PARALEGAL PRESS

PARALEGAL EDUCATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE By: Christi L. Valerio-Rainey, NJCP

South Jersey Paralegal Association is very proud to host our eighth annual Paralegal Educational Symposium. PES was envisioned over eight years ago by fellow SJPA member, Dawn Moskalow, NJCP. She had an idea of putting together an annual seminar for all Paralegals that became reality.

Each year a committee is formed and tasked with putting together educational seminars and speakers in order to keep paralegals of all levels “in the know”. As we are all aware, the law is forever changing and, as paralegals, we must stay proactive in our learning and knowledge base and keep abreast of those changes.

This year is no different from any other. The PES committee has met the challenge of putting together another fantastic day filled with great speakers and topics. Our PES Committee this year consists of Betsy Lindenberg, NJCP, (Chair), and committee members Judy Alvelo, NJCP, Janice Kennedy, Kelly McCollum, Dawn Moskalow, NJCP, Deborah Naglee, NJCP, and Jodi Zaharoni, NJCP, who have been diligently working to make this another great event. I think I can speak for SJPA as a whole when I say that we are honored and completely grateful for the above mentioned members. This is not an easy task to complete by any means. It takes a great deal of time and commitment to present you with PES, and we thank you!

We hope that all will be in attendance, supporting not only SJPA, but also yourself, as you have the opportunity to learn new things and expand your education. The seminars that are being offered this year are incredible. This year we are offering a new seminar entitled “Mindfulness for

the Busy Paralegal”, presented by Harriet Stein, which you’ll be sure not to miss as this is becoming increasingly important in the legal field. Other seminars include Immigration Law presented by Nita Kundanmal, Esquire, and Technology Based Evidence, presented by Joe Stathius, Esquire. These are just a few of the fantastic lineup of seminars and speakers. Please visit our website and/or social media outlets for information regarding PES. All information and registration can be found in this issue. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, our members, for being part of South Jersey Paralegal Association and supporting our speakers, attending our dinner meetings and CLE’s. You are the reason we push so hard to bring the best that this organization has to offer. A special thank you to our board members, the backbone of this organization. Without this dedicated group of individuals, we would not be able to bring you the quality of programs being offered as a whole or for the PES convention. Our board members know the meaning of teamwork, and I am extremely proud to see their ideas come to life. Not to mention, my gratitude for being able to act on behalf of SJPA, as your President.

Vol. 25 Issue No. 2 December/February 2020

Member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations

Dinner Meetings and

Special Events

March 6, 2020—Paralegal Educational Symposium, DoubleTree Suites, Mt. Laurel March 19, 2020 5:30 p.m. Carlucci’s, Mt. Laurel Speaker: Kimberley Stewart, Esq. Topic: Criminal Law May 28, 2020 5:30 p.m. Carlucci’s, Mt. Laurel Elections of New Officers June 18, 2020 5:30 p.m. Tavistock Country Club, Cherry Hill Installation of New Officers Swearing in to be officiated by the Honorable Mark P. Tarantino, J.S.C.

New Members

SJPA extends a warm welcome to our new members and we look forward to your success with our organization and your paralegal career!

Chelsea Arroyo – voting Nicole Longo - voting

Linda K. Mallory – student Angela Milano - Sustaining Amir G. Mohamed – voting

Roxann Navarra –voting Dominique Tylor-Moran – student

Laura Williams – student

2019 - 2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

Christi L. Valerio-Rainey, NJCP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President Deborah Naglee, NJCP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice President Jennifer E. Vento, NJCP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Recording Secretary Judith Alvelo, NJCP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer Christi L. Valerio-Rainey, NJCP . . . . . . . NFPA Primary Rep Vacant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NFPA Secondary Rep Betsy Lindenberg, NJCP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parliamentarian Jodi Zaharoni, NJCP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corres. Secretary

Policy Committees

Vacant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delivery of Paralegal Services Tina Stargell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Membership Deborah Naglee, NJCP . . . . . . . . . . Nominations & Elections Vacant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pro Bono Vacant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Professional Development

Administrative Committees

Vacant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Continuing Education Vacant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fundraising/Marketing Michelle Z. Mackay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Job Bank Carina Yturbe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dinner Meetings Janice Kennedy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor, Newsletter Carina Yturbe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Programs/Speakers Christi L. Valerio-Rainey, NJCP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NJCP Angela Milano . . . . . . . . . . Communications/Social Media Betsy Lindenberg, NJCP . . . . . . Communications/Website Betsy Lindenberg, NJCP . . . . . . Paralegal Edu. Symposium Vacant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sponsorships

