-2017 term. A voice vote was taken and Beverly K. Moore, NCCP was elected
President of NCPA by acclamation for the 2016-2017 term.
Lakisha Chichester, ACP, NCCP is the declared candidate for the office of First Vice-
President for the 2016-2017 term. A voice vote was taken and Lakisha Chichester, ACP,
NCCP was elected First Vice President of NCPA by acclamation for the 2016-2017 term.
Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP is the declared candidate for the office of Second Vice-
President for the 2016-2017 term. A voice vote was taken and Patricia F. Clapper, ACP,
NCCP was elected as Second Vice-President of NCPA by acclamation for the 2016-2017
term.
Martha L. Blackman-Hughes, ACP, NCCP is the declared candidate for the office of
Secretary for the 2016-2017 term. A voice vote was taken and Martha L. Blackman-
Hughes, ACP, NCCP was elected as Secretary of NCPA by acclamation for the 2016-
2017 term.
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Cindy McGhee, NCCP is the declared candidate for the office of Treasurer for the 2016-
2017 term. A voice vote was taken and Cindy McGhee, NCCP was elected as Treasurer
of NCPA by acclamation for the 2016-2017 term.
Diane Talley, NCCP is the declared candidate for the office of Parliamentarian for the
2016-2017 term. A voice vote was taken and Diane Talley, NCCP was elected
Parliamentarian by acclamation for the 2016-2017 term.
Charity L. Inglis, ACP, NCCP is the declared candidate for the office of NALA Liaison
for the 2016-2017 term. A voice vote was taken and Charity L. Inglis, ACP, NCCP was
elected NALA Liaison by acclamation for the 2016-2017 term.
Officers for the fiscal year 2016-2017 are:
President: Beverly K. Moore, NCCP
First Vice President: Lakisha Chichester, ACP, NCCP
Second Vice President: Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP
Secretary: Martha L. Blackman-Hughes, ACP, NCCP
Treasurer: Cindy McGhee, NCCP
Parliamentarian: Diane Talley, NCCP
NALA Liaison: Charity L. Inglis, ACP, NCCP
Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP moved that the ballots from these elections be
destroyed. The motion was seconded by Kaye Hare, ACP, NCCP and approved by voice
vote.
With no further business, a motion to adjourn the 36th Annual Meeting was made by
President Moore and seconded by Jamie Coll, NCCP.
Meeting adjourned at 3:59 p.m.
APPROVED:
/s/ Beverly K. Moore
Beverly K. Moore, NCCP, President
/s/ Bonnie Ruffin
Bonnie Ruffin, NCCP, Chairman of the Board
/s/ Martha L. Blackman-Hughes
Martha L. Blackman-Hughes, ACP, NCCP, Secretary
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/s/ Kaye Hare
Kaye Hare, ACP, NCCP
/s/ Kelly Troy
Kelly Troy, NCCP
/s/ Michele Bryant
Michele Bryant, ACP, NCCP
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NALA Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility
Copyright 2007; Adopted 1975; Revised 1979, 1988; 1995; 2007.
National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc.
Each NALA member agrees to follow the canons of the NALA Code of Ethics and ProfessionalResponsibility Violations of the Code may result in cancellation of membership. First adopted by theNALA membership in May of 1975, the Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility is the foundationof ethical practices of paralegals in the legal community.
A paralegal must adhere strictly to the accepted standards of legal ethics and to the general principles ofproper conduct. The performance of the duties of the paralegal shall be governed by specific canons asdefined herein so that justice will be served and goals of the profession attained. (See Model Standardsand Guidelines for Utilization of Legal Assistants, Section II.)
The canons of ethics set forth hereafter are adopted by the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc.,as a general guide intended to aid paralegals and attorneys. The enumeration of these rules does not meanthere are not others of equal importance although not specifically mentioned. Court rules, agency rulesand statutes must be taken into consideration when interpreting the canons.
Definition: Legal assistants, also known as paralegals, are a distinguishable group of persons who assistattorneys in the delivery of legal services. Through formal education, training and experience, legalassistants have knowledge and expertise regarding the legal system and substantive and procedural lawwhich qualify them to do work of a legal nature under the supervision of an attorney.
In 2001, NALA members also adopted the ABA definition of a legal assistant/paralegal, as follows:
A legal assistant or paralegal is a person qualified by education, training or work experience who isemployed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity whoperforms specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible. (Adopted by theABA in 1997)
Canon 1.A paralegal must not perform any of the duties that attorneys only may perform nor take any actions thatattorneys may not take.
Canon 2.A paralegal may perform any task which is properly delegated and supervised by an attorney, as long asthe attorney is ultimately responsible to the client, maintains a direct relationship with the client, andassumes professional responsibility for the work product.
Canon 3.A paralegal must not: (a) engage in, encourage, or contribute to any act which could constitute theunauthorized practice of law; and (b) establish attorney-client relationships, set fees, give legal opinionsor advice or represent a client before a court or agency unless so authorized by that court or agency; and(c) engage in conduct or take any action which would assist or involve the attorney in a violation ofprofessional ethics or give the appearance of professional impropriety.
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Canon 4.A paralegal must use discretion and professional judgment commensurate with knowledge andexperience but must not render independent legal judgment in place of an attorney. The services of anattorney are essential in the public interest whenever such legal judgment is required.
Canon 5.A paralegal must disclose his or her status as a paralegal at the outset of any professional relationshipwith a client, attorney, a court or administrative agency or personnel thereof, or a member of the generalpublic. A paralegal must act prudently in determining the extent to which a client may be assisted withoutthe presence of an attorney.
Canon 6.A paralegal must strive to maintain integrity and a high degree of competency through education andtraining with respect to professional responsibility, local rules and practice, and through continuingeducation in substantive areas of law to better assist the legal profession in fulfilling its duty to providelegal service.
Canon 7.A paralegal must protect the confidences of a client and must not violate any rule or statute now in effector hereafter enacted controlling the doctrine of privileged communications between a client and anattorney.Canon 8.A paralegal must disclose to his or her employer or prospective employer any pre-existing client orpersonal relationship that may conflict with the interests of the employer or prospective employer and/ortheir clients.
Canon 9.A paralegal must do all other things incidental, necessary, or expedient for the attainment of the ethicsand responsibilities as defined by statute or rule of court.
Canon 10.A paralegal's conduct is guided by bar associations' codes of professional responsibility and rules ofprofessional conduct.
15
NORTH CAROLINA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION, INC.
