Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Brevard Paralegal Association
School is almost back in (can you tell I’m counting the days?) and summer will soon turn into fall, my favorite time of year. I hope everyone had a great summer and that you’re geared up for another year with us at BPA. I’m off to the Paralegal Association of Florida orientation meeting in Orlando this weekend and hope to return with news of what PAF will be doing for us this year.
I’m looking forward to BPA’s 2010-11 year. We have some new board members and have a great group of committee chairs. There’s always room for more and the more involved you are, the better your organization will be. If anyone is interested in serving on a committee, helping out once in a while or has something to contribute to The Pipeline, please let myself or one of our Board members know.
Ernie Chang is our guest speaker for this month’s
meeting (see his bio on Page 2). I was fortunate enough to have worked with Ernie many years ago (I’m not saying how many) at Reinman, Harrell, Graham, Mitchell & Wattwood, but I’m sure the mention of the firm name itself will “date” me. In addition to providing us with an educational hour, Ernie will be installing our slate of officers elected at April’s meeting.
We have an exciting line-up of speakers so far: Andy Hament in September; Bob Moletteire in October; Tom Yardley in November; David Volk in January; HIPAA expert Stephanie Reid in February (a do-not-miss meeting for those of you dealing with medical records); and Lane Cofer in March. I am still looking for a speaker for May so if you have someone in mind, please get in touch with me.
Our venue for 2010-11 will remain at the Suntree Country Club. The price of dinner has increased by one dollar ($19 for members; $21 for non-members).
Last but not least, I’m starting early recruiting my replacement. BPA’s presidency has been a rewarding experience for me (no, this is not the Tom Sawyer white-washing speech) and I hope that someone reading this will consider replacing me in April
of 2011. Give it some thought. I’m always available to discuss and answer questions.
Looking forward to seeing you on the 12
th.
Regards,
Kim
August CLE/Networking
Meeting
SUNTREE COUNTRY CLUB One Country Club Drive Melbourne, FL 32940 When: Thursday, August 12, 6:00PM Distinguished Guest: Ernest L. Chang Installation of Officers & Topic: Criminal Law
Members $19.00
Non-Members $21.00
Pay at the door on day of
event.
Note: A member may attend
the meeting without dinner for
a charge of $7.00. Non-
Members may attend one (1)
meeting without dinner with
no charge. Thereafter, a
charge of $7.00 per meeting
without dinner will be
assessed.
RSVP: Please contact Sabine
Martel for entrée selection
and any additional
information at:
August 2010
President’s Message
I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :
The Paralegal Pipeline
President’s Message 1
Meeting Information 1
Speaker’s Bio 2
PAF and Around the Sunshine
State News 2
Important Notice 3
Community Service 3
August Birthdays 3
2010-2011 Board Listing 4
BCC Update 4
Sponsors 5-6
Renewal Application 7
Attachments 8-12
PAF, Inc. News
Message from JoAnne Sorrentino, ACP, FRP, PAF President
In the past several days, I have heard from many of you that you have received information, from other sources, with regard to the formation of a special committee to study and recommend whether to regulate the paralegal profession by establishing mandatory standards and educational guidelines. In that regard, attached please find an FRP Update, as well as a copy of the Florida Registered Paralegal Standing Committee's Resolution. Please know that the Board Members of the Paralegal Association of Florida, Inc. (“PAF”) are dedicated to providing our members with accurate and up to date information. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected]. The attachments are located at the end of the newsletter. Boca Raton – Chapter Monthly Luncheon, August 12, 2010, 12:00 p.m., Bogart’s Bar and Grille, Cinemark 20, 3200 Airport Road, Boca Raton, Topic “Database Research” presented by Sam Moss Broward – Chapter Meeting, August 4, 2010, Coral Ridge Yacht Club, 2800 Yacht Club Boulevard, Ft. Lauderdale, Topic “Stress Management for Paralegals” presented by Allison Parnell and Angie Warner Palm Beach County – Chapter Dinner Meeting, August 11, 2010, Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1601 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach, Topic “D4 Discovery: Successful e-Discovery Strategies” presented by Chris L. Johnson Southwest Florida – Chapter Dinner Meeting, August 19, 2010, Double Tree Guest Suites, 12200 Tamiani Trail N, 2
nd Floor, Naples
Suncoast – Chapter Dinner Meeting, September 13, 2010, Marina’s Jack in the Bay Room, Sarasota Treasure Coast – Chapter Dinner Meeting, August 19, 2010, 6:30 p.m., Cobb’s Landing, 200 N. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, Topic “Guardian ad Litem” presented by Holly A. Mantle
More News from Around the Sunshine State
The Paralegal Section of the Orange County Bar Association ("OCBA") was approved on August 13, 2008. On May 27, 2010, our inaugural full-term Paralegal Section officers were sworn in by Former Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles "Charley" Wells. Our section is the first of its kind in the State of Florida and we are excited about the professional opportunities available to paralegals. With the voluntary Florida Registered Paralegal program taking momentous strides in encouraging continued legal education coupled with the inauguration of our Paralegal Section of the OCBA, the bar for our profession has risen. If you are interested in becoming involved, please contact Paralegal Section President, Lissa Bealke at 407-418-6564, President-Elect, Amy Guy at 407-601-4905, Secretary-Treasurer, Christine Stram at 407 481-5234, or Ex-Officio, Lori Spangler at 407-245-2432. We encourage you to get motivated and take part in our growing endeavor for professional excellence! Information on OCBA’s upcoming seminar is located at the end of the newsletter.
