January-February 2012 WSPA Newsletter

J A N / F E B 2 0 1 2

Findings & Conclusions 1

Findings & Conclusions

President’s Cornerby: Brenda Cothary

Well, here we are, a month into 2012, and most of us are probably thinking, “Where did the time go?” I know I am! By the time you read this, WSPA’s Annual Paralegal Career Night and Dinner will have passed. We had a large group register again this year, as job search information is always a popular topic. We again offered the optional resume review workshop, where each attendee is offered the opportunity to have their resume critiqued by one of the evening’s speakers. The resume workshop is a great way to get a fresh pair of eyes looking at your resume, generating new ideas, and providing a different perspective. We also had paralegal speakers from different practice areas, as well as a firm administrator and a legal recruiter. It is always a great evening of information and networking.

Our next event is the Spring CLE and Annual Awards Luncheon on April 27, 2012 at the Red Lion

Hotel in Seattle. There will be practice area specific topics, as well as professional development. Truly, something for everyone! Our annual awards will be announced during the luncheon. This edition of the newsletter contains qualification and application procedures. Nominations will be accepted from March 1 through April 1 for the following awards:

Lifetime Achievement, Paralegal of the Year, Pro Bono, Community Service

In addition, members will be recognized for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of membership; individuals

who have passed the PACE and PCC exam will be acknowledged; and WSPA’s new officers and directors will be introduced. It will be an excellent opportunity to develop your skills and network with fellow paralegal professionals.

With a new year come new resolutions. Many resolve to lose weight, sleep more, exercise more, spend more time with family, etc. Whatever your resolutions, they generally involves something personal. However, your career is important, too. What have you resolved to do for your career? Do you want to advance in your company? Change careers? Gain additional skills? Making career resolutions is often as important as personal resolutions, because they give you goals to work toward. Here are a few ideas for career resolutions.

Most importantly, you should master your job. Performing your job in a professional and competent manner is the foundation to career success. Master the basics of the legal field (oral and written communications, client contact, legal research, time management, technology, etc.) as well the core requirements of your particular practice area. Mastering your job will help you become more valuable, earning you top assignments, promotions, and salary increases.

(Continued Page Three)

Our Mission: To enthusiastically support and promote the paralegal profession in the State of Washington.

President’s CornerManagement ReportsPage 3Mobile Phone ForensicsPage 4Military PagePage 7Definition: Military ParalegalPage 8

Recruitment ContestPage 9Need CLE’s?Page 10Need More CLE’s?Page 11Membership ApplicationsPages 14-16

A Bi-Monthly Newsletter Volume 27Issue 1 Jan/Feb 2012

2011 WSPA President Brenda Cothary

Definition of a Paralegal – as defined by NFPA and WSPA

A Paralegal is a person, qualified through education, training or work experience to perform substantive legal work that requires knowledge of legal concepts and is customarily, but not exclusively, performed by a lawyer. This person may be retained or employed by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency or other entity or may be authorized by administrative, statutory or court authority to perform this work. Substantive shall mean work requiring recognition, evaluation, organization, analysis, and communication of relevant facts and legal concepts

F I N D I N G S & C O N C L U S I O N S

2 Findings & Conclusions

Administrator

Administration Services, Inc.PO Box 58530Seattle, WA [email protected]

Officers

PresidentBrenda [email protected]

Vice-PresididentMembership Sue Beichley

[email protected]

Vice-President Professional Development

Brian Haberly, [email protected]

SecretarySarah [email protected]

Treasurer Julie [email protected]

Immediate Past PresidentBrian Haberly RP

Management Directory

NFPA Representatives

NFPA Primary RepresentativeSue [email protected]

Secondary RepresentativeJeanenne [email protected]

PACE AmbassadorHelen Halloran, [email protected]

Directors

East King Co. DirectorMary [email protected]

Northwest Director Jennifier Provalenko, [email protected]

Seattle DirectorJosh [email protected]

Snohomish Co. Chapter Director Sue [email protected]

