TPA is an

affiliate of the

National Association

of Legal Assistants INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

♦ President’s Message

♦ “A Word from Our Sponsor” - Article by Chris Whaley

♦ Congrats New CP’s

♦ Upcoming CLA Exams

♦ NALA Campus Live

♦ TPA History: Officers & Directors 1981 to 1990

♦ Upcoming Fall Seminar & Annual Meeting

♦ Announcement/Reminder

♦ CLA Corner: Brain Storm of Ideas for Studying

♦ Scholarship: Lawassa B. Jones

♦ 2008 Officers/Board ♦ Local Chapters Information & News

♦ Sustaining Members

♦ Publication’s Chair Message Tennessee Paralegal Association Post Office Box 21723 Chattanooga, TN 37424 www.tnparalegal.org

PUBLICATION OF THE TENNESSEE PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION

President’s Message

Winter and Spring have come and gone. Where did they go? As we approach the summer months we all seem to think we are a little busier than normal. It always seems something is going on; whether it is baseball games, backyard parties, vacations or company visiting. During this busy time of year remember to stop and look around you.

Last week my son was shooting bottle rockets in the backyard and wanted me to watch. It was starting to get dusky dark and the lightning bugs were out. I was amazed at the excitement I felt inside just looking at the lightning bugs. I realized how long it had been since I had just stopped and looked at the simple things in life--like lighting bugs--and remembered the days when I used to run around, catching them in a glass jar and putting them in the freezer. I was going to become rich selling them. Oh well, I had to grow up sometime.

Time management is something everyone can use a refresher course on every once in a while. This leads me to our Spring Seminar this year, which was held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Chattanooga on April 18 and 19. The Southeast Chapter hosted the Seminar, which was led by Louise Mulderink and a host of helpers. I want to personally thank each one of you who worked on the seminar. It was a huge success with high attendance. Time management was one of the topics that left me thinking about what I can do to make my life easier. The thing I get most out of seminars is talking to others about how they handle different situations and I always bring something back with me, other than the free goodies!!

The theme for the seminar was “Think, Prepare, Achieve: Surviving the Legal Jungle” We must survive the legal jungle we all call a career and TPA helps us do that. The survivor theme was highlighted with brown camouflage bandanas and even a bag of bugs and worms to eat. Mark your calendar for the upcoming Fall Seminar & Annual Membership Meeting on November 7 & 8, at the Brentwood Hilton in Brentwood. Tammy Bradford is working hard to make this one another huge success.

Our membership is now at approximately 110 members. We are continuing to grow and match our past membership numbers as there is an expressed interest in the Middle and Northeast regions. Louise Mulderink is working on the Middle Region and Nita Gorman is working on the Northeast Region. If anyone has any contacts or suggestions or wants to help, please let them know. Our next big event is the NALA Convention July 30 to August 2 in Oklahoma City. Laysha and I will be attending and look forward to reporting back about our trip in the next issue.

Until next time, have a fantastic summer and remember to stop and smell the roses or look at the lightning bugs. It just may bring an unexpected smile to your face.

Tracey Williams TPA President

Spring/Summer 2008 Volume 26 Number 1

Brainstorming Study Ideas for the CLA Exam CAVEAT:

SOME IDEAS MAY BE SUITABLE ONLY UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS AS INDIVIDUAL NEEDS VARY. USE, ALTER AND REVISE AS FITS YOUR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS

Let’s go with three basic concepts. First, determine your best study method. Use all methods of studying to reinforce a subject if possible, but implement your most effective form of studying first. When reviewing subject matter previously covered, add a new method of studying which complements your primary method of studying to reinforce your knowledge.

Second, get organized and formulate a basic study plan. Keep it simple. Plan on studying on your own; but if possible, work with a study buddy or someone to whom you will be accountable in your studies. Choose the optimum study location for you. Utilize NALA’s recommended reading, along with additional sources.