a
The Paralegal Pipeline Page 2
Speaker’s Bio
Ernest L. Chang is an
experienced Criminal Defense
Trial lawyer who is licensed to
practice law in Florida and
Pennsylvania. Originally born
in Kingston, Jamaica, Mr.
Chang obtained his Bachelor of
Arts degree from the University
of Florida. In 1990, he received
his Juris Doctor degree from
Nova Law School in Ft.
Lauderdale, Florida. He was
admitted to practice law in the
State of Florida in October
1990.
Mr. Chang has extensive trial
experience having handled
several thousand criminal cases
since 1990. He has litigated
close to two hundred jury trials,
including several Capital 1st
Degree murder cases where the
State sought the imposition of
the Death Penalty.
Mr. Change is admitted to the
Florida Supreme Court, the
United States District Court of
the Middle District of Florida,
the United States District Court
for the Southern District of
Florida, and the 11th Circuit
Court of Appeals. He is also
admitted to the Pennsylvania
Supreme Court and the United
States District Court for the
Eastern District of
Pennsylvania.
He is a member of the Brevard
County Bar Association, the
Berks County Bar Association,
the Florida Association of
Criminal Defense Lawyers, the
Pennsylvania Association of
Criminal Defense Lawyers and
the National Association of
Criminal Defense Lawyers. Mr.
Chang is qualified to try Death
Penalty cases in both the States
of Florida as well as
Pennsylvania.
Summer is over and it’s time to go back to school. BPA is once again expanding its efforts to help provide school supplies for Brevard County children. Our Community Service project for August will aim to give these children some of the necessary supplies in preparing for school. This is a perfect way to show that everyone can make a difference to help advance the common good in the area of education so Thank You for assisting today's youth.
Community Service Toni-Marie D’Alessandro, CP, FCP, FRP
Here are some
sample basic
school supplies:
Crayons
Scissors
No. 2 Pencils with
erasers
Pencil Box (8x10)
8 oz. bottle of glue
Crayola markers
2 pocket folders
Large box of tissues
August Birthdays
Amanda Gilstad
Judge Lance Ito
Ashley King
Shelley Long
Elizabeth Morrone
Barack Obama
Robert Plant
Roberta Reaume
Rudolf Schenker
Martin Sciani
Valerie Simpson
Carol Smith
The Paralegal Pipeline Page 3
Important Notice to Members
BPA has been fortunate to secure Suntree County Club as our meeting venue in 2010 through 2011. However, due to a new contract, there will be a price increase of $1.00, bringing the dinner price to $19.00 for members and $21.00 for non members. We hope that this price increase will not inconvenience our members and guests.
Meeting Policy
Reminder
Pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(6) if you RSVP for a dinner and do not attend the meeting, you will be sent an invoice for the cost of the dinner.
Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.
