Entire Issue - National Association of Legal Assistants

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
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FACTS & FINDINGS
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Editorial
National Association of Legal Assistants
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Johnny King Design, Tulsa, Oklahoma
FACTS & FINDINGS / AUGUST 2003 7