Third and most important, set your pace. Look at your goals and daily activities. You will need to determine how much time you are able to invest each day to studying. If possible, plan on 20 to 30 minutes each day or 10 to 20 if your time is really constrained. Ideally, an hour of study time each night or in other blocked increments during the week or month, if necessary, is preferred for better/faster results. You can always schedule your exam when you are ready

Let’s take a step into the real world. We know larger study blocks of time do not always fit into our schedule. Hopefully, you are lucky and have the ideal preferred amount of time to study. Either way, once you have set your pace, maintain it to the best of your ability and do not be discouraged if obligations in your life slow you down to a lesser pace. Keep on going.

More Brainstorming Study Ideas…

1. Choose a topic for each week or month and read any article you can find on the subject, along with recommended reading;

2. Read and dictate study material – listen to your dictation later while doing other activities;

3. Teach or share study material with someone else (a friend/family member/study partner); 4. Debate or discuss study material with someone; 5. Invest in legal reference books, subject law books, case law articles, etc. – buy them as

you need them in your studies and stretch out the costs for study materials & books; 6. Create games/puzzles out of vocabulary or word trivia for cases; 7. Exchange study notes and outlines with someone else studying for the exam; 8. Reinforce study topics and subjects by “over organizing” – such as implementing a self-

generated study guide notebook: a. Create an index to chapters and sections with a referenced outline to each subject b. Create reference notes (hand write and then type) to the outline of each sub-

heading c. Color code tabs and/or highlight book(s)/article(s) d. Create charts or diagrams when able (hand write and type, if able) e. Insert your notes and any other relevant materials into each respective section of

your notebook as you study.

- Laysha M. McCullaugh

. . . And Now, a Word from Our Sponsor

Imagine a TV commercial wherein a fast-talking man in a lime green, polyester blazer and a tie that’s too short jumps into camera view and says:

“Attention paralegals: Is your supervising attorney a micromanager? Do you feel that he/she nit-picks each and every detail of the pleadings, wills and contracts that you draft? Do you feel that the act of breathing in and out will be the next area of your life that your supervising attorney will try to edit and comment on? If so, then you need to try new and improved Minutia-B-Gone! Yessiree, just a few squirts of Minutia-B-Gone, strategically placed right between the eyeballs, is guaranteed to rid you of all, unwanted micromanagers. Just send $69.95 to the following address . . .”

Hey, it’s just an idea . . . and don’t tell me that some of you haven’t endured days when you wished for a magical way to shoo a micromanaging, supervising attorney from looking over your shoulder. It’s not uncommon at all for paralegals (and lots of other professionals, for that matter) to feel as though their supervising attorney doesn’t provide sufficient opportunities to work on projects independently. In fact, the oppressed paralegal often begins to think “He/she just doesn’t trust me. If they want to have a say so in every little detail, why don’t they just do this themselves? What am I even here for?”

According to CareerKnowHow.com, 4 of every 5 employees in the private sector are forced to endure at least one supervisor with a penchant for providing staff with very little professional independence. Conversations with paralegal alumni from Roane State’s program lead me to believe that many legal assistants feel that micromanaging is alive and well in law firms. Many of them share that their supervising attorneys obsess on inconsequential details. One alum shared (this is a paraphrase), “[The attorney] edits, checks and re-does all of the work I do. It’s hard to imagine why he even needs a paralegal.”

Arrgghhh! Down with the micromanagers!! Free the supervisory-oppressed paralegals now! There’s no place for micromanagement in law firms . . .

Or is there? Let’s not forget that, in the legal profession, attorney supervision of paralegals (and all staff) is mandatory:

ABA Model Guidelines for the Utilization of Paralegal Services

Guideline #1: A lawyer is responsible for all of the professional actions of a paralegal performing services at the lawyer’s direction and should take reasonable measures to ensure that the paralegal’s conduct is consistent with the lawyer’s obligations under the rules of professional conduct of the jurisdiction in which the lawyer practices.