Spokane Chapter Director Elena [email protected]

South King [email protected]

South Puget SoundMisty [email protected]

Director At-Large, [email protected]

Committee Chairs Certification CoordinatorHelen Halloran, [email protected]

CLE Approval Committee ChairStephanie [email protected]

Job Bank Committee ChairJennifer [email protected]

Director Marketing & Vendor RelationsDonna [email protected]

Pro Bono CoordinatorJeanenne [email protected]

Newsletter Coordinator/EditorJay [email protected]

Military Paralegal Outreach Coordinator Jeanenne [email protected]

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]














































(President’s Corner Continued from Page One)!

You also need to master technology. Legal technology is transforming law offices and legal practices. In order to keep up in the office and put yourself ahead of the competition, you need to stay current with the latest technological developments, especially those specific to your practice area, such as bankruptcy or family law.

Learn to manage your time effectively. Time management skills are critical in this profession. It is so important to stay organized when you are faced with multiple priorities, looming deadlines, and high work load. To get ahead, you must learn to work faster and smarter. Nothing impresses a supervisor more than being able to create calm from chaos.

Have a “can do” attitude. As firms become busier, increasing your versatility and widening your area of expertise will increase your value in the firm and your marketability if you are looking to move on. You must constantly be willing to master new skills and conquer new challenges. If you are asked to do something out of your comfort zone, you need to say, “I can do that. I may need help because I have never done it before, but I am willing to learn.” Limiting yourself to only what you know narrows your chances of advancing yourself and your career. Expanding your knowledge through varied assignments will increase your value to any organization.

Most importantly, you need to build connections. You should be making connections with your peers, other legal professionals, other departments within your organization, and with your community as a whole. Some opportunities for networking are professional conferences, social media, and professional associations. As a legal professional, networking can help you enhance your professional image, expand your network, boost your visibility, build your professional brand, and develop your career. It can also help you exchange practice tips, meet other legal professionals, and share knowledge, ideas, experiences, and opinions. Networking is one of the best ways to find a job, as many openings are filled before they are advertised, based upon one’s reputation and/or word of mouth recommendation.

I hope you have made some resolutions for your career in order to avoid stagnation and boredom. In this ever changing profession, it is important to stay on top of your game. A great way to network and develop your legal education and professional development would be to attend the Spring CLE. It is an excellent opportunity to network and develop your skills. I hope to see you there!

Treasurer’s Reportby Julie Fujita

Happy New Year WSPA Members! I am happy to announce that after much hard work by the budget committee and WSPA management, we approved the present year’s budget on January 5, 2012.

Highlights of the budget include a surplus of $1975; a $200 budget for all active chapters; and funding for a WSPA representative to travel to the NFPA Annual Convention in Anchorage, Alaska, in September, 2012.

I’d like to particularly thank the Budget Committee members Sue Beichley and Sarah Eisenhauer for joining me in the adventure and the WSPA management for their valued feedback.

The 2012 budget is available for review on the WSPA website.

South Puget Sound Chapter Reportby Misty Carmen

The South Puget Sound Chapter met for the first time in 2012 on January 13 at the Lakewood Branch of the Pierce County Library. There was a large group in attendance to hear Judi Maier from Omnitek System Solutions discuss “The Cloud – Offsite Data Storage Solutions.” Judi provided a lot of valuable information for large and small offices regarding off site servers, security, and accessibility. After Judi’s presentation, Christian Brenner from Naegeli Court Reporting provided fresh baked cookies and a short presentation about Naegeli’s services.

The next South Puget Sound Chapter Meeting will be March 16 at 6 pm at the Lakewood Branch of the Pierce County Library (6300 Wildaire Dr. SW, Lakewood, WA 98499). The topic is still to be determined. Visit the WSPA calendar at www.wsaponline.org/calendar for more information.