2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Along with the Executive Committee, NCPA is governed by the Board of Directors (“Board”),
which is responsible for establishing the policies and philosophies of the Association. The Board consists
of nine (9) District Directors representing specific geographical areas of North Carolina; the President;
NALA Liaison; Affiliate Director; Bar Liaison; Paralegal Educator Liaison; two (2) Attorney Advisors; At
Large Director (Immediate Past President); and the Board Secretary.
Annual meeting of the membership of the North Carolina Paralegal Association was held at the
Holiday Inn Resort in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina on March 18, 2016. A joint meeting of the
Board and Executive Committee, including the Directors, Officers and Committee Chairs was held on
March 17, 2016. This was also held at the Holiday Inn Resort in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina.
Joint meetings of the Board and Executive Committee, including the Directors, Officers and
Committee Chairs, were held on the following dates at Wyatt Early Harris Wheeler, LLP, 1912 Eastchester
Drive, Suite 400, High Point, NC, as follows: March 19, 2016, April 16, 2016, November 12, 2016, and
January 21, 2017.
Prior to the Annual Meeting, a joint meeting of the Board and the Executive Committee is
scheduled for March 23rd, 2017 at the Holiday Inn Resort, 1706 N. Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach,
NC.
District I Director, Heather Padgett, NCCP reported to have 50 district members.
District II Director, Sandra Strickland, CLA/NCCP reported to have almost 200 members after
welcoming 7 new members. District II held a 3-hour Meet-n-Greet and FREE Mini-Seminar on Saturday,
May 21, 2016 at the downtown Raleigh campus of Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School
of Law. The event was sponsored by Nova Office Strategies and CourtLogic and featured NCPA’s own
Patti Clapper and Raleigh attorney Haynes Dallas. Attendees earned 3 hours of CPE credit toward
recertification. Donations were collected and later delivered to the Fuquay-Varina office of Military
Missions in Action to benefit North Carolina’s homeless veterans.
District III Director Shelley Troutman, NCCP reported to have 39 members.
District VI District Director Michele Bryant, CP, NCCP to have received and answered various
questions from district members regarding NCPA, education, employment and miscellaneous topics.
Distract V Director, Ellen Thomas, NCCP reported 39 members.
District VII is in need of a director. It has 11 members.
District VIII Director, Bonnie Ruffin, NCCP District VIII along with Wendy Grode of the
Paralegal Technology program at Wilson Community College provided their first streamed paralegal
presentation on August 29, 2016. We were able to share the benefits of joining the paralegal association
and also share new technology with the students. Additional online live presentations were scheduled for
February 2017 to also be held in connection with Wilson Community College. New members and current
members were contacted via email regarding NCPA.
District IX District Director Beverly King Moore, NCCP reported to have 22 members.
16
The FORUM was sent to the members via email transmissions in March, 2016, June 2016,
September 2016, and December 2016. The Spring Forum was to be sent in March 2016. Thanks to
everyone who submitted information.
Our Association is well served by the dedicated individuals who have volunteered their time and
efforts to serve as Directors, Officers and Committee Chairs. The Board is dependent upon the members of
the Association to provide comments and suggestions as we look to the future of our profession and
Association.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I respectfully request the NCPA membership ratify the
Board’s actions during 2016-2017.
Respectfully submitted,
By: Bonnie T. Ruffin, NCCP
Bonnie T. Ruffin, NCCP, Chairman of the Board
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DISTRICT I REPORT
As of March 1, 2017, District I has 50 members, consisting of:
5 General Members
4 Associate Members
40 Student Members
1 Education Program
District I continues to see a large student membership and we look forward to what they’ll bring
to the organization and to the paralegal profession. I hope to schedule regular meet and greets
over the next year, as well as looking at other opportunities to bring the members of District I
together to support the goals of NCPA.
We look forward to seeing everyone at the Annual Meeting and Seminar!
Respectfully submitted,
Heather Padgett
District I Director
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North Carolina Paralegal Association
District II - Annual Report
March 7, 2017
District II welcomed 7 members during the 2016-2017 fiscal year, bringing its membership to nearly two
hundred.
District II held a 3-hour Meet-n-Greet and FREE Mini-Seminar on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at the
downtown Raleigh campus of Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law. The event
was sponsored by Nova Office Strategies and CourtLogic and featured NCPA’s own Patti Clapper and
Raleigh attorney Haynes Dallas. Attendees earned 3 hours of CPE credit toward recertification.
Donations were collected and later delivered to the Fuquay-Varina office of Military Missions in Action
to benefit North Carolina’s homeless veterans.
A similar FREE event is planned at the same location on Saturday, May 20, 2017. Featured speakers will
be Raleigh attorney Robert Parrott, paralegal Victoria Scally, and Patti Clapper. Application for approval
of 3 hours CPE credit for NC Certified Paralegals is pending. Further details will be posted via Facebook
and NCPA’s website (www.ncparalegal.org) as they become available.
I have enjoyed working in District II for the past two years and look forward to continued growth and
more exciting events for District II. District II extends its heartfelt thanks to both Nova Office Strategies
and CourtLogic for their generous sponsorship of District II events during the 2016-2017 fiscal year.
Special thanks also go to Linda Davenport and Campbell Law School for their assistance in making the
May 21, 2016 CPE event a success!
If you’re a member of District II and would like to be involved in planning events for our district, please
feel free to contact me.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandra R. Strickland, CLA/NCCP District II Director
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DISTRICT III REPORT
As of March 2, 2017, District III has 39 members, consisting of:
15 General Members
2 Associate Members
21 Student Members
1 Affiliate Member
District III goals include an increase in meet and greets to 1) increase our membership; and 2) to
explore opportunities which will focus on retention with our general membership in the North
Carolina Paralegal Association.
Respectfully submitted,
Michelle “Shelley” Troutman, NCCP
District III Director
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DISTRICT V REPORT
2016 -2017 NCPA District V Annual Report
As of February 3, 2017, District V has 39 members:
8 – General and Associate Members
31 - Student Members
1 - Gold Member
As of March 1, 2017, 2017 NCPA Membership dues are due and payable upon receipt. I am hoping to see a good General and Associate General Membership for District V. In 2016, District V was in the process of being rebuilt and still continues to be as well. In July 2016, I placed a message in the NCPA Forum and sent out mass e-mail to District V
members inviting them to contact me regarding their interest in meeting, having district activities, etc.
As of August 1, 2016 only two members out of fifty-nine responded to my e-mail.
On August 13, 2016 a Meet and Greet was scheduled between 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Panera
Bread in the Concord Mills Area in Concord, North Carolina. No one attended the gathering.