Tennessee Rule of Professional Conduct 5.3: With respect to a nonlawyer employed, retained by, or associated with a lawyer:

(a) a partner and a lawyer who individually or together with other lawyers possesses comparable managerial authority in a law firm shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the firm has in effect measures giving reasonable assurance that the nonlawyer’s conduct is compatible with these Rules;

(b) a lawyer having direct supervisory authority over a nonlawyer shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the person’s conduct is compatible with these Rules; and

(c) a lawyer shall be responsible for the conduct of a nonlawyer if the conduct would be a violation of these Rules if engaged in by a lawyer, and if:

(1) the lawyer orders or, with knowledge of the specific conduct, ratifies the conduct involved; or

(2) the lawyer:

(i) is a partner or has comparable managerial authority in a law firm in which the person is employed or has direct supervisory authority over the nonlawyer, and

(ii) knows of the nonlawyer’s conduct at a time when its consequences can be avoided or mitigated, but fails to take reasonable remedial action.

In short, the applicable rules require detailed management (no, I didn’t say micromanagement) of non-lawyer staff. As an attorney, I am ultimately responsible for the acts/omissions of paralegals in my law office. Therefore, if I’m wise, I will err on the side of nit-picking the details versus being too hands-off.

Is this an article defending attorneys who take this to an extreme wherein they practice excessive attention to detail in a meddlesome, heavy-handed way? Not at all; my only point is that, the next time your supervising attorney seems to be micromanaging things, just remember that he/she probably has the best of intentions – to practice the profession ethically. Then again, maybe they just need a squirt of Minutia-B-Gone . . .

Chris Whaley serves as Dean of Social & Behavioral Sciences and Professor of Legal Studies at Roane State Community College. He can be reached at whaleycl@roanestate.edu He doesn’t own a lime green, polyester blazer but he did own some really snazzy Don Johnson-like blazers during the days of Miami Vice. No – he won’t share photos of them. ☺

CONGRATULATIONS!

Cynthia L. Akin, CP of Memphis, Tennessee; And

Lara J. McCullough, CP of Troy, Tennessee

FOR PASSING THE MARCH 2008 CLA EXAMINATION

2008 CLA/CP CERTIFICATION EXAMS

Filing: October 1, 2008 Exam: December 5 – 6, 2008 Filing: January 15, 2009 Exam: March 20 – 21, 2009

GO TO www.nala.org FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS

NALA CAMPUS LIVE! Fall Program Online – Schedule of Presentations

August through November 2008

GO TO http://www.nalacampus.com FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS

SEVERAL INTERESTING TOPICS INCLUDED WITH SUBSTANTIVE SUBJECTS TOO!

FOR RECENT NEWS ON OUR PROFESSION FROM NALA

GO TO http://www.nala.org/News.htm

The Tennessee Paralegal Association History: Officers and Directors 1981 – 1990

In celebration of our 25+ years and as a tribute to our founding members, we printed the “First Five Years” in our 2006 Spring Issue. It was the first portion of our history prepared by founding member, Lawassa Jones. Then in our 2006 Fall Issue the “Commentary” for the next five years (1986 – 1990) was printed; followed by “Chapter Activities (1981 – 1990)” in our 2006 Winter Issue. The Spring/Summer Issue of 2007 included the “Education (1981 – 1984)” section Lawassa wrote, followed by the Fall 2007 Issue including the “Education (1985 – 1990)”

section. Our history with NALA shared by Lawassa was printed in our Winter 2007 Issue. Below in the last section Lawassa recognized the Offices and Directors who served and contributed their leadership and time our

association and our profession.

We lost Lawassa to cancer in 1995, but the history she prepared through 1990 will be with us forever. Historian and co-founding member, Susan Westmoreland, has been updating Lawassa’s work to bring us through to 2005 and we will print her updates in future issues.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~OFFICERS OF TPA

1981 President Lawassa B. Jones, CLA Vice President Patrice I. Davis Secretary Linda Rossmaier Treasurer Susan Westmoreland Parliamentarian Jeanie Farmer Historian Evelyn W. Caylor NALA Liaison Connie E. Hixson

1982 President Lawassa B. Jones, CLA President Elect Linda Rossmaier First Vice President Evelyn W. Caylor Second Vice President Doris N. Peak Secretary Elizabeth E. Garland Treasurer Susan Westmoreland Parliamentarian Cynthia C. Moore NALA Liaison Connie E. Hixson

1983

President Linda Rossmaier President Elect Evelyn W. Caylor First Vice President Sherry Chew Second Vice President Betty T. Morris Secretary Patricia J. Hennessee Treasurer Jane A. Dibb Parliamentarian Doris N. Peak NALA Liaison Mary B. Cooper* Lawassa B. Jones, CLS *Mary Cooper resigned in March and Lawassa Jones was elected to the position at the spring seminar.