NW Chapter Reportby Jennifier Provalenko, RP

WSPA- Northwest Chapter- Resume & Cover Letter Clinic Wednesday, February 15th, 2012, 5-7:30pm

Are you looking for a new job as a Paralegal or Legal Assistant? Would you like to improve your chances of landing the perfect job? Do you want your resume and cover letter to stand out from the crowd? Then here is your chance to perfect your resume and clean-up your cover letter, so don’t miss out!

Our clinic will provide you with the tools and resources you need to succeed in today’s job market. We will help you increase your chance of getting hired at any law firm -- guaranteed! You will meet Vicki Osborn, Senior Paralegal at Dorsey & Whitney, one of the top law firms in Seattle, who will teach you how to market yourself, the hands-on challenges when job hunting, and what law firms are looking for in the hiring process. In addition, Peg Marckworth, owner of Marckworth Associates and Professional Marketing Adviser, will introduce the concept of personal branding and how to improve your resume and cover letter by integrating your personal brand. Ms. Marckworth’s motto is: “When you’re branded correctly, competition is irrelevant.”

Make sure to bring your resume and cover letter. They will be reviewed by some of the top paralegals in the profession. They will provide in-depth feedback and recommendations. Here is your opportunity to make a BIG difference and increase your odds of landing the perfect job!

Brian Haberly, VP Professional DevelopmentJennifier Provalenko, RP , NW Chapter Misty Carmen, South Puget Sound Director

http://www.wsaponline.org/calendar

http://www.wsaponline.org/calendar



Findings and Conclusions is the official publication of the Washington State Paralegal Association and is published six times per year.

Sign-up today by contacting Jeniffier Provalenko at [email protected].

Mobile Phone Forensicsby Josh Normand

This past fall, I had the pleasure of attending a webinar hosted by EDEN (Electronic Data Extraction Network). The speaker was Eric Blank, Esq., of Blank Law and Technology. The webinar was about mobile phone forensics and how it applies to e-discovery today.

At the present time, people use their cell (mobile) phones more for data than to make phone calls. Data includes internet surfing, text messaging, exploring social media sites, etc. Mobile phones are as an important of a source when conducting electronic discovery as the desktop computer or laptop provided by the employer.

There are a few things one should do when conducting discovery on mobile phones:

Get authorization to examine the phone. Do not shortcut the permission protocols. Not all cell phones automatically provide consent to forensic examination.

Check the physical condition of the phone. Determine whether the phone is damaged and whether the battery is present. Data can be retrieved from mobile phones even if the screen is smashed. However, if you do work on the phone, you may void the warranty, which may create more problems than it solves.

Understand the electronic characteristics of the phone. There are thousands of makes and models

of mobile phones. Some carriers make it easy to crack the password, such as Microsoft. Others, such as Apple, make it harder to crack the password on the mobile phone.

In short, mobile phones will be an increasingly important source when conducting electronic discovery. As paralegals and litigation support professionals, we need to be aware of some of the issues related to mobile phone forensics. Having this knowledge will make us increasingly valuable to our employers.

Findings and Conclusions is the official publication of the Washington State Paralegal Association and is published six times per year. Letters to the Editor, articles, advertisements or correspondence should be submitted to:

WSPA Newsletter EditorP.O. Box 58530Seattle, WA 98138Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

All submissions are due the 20th of each odd numbered month for publication the following month. Articles may be submitted on disk in Word format or via Email.

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The Editor reserves the right to edit material for clarity, space or advertising.The articles published herein express the opinions of their authors and, unless

expressly stated, do not necessarily reflect those of WSPA.Unless otherwise indicated, the authors of the submissions contained in Findings & Conclusions are paralegals. All reports, profiles, summaries, checklists, articles, or other submissions are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon for that purpose. All opinions expressed in any submission are the authors’ sole opinion and should not be taken as the opinion or position of the Washington State Paralegal Association.

Original items printed here are the property of WSPA. We ask that National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) member associations who reprint articles from Findings and Conclusions, credit the article and provide WSPA with a copy as reprinted. Others may not reproduce original material for any purpose without prior, written consent of the WSPA Newsletter Editor.

