Promoting the Profession of Legal Assistants through Education and Camaraderie

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September 2016

In This Issue

President’s Ramblings

Welcome New Members

Speakers Photos

Executive Committee

Meeting Minutes

General Committee

Meeting Minutes

Treasurer’s Reports

SNAP General Meeting

Luncheon Flyer

Featured Speakers:

Shelly T. O’Neill, Esq.

Charles B. Woodman, Esq.

Topic:

Judicial Candidates for

Reno Municipal Court

Judge

Date & Time:

September 20, 2016

at 12:00 p.m.

General Meeting

SNAP Calendar 2016

SNAP General Meetings

are held at noon

every third Tuesday at:

Zozo’s Restaurant

3446 Lakeside Dr.

Reno, Nevada

P r e s i d e n t ’s R a m b l i n g s

Becoming a paralegal was something I never

really thought of doing as I grew up. For the

longest time I had wanted to be an attorney

and I didn’t think there was another option to

work in the legal field. It wasn’t until I got

the job I have now that I realized there was a

whole new world in this field. With the

encouragement of the other paralegals in my office I took the CP

exam and was so thrilled when I got that envelope that said I

passed!

I grew up believing my grandparents never worked. My

grandfather retired from the University of Nevada, Reno the month

before I was born, so growing up I believed that meant he never

worked. It took until after I graduated college to learn what it was

my grandpa did. How much school he went through. He fought

in World War II, went to UCLA and then the University of Nevada

for his undergraduate, he went to Boston College for his master’s,

and taught at University of Massachusetts while obtaining his PhD

in Economics. He went to school off and on before he obtained his

PhD, and then he taught at UNR for several years before retiring at

the age of 61. My grandpa is one of the biggest reason I continue

to do what I can to advance my education.

In 2010, I passed my Certified Paralegal exam. I joined LEAP last

year because my grandpa told me that there is never a reason not

to pursue education. There is always something to learn. My next

SNAP Shot

Promoting the Profession of Legal Assistants through Education and Camaraderie

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Officers & Chairpersons

Erin Tieslau, CP

President

Amy Hodgson, ACP

First Vice President

Taylor Kaufman

Second Vice President,

Membership, Job Bank

Krystal Pinkston

Secretary

Melinda Cameron

Treasurer

Fay Miccile, CP

NALA Liaison

step is taking the Advanced Certified Paralegal exam. It’s not a

matter of if I do, but what area do I want to advance in. I have also

learned of a couple of Master’s programs that are available to

Paralegal Studies. There are plenty of methods to further your

education and knowledge in the paralegal world. Even attending

CLE luncheons or seminars can teach you something you didn’t

realize you could learn. I am constantly learning of different things

that affect the work I do on a daily basis. Things are constantly

changing, therefore, there is always a reason to continue furthering

your education. Whether getting your ACP, going to a post-

graduate work, or taking regular CLE. There is always something

you can learn.

Respectfully Submitted By

Erin Tieslau,

SNAP President

Katie Arnold, Legal Assistant Maupin, Cox & LeGoy

Sue Mann, Legal Assistant

Maupin, Cox & LeGoy

Heather Motta, Legal Assistant/Litigation Secretary Maupin, Cox & LeGoy

Tonet Hernandez, Paralegal

McDonald Carano Wilson

Welcome New Members!

Promoting the Profession of Legal Assistants through Education and Camaraderie

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Officers & Chairpersons)

Jennifer Salisbury, CP

Public Relations,

Website Manager

Gloria Baker

Newsletter Editor

Sonita Harris

Fundraising Chair

Tracy Upp

Social Chair

Catherine Ammon

Parliamentarian

Contact Us: Erin Tieslau, President

P.O. Box 2832

Reno, NV 89505-2832

775-224-4089

tieslaue@gmail.com

Frank Himler (Associate), Owner

Sierra Document Management

Lisa Gage, Paralegal Schroeder Law Offices, PC

Joan Huber, Assistant

Smith Law Firm

Elizabeth Pantner, Legal Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Office

Vicki Joy (Associate), Office Manager

Unisearch, Inc. Corporation

Speakers of the Month

Charles B. Woodman, Esq. Shelly T. O’Neill, Esq.