1984 President Evelyn W. Caylor President Elect Collette R. Jones First Vice President Kay H. McPeake Second Vice President Beth Dalton Secretary Betty T. Morris, CLA Treasurer Jane A. Dibb Parliamentarian Harold (Bud) Rohen NALA Liaison Carol D. Carer

1985 President Collette R. Jones* Doris N. Peak President Elect Bettie Taylor Puckett** First Vice President Doris N. Peak Second Vice President Carol D. Carter Secretary Kay H. McPeake Treasurer Ann S. Burns Parliamentarian Deborah Sibbald Williamson NALA Liaison Evelyn W. Caylor *Collette Jones resigned in August to attend law school. Under the provisions of the Rules of Procedure, Doris Peak, the First Vice President, assumed her duties. **Bettie Taylor Puckett resigned in June because of personal obligations. The position remained vacant until annual elections.

1986 President Kay H. McPeake President Elect Doris N. Peak First Vice President Elizabeth C. Green Second Vice President Barbara C. Graves Secretary Brenda Hundley Gibson Treasurer Ann S. Burns Parliamentarian Mary Goodman NALA Liaison Lana H. Hamilton, CLA

1987 President Doris N. Peak President Elect Brenda Hundley Gibson First Vice President Phyllis A. Carter Second Vice President Susan Westmoreland, CEBS Secretary Merle H. Koontz Treasurer Deborah Sibbald-Williamson Parliamentarian Elizabeth Green Mays NALA Liaison Lana H. Hamilton, CLA

1988 President Brenda Hundley Gibson, CLA President Elect Lana H. Hamilton, CLA First Vice President Hal Richard Fewell Second Vice President Susan Westmoreland, CEBS Secretary Phyllis A. Carter Treasurer Deborah Sibbald-Williamson Parliamentarian Kay H. McPeake NALA Liaison Merle H. Koontz

1989 President Lana H. Hamilton, CLA President Elect Ann S. Burns, CLA First Vice President Merle H. Koontz Second Vice President Barbara D. Lee, CLA Secretary Sherry S. Sorkness Treasurer Phyllis A. Carter Parliamentarian Mary C. Gibson, CLA NALA Liaison Susan Westmoreland, CEBS

1990 President Ann S. Burns, CLA First Vice President Susan Westmoreland, CEBS Second Vice President Debbie Byers Devine Secretary Kelly A. Batts* Martha S. Wedgeworth, CLA Treasurer Phyllis A. Carter Parliamentarian Brenda Hundley Gibson, CLA NALA Liaison Barbara Lee Masseey, CLA *Kelly Batts resigned as secretary and Martha Wedgeworth was elected to the position at the May 12 Board meeting.

DIRECTORS OF TPA

East Tennessee Region

Harold Rohen 1981 Gloria Knox 1981 – 82 Connie E. Hixson 1981 – 83 Susan Westmoreland, CEBS 1983 – 86 Lawassa B. Jones, CLA 1987 – 90

Middle Tennessee Region

Betty Redmond 1982 Mary B. Cooper 1982 – 83 Melinda Cole 1985 – 86 Peggy Pack 1987 – 88 Tammy S. Sutterfield 1989 – 90

West Tennessee Region

Bettie Taylor Puckett 1983 – 85 Ann S. Burns, CLA 1986 – 88 Judith A. Warren, CLA 1989 – 90

Student Director

Mary Gibson 1986 Sandra H. Hughes 1987 Tammie N. Dickson 1988

*Student Directors have been discontinued because of so few student members.