Ad Hoc/Special Committees

Vacant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NJSBA Liaison Vacant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Board Advisor

The Paralegal Press Published Quarterly by

The South Jersey Paralegal Association

PO Box 355

Haddonfield, NJ 08033

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE

Janice Y. Kennedy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor Please submit all articles to the editor at: janniey@comcast.net . The deadline for all submissions for the March/May issue is April 15, 2020. The opinions expressed in the Paralegal Press are those of the writers and not necessarily of the Editor or the South Jersey Par-alegal Association. Copyright © January 2020, South Jersey Paralegal Association. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication shall be re-printed without the express written permission of SJPA. For re-print permission, contact the Editor.

DECEMber

Kim Bracken Kimberly Paul Michele Enley Jennifer Vento Susan R. Johnson Gretchen Wilson Renee Mancuso Stacey A. Wise Rochelle Merino

JANUARY Donna M. Colarulo Roxann Navarra Nancy Malaga Zachary L. Standig Deborah Naglee

FEBRUARY

Samantha M. Gravelle Christi L. Valerio-Rainey Angela Milano Cheryl Weaver Meister Angela Stubblefield Jodi Zaharoni

BOARD MEETINGS

February 13, 2020 March 12, 2020 April 9, 2020 May 14, 2020 June 11, 2020

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Inside this issue:

President’s Message Cover New Members 2 NJCP 3 PES Convention 4-8

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New Jersey Certified Paralegal (NJCP®)

The South Jersey Paralegal Association’s Board of Directors adopted and approved the NJCP (New Jersey Certified Paralegal) Plan in October, 2010. The NJCP credential is a voluntary certification for paralegals who are members of the South Jersey Paralegal Asso-ciation, and meet the qualifications set forth in the NJCP plan. Please see our website for information and forms pertaining to the program. is the committee chair. This is a reminder to all members who hold the NJCP credentials that you need to renew your credentials every TWO YEARS. Reminder notices are emailed to members on a continual basis. If you do not renew your credentials and they lapse, you are not permitted to use the NJCP initials after your name until you re-apply. Please remember to send in COPIES of your certificates along with a completed form outlining the courses and CLE hours you have taken. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact any Board member. SJPA has proudly certified the following members for the NJCP credential. Congratulations to all of our NJCP Members! **Indicates new certificate holders!

Lisa Renee Aberman, NJCP Judith Alvelo, NJCP Margari Aviles, NJCP Kim Bracken, NJCP Noreen M. Bratton, NJCP Debra J. Brigher, NJCP Brian Butwin, NJCP Deanna S. DeFeo, NJCP Stacey Devine, NJCP Michele Enley, NJCP

Deb Ferguson, NJCP Raezelle Hadley, NJCP Anthony J. Iannini, RP, NJCP Betsy Lindenberg, NJCP Susan R. Merewitz, NJCP Stephanie Miller, NJCP Dawn Moskalow, NJCP Deborah Naglee, NJCP Marie B. Norcross, NJCP Kimberly S. Paul, NJCP

Rebecca Lynn Reedy, NJCP Laurie A. Robinson, NJCP Laura Schwartzkopf, NJCP Nancy Z. Seldomridge, NJCP Pamela Tate, NJCP Christi L. Valerio-Rainey, NJCP Jennifer E. Vento, NJCP Jodi Zaharoni, NJCP

South Jersey Paralegal Association P.O. Box 355

Haddonfield, NJ 08033

Hello Attendee!

Attached is your gateway to another year of wonderful seminars – all via our 2020 Paralegal Educational Symposium - to be held on Friday, March 6, 2020! Whether you are new to the field, already have your feet wet, or are a seasoned paralegal,

you will have the opportunity to advance your knowledge and earn CLE credits at the same time.

We will be providing a continental breakfast, a buffet lunch, and snacks throughout

the entire day. Our exhibitors will be providing valuable information on their services to take back to

the office with you. At the end of the day enjoy our Ethics seminar and best of all . . . door prizes!** Mark your calendar for this exciting day and be prepared to further your knowledge

and education in the fantastic world of being a paralegal! So open this registration packet and sign up for #PES2020 – you don’t want to miss

out! Oh, and don’t forget to bring your business cards for networking! See you on March 6th!

Sincerely,

Betsy A. Lindenberg, NJCP PES 2020 Committee Chair

Payments can be made via PayPal, VENMO, or check. (SJPA is now able to accept electronic payments via PayPal. Please note the small transaction fee for their processing.)

