Paralegal Potpourri
Hello! Take a minute to catch up on the latest news around the Paralegal Division.
Career Toolbox 101: Do I Need A Briefcase? Business Communications In The Law Office
Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018 from 6:30–8:30 p.m.
North Carolina Bar Center, 8000 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513
Free event for students, job seekers and all interested paralegals. Learn how to navigate the law office with confidence and develop the practical skills to become an outstanding paralegal when you enter the workforce. RSVP by Wednesday, Feb. 14 to [email protected].
Paralegal Division Council Meeting Recap
The Paralegal Division Council met on Jan. 26, 2018 at the Bar Center in Cary to discuss various business items for the Division. Meeting minutes are available for members on the Division’s webpage. Below are a few highlights:
2018 Distinguished Paralegal Award
This annual award recognizes outstanding achievements, professionalism and contributions by a North Carolina paralegal both professionally and personally within the recipient’s community. The winner will be recognized not only at the 2018 Paralegal Division Annual Meeting, but the Award will be presented at the NCBA Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 21, 2018 in Wilmington.
Carolina Paralegal News
Teri Saylor, a freelance writer for Carolina Paralegal News, spoke to the Council about her work. She enjoys profiling paralegals professionally, as well as capturing stories about the wonderful lives we lead outside the office. If you are interested in being featured, please contact Teri at 919-604-0288 or [email protected].
Upcoming CPE Schedule
- North Carolina Certified Paralegal Exam Review Course (March 8, 2018, Cary)
- IP Institute (April 26, 2018, Cary)
- Annual Meeting (May 4, 2018, Pinehurst)
- Family Law – Regretfully, due to scheduling issues, we had to postpone. We are looking at dates in the Fall to offer this program.
2019 Annual Paralegal Division Meeting
The Council debated venue options for the 2019 Paralegal Division Annual Meeting. After a robust debate on factors including location, cost, and space, the Council decided to host the 2019 Annual Meeting at the Marriott in downtown Winston-Salem.
Lawyer on the Line
Lawyer on the Line is a partnership of the North Carolina Bar Association Foundation and Legal Aid of North Carolina. The Paralegal Division Pro Bono Committee will be launching a program for paralegals to have the opportunity to assist lawyers as they provide basic legal advice to Legal Aid clients. More details coming soon!
Paralegal Division Section Liaisons
Paralegal Division members, that are also members of a Section, are needed to serve as Section Liaisons. Liaisons attend Section meetings and provide written reports to the Council. Interested members should contact Section Liaison Chair, Lakisha Chichester at [email protected].
Council Members Wanted
If you are interested in serving as a Council Member, the nomination period will be opening soon. Council Members serve a three-year term and participate in Council Meetings as a voting member. The Council meets five times during the Bar Year (July 1 to June 30) and attendance is required either in person or by phone (excused absences are allowed).
2018-2019 Scholarships: Application deadline is March 30, 2018
The Paralegal Division Membership Scholarship package is valued at approximately $800 and provides an award of the following:
- Paralegal Division Membership (2018-2019)
- Section Membership (2018-2019)
- Registration for the 2018 Paralegal Division Annual Meeting and Seminar
- A CLE/CPE Passport to attend eligible programs tuition free
- Up to $100 travel expense reimbursement
The Paralegal Division Student Scholarship provides an award of $500 in tuition paid directly to your educational institution. You must be a student member of the NCBA Paralegal Division to be eligible for the scholarship.
Paralegal Division Member Benefit: BarCARES
The BarCARES program is a confidential, short-term intervention program to help in dealing with problems that might be causing distress or to identify resources for longer term assistance. Three annual BarCARES counseling sessions are provided at no cost to members. If you would like additional information about the program, please contact BarCARES coordinator at 919-929-1227 or 1-800-640-0735 or visit www.barcares.org or www.ncbar.org/members/barcares/