Judicial Candidates for Reno Municipal Court Judge

(See attached bios)

CHARLES B. WOODMAN 548 W. Plumb Lane, Ste. B

Reno, NV 89509 775-786-9800 Fax 775-825-7881

EDUCATION

JD: 1993, Brigham Young University. Founding member and editor, Environmental Law Forum. BS, Biology: 1989, University of Nevada. Dean’s list.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2005 - Present: Law Offices of Charles B. Woodman, Reno. Reno Municipal Court Judge Pro Tem since 2003: have heard and decided hundreds of cases including arraignments, bail, entries of plea, motions, trials, and sentencings; Judicial Court Master for Churchill, Douglas and Lyon counties since 2005: have heard approximately 8,000 cases for Nevada District Courts; Contract Public Defense Counsel, Churchill County: represent/defend clients at all stages of misdemeanor and felony prosecutions; Elder law practice focusing on: estate planning; trust administration; adult guardianships; strategic asset/income allocation and planning; probate and probate litigation. Business law practice focusing on: strategic representation of businesses in all legal aspects of operation and planning including: creation and organization of new entities; negotiation and drafting of all types of agreements; business litigation; representation of clients before public bodies including councils, commissions, boards of adjustment and review/appeal boards; public spokesman on projects of public interest.

1999 - 2005: Shareholder, Hardy & Woodman, Ltd., Reno. Same practice as above but partnered with David A. Hardy. (Judge Hardy was appointed to State District Court, Second Judicial District in March, 2005).

1997-99: General Counsel, Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. dba Atlantis Casino Resort, Reno. As Atlantis’ first in-house counsel, created policies and procedures for legal department coordination with all company officers and departments; performed all legal functions for $65MM publicly held hotel-casino property, including: negotiating and drafting of all significant contracts including $85MM+ in construction contracts, trade secret/confidentiality and employment agreements, purchase agreements; drafting of SEC reports; supervised all litigation with outside counsel; advised corporate officers and department heads on legal aspects of all company operations; represented company before governmental councils/commissions/boards; negotiated building and special use permits, water rights, etc. for major operational expansion; advised corporate boards on all legal matters.

1996-97: Associate, Law Offices of Michael B. Springer, Reno. Civil law practice focused on the construction industry, including: handled multiple cases from initial client meeting through trial and post-trial litigation; negotiated settlements in complex contract disputes involving construction of large-scale projects; represented clients before various administrative bodies including appellate/review boards; drafted complex, multi-level construction contracts for large projects.

1994-96: Deputy District Attorney, Washoe County. Handled all phases of criminal prosecution including: evaluated and charged cases; interviewed and prepared witnesses; negotiated resolution/disposition of cases; conducted all pre-trial, trial and post-trial hearings.

1993-94: Law Clerk, Second Judicial District Court. Reviewed all moving papers, researched legal issues, and drafted all judicial orders; prepared bench briefs for all contested hearings and trials; attended all court and in-chambers hearings; staffed cases with presiding judge.

OTHER

Adjunct Professor, University of Nevada (2008 to present, teaching Business Law); Guest lecturer, Nevada Child Support Enforcement Training Association (CLE lecturer); Fluent in Spanish, spoken and written.

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

Nevada State Bar; Nevada Federal District Court Bar; Washoe County Bar Association; J. Reuben Clark Law Society, Sierra Chapter (founding board member); National Child Support Enforcement Association.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES OF THE SIERRA NEVADA ASSOCIATION OF PARALEGALS

August 3, 2016

I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER: President, Erin Tieslau, called the meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. Those in attendance were: President: Erin Tieslau, CP First Vice President: Amy Hodgson, ACP Second Vice President: Taylor Kaufman Treasurer: Melinda Cameron NALA Liaison: Fay Miccile Secretary: Krystal Pinkston Parliamentarian: Catherine Ammon Newsletter Editor: Gloria Baker

II. VERIFICATION OF QUORUM:

Catherine Ammon confirmed a quorum was present.

