Volume 33, Number 6 June 2012

Member of National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)

Get Involved!June General Meeting: Our next General Meeting is on June 13, 2012, where Jack Cambre, President and Jim Ayer, Vice President of Titan legal Services, Inc. will discuss “Everything you Ever Wanted to Know About Federal Subpoenas….But Were Afraid to Ask.” This presentation will cover all the forms, rules, timelines and proper preparation of Federal subpoenas and notices. A 65-page bound Resource Guide will be provided to each attendee!

Don’t forget to bring your item’s for the Orange County Food Bank. Here is a OCFB’s wish list: • Pop Tops (canned meats, tuna,

Spam, Vienna sausage, ravioli, chili) • Canned Fruits• Canned Meat• Canned Vegetables• Dry Foods (beans, rice, pasta,

macaroni & cheese, cup-o-soup, cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix)

• Personal Care Items (deodorant, feminine napkins, diapers, tooth brush and tooth paste, shampoo, soap)

• Peanut Butter, Snacks (energy bars, granola bars, fruit leathers)

• Drinks (juice, bottled water, coffee, tea).

In addition to collecting items at all of our General Meetings, you can

volunteer your time on at any of the 3 remaining Saturdays in 2012 - July 14, September 15 and November 3 – from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. to assist the OCFB with assembling food boxes for children and seniors at their distribution center located at 11870 Monarch Street in Garden Grove. If you are interested in participating in the volunteer activities, please contact OCPA’s Pro Bono/Community Services Chair, Cindy Mascio, ACP, CAS, at cmascio@rutan.com or (714) 641-5100, ext. 1625.

Student Conference: We have our second Student Conference scheduled for Saturday, June 16th from 9:00 to 1:00 p.m. at University of California, Irvine. The following topics will be discussed and presented: Legal Job Workshop (Take a Look Into the Career of a Criminal Law Paralegal); Legal Staffing and Recruiting (Interviewing Tips); Roundtable Panel; and a class on becoming a Certified Paralegal.

NALA Conference: This year’s NALA Conference is in Omaha, Nebraska. Save the date: July 25th to July 28th and come celebrate NALA’s 37th Annual Meeting and Educational Institutes. It will feature 7 institutes in the following areas:• Bankruptcy• e-Discovery• Essential Skills• Family Law• Personal Injury• Real Estate• Member Exchange

Further details to come.

Disclaimer: The articles contained in this publication have been prepared for and are intended to provide information useful to members of the Orange County Paralegal Association (OCPA) and the legal professional community, at-large. The information presented is not to be taken as legal advice nor do the views represent a statement of OCPA policy.

President’s Message

Inside this Issue: President’s Message 1-2

Calendar & Events 3

Membership & Statistics 4

News & Events:

Annual OCPA

Education Conference 5-6

General Meeting 8

OCPA Student

Section Conference 10

OCPA Scholarship 11-14

Articles:

Paralegals’ Pay Rises

Again in 2012 7

Career Watch 9

NALA Update 16

OCPA Corporate Sponsors

Sustaining Members 17

OCPA Board 19

Volume 33, Number 6 June 2012

Member of National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)

Educational Conference: This year will be OCPA’s 26th Annual Educational Conference. In celebration of OCPA’s 35th Birthday we are letting ALL attendees in the Educational Conference for only $35.00 (yep! $35.00). The Conference will offer a total of 4.75 MCLE (2.25 of Ethics).

The following areas of law will be covered at the Educational Conference:

• Immigration Law• Real Estate Law • Litigation (Technology)• Bankruptcy• Labor Law• Criminal Law • Litigation (E-Discovery)• Entertainment Law

Sign up as soon as possible, as this event will sell out!

Lots of planning goes into this great event, come help us make this year’s conference better than ever. If you’re interested in helping out with this conference, please contact Kerry Swancutt at kerryswancutt.ocpa@gmail.com.

Specialty Sections: We have a couple great Section Meetings planned for you this month. On June 4th the Family Law Section will have Garrett C. Dailey of Attorney’s BriefCase discussing “Transferring Real Property in a Dissolution of Marriage Action” at Jones Day at 6:00 p.m.