In the last quarter of 2016, I have made a variety of contacts to try to encourage membership
and communication within the District. For instance, I met with a local paralegal student out of
Gastonia, NC in order to help him with a student project. I made contact with a local paralegal that is
interested in helping arrange social activities in District V but after further inquiry, I discovered that she
not in my District. I did encourage her to participate in her District’s activities.
I am pleased to see that Student Membership appears to be growing. The younger generation is
the future of our profession. Once “seasoned” paralegals advance in their respective fields and retire,
their knowledge and experience can be relayed to new paralegals. Students are joining District V for a
variety of reasons, but the driving force may very well be the desire to make contacts with “seasoned”
paralegals in order to find gainful employment upon graduation. At this point in District V, the student
memberships outnumber the general and associate memberships. District V needs more “seasoned”
paralegals, not only for mentoring our students and new paralegals, but for financial reasons as well. In
2016, I did not come to the annual seminar with a plan; I did not know it was possible for me to
participate in a leadership position in NCPA. I have enjoyed serving as District V Director in 2016, but I
realize more work is needed.
In February 2017, I respectfully submitted my name to the North Carolina Paralegal Association
Membership as a candidate for District V Director for the North Carolina Paralegal Association. I look
forward to looking for new avenues to encourage activity in District V.
21
Report of the District VI Director
Thank you for allowing me to serve as the District VI Director for the past
year.
I have received and answered various questions from our District members
regarding NCPA, education, employment and miscellaneous topics and I have had
a lot of great conversations sharing information with other paralegals around the
District.
I urge you all to get to know other members in your District, and invite non-
members to get involved. NCPA is a great place to network. I know everyone is
looking forward to Annual!
Have a beautiful Spring!
Michele
Michele A. Bryant, CP, NCCP
District VI Director
22
District VIII Report
As of March 10, 2017, District VIII has 16 current members. That consists of:
5 student members 8 general members 2 associate member 1 gold member District VIII is gradually increasing in numbers. We are thrilled to have existing members renew and the
addition of new members.
District VIII along with Wendy Grode of the Paralegal Technology program at Wilson Community College
provided their first streamed paralegal presentation on August 29, 2016. We were able to share the
benefits of joining the paralegal association and also share new technology with the students. Additional
online live presentations were scheduled for February 2017 to also be held in connection with Wilson
Community College. New members and current members were contacted via email regarding NCPA.
We hope to make 2017 a successful year with continued leadership with regular meetings and reaching
out to members as well as non-members. Thank you for the opportunity to serve the NCPA.
Respectfully,
Bonnie T. Ruffin, NCCP, CLVS District VIII Director
23
DISTRICT IX REPORT
As of March 1, 2017, District IX has 23 members, consisting of:
10 General Members
4 Associate Members
9 Student Members
District IX continues to grow. We hope to hold a meet and greet in 2017 in a central location
for District IX members.
Respectfully submitted,
Beverly K. Moore
District IX Director
24
NORTH CAROLINA PARALEGALASSOCIATION INC.
AT-LARGE DIRECTOR
ANNUAL REPORT
February 28, 2017
The At-Large Director is the Immediate Past President and serves as district director for NCPA
districts that do not have a director.
District VII did not have a director for 2016 – 2017. This district has 11 members: 8 general
and 3 student. Given the distance from my home and this district, it was not easy to physically
be in the district often to hold meet and greets.
Sincerely,
Patti Clapper
Patti Clapper, ACP, NCCP
At Large Director
25
NORTH CAROLINA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION, INC.
President’s Annual Report
2016-2017
This Annual Meeting Booklet contains reports from the Officers, Directors and Committee
Chairs. Those reports essentially make up the President’s report. Without minimizing the
importance of your reading those reports on NCPA’s activities this past year, I would like to
summarize the important events from the past year.
With the continued support of Ruffin Consulting, Inc., we are now able to offer
our videos on demand at a very inexpensive cost for members and non-members.
These replays have been a huge success and we are grateful to Ruffin for coming
to video and hosting these videos through their website.
We have received another generous grant from the NC State Bar’s Paralegal
Certification Program that has made it possible for NCPA to once again record
the sessions from our annual seminar. These will be added to our list of on
demand videos.
Our student membership continues to grow and we appreciate the support NCPA
receives from the paralegal educators in North Carolina. The students are the
future of NCPA.
NCPA continues to be one of the leading paralegal programs in North Carolina. We
have a great group of volunteers serving as Directors, Officers and Committee Members and we
have the best members in the State.
Respectfully Submitted,
Beverly
Beverly K. Moore, NCCP
26
Annual Report of the
2016-17 First Vice President and Education Committee
I am pleased to report on my first year as First Vice President and Chair of the Education Committee. The Committee is charged with planning the annual seminar and overseeing the planning and coordination of high-quality educational options for members and nonmembers. This past year has certainly been a learning experience for me. I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to learn as much as I have about the North Carolina Paralegal Association. Year in Review: In May 2016, nine sessions from the 2016 Annual Seminar were added to the
impressive list of on-demand CPE options available online. Video replays of sessions from the 2014, 2015 and 2016 Annual Seminars are available members and non-members. Each session qualifies for one hour of credit from the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification. The complete list of on-demand video replays is as follows:
2014 1. Trial from Start to Finish for Paralegals 2. Successfully Handling Workers’ Compensation Claims 3. Recognizing Legal Issues for Same Sex Clients and Giving Appropriate Advice 4. Assisting with the Probate Process 5. No Working, No Talking, No Fun! Oh My! 6. The Hole in Superman’s Cape (Gen. Ethics) 2015 7. Contracts 101 (Part 1) 8. Contracts 102 (Part 2) 9. Ten Things a Superior Court Judge Wants You to Know 10. Business Court 11. Dealing with Emotional Impact of Crimes in Victims 12. Integrated Disclosure: Know Before You Show 13. Are you doing your Ethical Due Diligence? 2016 14. Service of Process & Human Trafficking 15. Lien & Bond Issues 16. Top Ten Real Estate Complaints
27
17. Successfully Navigating Current Issues in Animal Law 18. County Government 19. Legal Updates in Family Law 20. Common Title Searching Pitfalls & Dealing with the AOC 21. Liens & Subrogation in Personal Injury Cases – A Survival Guide 22. Ripped from the Headlines (Gen. Ethics)
On May 21, 2016, District II held a mini seminar at Campbell Law School in
Raleigh, NC. Members and nonmembers were welcome for the free program, which qualified for three hours of CPE from the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification.