George Washington Carver
Page 4
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Kim Nowakowski, RP, FRP kimberly.nowakowski@ health-first.org Vice President Tracy A. King [email protected]
Treasurer Patricia Bieringer [email protected]
Secretary Silvia Cowan [email protected]
Director-at-Large Cathleen M. Cummings, FRP [email protected]
Immediate Past President Debra A. Clarke, CP, FCP, FRP [email protected]
Parliamentarian Toni-Marie D’Alessandro, CP, FCP, FRP [email protected] COMMITTEE CHAIRS Banquet Nicole Dooley, CP, FRP [email protected] Budget Patricia Bieringer Bylaws and Standing Rules Maureen “Mo” Martens, CLA, FRP [email protected]
Community Service Toni-Marie D’Alessandro, CP, FCP, FRP [email protected] Danielle T. Pirolo
Education/Scholarship Roma Molinaro, CP, FCP, FRP, MLA [email protected]
Student Liaison Eveling B. Raymond [email protected]
Job Bank Coordinator Kim M. Dexter, ACP, FCP [email protected] Local Bar Liaison Debra A. Clarke, CP, FCP, FRP Meetings Sabine Martel [email protected]
Membership Tracy A. King
Newsletter Editor Cathleen M. Cummings, FRP Jessica Pauley Proofreading Kim Nowakowski
Nominations/Elections Nicole Dooley, CP, FRP
Publicity Cathleen M. Cummings, FRP Lisa Noble Sabine Martel Ways and Means Cathleen M. Cummings, FRP OTHER POSITIONS Historian/Photographer Kim Nowakowski, RP, FRP PAF Website Danielle T. Pirolo [email protected]
Membership
45 Active Members 6 Student Members
2 Honorary Members
Brevard Community College
Paralegal Program
Roma Molinaro, CP, FCP, FRP, MLA
At the end of newsletter, you’ll find
the upcoming schedule for Fall
2010 online classes at Brevard
Community College and the 2011
CLE Seminar. Please feel free to
review the program’s schedule on
BCC’s website:
http://www.brevard.cc.fl.us
2010 - 2011 BPA Board of Directors & Committee Chairs Newsletter Advertising Half Page $100/Year Or $55/6 months Business Card $50/Year Or $30/6 months Special rates available for one-time ads
Submit business card or ad artwork, preferably in .jpg or .bmp format to kimberly. nowakowski@ health-first.org or send it to: Kim Nowakowski c/o Health First, Inc. 6540 US Hwy 1 Rockledge FL 32955 The Paralegal Pipeline advertising reaches people throughout Florida. The publication’s revenue supports scholarships and various community service projects, which enables your costs associated to advertising here to be tax deductible. Please make your check payable to Brevard Paralegal Association. Thank you.
The Paralegal Pipeline
Page 5 The Paralegal Pipeline The Paralegal Pipeline The Paralegal Pipeline Page 5 The Paralegal Pipeline The Paralegal Pipeline
The Paralegal Pipeline
Order Flowers Online www.BudsEtc.net
"Big Flowers from a Little Shop"
Buds Etc... A Unique Floral Studio
Buds Etc... Owners Patti and Doug have opened their dream shop in Melbourne Florida!
A country cottage style setting under a huge Florida Oak tree is where this quaint shop brings a Fresh Idea to
the floral industry. Patti, with 30 +years experience in the flower business brings Value and Quality to each
Unique Design using your choice of fresh or silk flowers.
Specializing in Wedding and Parties!
Bring in your ideas and have them become a reality!
Make an appointment to see our many photo albums.
Patti has created wedding flowers for thousands of brides!
She has first-hand knowledge of all the latest trends and fantastic items available for the modern or traditional
bride.
Rentals also available: archways, pillars with huge arrangements, centerpiece stands and much more...
Silk designs and interior decorations for your home and office are always available!
Our owner/designer will create individual designs for
All occasions with Style and Class.
Come in and browse our large selection of affordable flowers.
"Big Flowers from a Little Shop” We are committed to bring you the finest, freshest, highest quality flowers
from our shop to your home and office.
Buds Etc... Has a Home Staging Department!
With so many homes on the market; we give sellers helpful advice and an affordable plan to get their home
ready. We’ll have your home Packed, Cleaned and Staged. So you can put your "Best foot forward" in this busy
real estate market. Have your home ready for the potential Buyers, Be Clean, Organized and Uncluttered. Let
the experts at Buds Etc... Do it all.
Call in your order today (321) 254-0551
Page 6 The Paralegal Pipeline
BPA APPLICATION FOR YEAR 2010-2011
BREVARD PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION, a chapter of Paralegal Association of Florida, Inc.
Application for RENEWAL Membership
Due July 1, 2010
(Please type or print)
NAME ___________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS ________________________________________________________________________
EMPLOYER ADDRESS __________________________________________
PHONE: (w)____________; (f) ____________; (h)____________; (c)____________
SPECIALTY AREAS _________________________ E-MAIL: __________________________________
CERTIFICATIONS: ____CP/CLA ___ACP____CFLA ___ FRP___ OTHER_______ NALA MEMBER? ____
SCHOOL __________________________ CAMPUS GRADUATION DATE ____________
AREA OF STUDY ____________________________________________ DATE OF BIRTH _____-_____-______
MAIL CORRESPONDENCE TO: ____ OFFICE ____ HOME ____ I AM AVAILABLE TO DO PRO BONO WORK
ON WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEES WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO SERVE:
__Bylaws/Standing Rules __Publicity __Job Bank
__Membership __Education/Scholarship __Ways and Means
__Budget __Newsletter __Nominations/Elections
__Meetings __Banquet/Special Events
In accordance with Articles 3.8 and 3.24 of the Bylaws of the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc. (“NALA”), an individual
who has been convicted of a felony is not eligible for renewal of BPA membership.