Bruce Silverman with Silverman Consulting will present “Lessons from a Mad Man – Expert Witness and the Art and Science of Persuading a Jury” at the June 14th Litigation section Meeting. This meeting will be held at Gibson Dunn at 6:00 p.m.

All meeting flyers are now available on OCPA’s website www.ocparalegal.org

New Member Meetings: Are you a new member of the OCPA who would like to find out more about the organization and all of its benefits? Please join us on Monday, June 11, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at Sarnoff, a Veritext Corporation. See the website for more details and to RSVP.

Volunteers: Would you like to volunteer and get more involved with the OCPA? Please contact me at hilary.ocpapresident.2011@gmail.com.

Volunteering is a great way to meet your co-paralegals and networking.

- Hilary Martin, OCPA President

OCPA NeedsYour Help!

OCPA needs your help in locating the following Past Presidents of OCPA: Kimberly MillerSherrill Schroeder SmithN. Chris PrinceLinda KatoAnne HarperMary Jameson HellerSandra FrioScott MooreLinda McCown If you have any information regarding the current addresses for these past presidents, please contact Cindy Mascio at cmascio@rutan.com. Thanks!

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OCPA Calendar & Events

To learn more, simply visit the OCPA website at: www.ocparalegal.org

August ===

Date Time Title Location

8/1 6:00 pm Board Meeting Sarnoff/Veritext

8/16 6:00 pm OCPA Vendor Appreciation Mixer TBD

June

Date Time Title Location

6/4 6:00 pm Family Law Section: “Transferring Real Property in a Dissolution Marriage”

TBD

6/6 6:00 pm Board Meeting Sarnoff/Veritext

6/11 6:00 pm New Member Section Meeting Sarnoff/Veritext

6/13 6:00 pm General Meeting: “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Federal Subpoenas...But Were Afraid to Ask”

Radisson Hotel

6/14 6:00 pm Litigation Section: “Lessons From a Mad Man - Expert WItnesses and the Art and Science of Persuading a Jury”

Gibson Dunn

6/19 6:00 pm Criminal Section:”Bankrupt and in Prison, Could Life Be Any Better”

Beiner, Miller & Katzman, APC

6/23 All day CAPA Educational Conference Sacramento, CA

Save the Date!OCPA 26th Annual Educational

Conference

Date: Saturday, September 8, 2012 Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Place: Radisson Hotel, Newport Beach

“Established 1977 – OCPA Celebrates 35 years of supporting & educating Paralegals! Who are we and what sets us apart?”

Please join our diverse legal community at this annual education opportunity. No matter your level of experience, come see how to enrich your career.

MCLE Credit Provided – 5.0 hours Topics to be announced soon.

Speaker or Exhibitor Inquires? To learn more, please contact Conference Chair Kerry Swancutt at kerryswancutt.ocpa@gmail.com.

July

Date Time Title Location

7/10 6:00 pm Bankruptcy Section: “The Use and Misuse of Exemptions and the Ch. 7 Means Test”

TBD

7/14 12:00pm Board Retreat TBD

7/14 8:30 am Pro Bono: OCPA/OCFB Work Day OCFB

7/19 6:00 pm Litigation Section: “Follow the Flow - Forming up the Trial Box”

Gibson Dunn

7/25- 7/28

NALA Educational Conference Omaha, Nebraska

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OCPA Membership & Statistics

Gurpreet SanghaKathleen ThomasSarine Sabounjian NigolianAmber GrowSamantha SantanaMelissa Nypert ShelleyGeorge BeanJennifer HuangJulian GusanEllygra DiLallaAna BautistaMarie LujanCharlotte CarlyleDolores GeneraCathy LantzCallie Lynn

Strohsahl

Ryan Carter

New Members

Ronald A. BurkeJacquelyn AshfordElizabeth KellyJoanne M. LilienthalWerner A. Portal GuthCaitlin MartinezStepanie LunaJessamine Diraine

Marilyn Andalon

Kate Erdmann

Cynthia Pena

Michael Navarrette

Erika Gutierrez

Tiffany Jung

William Singleton

StatisticsVoting:  326Student:  142Assoc:  65Sustaining:  6 Total:  604

June 2012

5

OCPACompendium

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� �

2012 �Educational �Conference �Program � �(check �back �for �updated �speaker �and �topic �information) �

� �8:00 �a.m. � � �8:45 �a.m. � � Registration, �Continental �Breakfast, �Get �to �Know �your �Exhibitors � � �8:45 �a.m. � �9:00 �a.m. � � Welcome �by �OCPA �President �Hilary �Martin �& �Conf. �Chair �Kerry �Swancutt � � � �9:00 �a.m. � �10:15 �a.m. � � Morning �Ethics �MCLE �Keynote, �Announce �Scholarship �Winners �

It's �not �the �Fruit, �it's �the �Root: �Getting �to �the �bottom �of �our �Ethical �Ills �- �In �this �unique �legal �ethics �seminar, �acclaimed �legal �humorist �Sean �Carter �goes �beyond �the �do's �and �don'ts �of �the �Rules �of �Professional �Conduct �to �get �to �the �heart �of �the �matter �-- �the �common �mindsets �that �result �in �ethical �violations �in �the �first �place. �Employing �the �witty �one-liners �and �poignant �stories �that �have �made �him �a �favorite �presenter �at �bar �events �across �the �country, �Mr. �Carter �demonstrates �the �root �causes �of �our �ethical �ills. �Furthermore, �he �will �provide �tips �and �insights �on �how �to �heal �ourselves �from �these �mindsets �so �that �the �ethical �canons �become �guide �posts �and �not �obstacles �in �your �drive �to �become �successful �paralegals. �Presented �by �Sean �Carter, �Esq. �- �http://www.lawhumorist.com �

� �10:30 �a.m. � �11:00 �a.m. � � Morning �Break, �Get �to �Know �your �Exhibitors � � �11:15 �a.m. � �12:30 �p.m. � Morning �MCLE �Breakout �Sessions �

Immigration �Law � �Presented �by �J. �Anthony �Smith, �Esq. � �

Real �Estate �Law � � -and-Outs �of �Title �Policies, �Legal �Descriptions, � �Presented �by �Bruce �Dannemeyer, �Esq.

� � �Litigation �(Technology) � � ent �- �Discovery �

�Presented �by �Jeff �Koller, �Esq. � �Bankruptcy �Law �- �"How �Bankruptcy �intersects �with �various �aspects �of �our �Lives: �Family �Law, �Tax, �Intentional �Tort �Judgments �and �Students �Loans." �Presented �by �Renato �Izquieta, �Esq. �

� � �12:45 �p.m. � �3:00 �p.m. � Afternoon �Ethics �MCLE �Keynote, �Lunch, �35th �Anniversary �Presentation, �Get �to �Know �your �

Exhibitors �Game �Winner �and �Drawings � � �- �It's �been �said �that �nice �guys �finish �last. �And �while �that �might �be �

true �in �the �rough �and �tumble �arenas �of �politics, �professional �prize �fighting �and �marriage, �nothing �could �be �further �from �the �truth �in �the �practice �of �law. �In �this �hilarious �ethics �presentation, �legal �humorist �Sean �Carter �will �demonstrate �how �to �effectively �deal �with �demanding �clients, �stubborn �opposing �parties �and �irritating �partners �(as �if �there �are �any �other �kind); �and �to �do �so �in �a �way �that �best �serves �the �interests �of �all �involved. �Presented �by �Sean �Carter, �Esq. �- �http://www.lawhumorist.com �

� �3:15 �p.m. � �4:30 �p.m. � � Afternoon �MCLE �Breakout �Sessions �

Labor �Law �- �Presented �by �Sean �Larsen, �Esq. � �

Criminal �Law � � Criminal �Procedure: � �Are �we �still �utilizing �those �old �Amendments? �Presented �by �Guy �Ormes, �Esq. � �

� �Litigation �(E-Discovery) � �Presented �by �Doug �Hafford, �VP �Consulting �at �Afinety, �Inc. � �Entertainment �Law �- �"Everything �you �ever �wanted �to �know �about �Entertainment �Law, �but �were �too �afraid �to �ask!" �Presented �by �Bill �Grantham, �Esq. � �

June 2012

7

Paralegal pay continues to rise for both law firms and law departments, according to the Annual Compensation Survey for Paralegals/Legal Assistants and Managers, 2012 Edition, released today. The survey by ALM Legal Intelligence, a leading source of business intelligence for the legal profession, was conducted in partnership with the International Paralegal Management Association (IPMA) and has been conducted annually since 2002. The report tracks compensation, billing rates and billable hours for paralegals, based on responses from 274 law firms and law departments representing more than 8,775 paralegal positions.This year, the survey reflected a few changes in order to better accommodate the informational needs of its constituents: paralegal titles were refined to include job functionality and years of service; salary is expressed on an hourly basis, allowing compensation data to be more readily applicable to the variety of standard work weeks for the participating organizations; and overtime reporting was eliminated since this data is not readily applicable to setting base salary or bonus levels.Key findings from the survey included the following: The number of organizations granting salary increases increased once again this year. Salary increases rose from 87.2% of respondents in 2011 to 92.1% in 2012 for paralegal positions that are exempt from wage-and-hour

regulations and from 90% to 96% for non-exempt paralegal positions. Due to methodology change, base compensation is not able to be compared to that of previous editions. However, assuming a 40 hour work week and 52 week/year schedule, compensation for most paralegal/legal assistant titles appear to have increased in 2012. The top two highest paid (hourly) positions in 2012 are Litigation Support/Technology Manager ($77.72) and Paralegal Director ($67.73) on the law firm side, and Paralegal Manager ($59.05) on the law department side. The 2012 Survey shows increases in bonuses for half of the positions where data was available to compare to the 2011 edition. Case Manager and Litigation Support/Technology Manager saw the biggest increases on the firm side; Paralegal and Paralegal Managers saw big increases on the law department side.Law firm paralegal average billing rates increased or remained relatively the same in 2012 for the paralegal positions that have comparable data for 2011. Rates ranged from $134 an hour for a Case Assistant up to $299 for the Specialist/Industry Analyst position. To purchase a copy of the survey report, please visit www.almlegalintel.com . IPMA members or organizations with IPMA members may be eligible for a discount and should phone 888-770-5647 to order a copy.

About ALM Legal IntelligenceALM Legal Intelligence offers detailed business information for and about the legal industry, focused on the top U.S. and international law firms. The division’s online research Web service, www.almlegalintel.com , provides subscribers with direct, on-demand access to an extensive database of surveys, rankings and lists related to law firms and the legal industry. The site also includes an online store where non-subscribers can, on an individual basis, purchase and download preformatted individual law firm reports, research reports and selected

current-year survey data. ALM Legal Intelligence is a division of ALM.

About the IPMAThe International Paralegal Management Association (IPMA), founded in 1984 as the Legal Assistant Management Association, promotes the development, professional standing and visibility of paralegal management professionals and consists of members throughout the United States and Canada as well as parts of Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. More information on the IPMA can be found at www.paralegalmanagement.org .

About ALM, an integrated media company, is a leading provider of specialized business news, research and information, focused primarily on the legal and commercial real estate sectors. ALM’s market-leading brands include The American Lawyer, Corporate Counsel, GlobeSt.com, Insight Conferences, Law.com, Law Journal Press, Law Technology News, LegalTech, The National Law Journal and Real Estate Forum. Headquartered in New York City, ALM was formed in 1997. For more information, visit www.alm.com . ALM, The American Lawyer, Corporate Counsel, GlobeSt.com, Insight Conferences, Law.com, Law Journal Press, Law Technology News, LegalTech, The National Law Journal and Real Estate Forum are trademarks or registered trademarks of ALM Media Properties, LLC.

Source: MarketWatch

About the Author: Jeannie S. Johnston has been a Paralegal for over 18 years, has spoken at National Paralegal Conferences and is the Founder and CEO of Paralegal Gateway, Inc. a/k/a www.ParalegalGateway.com – the world’s oldest and largest online Paralegal portal on the world wide web.

Paralegals’ Pay Rises Again in 2012, Says ALM/IPMA Survey

OCPACompendium

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OCPA  is  a  State  Bar  of  California  Approved  MCLE  provider  and    certifies  that  this  seminar  qualifies  for  MCLE  credit.  

 OCPA  will  be  collecting  canned  fruits  and  vegetables  for  the  OC  Food  Bank    

at  this  meeting.    Please  bring  as  many  items  as  you  can.    Thank  you!    