Publication of any advertisement does not imply endorsement of the product/services offered. WSPA reserves the right to reject advertisement due to content or space considerations.









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HELP WSPA SUPPORT MILITARY PARALEGALS AROUND THE WORLD

! Calling all WSPA members! We have set a goal for 2012 to send 6 Military paralegal care packages to make life easier for those who have chosen to serve our country.

! We have been assigned a paralegal who is stationed at Guantanamo.

These soldiers work almost non-stop and can not just run to the store for a treat or something to read. Along with food, hygiene and entertainment items, we include postcards from the Seattle area and current magazines for men and women.

Please help us with our goal by bringing your donations to the WSPA chapter meetings. You can also include a card thanking them for their service and telling them a little about ourselves and where we live. Items will be collected, boxed and mailed to designated military base or ships every other month.

If you would like to participate but are unable to bring an item to the meetings, contact me at the email below and we will arrange for pick up. You could also send a check to:

WSPAPO Box 58530

Seattle, WA 98138-1530Please make the check out to WSPA and indicate that the funds are for the military outreach program. This will help purchase phone cards or other items that we would like to include.WSPA is a founding member of the NFPA Military Paralegal Outreach program, which began in February 2006. We appreciate the members of WSPA for the strong support of this program!Any questions regarding this continuing project may be directed to Jeanenne Rutherford, [email protected]

Suggested Items:

Hygiene: Food:Antibiotic Ointment Single Serving Pasta LicoriceChapstick/lip balm/Carmex Ready to Heat Soups Sunflower SeedsSunscreen (Bull Frog is good) Lunchables Aqua DropsBug Repellent (with deet) Ramon Noodles GumFace cleaner Powdered Power-Aide/Gator-Aide/ Peanuts in a shellEye drops/Saline Koolaid/Tang Rice Krispy TreatsLiquid hand sanitizer/Baby wipes Granola Bars/Cereal Bars Snack CakesFoot/body powder (Gold Bond) Fruit Roll-ups Misc:Deodorant Raisins CondimentsShampoo/Conditioner Beef Jerky (no pork) Lemonade/Ice Tea MixTooth Brush/Toothpaste Applesauce Cough DropsNose spray/nose drops Fruit/Pudding Cups Stationery/envelopesHand/Body Lotion Cereal (individual Servings) Stamps/PensBand-aids, Mole Skin Chex Mix Dice/Travel GamesSoap Tuna Kits Individual Instant CoffeeMouth Wash Snacks: Books/MagazinesNail Clippers Hard Candy (no chocolate-it melts) Tylenol/IbuprofenDental Floss Snack Mix Allergy MedicineTums/Rolaids Chips/Cookies/Crackers/Microwave Ziploc BagsTylenol/Aspirin Popcorn/Pretzels Instant CamerasQ-Tips Pop Tarts RainX

TIPS FROM A SOLDIER'S MOM: • Send sauce packets (like Arby's sauce). I am told this can make any MIC's taste good.• Send cards and email/snail mail so soldiers can say thank you.• Holiday cards, photos and stories of the everyday things at home are priceless. • Some of the favorite letters are about walking the dog, the kids holiday show and local sports, even if it is not their family it helps you

know that life goes on.







Definition: Military Paralegalby Elena Manley

Director, WSPA Spokane Chapter

Next month marks my nineteenth year in the service. For fourteen of those years I have served as a military paralegal. I have spent more time as a military paralegal than as a civilian paralegal. At this point in my career, I can perform my military paralegal duties and responsibilities with confidence, ease, and comfort. I am able to draft wills and powers of attorney with speed and accuracy. I have given numerous briefings to military personnel regarding their rights and responsibilities. This is the career I have chosen and although it has been a part-time career for quite some time, it has remained a pivotal part of my life. Sometimes that has come at the expense of my civilian employment. I have been grateful for employers who kindly let me attend to my military duties when called to do so at times which were perhaps inconvenient to both of us.

