Entire Issue - National Association of Legal Assistants
Entire Issue - National Association of Legal Assistants Entire Issue - National Association of Legal Assistants
Call for Proposals 2004 Convention • July 14-17 • Reno, Nevada 2004 NALA Member Exchange Education • Imagination • Prestige The Association’s Continuing Education Council invites NALA members to submit proposals for the Member Exchange Program to be held at the 2004 Annual Convention in Reno, Nevada. This is an exceptional opportunity for members to share their expertise, describe successful strategies, and increase their visibility within the paralegal profession. These prestigious presentations by NALA members are a highlight of the annual convention’s education program that brings education and imagination into close contact with the realities of actual paralegal work. Proposals must be submitted by Oct. 15, 2003 • Acceptance decisions will be made by Nov. 30, 2003. Criteria established by the CEC for Member Exchange Program presentations • Timely, fresh, innovative topic • Wide audience appeal (not state specific) • Relevant to the work of legal assistants • Well-defined purpose and results oriented • Practical application • Results oriented material helpful in advancing a career • Compatible within the context of the convention’s education program Presentation Proposal Form DEADLINE: OCT .15, 2003 Initial plans for the 2004 Annual Convention education tracks in Reno Criminal Law • Forensic Animation for Criminal Cases • Cyber terrorism • Civil Liberties Civil Litigation • Alternate Dispute Resolution • Forensic Animation for Civil Cases • Document Retention and Production Intellectual Property • International Trademarks • Electronic Filing ✁ NAME OF PRESENTER DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER MAILING ADDRESS E-MAIL ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP PRESENTATION TITLE Submit this form with a proposal that includes: Title of presentation Format of presentation (e.g:, panel, lecture, group discussion, etc.) Learning objectives (at least three responses to the statement:“By the end of this session, attendees will...”) Inquiries: NALA Headquarters (918) 587-6828 (918) 582-6772 Fax nalanet@nala.org A 200-word abstract of the presentation, including • A synopsis of your presentation • Target audience (experience, newcomers, etc.) • Presenter’s resumé (may be attached as a separate document) • Names and addresses of co-presenters if applicable Send proposal to: 2004 Member Exchange Program NALA Headquarters 1516 S. Boston Ave., Suite 200 Tulsa, OK 74119
FROMTHEEDITOR Definitely Having Fun! I once worked for an attorney who told me that the object of the exercise (preparation and trial) was to have fun. When we were in trial, one of my jobs was to ask him everyday, “Are we having fun yet?” I would usually ask right after a difficult witness or the other attorney’s objection had been sustained. Although we were fighting for our client, we enjoyed our respective professions. Our profession is certainly “fun” as demonstrated at the NALA convention in San Antonio. President Vicki Kunz described it as a “celebration.” A celebration of our profession, of how far we have come in NALA’s 28 years, and eager anticipation of the future. It is exciting to be a part of the paralegal profession and a member of the premier organization for legal assistants. My first convention was in Bismarck, ND, and from that moment on, I was FACTS & FINDINGS “hooked.” Even though I was taking the AND FUN specialty exam during that convention, I still found time to enjoy all NALA had to offer. I talked to many first-timers in San Antonio and it was wonderful to see their enthusiasm for the profession and for the convention. They were definitely “having fun.” I still experience that same enthusiasm about my profession each time I attend a convention. With speakers like the Honorable John G. McBain, we have reason to be enthusiastic about the roles we have in the legal system. For their splendid work in making the San Antonio convention a huge success, a sincere “thank you” is in order for Michelle Erdmann, CLA, Minot, ND, Convention Chair; as well as her committee of Annette R. Brown, CLAS, Missoula, MT; Gigi E. Davis, CLA, Casper, WY; and Rhonda R. Deters, CLAS, Wellsburg, IA. Not to be forgotten are Marge, Krista, Ken, Marie, Angela, Vannessa, Jerry and Kari for their assistance. As the new editor of Facts & Findings, I want to express a wistful “so-long” (not “good-bye”) to a fabulous editor, Sharon A. Werner, CLA, and to Continuing Education Council members Michelle Erdmann, CLA; Julie Hunt, CLA, and Hazel Lange, CLA. Their leadership on the CEC over the past three years has been invaluable and I know they will continue to be leaders in our profession. As part of our focus on product Candy Pederson, CLAS liability with this Facts & Findings, we have an informative article by Margaret Lucas Agius on “Automotive Product Liability” that includes a helpful chart of acronyms as well as references and resources. Carolyn Yellis, CLA, has some insightful ideas on how to assist in a “Construction Defect Case,” and Robert M.N. Palmer has an enlightening piece on the dangers of power windows. Just because our “focus” may not be your area of specialty doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think outside the box and take a look at our entire editorial line-up. We have also included articles and columns on a number of other subjects that I believe you will find interesting. Check out the article by Ann Marie Verity as “An American Paralegal in Paris.” Wouldn’t that be an exciting job? Our profession is one of endless opportunities, as this article reflects. To create those opportunities, we need to think outside the box or get out of our comfort zone and be creative. Those