As we bring the 2023-24 bar year to a close, it is my pleasure to share with you the Paralegal Division’s achievements. This year has been filled with significant milestones, professional growth opportunities, and social activities that have strengthened our division and supported our members. Our collective efforts have made a meaningful impact, and I am incredibly proud of the dedication and passion shown by each of you. Serving as the 2023-24 chair has been an honor, and I am excited to reflect on our accomplishments together.

Long-Range Planning

The Long-Range Planning Committee has been diligently working to update the division’s bylaws. This process is ongoing and aims to ensure that our governing documents reflect the current needs and future goals of the division.

Continuing Legal Education Programs

The division hosted two full-day Continuing Paralegal Education (CPE) programs this year:

Fall Family Law Program: Focused on the latest developments and best practices in family law, providing attendees with valuable insights and knowledge.
Annual Meeting CPE Program: Held in conjunction with our annual meeting, this program offered a comprehensive review of key topics and trends impacting our profession.

Power Hour Program

Throughout the bar year, the Division organized nine (9) Power Hours, including a DEI-focused session, with each event designed to deliver targeted, high-impact information in a concise format. These programs covered a wide range of relevant topics, ensuring that our members across the state have access to content crucial for their professional development.

National Paralegal Day Celebration

In honor of National Paralegal Day, the division hosted a friends and family fall festival event. This celebration recognized the contributions of paralegals and fostered a sense of community amongst our members and their families.

Notable Awards

We are proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of our members through various awards:

Distinguished Paralegal Award: Peggy Pardue, Hampson Family Law, for her exceptional contributions to the legal field and dedication to the profession.
Filling the Justice Gap Award: Rachel Royal, Royal Touch Legal & Business Solutions, LLC, for her innovative efforts in providing legal services to underserved communities.
Outstanding Paralegal Pro Bono Service Award: Andrea M. Blosser, Robinson Bradshaw, for her exemplary pro bono work and commitment to giving back to the community.

25th Anniversary Commemorative Gala

We celebrated a significant milestone — the 25th anniversary of the Paralegal Division. The commemorative gala brought together members past and present to honor the achievements and growth of our Division over the past quarter century.

NCBA Premier Pass Promotion

We proudly award two NCBA Premier Passes annually to Paralegal Division members. These passes support the continuous professional development of our members.

Student Scholarship Program

The Paralegal Division continues to support the future of the paralegal profession through our Student Scholarship Program. We award two $750.00 scholarships to student members, assisting them in their educational pursuits and professional development.

Annual Meeting and Welcome Reception

Our annual meeting on May 10, 2024, was preceded by a welcome reception on May 9. The reception provided an excellent opportunity for networking and reconnecting with colleagues.

Thank you to the 2023-24 Executive Team — Alice Johnson, Sarah White, Peggy Pardue, and Yazmeen Gadalla — as well as the 2023-24 Council, Committees, and our Community Manager, LaSara Carter, for making this year a success. As we look forward to the coming year, we remain committed to advancing the division and the paralegal profession.

July 9, 2024/by Paralegals