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An American Paralegal in Paris continued from page 27 the flocks of tourists from one place to another. Shopping and running errands are a little less convenient. Most shops and department stores are open Monday–Saturday, and close at 7 p.m. Some food shops are open Sunday mornings. Most everything else relating to commerce is closed on Sundays, which gives this day a special feeling that I really like, despite the inconvenience. Grocery shopping at one of the many open-air markets is one of my favorite pastimes. In each neighborhood, you can still find “your” traditional butcher, baker, cheese shop, etc. Great theater, opera, concerts, and exhibitions are abundant and frequent. And the French are cinephiles. Although fewer than when I was a student here, there are still many small, independent movie theaters. The selection of films showing from different countries and from different eras on any given day is astounding. The French are not averse to subtitles, so all non-French language films are shown in the original language version. I was pleased when my French was finally good enough to see an Italian movie with French subtitles. pas à pas on va loin Another advantage of being based in Paris is the ease with which one can visit the rest of Europe. Rome is only an hourand-a-half away by airplane. With the high-speed train via the Chunnel, the journey to London is less than four hours. In early May I spent a long weekend in Amsterdam, which was about a four-hour car trip. Because the ambiance and cultures are so different, I felt as if I had traveled much farther. Being an American Paralegal in Paris can be somewhat lonely in terms of professional camaraderie. I am always alert for the possibility of meeting and networking with other legal assistants on this side of the Atlantic. I recently tried to contact JoAnna Riedy-Emery, the one NALA member we have in London who was profiled in the March 2003 edition of the NALA Newsletter. I plan to further research the existence or current state of our profession in other European countries. To date I have learned that in England, non-lawyers that are referred to as “legal executives” seem to play an important role in delivering certain legal services. The term “paralegal” is used in Scotland, and the profession seems well established according to information in the Web site of the Scottish Paralegal Association (www.scottish-paralegal.org.uk). A search on www.monster.co.uk for “paralegal” and “legal assistant” within Europe provided many listings for positions in the U.K. and a few in the Netherlands and Belgium. Many international corporations are based in these latter two countries because of the incentives offered by the governments to encourage foreign investment. As I gather more information, I would be happy to share it. Perhaps some day we will be an International Association of Legal Assistants—well, it could happen. May I submit an early suggestion that Paris serve as the location of the first annual convention? LITIGATING CASES ALONE? 800-264-9070 Practicing law is a team sport and you win more often with a solid team around you. Let the Marker-Hoff Group complete your team–we know what it takes to win! Records Collection & Analysis Medical Review Record Retrieval Court Reporting Legal Copying THE LEADER IN PROFESSIONAL LITIGATION SUPPORT www.marker-hoff.com 28 FACTS & FINDINGS / AUGUST 2003
CONVENTIONSNAPSHOTS Founder’s Award The purpose of the NALA Founders’ Award is to recognize extraordinary or outstanding contributions to the growth and future of the legal assistant profession which impacted or affected this profession in a positive manner for a significant period of time. President’s Award The NALA President’s Award recognizes significant achievements by members who have been leaders in the growth and development of the paralegal profession. Recipients are members of NALA for at least five years and have a record of establishing programs promoting high professional standards among legal assistants. Affiliated Associations National Achievement Award This award recognizes an affiliated association or an individual affiliate member whose achievements and contributions have had an enduring national impact. Connie Kretchmer is a regular faculty member for the nationwide CLA Short Course, and played a key part in development of the CLA Study Guide. She has been a vocal advocate of voluntary certification and wrote on article on that topic for Facts & Findings in 1991 that remains the authoritative argument for self-regulation. NALA Affiliated Associations Award Winners Vicki Voisin is a former NALA President (1998–2000), remembered for her engaging leadership style and energetic approach to the business of the association and the paralegal profession. She is noted for her expertise in legal ethics and is founder and president of Legal Staff Solutions, a firm that educates law firm support staff on the importance of ethics. Pat Elliott is a past president of NALA (2000–2003) who has been a major force in advancing the paralegal profession in Arizona and nationwide during her 25-year career. Her effectiveness is widely recognized, and she has been honored many times for her contributions to the profession. She is also included among the 2003 Affiliates Award recipients. From left: Margaret C. Costa, CLA, N.E. Florida Paralegal Association; Vera Long, CLAS, Paralegal Association of Florida; Marcy L. Jankovich, Legal Assistants Association of Michigan; Jean M. Cushman, CLA/CAS, Paralegal Association of Santa Clara County, CA (Outstanding Contribution Award); Jeff Sparks, Orange County Paralegal Association, CA; Rhonda Reid, Los Angeles Paralegal Association. CA; Theresa Irvin, CLA, North Carolina Paralegal Association; Jeanine Rodvold, CLA, Red River Valley Paralegal Association, ND; Christine R. Shoopman, Montana Association of Legal Assistants; Pat Elliott, CLAS, Arizona Paralegal Association; Elizabeth Nellis, Tulsa Association of Legal Assistants, OK. FACTS & FINDINGS / AUGUST 2003 29
Page 2 and 3: Departments President’s Message -
Page 4 and 5: Call for Proposals 2004 Convention
Page 6 and 7: Anatomyofa Construction Paralegals
Page 8 and 9: Anatomy of a Construction Defect Ca
Page 10 and 11: Resources & Opportunities Reviewed
Page 12 and 13: Automotive Product Liability contin
Page 14 and 15: Po Windows er Can by Robert M.N. Pa
Page 16 and 17: Estimated Number of Persons Injured
Page 18 and 19: The Digital Millennium Copyright Ac
Page 20 and 21: Get ‘Wired’ for Savings by Robe
Page 22 and 23: Get ‘Wired’ for Savings continu
Page 24 and 25: y Ann Marie Verity Paris may be the
Page 28 and 29: CONVENTIONSNAPSHOTS July 9-12, 2003
Page 30 and 31: CONVENTIONSNAPSHOTS NALA Board and
Page 32 and 33: Experts on the Internet continued f
Page 34 and 35: Experts on the Internet continued f
Page 36 and 37: EDUCATION A Road Worth Traveling Th
Page 38 and 39: TECHNOBITS Use the Technology Elect
Page 40 and 41: PRACTICETIPS Knowledge Really IS Po
Page 42 and 43: Practice Tips: Behold the Power of
Page 44 and 45: members demonstrates the importance
Page 46 and 47: y the United States Bankruptcy Cour
Page 48 and 49: AFFILIATESCOLUMN Making the Most of
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Page 52 and 53: & NEWS INFORMATION Phyllis L. Dunha
Page 54 and 55: & NEWS INFORMATION NORTH DAKOTA Red
Page 56 and 57: & NEWS INFORMATION Alicia L. Castil

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