Last week was an example of an inconvenient time. I stood before my fellow service members and began to give my usual briefing on wills, powers of attorney, veteran’s employment rights, etc., when it dawned on me. These particular service members were most definitely headed into harm’s way. They had already said goodbye to their loved ones. They had their bags packed and ready. They had sat patiently while speaker after speaker, most with accompanying power point presentations, informed them of the numerous details they must consider before deployment, during deployment, and after they return from deployment. Now it was time for my three minute legal briefing during which I would advise them to consider their estate should they lose their lives, their legal rights should an employer make them feel they might not have a job when they returned, and their right to legal representation should they find themselves accused of a crime. I speak about these somber topics with barely any time for real emphasis. The service members are later provided an opportunity to speak to me privately if they have legal questions. The service members need my assistance to give them direction or at least ease their minds regarding legal matters. Most often, I only needed to assess whether they need legal representation.

After nineteen years in the service, on that day I was more aware of my purpose than I ever had been. Sure, in my civilian job I had plenty of e-mails to respond to, reports to work on, and legal research to conduct. Any civilian paralegal can relate to those everyday tasks. However, on that particular day, my focus was on those who needed someone to

listen, someone who had legal training, someone who understood.

One day I will fulfill my commitment to the service, hang up my uniform and retire. I will no longer have to ask my employer for time off to assist a handful of deploying service members with their legal needs. And like most service retirees, I will not be able to accurately describe exactly why I served. Maybe that is for the best. Maybe explaining it too precisely would detract from that we keep locked away to ourselves. We don’t speak of it, but we know we share this same trait with others who have worn the uniform. I look forward to seeing these who have deployed return home safely. I look forward to assisting them with their post-deployment legal issues. I look forward to performing my duty. This is what a military paralegal brings to the workforce. Civilian employers should expect nothing less.

WSPA ANNUAL AWARDSThe Washington State Paralegal Association will accept nominations for its annual awards beginning March 1, 2012 through April 1, 2012. Nomination forms are available on the website at www.wspaonline.org. You may submit more than one nomination for yourself (in certain categories) or others, but please provide a separate form for each nomination. If you have any questions, please contact Sue Beichley at [email protected].

The awards will be presented during the 2012 Annual Spring CLE and Awards Luncheon on April 27, 2012, at the Red Lion Hotel in Seattle.

Here are the award purposes and descriptions:

PURPOSES & DESCRIPTIONS OF AWARDS

Paralegal of the Year:

To recognize outstanding paralegals in Washington. The candidate should have contributed to the paralegal profession by exhibiting one or more of the following traits: Teaching or mentoring paralegal students, speaking at seminars and conventions on issues concerning the paralegal profession, displaying commitment and providing services to professional organizations such as local and national paralegal associations, writing articles for legal publications, and showing a commitment to continuing legal education or to the community through volunteering. The candidate does not need to be a WSPA member to qualify. The winner will receive an award, a certificate commemorating the award, a $250 check, and a free one-year membership in WSPA.

Lifetime Achievement Award:

To recognize true leaders and role models for the paralegal profession. This candidate will have a minimum of 20 years demonstrated experience in the legal field, at least 10 years performing paralegal duties, and at least 10 years as a WSPA member. The candidate’s curriculum vitae should be attached to the nomination. The winner will receive an award, a certificate commemorating the award, a gift, and free lifetime membership in WSPA.

WSPA Volunteer of the Year:

Awarded to a member of WSPA management for the current year and nominated by WSPA management for outstanding service to the association. The winner will receive an award, a certificate commemorating the award, and a free one-year membership in WSPA.

Paralegal Pro Bono Award:

To recognize the commitment of paralegals to the delivery of pro bono legal services. The candidate does not need to be a WSPA member to qualify. The winner will receive an award, a certificate commemorating the award, and a free one-year membership in WSPA. (Paralegals may nominate themselves for this award.)