To  all  Paralegals,  Attorneys,  and  other  Legal  Professionals:      

DINNER  AND  GENERAL  MEETING    PRESENTED  BY:   Jack  Cambre,  President  and  Jim  Ayer,  Vice  President  of  Titan  Legal  Services,  Inc.      TOPIC:      

This  presentation  will  cover  all  the  forms,  rules,  timelines  and  proper  preparation  of  Federal  subpoenas  and  notices.    A  65  page  bound  Resource  Guide  will  be  provided  to  each  attendee!!  

 DATE  &  TIME:      Wednesday,  June  13,  2012          6:00  p.m.    8:00  p.m.  (sign-­‐in  begins  at  5:45  p.m.)      LOCATION:              RADISSON  HOTEL  -­‐  NEWPORT  BEACH                4545  MacArthur  Boulevard,  Newport  Beach,  CA  92660    COST:   $30  OCPA  members  |  $40  for  non-­‐members  (INCLUDES  DINNER)  

NOTE:  Reservation  secured  by  receipt  of  payment  by  RSVP  deadline;  24  hour  notice  cancellation  policy.      MCLE  CREDIT:                  1.0  (GENERAL  LAW)    DIRECTIONS:                      Going  north  on  the  405  Fwy,  exit  MacArthur  Blvd.,  turn  left  at  the  signal.    Travel  approximately  2  

miles  to  Birch  Street.    The  hotel  is  on  the  corner  of  Birch  Street  and  MacArthur  Blvd.    Parking  is  free.      -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  

RESERVATION  SLIP  (RSVP  NO  LATER  THAN  6/11/12)    

NAME:  ________________________________________      EMAIL:  ________________________________________    

Please  reserve  via  email  to  kerryswancutt.ocpa@gmail.com    AND    

pay  online  via  PAYPAL  at  www.ocparalegal.org    OR  mail  reservation  slip  and  check  payable  to  OCPA  to:    Hospitality  Coordinator,  P.O.  Box  8512,  Newport  Beach,  CA  92658    

 PASSPORT  HOLDERS  ARE  ASKED  TO  RSVP  

June 2012

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Career Watch:

At American City University, we understand that finding a job is a key topic among new graduates with little to no experience. Not only are there fewer paralegal job openings, but there are more experienced candidates vying for the same lower level jobs – candidates who might not have applied a year ago. These veterans will even consider salary reductions. Employers are in the “catbird seat” in that they have to invest little training by hiring an experienced paralegal they might previously not have been able to afford.That’s the reality for most professions in America today: fewer jobs and more competition for them. But that doesn’t change the fact that many paralegal graduates have invested considerable time and expense in their degrees, and have received a quality education which will well prepare them for any job which requires an articulate problem-solver, creative thinker and multi-tasker.The good news is that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the paralegal profession is expected to grow at a rate “much faster than the rate for all occupations.” In the interim, working for several years at one of the other kinds of jobs listed above can “beef up” a “baby resume”. Paralegal graduates can gain the transferable skills they need to transition to a job labeled “paralegal” or “legal assistant” in a few years – or to discover the related dream career they never thought of when they entered a paralegal program.Today’s employers can choose from candidates all over the globe. And what sets one applicant apart from another are skill sets that transcend one’s major or desired profession.In particular, employers are looking for applicants with core business competencies.As technology, levels of assignment, more acceptance of Paralegals, client demand, etc. changes, so does the role of the Paralegal. Gone are the days when the job description of a