September 17, 2016, the CLA/CP Review Course was held in Durham, NC. The
program qualified for six hours of CPE credit from the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification.
March 23-25, 2017, the 37th Annual Meeting & Seminar will be in full swing. For
months, Kelly Troy, NCCP, and Crystal Robinson, NCCP, have been working diligently to coordinate speakers, exhibitors and sponsors for the program. The North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification and NALA approved the program for six hours of CPE credit.
Special thanks to Kelly Troy, NCCP; Crystal Robinson, NCCP; Beverly Moore, NCCP; Patti Clapper, ACP, NCCP; Bonnie Ruffin, NCCP; Michele Bryant, CP, NCCP; Charity Inglis, ACP, NCCP; Sandra Strickland, CLA, NCCP; and a host of other hardworking and knowledgeable paralegals who made this past year a huge success. The Committee will soon be hard at work planning and organizing NCPA’s 38th Annual Meeting & Seminar. Your participation and suggestions are welcome; please contact [email protected].
Respectfully submitted, Lakisha Chichester, ACP, NCCP Lakisha Chichester, ACP, NCCP First Vice President Chair, Education Committee
28
NORTH CAROLINA PARALEGALASSOCIATION INC.
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP REPORT
February 28, 2017
We ended the 2016 - 2017 membership year with the official membership count as follows:
General members: 210
Associate members: 45
Student members: 252
Sustaining Members: 10
Affiliate members: 3
Educational Program members: 1
Total 521
NCPA is most grateful for the support of our Sustaining Members. These members show their
support for us in various ways throughout the year. As of February 28, 2013, these are:
Courtlogic, CaseWorks, Eagle Eye Investigations Group, Noteworthy Court Reporting, Lawyers Mutual
Liability Insurance of NC, Registered Agent Solutions, Inc., Rogers Realty & Auction, Ruffin Consulting,
Triad Land Surveying and NCAPPS. Please remember that Sustaining Members make possible many
of the benefits that NCPA provides to our individual members. Whenever possible, please
patronize or refer others to our Sustaining Members – we appreciate their support!
We are also proud to recognize our Affiliate Members, Alamance County Paralegal Association,
Cumberland County Paralegal Association, and Guilford Paralegal Association, as well as our
Educational Program Member, Carteret Community College Paralegal Technology Program.
Sincerely,
Patti Clapper
Patti Clapper, ACP, NCCP
Second Vice President / Membership Chair
29
REVENUES:
Current Year-To-Date Budget DifferenceAdvertising:
NCPA FORUM -$ -$ 500.00$ (500.00)$ Membership Dues:
Affiliate -$ 111.00$ 100.00$ 11.00$ Associate 60.00$ 2,621.64$ 3,500.00$ (878.36)$ General 170.00$ 16,262.37$ 17,000.00$ (737.63)$ Student -$ -$ -$ -$ Sustaining -$ 6,300.00$ 8,500.00$ (2,200.00)$ Paralegal Education Program -$ 100.00$ 200.00$ (100.00)$
Miscellaneous Receipts (Jewelry, Sweatshirts, Labels) -$ 886.71$ 500.00$ 386.71$ Online revenue -$ 1,422.65$ 1,000.00$ 422.65$
Seminars:All Others -$ 2,182.91$ 5,115.00$ (2,932.09)$ Annual -$ 11,552.16$ 13,000.00$ (1,447.84)$ CLA Review Course -$ 375.00$ -$ 375.00$ NCCP Review -$ -$ 500.00$ (500.00)$
TOTAL REVENUES: 230.00$ 41,814.44$ 49,915.00$ (8,100.56)$
EXPENDITURES:
Accounting Services:Expenses -$ -$ -$ -$ Fees -$ 340.50$ 1,500.00$ 1,159.50$
Administrative Services:Fee 750.00$ 9,000.00$ 9,000.00$ -$ Phone 10.00$ 240.00$ 360.00$ 120.00$ Postage -$ 179.99$ 255.00$ 75.01$ Supplies -$ 192.28$ 200.00$ 7.72$
Annual Meeting -$ -$ 200.00$ 200.00$ Awards -$ 481.67$ 200.00$ (281.67)$ Board of Directors
Bar Liaison -$ -$ -$ -$ Chairman of the Board -$ -$ 50.00$ 50.00$ 9 Districts, At Large, Affil, Atty Adv, AMICUS 14.74$ 45.25$ 100.00$ 54.75$ Secretary to Board -$ -$ 10.00$ 10.00$
Committees:Audit -$ -$ 10.00$ 10.00$ Convention Coordinator -$ -$ 10.00$ 10.00$ Ethics -$ -$ 10.00$ 10.00$ Historian -$ -$ 50.00$ 50.00$ Job Bank -$ -$ -$ -$ Long-Range Planning 18.90$ 18.90$ -$ (18.90)$ Mentoring -$ -$ 10.00$ 10.00$ NC Land Records Task Force -$ -$ 10.00$ 10.00$ NC State Bar Certification Liaison -$ -$ 10.00$ 10.00$ Nominations and Elections -$ -$ 10.00$ 10.00$ Sustaining Membership -$ -$ 10.00$ 10.00$ Public Relations/Official Publications -$ -$ 10.00$ 10.00$ Student/School Relations -$ -$ 10.00$ 10.00$ Technology -$ -$ -$ -$
CPE Approval Fee 75.00$ 225.00$ 225.00$ -$ Document Retention/Storage 80.00$ 960.00$ 960.00$ -$ Executive Committee and Board Meetings -$ 138.36$ 300.00$ 161.64$ FORUM Printing and Mailing 320.25$ 1,592.36$ 2,000.00$ 407.64$ General Expenses (Stationery, Jewelry, Sweatshirts, etc.) -$ -$ 200.00$ 200.00$ Miscellaneous (Post Office Box Rental, Bank-Related, etc.) -$ 60.00$ 120.00$ 60.00$ NALA Annual Meeting (Delegate Attendance) -$ 1,642.11$ 1,500.00$ (142.11)$ NALA Affiliated Association Dues -$ 225.00$ 225.00$ -$
North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.For Month End January 2017
30
Officers:First Vice President -$ -$ -$ NALA Liaison -$ -$ 10.00$ 10.00$ Parliamentarian -$ -$ 10.00$ 10.00$ President -$ -$ 10.00$ 10.00$ Local -$ -$ 10.00$ 10.00$ NALA Annual Meeting -$ 1,398.50$ 1,500.00$ 101.50$ Second Vice President -$ -$ 10.00$ 10.00$ Secretary -$ -$ 10.00$ 10.00$ Treasurer -$ -$ 50.00$ 50.00$
Scholarships:Student -$ 1,125.00$ 1,000.00$ (125.00)$ Meredith R. Pollette CLA Fund -$ -$ 550.00$ 550.00$
Seminars:All Others -$ 3,607.50$ 2,500.00$ (1,107.50)$ Annual -$ 26,104.86$ 22,000.00$ (4,104.86)$ CLA Review Course -$ 401.60$ 500.00$ 98.40$ Mid-Year -$ -$ -$ -$
Technology:PayPal Fees 7.58$ 773.39$ 1,200.00$ 426.61$ MemberClicks Web Hosting and OneDrive 217.85$ 3,104.10$ 3,000.00$ (104.10)$
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 1,494.32$ 51,856.37$ 49,915.00$ (1,941.37)$
OTHER ASSETS:
Education CD - Acct # …6393 (12 mo term) as of 3/29/16 5,087.68$ (Matures 6-7-16)
Education CD - Acct #...6403 (24 mo term) as of 3/29/16 6,711.48$ (Matures 6-7-16)
MRP CD - Acct #...6416 (36 mo term) as of 3/29/16 28,231.16$ (Matures 6-13-16)
2011 Review Course Proceeds CD - Acct #...0751 (12 mo term) -$ (Matured 12-29-12)
Savings Acct # -2076 97.84$
EXCESS/(DEFICIT) REVENUES OVER EXPENDITURES: (10,041.93)$ GENERAL FUND CASH RECONCILIATION
Closed & transferred to savings to hold for maturity of Transferred $5900 (fr -0751) to MRP CD on 6-13-13
31
NORTH CAROLINA PARALEGALASSOCIATION INC.