III. MINUTES

Erin Tieslau made a motion to approve the June 2016 Executive Committee Meeting Minutes and the Newsletter. Amy Hodgson seconded the motion, and the MOTION CARRIED.

IV. OFFICER REPORTS

President: Erin Tieslau reported that Jennifer Salisbury will be the Public Relations Chair as well as the Website Editor. Erin also stated that we still need someone to fill the role of Student Liaison. Jennifer Salisbury indicated she would try to gather some names. Erin also stated that she will update the website as soon as she is able to get a charger for her computer as she has not had access to is since the NALA Convention. Erin inquired about if she can just appoint people to boards or if quorum was needed. It was confirmed that 4 voting members had to be present for a quorum. Erin also spoke about the LEAP program through NALA and her progress. Discussion ensued about changes within LEAP and the location of the NALA Seminar for 2017. Erin mentioned doing research on doing surveys of members and getting input from members on meetings and speakers. Survey Monkey is a possibility.

First Vice President: Amy Hodgson, ACP reported that Sonita was able to secure a speaker for the month of August for the General Meeting; Amy has secured speakers for the October and November General Meeting, and is currently working on getting a speaker for the September General Meeting. Amy reported that the person she is working with to speak at the November General Monthly Meeting is currently is open to topics. Discussion ensued about other speakers and topics. Amy also discussed possible topics for the 2017 SNAP Annual Seminar. Discussion ensued about speakers and topic ideas. Amy also reminded everyone that we will need to file the necessary tax forms, SOC documents and we will need to change the signators. Jen Salisbury volunteered to do the SOC documents.

Second Vice President: Taylor Kaufman reported that we have 22 members, 1 sustaining member, 1 associate member and 1 student member. There is a possibility that there are 2 associate members, and one application may have been filled out improperly. It was also reminded that everyone needs to fill out a new membership application each year and we have a new packet with the new logo. Treasurer: Melinda Cameron reported that as August 3, 2016, there is a balance of $8.178.53 in the general account and $3,396.49 in the scholarship account. Melinda also inquired as to how to keep records of years past. Discussion ensued and it was requested that Melinda get in contact with Sierra Document Management. Erin relayed that she has a box of past treasurer records and will look to see what was saved in the past. Amy Hodgson reminded everyone that it is time to do an audit on the books. Discussion ensued and it was confirmed that Melinda would leave her books for Amy Hodgson and Erin Tieslau to audit. A check will need to be issued to McDonald Carano for $50 for overpayment on a membership for Mary Torette-Hernandez. NALA Liaison: Fay Miccile displayed the SNAP Banner that was displayed on the SNAP booth at the NALA Convention. Fay also reported how things went at the booth at the NALA Convention.

Secretary: Krystal Pinkston had nothing to report.

V. COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Newsletter Editor: Gloria Baker need photographs and would like to take more photographs of events. Parliamentarian: Catherine Ammon had nothing to report. Public Relations: Jen Salisbury will be filling this position for the upcoming fiscal year. Jen indicated that she will send the SNAP letterhead to everyone via e-mail. Jen Also reported on the status of the study group. It is going very well, and there is a steady group of individuals

Activities/Social Chair: Tracy Upp was not in attendance, but it was reported on her behalf that another social is being planned and input for a venue location was being requested. Fundraising: Sonita Harris was not in attendance and there was nothing to report but volunteered to remain SNAP’s Newsletter Editor for the next fiscal year Student Liaison: The position is currently open.