Paralegal professional fit neatly into a box. Traditional titles and duties are expanding into a faded memory and more Paralegals are experiencing burnout causing them to seek other careers they may pursue with a Paralegal degree. Some alternate career choices include: Freelance Paralegal, Legal Sales, Mediators, Legal Recruiters, Private Investigator, and Legal Marketing.You may want to start a business or have already started one. The upshot is many would-be entrepreneurs do not have the needed business skills to be successful.At American City University, hundreds of our students had experienced a similar problem. They went to school years ago and learned a vocation they thought could support themselves and their families. However, as the economy changes, the business competitive landscape also changes with it. Employers are required to do more with less, putting demands on their existing workforce to add value by “thinking outside of the box”, and applying the skill sets that most employees have not been trained to do. For example, a legal assistant may be asked to perform some client’s case management. This requires project management skills which did not come with a legal program. These are the folks who end up at our door at American City University! Some decided to give themselves an advanced education to keep moving up in the corporate ladder and avoid becoming corporate casualties, some decided to jump ship and transition to other careers, and others just want to try their luck at starting a business. All share a common goal – they need a business education to support any future endeavors. American City University (ACU) was established with a core mission and principle that excellent education can be made available in a non-traditional way for self-motivated adult learners throughout the world.As a single-purpose higher education institution, ACU dedicates all its expertise and resources to provide high quality and practical education and learning experience that will enable students to

reach their individual academic goals and realize their career goals.

ACU takes the mission to provide high quality and practical education to students around the world to enable them to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their professional goals, improve the productivity of their organizations, and provide leadership and service to their communities.

The ACU Advantages in earning your advanced Business Degree include: personalized service, open enrollment, flexible self-paced online program and affordable tuition.

What IF you are not ready to commit to a full degree program?American City University has developed the new Staff Development Program to provide a critical resource to companies in training employees and to assist working professionals to better meet the challenges necessary for personal and the organization’s success. Our program utilizes the ACU degree courses and online learning platform. This enables companies to reduce their training costs, empowers working professionals who need to renew their career toolbox for a competitive business environment and expand individual’s potential to transition into other career possibilities.This is a Design-Your-Own (DYO) Program with courses selected and designed around your individual needs for your business, professional and career development. The Certificate Program consists of a total of three (3) university courses (9 credits) to be selected out of a menu of 180 ACU business courses. Each course is 10 weeks in duration, and upon completion you will receive a Certificate of Completion in Business & Management Development. The cost per course is $249 – more than 50% cost savings from the same course in the degree programs.

As a Sponsor of OCPA, American City University is making this special program available to OCPA members.

To receive a brochure on the Staff Development Program or any of the ACU Degree Programs, please email: gene_paplanus@acuni.us

Does a Paralegal degree give you all the career options you want?

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OCPA JUNE STUDENT SECTION CONFERENCE Hosted  by  the  Orange  County  Paralegal  Association  &  University  of  California  Irvine-­Extension  

   

 

PROGRAM    

Legal  Job  Workshop:  We’ll  take  a  look  into  the  career   of   a   Criminal   Law   Paralegal   at   the  District  Attorney’s  Office  in  the  DNA  Unit.  Has  Criminal  Law  always  intrigued  you?  What  skills  does   it   take?   Come   learn   more   about   this  specialty  area  of  law.      Legal   Staffing   and   Recruiting:   Professional  recruiters   will   share   their   forecast   for   the   2012  job   market.   They’ll   also   give   interviewing   tips  and  job  search  do’s  and  don’ts.          

Roundtable  Panel  Discussion  on  Hot  areas  of  law  for  2012:  A  panel  of  paralegals  working  in  a  variety   of   areas   of   law   will   discuss   tips   for  success   for   entry   level   paralegals.   The   panels  experience   will   include   (banking   law,   contracts  law  and  corporate  law  to  name  a  few).    Should   you   become   a   Certified   Paralegal?  Come  learn  what  student  paralegals  should  know  about   the   certification   process.   This   discussion  will   be   led   by   a   NALA   Certified   Paralegal.  Come   learn   if   certification   should   be   your   next  career   step   after   graduating   from   paralegal  program.        

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHEN:  Saturday,  June  16,  2012  WHERE:  University  of  California-­Irvine  (Student  Center  Building  #113  Room:  Balboa  Island  A).  Campus  Map:  http://www.uci.edu/campus_maps.php    Attendees  will  need  to  purchase  parking  ($10/day)  at  the  structure  next  to  the  building.  TIME:  Registration  begins  at  8:15  am.    Program  is  from  9:00  a.m.  to  1:00  p.m.  COST:  FREE  for  OCPA  student  members  and  $5.00  for  non-­members.  **  FREE  OCPA  Student  Memberships  will  be  raffled  off  ($40  value)  ___________________________________________________________________________________  