AUDIT CHAIR ANNUAL REPORT
2016 - 2017
I have audited the Treasurer’s book and report from February 1, 2016 through and
including January 31, 2017 and all financial records are in order and the transactions
reported therein are correct and ready to be approved by the Board.
Patti Clapper
Patti Clapper, ACP, NCCP
Audit Chair
32
REVENUES:
Year-To-Date 12/31
2016-2017 Budget
2017-2018 Budget
Advertising:NCPA FORUM $ - 500.00$ 500.00$
Membership Dues:Affiliate $111.00 100.00$ 100.00$ Associate $2,561.64 3,500.00$ 3,500.00$ General $16,092.37 17,000.00$ 17,000.00$ Student $ - -$ Sustaining $6,300.00 8,500.00$ 8,500.00$ Paralegal Education Program $100.00 200.00$ 200.00$
Miscellaneous Receipts (Jewelry, Sweatshirts, Labels) $886.71 500.00$ 500.00$ Online revenue $1,422.65 1,000.00$ 1,500.00$
Seminars:All Others $2,182.91 5,115.00$ 4,000.00$ Annual $11,552.16 13,000.00$ 13,000.00$ CLA Review Course $375.00 -$ 250.00$ NCCP Review $ - 500.00$ 250.00$ Bar Grant 5,000.00$ -$
TOTAL REVENUES: 46,584.44$ 49,915.00$ 49,300.00$
EXPENDITURES:
Accounting Services:Expenses $ - Fees $340.50 1,500.00$ 500.00$
Administrative Services:Fee $8,250.00 9,000.00$ 9,000.00$ Phone $230.00 360.00$ 120.00$ Postage $179.99 255.00$ 250.00$ Supplies $192.28 200.00$ 200.00$
Annual Meeting $ - 200.00$ 200.00$ Awards $481.67 200.00$ 200.00$ Board of Directors
Bar Liaison $ - -$ -$ Chairman of the Board $ - 50.00$ 50.00$ 9 Districts, At Large, Affil, Atty Adv, AMICUS $30.51 100.00$ 100.00$ Secretary to Board $ - 10.00$ 10.00$
Committees:Audit $ - 10.00$ 10.00$ Convention Coordinator $ - 10.00$ 10.00$ Ethics $ - 10.00$ 10.00$ Historian $ - 50.00$ 50.00$ Job Bank $ - -$ -$ Long-Range Planning $ - -$ 10.00$ Mentoring $ - 10.00$ 10.00$ NC Land Records Task Force $ - 10.00$ 10.00$ NC State Bar Certification Liaison $ - 10.00$ 10.00$ Nominations and Elections $ - 10.00$ 10.00$ Sustaining Membership $ - 10.00$ 10.00$ Public Relations/Official Publications $ - 10.00$ 10.00$ Student/School Relations $ - 10.00$ 10.00$ Technology $ - -$ -$
CPE Approval Fee $150.00 225.00$ 225.00$ Document Retention/Storage $880.00 960.00$ 960.00$ Executive Committee and Board Meetings 138.36$ 300.00$ 250.00$ FORUM Printing and Mailing $1,272.11 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ General Expenses (Stationery, Jewelry, Sweatshirts, etc.) $ - 200.00$ 200.00$ Miscellaneous (Post Office Box Rental, Bank-Related, etc.) 60.00$ 120.00$ 60.00$ NALA Annual Meeting (Delegate Attendance) $1,642.11 1,500.00$ 1,500.00$ NALA Affiliated Association Dues 225.00$ 225.00$ 225.00$
North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.2017-2018 Proposed Budget
33
Officers:First Vice President $ - 10.00$ NALA Liaison $ - 10.00$ 10.00$ Parliamentarian $ - 10.00$ 10.00$ President $ - 10.00$ 10.00$ Local $ - 10.00$ 10.00$ NALA Annual Meeting $1,398.50 1,500.00$ 1,500.00$ Second Vice President $ - 10.00$ 10.00$ Secretary $ - 10.00$ 10.00$ Treasurer $ - 50.00$ 20.00$
Scholarships:Student $1,125.00 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ Meredith R. Pollette CLA Fund $ - 550.00$ 550.00$ Mary F. Haggerty CLA NCCP Scholarship -$ -$ 750.00$
Seminars:All Others $3,607.50 2,500.00$ 2,000.00$ Annual $26,104.86 22,000.00$ 22,000.00$ CLA/NCCP Review Course 401.60$ 500.00$ 500.00$ Mid-Year $ - -$ -$
Technology:PayPal Fees $765.81 1,200.00$ 1,200.00$ MemberClicks Web Hosting & Open Drive $2,886.25 3,000.00$ 3,500.00$
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 50,362.05$ 49,915.00$ 49,300.00$
EXCESS/(DEFICIT) REVENUES OVER EXPENDITURES:GENERAL FUND CASH RECONCILIATION -$
34
2016 Historian’s Report
The North Carolina Paralegal Association held its 36th Annual Meeting and Seminar March 17-
19, 2016, at the beautiful Holiday Inn Resort in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Attendees
enjoyed good food, fellowship, and superior continuing education programming.