QUESTIONS? Please contact me at blindenberg@earpcohn.com

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PES 2020 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

8:00 a.m. Check-in and Walk-in Registration

8:00 - 8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast & Vendor Fair

8:30 a.m. Opening Remarks

9:00 – 10:15 a.m. Session I Seminars 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. Session II Seminars 11:45 – 12:45 p.m. Buffet Lunch & Vendor Fair

12:50 – 2:10 p.m. Session III Seminars

2:15 – 3:30 p.m. Session IV Seminar (All attendees)

Afternoon Refreshments

3:30 p.m. Closing Remarks PRIZE DRAWINGS – You must be present to win!

***VENDOR FAIR – Please visit our vendors throughout the day for information on their services. It is through their generosity and sponsorship that we are able to offer this paralegal educational

and networking opportunity. We invite you to thank them for their support.

CLE credits Approved for Paralegals who have earned the NJCP© Credential (New Jersey Certified Paralegal) and

CLE credits from the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)

**Dietary restrictions accommodated upon request. Please contact PES Committee Chair for further information.

Beverages provided throughout the day

Session I - 9:00am to 10:15am Seminar A: Mindfulness for the Busy Paralegal Presented by Harriet Stein, President (Big Toe in the Water, LLC) Attendance at this presentation will allow paralegal professionals through direct experience to: Learn and implement tools that will enable them to join the conversation and address current strategies such as the focus on client satisfaction and retention; Be able to define how the practice of Mindfulness, and nonjudgmental awareness, supports active listen-ing and problem solving; Explain how being able to increase self-awareness and move away from auto pilot, and to shift from a mindset of responding vs reacting, supports an environment where stress management skills are routinely needed to help paralegals deal with situations that are both unfamiliar and uncertain. Seminar B: Immigration Law – An Inside Look Presented by Nita Kundanmal, Esq. (Law Office of Nita Kundanmal) Ms. Kundanmal will present an overview of the basics of US immigration laws and the agencies, the paralegal's role in the immi-gration law office, legal research, practical tips, ethics and professionalism and unlawful practice of law. Seminar C: Family Law - Motions in the Family Part Presenters: Christina M. Fulton Groves, Esq. and Thomas J. Belitza, Esq. (Musulin Law Firm) This presentation will address some specific advice on exhibits, protected information, Case Information Statements, where to file (partition, name changes, etc.). It will also include some hot topics/top advice on various elements of motion practice and new related rule changes.

Session II - 10:30am to 11:45am Seminar A: Resumes, Cover Letters and Interviews Presented by Shay Warren, HR Generalist (Stark & Stark)

Bring Your Resume and have it reviewed by an amazing HR generalist with one of the leading NJ law firms. Learn some tricks and tips to help make sure your resume, cover letter, and interviewing skills are at a level that will all but guarantee you your job as a paralegal. Seminar B: Technology Based Evidence Presentation (iPad and Apple TV) Presented by Joe Stathius, Esq. (Earl Uehling & Associates) Lawyers and paralegals must be prepared to use a basic level of technology for opening statements, evidence presentation, and closing arguments during administrative, civil, and criminal proceedings. This presentation will teach you how to integrate Apple TV and iPads into the workplace and Courtroom. Seminar C: A Paralegal’s Role in Employment Law Presented by Richard Swartz, Esq. (Swartz Swidler, LLC) This presentation will be a basic overview of Employment Law, with an emphasis on the various roles paralegals undertake to greatly contribute to the success of an Employment Law focused practice.

Session III - 12:50pm to 2:10pm Seminar A: Real Estate “Contracts to Closings” Presented by Chandra Betner-Gray, Esq. (Betner-Gray Law Office) Ms. Betner-Gray’s presentation will address Sellers, Buyers and Investors in residential and commercial transactions, and how they differ; Checklists for both Buyers and Sellers. It will also include a review of drafting contracts, the repair and mortgage pro-cess through closing. Review of selling and purchasing without real estate agents. Also, learn the responsibilities and rights of both Landlords and Tenants. Seminar B: Personal Injury – A View From the Other Seat Presented by Melissa Bishop, Esq. (Law Offices of Francis D. Mackin) This presentation will discuss how to put forth your assets as a Personal Injury Paralegal to best launch your career. A view from the other seat. All those annoying requests from your attorney finally make sense. A glimpse into why the Paralegal role is so im-portant, what is important, and why attorneys ask you to do it. Seminar C: Maxwell Smart: The Paralegal Detective Presented by Jonathan Gallant, CFE (Private Investigator) Impress your attorney and learn free and low-cost ways to locate people/assets both via the internet and offline. Other areas to be addressed include: What are the best practices to finding social media accounts? How can I maximize my results? How to find corporate info and agents for process service. Cost effectiveness of in-office paralegal investigation vs. hiring a private investiga-tor.