RESERVATION  SLIP  (PLEASE  RSVP  BY  06/14/12)  

 

NAME:  ____________________  EMAIL:  ________________  SCHOOL:  _________________  

Non-­members  please  mail  reservation  slip  with  a  check  payable  to  “OCPA”  to:  

C/o  OCPA  Student  Section  Conference  

P.O.  Box  8512  

Newport  Beach,  CA  92658  

OCPA  Members  can  RSVP  by  email  at  kair.williamson@gmail.com    

       

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ANNOUNCEMENTOCPA SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST

TO: Paralegal Students and Working or Unemployed Paralegals

SCHOLARSHIP PURPOSE: Two Scholarships, valued at $750, will be awarded to Paralegals or Paralegal Students for reimbursement of paralegal education, seminars, meetings, memberships or fees for certifications (example, the CLA exam or preparation classes), or advanced certification (example: ACP). Answers to an Essay Question will be used to determine the Winners!

APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS: (Besides OCPA Membership - 2 of the following 3 qualifications)

• Enrolled in Paralegal class currently or have taken 4 units applicable to a Paralegal Certificate in the past three years.

• Work, or have held a position as a Paralegal within the past three years. • Live, work or attend Paralegal classes in Orange County.

TO APPLY: Complete the Qualification Sheet and attach your essay answer on separate sheets without your identifying information. While your Essay should provide truthful facts and answers, omit details that would specifically identify you, as the contest judges are to impartially review the Essay, not the writer. Submit your Qualification Sheet and Essay before the Due Date of August 1, 2012 to Scholarship Chairman, at maria.conzelman@bbklaw.com or via fax to Maria Conzelman, CP, Scholarship Chairman, OCPA at (949) 260-0972.

ESSAY JUDGING CRITERIA: Judges will consider equally: (1) Did the response address all of the questions; (2) Ethical values reflected in the responses; (3) Writing and grammar skills; (4) Basic understanding of Bus. & Prof. Code § 6450; (5) Following instructions; and (6) Quality of the responses.

ESSAY TOPIC: (Submit a 1-to-3-page typed essay including all of the following points) • Discuss your understanding of the paralegal’s role in the California legal system

and document your source(s).• Discuss your educational and experience program path to be employed or

advance as a paralegal. (From your own personal status (as student, employed paralegal, etc.) Use examples of skills that contribute to that path.

• Explain how at least one of the Canons of the NALA Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility is important in everyday paralegal work. State which Canon you are discussing. [See attached excerpt from NALA’s Code.]

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[ATTACH THIS QUALIFICATION SHEET TO YOUR ESSAY.]

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• List or diagram and write an explanation of what steps you would take if your attorney asked you to “pre-review this Summons and Complaint package for me.”

OCPA SCHOLARSHIPQualification Sheet

Name: _________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________

Telephone for notification: _____________ Is this a cell phone? ___

Member of OCPA? _______ If Yes, Status is: _____________ (Student) (Associate) (Full Member)

Member of any other Paralegal Organization? __________________

Explain how you meet the Applicant Qualifications: ______________

How might you use the scholarship benefit? ____________________

Verification: Please sign below to verify that you wrote and prepared your essay answers solely by yourself without assistance from others.

Signature: _______________________________Date___________

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EXCERPT FROMNALA CODE OF ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

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 mean there are not others of equal importance although not specifically mentioned. Court rules, agency rules and statutes must be taken into consideration when interpreting the canons.

Canon 1. A paralegal must not perform any of the duties that attorneys only may perform nor take any action that attorneys may not take.

Canon 2. A paralegal may perform any task which is properly delegated and supervised by an attorney, as long as the attorney is ultimately responsible to the client, maintains a direct relationship with the client, and assumes professional responsibility for the work product.

Canon 3. A paralegal must not: (a) engage in, encourage, or contribute to any act which could constitute the unauthorized practice of law; and (b) establish attorney-client relationships, set fees, give legal opinions or 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 of professional ethics or give the appearance of professional impropriety.

Canon 4. A paralegal must use discretion and professional judgment commensurate with knowledge and experience but must not render independent legal judgment in place of an attorney. The services of an attorney 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 relationship with a client, attorney, a court or administrative agency or personnel thereof, or a member of the general public. A paralegal must act prudently in determining the extent to which a client may be assisted without the presence of an attorney.