VI. NEW BUSINESS:

VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

1. Tax Forms: Status of Forms 2. Secretary of State Forms: Status of Forms 3. Signators: Need to confirm a date and time to get proper signators on accounts 4. Chairpersons: Jennifer Salisbury is going to do some footwork to see if we could

get someone appointed to the Student Liaison Chair. 5. Audit: and Gloria Baker inquired as to whether people can advertise on SNAP’s

webpage, social media, and newsletter. Discussion ensued as to whether this was possible and if so, what rates should be charged. Erin Tieslau would look into it.

6. Survey: Possibly surveys of general meetings. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 12:51 p.m.

Krystal Pinkston, Secretary

GENERAL MEETING MINUTES OF THE SIERRA NEVADA ASSOCIATION OF PARALEGALS

AUGUST 16, 2016

I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER: President Erin Tieslau called the meeting to order at 12:03 p.m.

II. VERIFICATION OF QUORUM Parliamentarian Catherine Ammon verified a quorum was present.

III. MEETING MINUTES First Vice President Amy Hodgson made a motion to approve the June general membership minutes. Susan Davis seconded the motion, and the MOTION CARRIED.

IV. OFFICER REPORTS: President:

Erin Tieslau introduced the new SNAP board and Committee Chairpersons. Erin also announced that the Student Liaison position is still open.

First Vice President:

Amy Hodgson reported that Judicial Candidate Charles Woodman, Esq., is confirmed to speak at the September general meeting and was waiting to hear back from the other candidates for confirmation.

Second Vice President:

Taylor Kaufman reported that SNAP has a total of 26 members, 24 of which are active members and 2 are associate members. Taylor also reported that she will provide another update next month as membership application for the new fiscal year were still being received.

Treasurer:

Melinda Cameron reported that the general account balance is $6,080.24 and did not have the current balance of the scholarship account due to the annual auditing, but will have updated balance at the next meeting.

NALA Liaison:

Fay Miccile was not in attendance, but it was reported that a CLE form was needed for those who were in attendance at the meeting and were in need of one recording their CLE’s.

Secretary:

Krystal Pinkston had nothing to report.

V. COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Parliamentarian: Catherine Ammon had nothing to report. Newsletter Editor: Gloria Baker had nothing to report. Activities/Social Chair: Tracy Upp announced that the next SNAP social will take place the week after the general monthly meeting in September, but the date has not been confirmed. E-Depositions will be sponsoring early attendees. Tracy will send out an Evite for the event.

Student Liaison: This position is currently open. Fundraising: Sonita Harris had nothing to report. Website Manager/Public Relations: Jennifer Salisbury had nothing to report.

VI. SPEAKER INTRODUCTION:

First Vice President Amy Hodgson introduced our speaker, Laura Granier, Esq. Partner at Davis, Graham & Stubbs, who spoke about Legal Rights of Mineral and Surface Owners.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:48 p.m.

Krystal Pinkston, Secretary

Promoting the Profession of Legal Assistants through Education and Camaraderie

Snap General Meeting Luncheon

Date: Tuesday – September 20, 2016 Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Location: ZoZo’s (*Menu – Italian Family Style) 3446 Lakeside Drive Reno, NV Speakers: Shelly T. O’Neill, Esq.

Charles B. Woodman, Esq.

Topic: Judicial Candidates for Reno Municipal Court Judge Cost: $18.00 - Members & Guest; $15.00 - Student Members Name: _____________________________________________________________________________ Office: _____________________________________________________________________________ Phone/Email: _____________________________________________________________________ Please Check one: ___ Member ___ Student ___ Guest

Please mail your reservation form and payment to: SNAP, P.O. Box 2832, Reno, NV 89505-2832

*All reservations, with payment, must be received by Friday, September 16, 2016. Payments provided the day of the meeting must be in the form of a check or exact amount. RSVP via email to tracyupp@gmail.com OR Evite *If you make a reservation and do not properly cancel the reservation, you are responsible for the payment, even if you do not attend.