Renewal membership dues must be paid to the Paralegal Association of Florida, Inc. (“PAF”) to be eligible for renewal of BPA
membership. You must be a member of PAF to be a member of BPA.
I hereby certify that the above information is true and correct. I reaffirm that I have read and agree to be bound by the Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility of NALA, the American Bar Association and The Florida Bar; and the Bylaws of PAF and BPA.
SIGNATURE: ________________________________
MEMBERSHIP DUES (Please check one)
____ ACTIVE $30.00; ____ STUDENT $20.00; ____ ASSOCIATE $15.00; ____ SUSTAINING $40.00
512 N. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32935 [email protected]
FOR BOARD USE ONLY DO NOT WRITE IN THIS SPACE
Membership Status Amount Received Date Received Check No. ( P / B ) Response Date ___________ Accepted ___________ PAF Member ___________ Rejected Rev. May, 2010
Fall 2010 online courses:
PLA 1003 01Z Intro to Legal Sys & Para Dr. Cobb
PLA 1003 02Z Intro to Legal Sys & Para Dr. Treadwell
PLA 1423 01Z Contracts Dr. Treadwell
PLA 1114 01Z Legal Writing Dr. Wawrzyniak
PLA 2308 01Z Criminal Procedure Dr. Nardone
PLA 2601 01Z Wills and Trusts Kim Dexter
PLA 2763 01Z Law Office Management Kim Dexter
PLA 2800 01Z Family Law Dr. Wawrzniak
Fall 2010 classes at Melbourne campus:
Roma Molinaro, FCP, FRP, MLS will teach Family Law on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Lou Jiannine, J.D., Professor and Curriculum Coordinator will teach Civil Procedure, Torts, and Introduction to the
Legal System and Paralegalism on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Louis Jiannine will also teach Introduction to the Legal System and Paralegalism on Monday evening at 6:00 p.m. and
Legal Research on Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m.
Vicky Treadwell, J.D., will teach Law Office Procedures on Tuesday evening.
The fall term begins August 16, 2010. For further information regarding these course offerings and/or the Paralegal
Program at Brevard Community College, contact Louis Jiannine at 321-433-5656 or [email protected].
Seminar/CLE
The Technical Advisory Committee for the Paralegal Program will begin working on its annual seminar to be scheduled in February 2011 at Brevard Community College, Melbourne campus. For further information, watch this monthly column or contact Roma at [email protected]. Committee members: Roma Molinaro, CP, FCP, FRP, chair, Maureen Martens, CP, FRP, Kim Dexter, ACP, FRP, Linda Ghirardelli, ACP, Alayne Bowes, CP, FRP, and Roberta Reaume, CP, FCP, FRP.
FRP Update
As the FRP Program is approaching its 2½ year mark, we are extremely pleased that approximately 4,000 persons
have voluntarily registered! This commitment continues to demonstrate to The Florida Bar and all Florida attorneys the
unwavering position and pride that so many skilled paralegals have in their profession!
As members of The Florida Bar FRP Standing Committee, we are happy to report that we have been committed
during this initial term to implement the intent and structure of Rule 20. We are pleased that so many issues have been
discussed and resolved and that benefits have been established. To name a few, (1) the Bar’s computer system had
to be fully upgraded to integrate our program; (2) the Committee, through the application process for applicants, was
able to identify glitches in the Rule and drafted recommended changes to submit to the Supreme Court when
appropriate; (3) two Public Forums were conducted providing opportunities to comment on the program and to solicit
input on the grandfathering and approved paralegal program provisions resulting in the affirmation of the
grandfathering sunset provision and the strengthening of what constitutes an approved paralegal program; (4)
providing FRP’s many of the same benefits afforded Bar members, the development of an FRP Logo and the
establishment of the FRP Corner of The Florida Bar News; and (5) the reporting of CLE is in place, and FRPs are able
to submit their CLE and are provided an almost immediate summary of their standing for continuing education
requirements. These accomplishments have been incredible, and thanks go to Lori Holcomb Pius, Scott Rubin,
committee chair, other members of our Committee and Bar staff for implementing Rule 20 in a manner that has been
almost seamless to many FRPs.