Paralegal Community Service Award:

To recognize the commitment of paralegals to community service. The candidate does not need to be a WSPA member to qualify. The winner will receive an award, a certificate commemorating the award, and a free one year membership in WSPA. (Paralegals may nominate themselves for this award.)

Paralegal Student Scholarship:

Awarded to a student enrolled in a two or four-year paralegal program affiliated with a state-certified institution or any ABA-approved paralegal education program. Scholarship considerations include enrollment in at least 9 credit hours per quarter, GPA, and financial need. WSPA membership may be considered, but is not required. The winner will receive a $500 check for tuition and books. (Students may nominate themselves for this award.)

http://www.wspaonline.org

http://www.wspaonline.org







MEMBER RECRUITMENT CONTESTRecruit legal professionals and earn prizes!

Are you a current WSPA member who likes to win great prizes? We have THE contest for you!

The WSPA member with the most new* member recruits at the end of every quarter will win a stylish WSPA messenger bag.

When new members apply online, they will be asked who referred them. Make sure they enter your name to get credit. It’s that simple. Just refer your friends and make sure they use your name when they apply for membership.

• The first quarter winner will be determined April 1, and will be recognized at the Annual Awards Luncheon on April 27 at the Red Lion Hotel in Seattle.

• The second quarter winner will be determined July 1 and recognized in the August newsletter.

• The third quarter winner will be determined October 1 and recognized at the Annual Fall CLE during paralegal week.

Start telling your friends, co-workers, colleagues, and anyone else you know about WSPA! You could be a winner!


WSPA's Mission:

To enthusiastically support and promote the paralegal profession in the State of Washington.

We are dedicated to the enhancement of the paralegal profession.

We strive for personal and professional development.

We will encourage increased utilization of paralegals to broaden employment opportunities statewide.

We advocate high quality paralegal educational programs in preparation for entry into the profession.

We hold our members to high standards by requiring 10 Continuing Legal Education credits per year to retain full voting status or to hold an office in the Association.

We will monitor proposed state and federal legislation affecting paralegals and will participate in the legislative and regulatory process to represent our Members' views.

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To register log on to: http://www.nbi-sems.com/Default.aspx/?NavigationDataSource1=N:304-175

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Start Date� Times (Eastern)� Title�Event ID�

01/05/12� 2:00-3:15 PM� Practical Real Estate Applications for the Professional Paralegal – IPE� 58570�

01/10/12� 2:00-3:00 PM� Litigation and the Federal Rules: What Every Paralegal Should Know� 57101�

01/12/12� 1:00-2:15 PM� The Key Stages in Mergers & Acquisitions - The Inside Story for Paralegals� 58561�

01/17/12� 1:00-2:15 PM� How to Prepare and File a Bankruptcy Petition: A Guide for Paralegals� 57094�

01/19/12� 1:00-2:15 PM� Ethics for Paralegals� 58564�

02/07/12� 1:00-2:30 PM� Prep, Pray, Live Through Trial: A Guide for Paralegals� 58582�

02/15/12� 12:00-1:15 PM� The Next Generation: Intelligent Review Technology (IRT) for Paralegals� 58562�

02/17/12� 1:00-2:15 PM� Hot Topics in Attorney-Client Privilege for Paralegals� 58578�

02/28/12� 12:00-1:15 PM� The Paralegal's Guide to Corporate Compliance (Foreign Corrupt Practices Act)� 57097�

03/01/12� 1:00-2:00 PM� The Employment Law Alphabet Soup: A Guide for Paralegals� 58595�

03/02/12� 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM� "When You Write, Get it Right": Communication as the Key to Success for Parale-gals�

58600�

03/06/12� 1:00-2:15 PM� Unlocking the Mysteries of Intellectual Property Law for Paralegals� 58590�

03/09/12� 1:00-2:15 PM� Cloud Computing 101 for Paralegals: A Primer on Cloud Computing for the Law Office�

58597�

03/13/12� 12:00-1:00 PM� Promoting the Progress of the Useful Arts: The Paralegal’s Guide to What Patent Litigation is Really All About�

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Washington State Paralegal Association

Membership Application

PO Box 58530, Seattle WA 98138 Membership Year 1/1/2012 to 12/31/2012

WSPA Membership Application- Membership Application form page 1

Important: This form should be used only to apply for new membership. If you are a current WSPA member, please use the Membership Renewal form. You may also Renew and pay by credit card securely online at http://www.acteva.com/Go/WSPA.