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Session IV - 2:15pm to 3:30pm ALL ATTENDEES: Office Ethics for the Working Paralegal:

Ethical Landmines & How to Deal With Them Presented by Linda Barron, Esq., Director of Paralegal Services and Lawrence Schempp, Esq. (Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin) Paralegals often face ethical dilemmas while working with confidential client information. BUT, how about the ethical treat-ment of co-workers, your attorney, supervisors, etc. within the office? Often situations will arise that require the same amount of ethical and professional treatment. What do you say or not say when a co-worker returns from medical leave? What if a relative or friend of a co-worker is a party to a lawsuit being handled in the office? What about access to files that you are not assigned to work on? How do ethics and courtesy go hand in hand in relating to your co-workers and supervisors? These and other topics will be discussed in this seminar.

DIRECTIONS to Doubletree Suites by Hilton, 515 Fellowship Rd., Mt. Laurel, NJ:

From NJ Turnpike - take exit 4 follow RT 73 N, 100 yards to first traffic light at Fellowship Road. Turn right onto fellowship Rd. Proceed 1/4 mile to hotel on the left. From I-295 - take Exit 36A. At 1st light (Fellowship Road) take jug handle on right onto Fellowship Road N, and cross over Route 73 onto Fellowship Road. At 1st light (.25 miles) turn left. RT 73 North - turn right at light onto fellowship Rd. Proceed 1/4 mile to hotel on the left. RT 73 South - at light take jug handle on right onto Fellowship Road N, and cross over Route 73 onto Fel-lowship Road. At 1st light (.25 miles) turn left.

For any Dietary Restrictions – Please contact Convention Chair,

Betsy Lindenberg, blindenberg@earpcohn.com

or note same here:

__________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________

REGISTRATION FORM should be mailed with payment.

If you pay via PayPal or VENMO you MUST submit a registration

form!! Overnight Guests – Please see our website

at www.sjpaparalegals.com for nearby hotels.

Mail Registrations and check payable to:

"South Jersey Paralegal Association"

c/o SJPA - PES 2020

PO Box 355

Haddonfield, NJ 08033

(Returned Check Charge: $25.00 fee plus administrative charge for each.)

FEB2020NWSLTR

Session I 9:00 – 10:15 AM

Session II 10:30 – 11:45 AM

Session III 12:50 – 2:10 PM

Session IV 2:15 – 3:30 PM

Seminar A: Mindful-ness for the Busy Para-legal

Seminar A: Resumes, Cover Letters and Interviews

Seminar A: Real Estate “Contracts to Closings”

Office Ethics for the Working Paralegal

(All Convention Attendees)

Seminar B: Immigra-tion Law – An Inside Look

Seminar B: Technology Based Evidence Presentation (iPad and Apple TV)

Seminar B: Personal Injury - A View From the Other Seat

Seminar C: Family Law - Motions in the Family Part

Seminar C: A Paralegal’s Role in Employment Law

Seminar C: Maxwell Smart: The Para-legal Detective

Paralegal Educational Symposium

REGISTRATION FORM Convention Date – Friday, March 6, 2020

Pre-Registration Accepted Through February 28, 2020

REGISTRATION FEE: $80.00 STUDENTS: $65.00 AT DOOR REGISTRATION – ADDITIONAL $5.00

(At door registrants welcome – however, seminar availability cannot be guaranteed)

Please supply information for each registrant (attach duplicate forms for multiple registrants)

All of the following information is required. Please print or type clearly.

Name _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Home Address __________________________________________ City___________________________ State _______ Zip _____________

Phone ______________________________ (cell/home) Email _________________________________________________________

Employer/School Name

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Employer/School Address

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SJPA Member? (Yes or No) ________________ Credentials (NJCP, RP, etc.) __________________________________________

Other Association? (If Yes, name of association) __________________________________________________________________

CIRCLE ONLY ONE seminar from each session that you would like to attend

SJPA P.O. Box 355 Haddonfield, NJ 08033

PARALEGAL PRESS SPONSORS We want to sincerely thank our sponsors for continually supporting the paralegal profession and SJPA as a whole. Those sponsors are MCS, DGR, Harris Investigations, Peirce College, and IME+. We truly appreciate your continued patronage.

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