CHAPTER CHAIRMEN 1984 – 1990

Knoxville

Suzanne J. Cathey 1987 – 88 Judy Eichorn 1989 – 90

Memphis

Barbara D. Lee, CLA 1988 – 89 Cynthia J. Ware 1990

Southeast

Collette R. Jones 1984 Carol D. Carter 1985 Merle H. Koontz 1986 Diane Rabun 1987 – 88 Caleeta Beagles 1989 – 90

Tri-Cities

Anita R. Greer, CLA 1987 – 88 Penny M. Salyer 1988 – 89 Jill Cookenour 1989 – 90

West Tennessee Brenda Hundley Gibson, CLA 1986 – 87 Ann S. Burns, CLA 1987 -88 Hal Richard Fewell 1989 – 90

CHAPTER INFORMATION & NEWS

East Tennessee Chapter

Our monthly meetings are held the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. and alternate between Knoxville and Oak Ridge. Please contact Penny Wilson at pwilson@bvblaw.com or Nita Gorman at ngorman@enviroattorney.com for information regarding the meeting location and CLE topic.

Officers: Nita Gorman, Chapter Chair, ngorman@enviroattorney.com Penny Wilson, Vice Chairperson, pwilson@bvblaw.com Pamela Leckey, Secretary Tracey Williams, Treasurer, TWilliams@msw-law.com Dawn L. Holt, Newsletter Editor, dholt@colemanedwardspc.com

West Tennessee Chapter

The West TN Chapter of the Tennessee Paralegal Association met on April 8, 2008, to make final plans for our part in helping with the Madison County Bar Association's Law Day Celebration scheduled April 25th. Our chapter has been responsible for table decorations and name tags, as well as presentation of the Ernie Gray Paralegal Utilization Award. The recipient of this year's award was presented to Ms. Jane Jarvis, Attorney with West Tennessee Legal Services. Ms. Jarvis' nomination was submitted by LaFran Plunk, who was also recognized.

On June 10th, our Chapter met at the Old Hickory Steakhouse in Jackson, and was joined by a new paralegal to the area, Susan Banks. Discussion included the possibility of revamping our questions for the Ernie Gray Paralegal Utilization Award and having a "town hall" type local seminar in September highlighting the latest changes in the exemption laws in the state of Tennessee. Our next meeting is scheduled for August 12th at the Red Lobster in Jackson.

Officers: Jennifer Petty, Chapter Chair, jlhp@bellsouth.net Amy Cummings, Vice President, acummings@hillboren.com Courtney Snydor, Secretary, court3275@bellsouth.net Barbara Salinas, Treasurer, bsalinas@pictsweet.com

Southeast Tennessee Chapter

Our monthly Learn at Lunch meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the United Way Building of down town Chattanooga. Our speakers provide information on timely topics in the legal field and CLE credit is provided through NALA.

Officers: Melissa Gerber Ledbetter, Chapter Chair, mledbetter@chattanooga-law.com

Melinda Killian, Secretary, Melinda@tombiblelaw.com Lynn Hager, Treasurer, hager@chattanoogainjurylaw.com Heather Pierce, Program Chairperson, hpierce@chattanooga-law.com

We had the pleasure of hosting the Spring Seminar on April 18 & 19th at the Hilton Garden Inn (Chattanooga) with the theme “Surviving the Legal Jungle – Think Prepare Achieve.” Our great lineup of speakers for this seminar was the Honorable Jerry Smith on “Criminal Appellate Procedure,” David F. Ross, PhD on “Jury Selection,” Michael Galligan, Esq. on “Civil Rights & Employment Law,” James Henderson, Esq. on “How the Mall Works,” Thomas Ray, Esq. on “Bankruptcy Practice,” John Barber, CEO of Records Acquisition Services, Inc. on “Records Discovery Made Simple,” and Kimberly S. Graves, CLA on “Time Management for the Busy Paralegal." We extend our appreciation to each speaker, as they contributed to the exceptional outcome of our Spring Seminar. Thank You Very Much!

LAWASSA B. JONES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP COMING UP AT FALL SEMINAR!