Applicant Name:

Preferred Mailing Address:

Daytime Phone: __________________________

Evening Phone: ___________________________

Fax Number: ___________________________

E-Mail Address(es): Employer Name & Address:

Send Mail to: � Home � Work

WSPA Membership (See below for definitions and requirements.)

Check one and submit the appropriate membership fee with your application. Make checks payable to WSPA.WSPA is a Washington not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization, Tax ID # 51-0140447:� Regular Member - $85.00 Employer Paid? �Yes �No

� Associate Member - $60.00 � Student Member - $40.00 � Sustaining Member - $200.00

Who referred you to WSPA? (Please be specific so that we can thank them!): ______________________________

Special Qualifications: � PACE® Registered Paralegal � CORE™ Registered Paralegal � LPO � Other Please Describe:___________________________________________________

Chapter Affiliation(s):� East King County � Northwest � Seattle � Snohomish County � South King County � Spokane � South Puget Sound � Central Washington � Other: _______________________

Check all areas in which you are willing to help: � Chapter Activities � Events (CLE's, Convention) � Membership � Newsletter � Job Bank Admin. � Other:_______________________________________________________________________

**Please visit our website at www.wspaonline.org to sign up for specific list servs. Please note that by participating in these list servs, you will receive regular e-mail updates and have the opportunity to participate in e-mail discussion of issues relevant to the list serv.**

WSPA Membership Application- Membership Application form page 2

Education: (check all completed) � Assoc. Degree, Paralegal Studies � Assoc. Degree, Other � Bachelor's Degree, Paralegal Studies � Bachelor's Degree, Other

� Certificate in Paralegal Studies � Master's Degree � Other Postgraduate Degree � Other: ____________________________

**If you are currently enrolled in a paralegal studies program, give:

Name of the school/program: __________________________________________________________________________

Location:_____________________________ Length of program:_______________________

Degree expected: Type:_________________ Month & Year:___________________________

Employment: Number of years of experience as a paralegal _______. Current status (Check all applicable):

�Employed full-time as a paralegal �Employed part-time as a paralegal �Employed full-time, not as a paralegal �Employed part-time, not as a paralegal �Full-time student in a paralegal program** �Part-time student in a paralegal program** �Unemployed �Other: _________________________

Employer Type: �Private Law Firm �Government Agency �Public Service Agency �Self-employed/freelance/contract �Corp. Legal Dept./Other Private Industry �Temporary Employment Agency

Practice Areas (check all areas in which you regularly practice): �Admiralty/Maritime �Bankruptcy �Civil Litigation �Collection �Commercial Torts �Contracts �Corporate/Business �Criminal �Elder Law �Employment/Labor �Environmental �ERISA/Employee Benefits �Estate Planning �Family/Domestic �Foreclosures �Government �Intellectual Property �Land Use �Legal Technology �Malpractice/Professional Liability �Personal Injury �Probate �Real Estate �Securities �Tax �Workers Compensation �Other:__________________________________