…

© Copyright 2007 NALASource: http://www.nala.org/code.htm

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NALA June UpdateNALA’s 37th A n n u a l Meeting and E d u c a t i o n a l InstitutesIt is not too late to register for NALA’s

Annual Meeting and Educational Institutes scheduled for July 25-28, 2012 at the Hilton Omaha in downtown Omaha, Nebraska. The educational institutes planned for this year are: Bankruptcy, e-Discovery, Essential Skills, Family Law, Personal Injury, and Real Estate. Saturday’s line up will include sessions on public speaking and how to promote your skills. There are some fantastic speakers lined up. The Member Exchange Closing Presentation choices are: “Beyond the Basics, Microsoft Office Tricks for the Legal Professional” or “Ethical Considerations in the Age of Technology.” This is going to be a great educational experience.

NALA has arranged for discount bookings through American Airlines in the amount of five percent off the lowest published airfare. To access the discount book online at www.aa.com and use promotion code 4972BY or call American Airlines Meeting Service Desk at (800) 433-1790 to book your flight and use the same promotion code. There is a $15 ticket fee for booking through the American Airlines Meeting Service Desk. Some restrictions apply. NALA has also arranged for discount flights with United Airlines Continental

Airlines for 2-10 percent savings. To access this promo call (800) 521-4041 and use meeting code 590LW.

Also be sure to check discount internet travel services such as bookingbuddy.com, Travelocity.com, and Priceline.com.

If you wish to rent a car, Avis Worldwide Discount Number is D470060 call (800) 331-1600 for discounted reservations.Check the OCPA and NALA websites for more information regarding educational institutes registration and hotel reservations.

NALA Making a Difference RecognitionNALA recognizes outstanding achievements of a current NALA member or a NALA Affiliated Association who has made a difference in the paralegal profession or in their communities. This recognition is designed to inspire and motivate, as well as celebrate who paralegals are and what paralegals have accomplished. The nominee must be either a current NALA member in good standing or a current NALA affiliated association. Current NALA members who are Board Members, Committee Members, and Chairs are ineligible. You can submit a nomination at any time of the year. Please contact me if you know someone deserving this recognition and I will be happy to help you get your nomination submitted. My email is maria.conzelman@bbklaw.com.

Facts & Findings-The Magazine for ParalegalsIf you are not familiar with this magazine published by NALA, you should make an effort to do so. Far from the association newsletter format, this bi-monthly magazine provides up to date educational articles focused on various practice areas of law, and breaking news.

If you are serious about your career, and not already a NALA member, you should subscribe to this journal. A special “Career Chronicle” issue of Facts & Findings is published each January. I truly look forward to finding this magazine in my mail box. The articles are always interesting and relevant.

Till next month Maria Conzelman, CP

NALA is the leading paralegal association in the US. Its mission is to provide continuing education and professional development programs to all paralegals.

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OCPA Corporate Sponsors

OCPA Sustaining Members

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OCPA 2012 Board of Directors

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1516 S. Boston Ave., Ste. 200 • Tulsa, OK 74119www.nala.org

Visit the NALA Website for more information.

1516 South Boston Ave., Suite 200 • Tulsa, OK 74119 • 918.587.6828 • www.nala.org

THE ASSOCIATION OFLEGAL ASSISTANTS•PARALEGALS

37TH ANNUAL MEETING & EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTESJULY 25–28 • OMAHA, NE

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Compendium // May 2012 // Volume 33 // Number 5

Committed to Excellence through Education, Certification and Ethical Responsibility

Publisher: Orange County Bar Association

Editorial Team: Tracy Hermans, Dawn Martin, Karlene Miller, Krystal Pazanti, Liz Spinazze,

Tamira Stewart

The Compendium is the official publication of the Orange County Paralegal Association

(OCPA). P.O. Box 8512, Newport Beach, CA 92658

This subscription is provided as a member benefit of OCPA. For member information,

please visit www.ocparalegal.org. © 2012 Orange County Paralegal Association

Advertising Inquiries Only: Hilary Martin, hilary.ocpapresident.2011@gmail.com