Officers for the 2016-2017 term were elected or appointed at the Annual Meeting on March 18,
2016:
President – Beverly K. Moore, NCCP
First Vice President – Lakisha Chichester, ACP, NCCP
Second Vice President – Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP
Secretary – Martha L. Blackman-Hughes, ACP, NCCP
Treasurer – Cindy McGhee, NCCP
Parliamentarian – Diane Talley, NCCP
NALA Liaison – Charity L. Inglis, ACP, NCCP
Also recognized at the Annual Meeting were the recipients of the 2016 Student Scholarships:
1st place – Emily Swaringen, Meredith College
2nd place – Jill York, Western Piedmont Community College
3rd place – Ashley Anderson, Western Piedmont Community College
4th place – Brittany Honeycutt, Western Piedmont Community College
During 2016, the NCPA continued its tradition of holding local “Meet and Greet” sessions in
various districts across the state, many of which were well attended. On the national level, a
contingent of NCPA members, including NALA Liaison Charity Inglis and President Beverly K,
Moore, attended NALA’s 41st Conference and Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 13-15, 2016.
Respectfully submitted:
Martha L. Blackman-Hughes, ACP, NCCP
Historian
35
NORTH CAROLINA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION, INC.
NC STATE BAR BOARD OF PARALEGAL CERTIFICATION YEAR END REPORT
2016-2017
In July 2016, NCPA presented the Mary F. Haggerty, CLA Scholarship Award. This
scholarship will be given every year to students taking the Fall NCCP exam. Each recipient
received $125 to cover the cost of the NCCP application fee. The year’s scholarship winner was
Kim Campbell. Ms. Campbell passed the exam and is now a North Carolina Certified Paralegal.
Paralegal certification examinations were held in April and October 2016. For the April
exam, 122 applicants took the exam and 87 passed. For the October exam, 121 applicants took
the exam and 86 passed.
Beginning with the Fall 2016 exam, examinees now have the option of taking the North
Carolina Certified Paralegal exam either using their electronic device (laptop or tablet) or paper.
To date, there are 4,124 certified paralegals in North Carolina. The paralegal profession in
North Carolina continues to grow and NCPA continues to play a huge role in that growth.
Respectfully submitted,
Yolanda N. Smith
Yolanda N. Smith, ACP, NCCP
36
REPORT OF NOMINATIONS & ELECTIONS COMMITTEE
As of March 13, 2017, no one has submitted to the committee a
Declaration for Candidacy or Nomination for Director.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Forbes, Nominations and Elections Chair
37
Patron/Sustaining Membership Chair Report
Crystal L. Robinson, NCCP
As of March 1, 2017, we have two (2) Gold sustaining members that have renewed:
NCID
Ruffin Consulting
And we have two (2) Bronze sustaining members that have renewed:
Lawyers Mutual
Noteworthy Reporting
I am sending out follow up emails shortly.
38
NORTH CAROLINA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION, INC.
P.O. Box 1133
Holly Springs, North Carolina 27540
(704) 535-3363 (phone/fax)
_________________ Web: www.ncparalegal.org
E-mail: [email protected]
(your reply info goes here)
March 21, 2017
TO: EC/Board of Directors From: Charity L. Inglis, ACP, NCCP Re: Public Relations / Senior Editor Report As some of you know over a year and a half ago I left the paralegal field and joined the human resources department at my current employer after completing my masters in Human Resource Management. I have become aware that I have too many volunteer responsibilities on my plate with various organizations as well as working full time, family responsibilities and with me not working as a paralegal anymore, the NCPA volunteer work is the first to go. I want to thank Lakisha Chicester for her guidance in helping me become acclimated to being the Senior Editor and I also want to thank Bev Moore for being a great NCPA President and listening ear when trying to make a decision on the Forum. As a reminder, below is the publishing calendar for the FORUM:
June 1st (Summer) September (Fall) December (Winter) March 1st (Spring)
As always, everyone’s help over this past year’s issues has been greatly appreciated and the tireless efforts of the members of NCPA result in a FORUM that continues to grow and elicit positive responses. A big “Thank you” to everyone! Thanks to all contributors to the FORUM - you make it happen!
39
NORTH CAROLINA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION, INC.
P.O. Box 1133
Holly Springs, North Carolina 27419
February 20, 2017
Paulene Scott Kearney, NCCP [email protected] NCPA Pro Bono Chair Report 919-671-9439 cell March 23, 2017 37th Annual Meeting 919-250-2160 office To: NCPA Board and EC NCPA members will once again collect donations for MMIA this year during Annual. Mike, from MMIA, will stop by on March 25, 2017 to thank everyone and pick up the donations. We had a very large collection of donated items in 2016. I am hoping we will be able to top that this year. I am looking forward to offering more pro bono opportunities in 2017. Thanks for the opportunity to serve our communities. Sincerely,
Paulene Scott Kearney
Paulene Scott Kearney Pro Bono Chair
40
NORTH CAROLINA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION, INC.
P.O. Box 1133
Holly Springs, NC 27540
www.ncparalegal.org [email protected] Reply to:
Charlotte A. Ward, CLA, NCCP
NCPA Student Relations Chairperson
919-906-1822
STUDENT/SCHOOL RELATIONS JANUARY 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT
Throughout the year, the Student/School Relations Committee fields a variety of e-
mail requests from current and prospective students interested in the paralegal field and
interested in our organization. We provide them with NCPA information, in addition to
links to other sites that may be of interest or help to the students.
Information was provided to students at Meredith College in August 2016. This
included written material about NCPA, the upcoming student scholarship program and
benefits of student membership.
The NCPA Student Scholarship Essay Contest was again a great success! It
opened October 1, 2016 and was officially closed on January 1, 2017. The winners were
announced on February 7, 2017 as follows:
1st Place $400- Amy Stogner, Cape Fear Community College
2nd Place $300- Martha Williams, Meredith College
3rd Place $200- Tiffany Wah, Central Piedmont Community College
4th Place $100-Debi McPeters, Western Piedmont Community College
In addition to their monetary scholarship, each recipient was awarded free
registration to the NCPA Annual Seminar & Conference being held March 24-25, 2017
in Wrightsville Beach, NC. It is the goal of NCPA to continue to offer services and
opportunities to the student/educational community.