Definitions Paralegal (NFPA Definition): A paralegal is a person qualified through education, training, or work experience to perform substantive legal work that requires knowledge of legal concepts and is customarily, but not exclusively, performed by a lawyer. This person may be retained or employed by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency, or other entity or may be authorized by administrative, statutory, or court authority to perform this work. For additional definitions, requirements, and various other information, check our web site at http://www.wspaonline.org. Privacy Policy WSPA’s general policy regarding member information is that we do not share this information indiscriminately. We must share name and mailing address with NFPA in order for you to receive your full membership benefits. We may share name and mailing address with certain legal-related vendors, including seminar sponsors, for a fee. This provides WSPA with non-dues income and allows us to keep our membership fees low. We provide this information in the form of printed labels, and we make it clear that the information is to be used only once. We do not give information to any vendors in electronic form which could be used multiple times. We will share with other members of WSPA any of the contact information which is usually available in the WSPA Membership Directory. This includes name, mailing address, daytime telephone, fax number, e-mail address, employer name, practice areas, and chapter affiliation(s). Any other information which we may maintain about our members is available only to WSPA officers, directors, and committee chairs. However, if your primary mailing address, phone, or e-mail is no longer accurate, we may substitute another address, phone, or e-mail. The alternate information would then become shareable as though it were the primary information for that member. You may specify stronger restrictions on certain of your information than under the standard WSPA policy, by completing and signing the following. Please check if any of the specified items should not be shared with WSPA members or vendors:

Item WSPA Members Vendors Home address (usually shared only if it is the primary mailing address) Work address (usually shared only if it is the primary mailing address) Daytime phone Evening phone ¥ Fax number ¥ E-mail address ¥

Signature: I affirm that the information given in this application is true and correct and that I meet the requirements for the membership category indicated above.

Signed: Date:

Washington State Paralegal Association 2012 Membership Renewal FormPO Box 58530, Seattle WA 98138-1530 For the Membership Period of 1/1/2012 to 12/31/2012

To file this Renewal Form with your check payment (payable to WSPA), Mail it to WSPA, P O Box 58530, Seattle, WA 98138-1530; Questions? Please email for assistance to: [email protected]

Important: This form should be used only to renew a current or previous WSPA membership. If you are applying for a new WPSA membership, please Join Online at www.wspaonline.org. You may also Renew and pay by credit card securely online at http://www.acteva.com/GO/WSPA (Renewing Member option)

Member’s Name: WSPA Membership Number (if known): Preferred Mailing Address: Company Name (if applicable):

BBBB�Check here if this is an updated Mailing Address

Daytime Phone: Evening Phone:

E-Mail Address (primary):

E-Mail Address (secondary):

WSPA Membership (See below for definitions and requirements.) Check one and submit the appropriate membership fee with your application. Make checks payable to WSPA. WSPA is a Washington not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization, Tax ID # 51-0140447: � Regular Member - $85.00 Employer Paid? �Yes �No � Associate Member - $60.00

� Student Member - $40.00

� Sustaining Member - $200.00

Definitions & Requirements Paralegal (NFPA Definition): A paralegal is a person qualified through education, training, or work experience to perform substantive legal work that requires knowledge of legal concepts and is customarily, but not exclusively, performed by a lawyer. This person may be retained or employed by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency, or other entity or may be authorized by administrative, statutory, or court authority to perform this work. Substantive shall mean work requiring recognition, evaluation, organization, analysis, and communication of relevant facts and legal concepts.

Membership Types – Regular Membership - $85: Any individual currently employed as a paralegal (see definition above). Regular members are eligible to vote and hold office. Student Membership - $40: Any student currently enrolled in a paralegal program and not eligible for regular or associate membership status. Student membership is limited to 3 years. Student members are eligible to vote and hold office. Associate Membership - $60: Any paralegal living or working outside Washington, not currently practicing, or retired. Associate members are eligible to vote and hold office. Sustaining Membership - $200: A person, organization or other entity interested in supporting the objectives of WSPA. Sustaining members may not vote or hold office.. CLE Credits: WSPA recognizes CLE credits are an important part of developing and maintaining one’s skills and abilities. As such, all WSPA members are strongly encouraged to obtain 10 CLE credits annually. Individuals who earn 10 CLE credits in a membership year will be recognized in the WSPA newsletter Findings and Conclusions, and will be eligible for a 10% discount off the registration fee for one WSPA CLE of his/her choice during the following calendar year. CLE credits may be reported on the attached form.

January-February 2012 WSPA Newsletter

Documents

Transcript of January-February 2012 WSPA Newsletter