The Tennessee Paralegal Association (TPA) will announce its annual Lawassa B. Jones Memorial Scholarship recipient at their Annual Meeting in November. The Lawassa B. Jones Memorial Scholarship is a $750 scholarship that is awarded annually to a student pursuing a degree in paralegal/legal assistant studies. All current paralegal/legal assistant students are eligible and are encouraged to apply. Many of our scholarship applicants have gone on to become successful paralegals!! The criteria that the TPA Board members review in awarding the scholarship include financial need, scholastic ability, leadership and extracurricular activities. The application along with a letter of personal recommendation; a letter of scholastic recommendation (including an official copy of the student’s transcript); and a short statement explaining the student’s reasons for applying for the scholarship and why he/she chose to become a paralegal must be sent to the TPA Scholarship Committee Chairperson at the address listed on the application by October 1st of each year. Please do not send your completed application to the TPA Post Office Box as that could delay the processing of the application.

After the winner of the scholarship is announced by the Board, the recipient is immediately notified by mail and a check in the amount of $750.00 is forwarded to the recipient’s school to be credited to the recipient’s account for future use for tuition, books and any other school related items and expenses. For further information concerning the Lawassa B. Jones Memorial Scholarship, please contact: Caleeta Beagles at Caleeta_Beagles@BCBST.com Or go to our website @ tnparalegal.org/scholarship.html and download an application.

2008 TPA Officers and Board Members

(Contact the officers/board members via our website: www.tnparalegal.org)

President: Tracey A. Williams, CBA, Mostoller, Stulberg & Whitfield, Oak Ridge

First Vice President: Tammy R. Bradford, Hill Boren PC, Jackson

Second Vice President: Louise C. Mulderink, CP, Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP, Chattanooga

NALA Liaison: Laysha M. McCullaugh, Fleissner, Davis and Johnson, Chattanooga

Secretary: Melissa Gerber Ledbetter, Horton, Maddox & Anderson, Chattanooga

Treasurer: Phyllis A. Carter, CTFA, SunTrust Bank (Retired), Chattanooga

East Region Director: Alisa C. Pruett, Powell, Tennessee

West Region Director: LaFran Plunk, West Tennessee Legal Services, Jackson

East TN Chapter Chair: Nita Gorman, Gary A. Davis and Associates, North Carolina

S.E. TN Chapter Chair: Melissa Ledbetter, Horton, Maddox & Anderson, Chattanooga

West TN Chapter Chair: Jennifer Petty, Trenton

Historian: Susan Westmoreland, CEBS, Horton, Maddox & Anderson, Chattanooga

Publication Chairs: Laysha M. McCullaugh, Fleissner, Davis and Johnson, Chattanooga &

Susan E. Veal, Miller & Martin PLLC, Chattanooga

Publications Chair Message

Do you appreciate all the benefits TPA offers you as a member? The benefits of networking, continuing legal education and leadership opportunities can be found in almost any paralegal association, but TPA offers more. As I become more active in our association, I discover our benefits include more than these basic advantages. Membership in TPA provides several personal and professional rewards. Among them are:

• opportunities to sharpen skills or learn new skills at Spring and Fall Seminars and chapter meetings • the ability to form bonds and share goals with fellow professionals at seminars and local chapter meetings • opportunities to share knowledge with students in local paralegal programs (and simultaneously renew your

enthusiasm for your chosen profession) • access to a statewide job bank and a network of fellow members across the state (a great way to find a good

court reporter or process server on the other side of the state) • opportunities to participate as a group in civic events or fundraisers sponsored by our local chapters • the latest information on developments in the profession, both locally and nationally • recognition from your employer that you are committed to your profession, and most importantly, • lasting friendships.