Now, it is time to continue with issues that were secondary at the inception of Rule 20. Most importantly, we are well
aware that many paralegals in this State desire some form of mandatory regulation. In that light, the paralegal
members of the FRP Standing Committee added this item to the discussion agenda in late 2009, with the result being
the Standing Committee recently drafted a Resolution (copy attached) for consideration by the Bar’s Board of
Governors to form a committee specifically to study that issue. We are pleased to report that a presentation was made
last week to the Bar’s Program Evaluation Committee, and the Resolution received approval for a recommendation to
the Board of Governors to form a special study committee. The Board of Governors accepted such recommendation,
and a study committee will be formed! Another milestone for our profession!
At this date, we do not know all of the specifics regarding the to-be-formed special study committee. What we do know
is that the committee will be comprised of nine members – 3 attorneys and 3 paralegals, all of which will be appointed
by the Bar President, and 3 attorney members from the PEC Committee who are conducting the “standard” program
evaluation of the FRP program.
As we learn more, we will be sure to report it. In the meantime, if you have any interest and the time commitment that
would be required to be on such committee, we would suggest that you submit your resume to Lori Holcomb Pius at
the Bar through the FRP designated email, [email protected].
Karen S. McLead, CP, FRP
Vera Long, ACP, FRP
Tana Stringfellow, CP, FRP
ORANGE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
PARALEGAL SECTION
LITIGATION STRATEGIES AND SOLUTIONS
“Practical Information for Effectively Trying
Your Cases During These Trying Times”
$139 (OCBA Members); $119 (Students/Gov Employees); $159 (Non-Members)
6.0 Florida Bar Approved CLE Credits (includes 1.0 Ethics and 0.5 Appellate Certification Hours)
Breakfast, Lunch, and Snack Included as well as Complimentary Valet Parking!!!
Time Topics and Speakers
7:30- 8:15 am Registration and Continental Breakfast with Exhibitors
8:15- 8:30 am Welcome and Announcements
8:30- 9:30 am Preparing for Court: Discovery and Evidentiary Issues presented by Judge John Marshall Kest, Circuit Court Judge for Ninth Judicial Circuit. Discovery disputes and evidence handling
at trial.
9:30- 9:45 am Break and Door Prizes Awarded
9:45- 10:45 am E-Discovery, New Cases, Ideas and Techniques presented by Ralph Losey, Esq., Partner
and National E-Discovery Counsel of Jackson Lewis, LLP. Recent changes to Federal Law of Civil Procedure regarding electronically stored information.
11:00- 12:00 pm
Attorneys’ Fees and Costs- Recent Case Law Concerning Both Attorney & Paralegal Fees presented by James Hauser, Esq., Principal of Attorney’s Fees in Florida, PL
12:00- 1:00 pm Bountiful Buffet Luncheon and Special Presentation by our Platinum sponsor and Grand Door Prize Award
1:15- 2:15 pm Appeals, An Appellate Primer for Attorneys and Paralegals presented by Nicholas A.
Shannin, Esq., Page, Eichenblatt, Bernbaum & Bennett, P.A. and Board Certified by FL Bar in Appellate Practice and Certified Appellate Court Mediator
2:30- 3:30 pm Essential Trial Timesavers and Techniques for Litigation presented by Lissa Bealke, FRP, GrayRobinson, P.A. and Amy Guy, CP, FRP, Calandrino Law Firm
3:30- 3:45 pm Freshly-Baked Cookie and Beverage Break! Additional Door Prizes to be awarded!!
3:45- 4:45 pm Solutions for Working in An Understaffed Office & Spotting Good Legal Talent presented by Peggy Bingham, Account Executive with AppleOne Employment Services
4:45- 5:00 pm Closing Remarks
Contact: Amy Guy, CP, FRP OCBA Paralegal Section [email protected]
When Saturday October 2, 2010 at 7:30 AM to Saturday October 2, 2010 at 5:00 PM
Where
Embassy Suites Orlando 191 East Pine Street San Juan II and III Orlando, FL 32801
Prepayment required by September 15, 2010 to confirm seating - please mail appropriate amount to:
Orange County Bar Association, Inc., care of Amy Guy, Calandrino Law Firm, 301 E. Pine Street, Suite 950, Orlando, Florida 32801
First 100 people to fully registered online with their payment received will be entered in a special drawing for $100.
Your reservation is non-refundable, but is transferrable.
A block of rooms have been reserved for September 29, 2010 - October 4, 2010 at the Embassy Suites at the awesome rate of $119 per night.
This special room rate will be available until August 16th or until the group block is sold-out, whichever comes first. Please click on the link below to reserve a room.