Respectfully submitted,
Charlotte A. Ward, NCCP
NCPA Student/School Relations Chair
41
NORTH CAROLINA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION, INC.
P.O. Box 1133
Holly Springs, North Carolina 27540
(704) 535-3363 (phone/fax)
_________________ Web: www.ncparalegal.org
E-mail: [email protected]
(your reply info goes here)
March 21, 2017
TO: EC/Board of Directors From: Charity L. Inglis, ACP, NCCP Re: NALA Liaison Report As some of you know over a year and a half ago I left the paralegal field and joined the human resources department at my current employer after completing my masters in Human Resource Management. I have become aware that I have too many volunteer responsibilities on my plate with various organizations as well as working full time, family responsibilities and with me not working as a paralegal anymore, the NCPA volunteer work is the first to go. If you haven’t noticed already there is a new format for NALA News in the Forum now. I wanted something to look inviting and exciting to read instead of a traditional report. Check it out if you haven’t noticed it! Just a reminder of some important deadlines for NALA Affiliates:
Affiliated Association Award nominations are due May 1, 2017 Annual report is due June 1, 2017
Also the NALA President, Cassandra Oliver, is coming to this year’s NCPA Annual Meeting! I am working with her on travel arrangements and schedules. Finally, this year’s NALA convention will be in Orlando, FL from July 19 - 21, 2017. NCPA had a large presence when NALA was in Charleston, SC and we wish to do the same in Orlando. Inquiries have been made with Holiday Tours about taking a 50 or 38 passenger bus to Orlando and an announcement to members of signing up to show interest was solicited by the NCPA President.
42
NC LAND RECORDS TASK FORCE
Notes from 04/13/2016 meeting:
NC / SC Boundary
Many of the attendees had attended an earlier meeting held by Sen. Tucker, the sponsor of the Senate Bill
575, and arranged through the efforts of Nathan Batts. Two divergent possible concepts were
discussed: Allowing the owner to record documents as they chose, or providing for a “Certification.” Recording fees, a notice of properties affected (coinciding with the maps) and other issues
were discussed at length. An updated draft proposal will be gathered and prepared by Nancy Ferguson
based on this input, shared with the Task Force and with the list of interested parties from Sen. Tucker’s meeting, with any resulting updates shared with Bill Drafting, ASAP per Sen. Tucker’s instructions.
Tenancy by Entireties; Same Sex Marriage Technical Corrections The tenancy-by-entireties technical corrections will be presented by the General Statutes Commission in
the Short Session since they are urgently needed to protect NC real estate titles. Other bills potentially
needing correction because of “husband and wife” rather than “spouse” provisions, will be considered later,
divided into 2 groups: family law issues (marriage, adoption, divorce); and “non-controversial” issues such as magistrate oaths, tax, insurance. The Commission has opened a docket for these.
Recording Fees NCARD had surveyed members and will be discussing the issue of potential changes to recording fees at
their meeting on Friday. This is in response to a request from NCLTA, the Real Property Section and others
in the real estate closing industry for standardized fees to address the mandatory disclosures under the new TILA-RESPA regulations. However, NCARD is at this point only considering deed of trust recording fees
and possibly limiting that to raising the page count to 30 pages for the standard fee and raising that fee, in
order to prevent any counties from suffering an increase in operating losses.
E-recording plats pilot project
Tom Morgan reported that the 10 counties are increasing their e-recording of plats, have negotiated a per
plat fee which will facilitate it, and they are providing training for surveyors on April 20.
Orthophotography
The 911 board orthophotography project has been flown for the coastal section and is anticipated to be public in December.
E-recording 71 counties are doing some level of e-recording, from cancellations only to actual documents and now plats
in the pilot project. Simplifile changed its fee structure to a la carte rather than the $250 annual fee, which
facilitates smaller submitters (like surveyors).
Remote video notarizations
NASS (the National Association of Secretaries of State) was able to have this provision removed from the
Uniform Law Commission’s revised Uniform Rule on Notaries (URONA) but it is now being included in a rush amendment under pressure from those operating in foreign countries. NASS has appointed a task
force to research the issue, on which Secretary Marshall, Ozie Stallworth and Haley Haynes are actively
participating. Montana allows remote notarizations but only for Montana signings and transactions. The
Virginia statute was apparently not a total solution.
National Registry of Mortgage Documents
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The Uniform Law Commission is also drafting proposed legislation for a centralized registry, by law rather
than private like MERS, to facilitate the quicker securitization of mortgage documents.
Builders Inventory
The NC Department of Revenue is still concerned that closing attorneys and clients will not realize the
changes, or what properties were exempted or taxes revalued, for closings prior to July 1, especially this year. Counties still may not have the filings on their computer systems so that they can be found. NCDOR
did a survey of counties the week before, and 13 counties reported some exemption applications were filed
(2600 in Wake County, 233 in Forsyth, 106 in Cumberland, for example), 35 counties had no applications, but several large counties are still outstanding (Mecklenburg and Buncombe). If there is no separate tax
parcel on Jan. 1, there is no exemption; so newly developed property will not qualify for the residential, but
may for the commercial exemption. It will be a challenge for attorneys to obtain verification of the amount,
as well as determine adequate escrows and prorations. Brown requested that his power point with examples be shared with the Real Property Section listserv.
Notes from 06/17/2016 meeting:
The June 17, 2016 meeting included discussions of the following, some of which were new – either the bills themselves or the changed content.
NC/SC Boundary: The surveys must go to the Council of State and the Governor, which they hope to
have completed in August. They the maps and notices will be recorded.
· Gary Thompson will send a draft Notice for input since it will include some properties in buffer area,
not just those on the Boundary itself so as to be sure they catch all that are affected.
· NCLTA and Real Property Section are coordinating meetings to brainstorm how to address these
titles since the Legislation contains no curative protections and the variety of ideas about what to do at each
closing have been inconsistent and risk-ridden given the unique nature of the problem. Input and especially
expertise on the variations in state law are welcomed.
The surveying of the Virginia border will begin in the near future.
NASS Task Force: Ozie Stallworth reported on the national research on foreign notaries and “remote”
notarization to facility technology advances and e-closings. FANNIEMAE and FREDDIEMAC recognize
these are state issues and are looking to states to determine how to address them. Most states still require personal appearance before the notary (other than Virginia and, for limited situations, Montana).