Our network is multi-tiered as our membership spans the state of Tennessee, with Chapters in the West, Southeast and East regions. In addition, we have growing interest expressed by paralegals in the Middle Tennessee and Northeast Tennessee regions to be a part of our association. Furthermore, as an affiliate of NALA, we benefit at a national level by having those networking opportunities too. Our professional continuing education requirements are easily accessible through several avenues. Our local chapters offer meetings that include presentations on substantive legal topics as well as pointers we all need, such as time management tips. At the state level, we have Spring and Fall seminars that provide us with additional legal knowledge. These sessions not only offer CLE credits, but provide an opportunity for active networking. Our association has a multitude of volunteer and leadership opportunities. Depending on your preferences, you can choose to participate at your local chapter level or on the state level. You can choose to be part of a committee, a board member or a volunteer for a specific activity. You are TPA’s greatest asset. Your input guides our association in its goals to provide opportunities and benefits to each member. Your participation, no matter how small, is extremely important. Your thoughts, opinions, advice, ideas and positive criticism are welcomed by TPA’s board members and necessary in achieving its objectives. Without your voice, our leadership cannot meet your goals. TPA’s greatest strength is its people. We have dedicated members in each region of the state who support our goals through leadership and participation. As a member, you share the benefit of being part of our great network. Your participation, whether it be a leadership role on the board, as a volunteer on a committee, attendance at local or state educational seminars and meetings, or through suggestions or feedback, is what makes this organization stronger. Time is a valuable asset that each of us manage in our professional and personal lives. Your time invested in our association is priceless. It leads us toward a common goal and establishes professional and personal friendships. These friendships are irreplaceable. We all face time constraints with our professional and personal lives. Take a challenge that will benefit you. Give yourself a boost to lighten your soul from the daily hectic schedule you manage. Create a small amount of time each week or month that allows you to actively participate in TPA. Even if it is a few minutes to check into the activities of your local chapter or touch base with one of the officers, it will add a new perspective to your daily activities and keep you on the road to professional excellence. I hope you share and discover additional benefits by being part of our association now and in the future. - Laysha M. McCullaugh

Remember the Sustaining Members That Support Us!!!!!

Tracy Imaging Roane State Community College National Networks Reporting, Co.

http://www.tracyimaging.com http://www.rscc.cc.tn.us/ http://www.nnrc.com/

Gibson Court Reporting The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga London & Amburn, P.C.

http://gibsonreporters.com/ http://www.utc.edu/ http://www.latlaw.com/

The University of Tennessee at Knoxville Miller & Martin, PLLC Records Acquisition Services, Inc.

http://www.outreach.utk.edu/ http://www.millermartin.com/ https://www.rastn.com/

University of Tennessee also offers this site for paralegals: www.utparalegal.com or call: (865)974-0150

Truesdel & Rusk Registered Professional Reporters Precise Reporting, Inc.

http://www.truesdelrusk.com/ http://precisereporting.net/

The Norcross Group http://www.norcrossgroup.com/

FALL SEMINAR & ANNUAL MEETING

HILTON SUITES BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE

NOVEMBER 7 & 8, 2008

SPEAKERS AND TOPICS

Matt Massarelli, Esq. – Legal Transaction Documents Kathy Ferrell RN, BS, CLNC – Legal Nurse Consulting

Gail Ashworth, Esq. – Personal Injury Lisa Collins, Esq. – Adoption

Marietta Shipley, Esq. – Mediation

ANNOUNCEMENT AND REMINDER!

Membership Contest:

Recruit – Recruit – Recruit As an incentive to recruit new members, we have our annual Membership Contest. Each time your name appears on the referral line on an application received for a new member, your name will be put in the hat for a drawing at our Annual Meeting. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded. Watch future issues of The Paralegal Advocate for announcements on the prizes to be awarded.

Message From The Paralegal Advocate Team

We would appreciate your contribution to The Paralegal Advocate by submitting articles of interest to you to be published. Please note the deadlines for each issue and feel free to provide any information you would like published prior to the deadline. If you would like to have articles published on specific topics in the Advocate, please contact us.

- The Paralegal Advocate Team

THE PARALEGAL ADVOCATE

is published quarterly by the Tennessee Paralegal Association, an affiliate of the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc. Articles and other information for the newsletter should be sent to the Advocate Team at the below address. Please title subject heading “For TPA Advocate:

Tennessee Paralegal Association

Attention: Advocate Team Post Office Box 21723

Chattanooga, TN 37424

or lmccullaugh@comcast.net

DEADLINES FOR UPCOMING ISSUES:

FALL: SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

WINTER: DECEMBER 31, 2008 SPRING: MARCH 31, 2009 SUMMER: JUNE 30, 2009