of you who attended the allconvention luncheon or the breakout sessions of the Membership Forum in San Antonio received a brochure for potential authors and a request for article ideas. Please take a moment to think about what you would like to see in future issues and return the postcard. If you did not receive a brochure and have some ideas or suggestions, please let us know. Our goal is to give you articles that help you be a better paralegal as well as have fun in our profession. Members are the best source for that information, and we are always glad to hear from you. F& F FACTS &FINDINGS Continuing Education Council Candy Pederson, CLAS Council Members Kathleen Bonelli, CLA Annette R. Brown, CLA Gigi E. Davis, CLA Rhonda R. Deters, CLAS Patricia J. Gustin, CLA Theresa A. Irvin, CLA Maryann Valerio, CLA Executive Director Marge Dover, CAE FACTS & FINDINGS is the official publication of the National Association of Legal Assistants designed to serve the needs and interests of legal assistants nationwide. FACTS & FINDINGS is edited for the members of the National Association of Legal Assistants. Publishing and editorial decisions are based on the editors’ judgment of the writing, the timeliness of the article, and the potential interest of the readers. The views expressed in FACTS & FINDINGS are those of the individual authors and may not reflect the official views of the National Association of Legal Assistants. No endorsement of those views should be inferred unless specifically identified as the official policy of the National Association of Legal Assistants. FACTS & FINDINGS © 2003 ISSN: 1541-2083 NALA Corporate Office 1516 South Boston, Suite 200 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119 918-587-6828 Fax 918-582-6772 www.nala.org e-mail: nalanet@nala.org FACTS & FINDINGS (USPS 363-150) is published quarterly with two issues in the first quarter. Subscription rate for nonmembers is $25 for four issues. Annual dues include $9 for a subscription to FACTS & FINDINGS. Periodicals postage paid at Tulsa, OK. POSTMASTER Send address change to NALA Headquarters, 1516 South Boston, Suite, 200 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119 Editorial National Association of Legal Assistants Production Editor Kenneth L. Frakes Graphic Design & Production Johnny King Design, Tulsa, Oklahoma FACTS & FINDINGS / AUGUST 2003 7
- Page 2 and 3: Departments President’s Message -
- 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
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- Page 28 and 29: CONVENTIONSNAPSHOTS July 9-12, 2003
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- 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
- Page 50 and 51: ility of course content and materia
- Page 52 and 53: & NEWS INFORMATION Phyllis L. Dunha
Call for Proposals<br />
2004 Convention • July 14-17 • Reno, Nevada<br />
2004 NALA Member Exchange<br />
Education • Imagination • Prestige<br />
The <strong>Association</strong>’s Continuing Education Council invites NALA members to submit proposals for the Member Exchange Program to be held at<br />
the 2004 Annual Convention in Reno, Nevada. This is an exceptional opportunity for members to share their expertise, describe successful<br />
strategies, and increase their visibility within the paralegal pr<strong>of</strong>ession. These prestigious presentations by NALA members are a highlight <strong>of</strong> the<br />
annual convention’s education program that brings education and imagination into close contact with the realities <strong>of</strong> actual paralegal work.<br />
Proposals must be submitted by Oct. 15, 2003 • Acceptance decisions will be made by Nov. 30, 2003.<br />
Criteria established by the CEC for<br />
Member Exchange Program presentations<br />
• Timely, fresh, innovative topic<br />
• Wide audience appeal (not state specific)<br />
• Relevant to the work <strong>of</strong> legal assistants<br />
• Well-defined purpose and results oriented<br />
• Practical application<br />
• Results oriented material helpful in advancing a career<br />
• Compatible within the context <strong>of</strong> the convention’s<br />
education program<br />
Presentation Proposal Form<br />
DEADLINE: OCT .15, 2003<br />
Initial plans for the 2004 Annual Convention<br />
education tracks in Reno<br />
Criminal Law<br />
• Forensic Animation for Criminal Cases<br />
• Cyber terrorism<br />
• Civil Liberties<br />
Civil Litigation<br />
• Alternate Dispute Resolution<br />
• Forensic Animation for Civil Cases<br />
• Document Retention and Production<br />
Intellectual Property<br />
• International Trademarks<br />
• Electronic Filing<br />
✁<br />
NAME OF PRESENTER<br />
DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER<br />
MAILING ADDRESS<br />
E-MAIL ADDRESS<br />
CITY STATE ZIP<br />
PRESENTATION TITLE<br />
Submit this form with a proposal that includes:<br />
Title <strong>of</strong> presentation<br />
Format <strong>of</strong> presentation<br />
(e.g:, panel, lecture, group discussion, etc.)<br />
Learning objectives (at least three responses to<br />
the statement:“By the end <strong>of</strong> this session,<br />
attendees will...”)<br />
Inquiries:<br />
NALA Headquarters<br />
(918) 587-6828<br />
(918) 582-6772 Fax<br />
nalanet@nala.org<br />
A 200-word abstract <strong>of</strong> the presentation, including<br />
• A synopsis <strong>of</strong> your presentation<br />
• Target audience (experience, newcomers, etc.)<br />
• Presenter’s resumé<br />
(may be attached as a separate document)<br />
• Names and addresses <strong>of</strong> co-presenters if applicable<br />
Send proposal to:<br />
2004 Member Exchange Program<br />
NALA Headquarters<br />
1516 S. Boston Ave., Suite 200<br />
Tulsa, OK 74119
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