Recording fees, Senate Bill 19: Rash noted that all have agreed to 35 pages at $64, then $4/page above that in order to facilitate TRID disclosures. If this proves inadequate (because residential deeds of trust get
even longer), and/or if the average number of pages increases (increasing costs to the registers), NCARD
is open to re-visiting in the future.
Pilot plat e-recording: Tom Morgan reported on this project in 5 western counties. Several have been
successfully recorded. Other counties are interested and surveyor and mapper training has been included
across the state.
Squatters post-foreclosure (without false lien filing changes): HB283 has replaced SB754 on this issue
and deleted the false lien filing changes.
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Assumed Name: SB124 from the General Statutes Commission is planned for Committee on
Tuesday. There has been earlier concerns about effective date problems, no appropriations for the filings with the Secretary of State.
Tenancy by entireties; Purchase money deeds of trust: HB 1061 passed the House and is in the
Senate. Tonya Powell offered an article about why this is critically important to all, though the article is not yet published.
Secretary of State filings – not going paperless: When asked, Deputy Secretary Haley Haynes noted that the Secretary of State’s office cannot go paperless because too many people in North Carolina are not as
sophisticated about technology, do not have technology capability and rely on paper communications still.
Shellfish Boundaries: Christy Davis met with DEQ which understands the concerns about leases based on GPS instead of surveys on these public lands, as several have already been submitted. Hopefully the
Legislature will consider new language offered by the Society of Surveyors.
Manufactured Housing: HB870 is up for concurrent vote on 6/20, addressing title and lien issues.
Instruments of Combination: These have been used for multiple purposes, from tax value reductions (because combined property less than separate properties) to planning concerns, and are an exemption under
GS 153A-335 and GS 160A-376 definitions of “survey.” The School of Government has published a
Bulletin that discusses them, whether as a recombination or a single tract.
Curative / Correction Bill: Inquiries regarding HB375 have been circulated to various interest
groups. The Real Property Section objects to the current version and has encouraged a drafting discussion
among interested parties after this Short Session. The NCLTA position is that it does not want to be in conflict with the Real Property Section.
Exemption for “subdivision” by will; 5-acre Subdivision (NEW): Regulatory Reform Act, SB 303, has
gone back to the Senate for concurrence given substantial changes. § 2.5(a) and (b) would specifically exempt a subdivision by will from the definition of “subdivision” under GS 153A-335 and GS 160A-376
(though it has always been considered not to even fall within the statutory definition at all). It would also
provide for a more limited filing (only requiring plat) for parcels greater than 5 acres, being divided into up to 3 lots with access, complying with applicable land use regulations and zoning requirements, if they have
not been subdivided in last 10 years.
Statutes of Limitations on Land-Use Violations, GS 1-52: Regulatory Reform Act, SB 303, § 2.6, if
passed by the Senate (above) would also include a new provision, GS 1-52(21) for a 3-year limitations on
enforcement of land-use violations “known to the governing body, an agent, or an employee of the unit of
local government” or which “can be determined from the public record of the unit of local government.” It would also add to the 6-year limitations period under GS 1-50(a) a new section (8) against enforcement of
land-use violations “in plain view” or “apparent from a public right-of-way.” (Injunctions for public health
and safety would still be allowed.)
Rezoning and Unified Development Plan: SB 303, § 2.4
Performance guarantees on Subdivision Streets, NCDOT: SB778 was substantially changed 6/14/16 to address use of performance guarantees on new county subdivision streets, to assure maintenance and
minimum standards of construction, if required by the county, retroactive to October 1, 2010, as well as
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development of a NCDOT “County Public Street Information Database” to be in place prior to January 1,
2018.
Local utility liens: Proctorville and Fairmont have local bills for utility (water and sewer) liens, which
would not be chaptered but must be noted by those handling real estate transactions there, similarly to a
few other jurisdictions (like Greensboro water). SB876 and SB 733
Accord & Satisfaction of negotiable instruments: SB807
Fiduciary Access to Digital Records: SB805, brought forth by the Estate Planning Section of the NC Bar
Association.
Taxation of Mortgage Debt Forgiveness, “decoupling”: SB861
Date of Birth Redaction (formerly): SB29, brought forth by one register of deeds, but not a NCARD
proposal. The bill has now been completed replaced with an unrelated issue.
Association Management: HB882 has been referred to House Finance; never made cross-over
Foreign Adult Guardianships: HB 817
Beach structures in “soft sand” (formerly): HB 591 has now been completely changed 6/9/16 to deal with the Roanoke Island Festival
Land Use Permit (contesting governmental authority; vested rights): HB 483
Vacation Rental Deposits; Residential Tenants (Military on deployment): HB151
Technical Corrections, SB821: Documents are on Committee website, and include more than just GSC
amendments now -- http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/DocumentSites/browseDocSite.asp?nID=273&sFolderName=\2016
\6-16-16 . These provisions include confirmation of tenancy-by-entirety trust exemption from separate
creditors (§ 16.6. GS 39-13.7), and multiple provisions regarding tenant rental deposits, powers of appointment, trusts and Clerk’s authority regarding estates.
The Legislature is anticipated to adjourn sometime on or before July 4 week.
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NORTH CAROLINA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION, INC.
CONFERENCE COORDINATOR CHAIR REPORT
March 25, 2017
It’s time again to look at upcoming locations for our Annual Meeting. As most of you are aware, we
coming to the end of our contract with the Holiday Inn in Wrightsville Beach. In polling the
membership of NCPA, there was a split between those that wanted to continue to attend Annual at our
current location in Wrightsville Beach and those that wanted to move to a new location. NCPA has
decided to move to a new location for the 2018 seminar and then to reassess for following years. We
know everyone loves the beach, but we also want to offer a more centralized location from time to
time.
So, for 2018, we looked at some more central locations such as the Greensboro and Concord area. We
received proposals from over 6 locations in those areas. However, due to accommodations, costs, and
amenities, we presented only 4 to our Board and Executive Committee, with a focus on 2 of those.
The Board and Executive Committee narrowed the options down to Great Wolf Lodge in Concord and
the new Wyndham Garden Hotel in Greensboro.
I will visit the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Greensboro on Saturday, March 18, 2017 to have lunch, tour
the hotel, and make sure that it meets NCPA’s standards for an Annual location. If so, that will be the
location of the 2018 NCPA Annual Seminar.
I enjoyed serving as your Conference Coordinator Chair and I look forward to bringing you an exciting
new location for our 2018 Annual Seminar. As always, if you have any suggestions or comments, I
always welcome them. Thank you!
Respectfully submitted,
Michele A. Tuttle, CP, NCCP
Conference Coordinator Chair
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