bpa paralegal pipeline october 2010

8/8/2019 BPA Paralegal Pipeline October 2010

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Brevard Paralegal Association

It's October already. Fall ismy favorite time of year, or"Autumn" if you prefer. I hailfrom the north (the GreatWhite North to be precise)and fall brings with itchanging colors of leavesand cooler weather. Not somuch in Florida, butStarbucks does start sellingits Pumpkin Spice Latte so ifwe missed it on thecalendar, we know fall has

arrived by the aroma as youpass the coffee retailer. It'salso not 90 degrees anymore. Miraculously, it was73 degrees when I walkedoutside this morning.Positively brisk! Almostmakes me want to wear asweater. That being said, Iwill force myself into longsleeves near the end of themonth to sport at least oneof the Halloween shirts Iown, no matter what thetemperature.

The kids have been back inschool for almost twomonths and everyone's backinto their regular routinesafter the summer. Forwhatever reason, the end of

summer brings with it a burst ofactivity to my office, and thingsare busier than ever. We referto it as "Broken Arrow". I'm notsure who coined this phrase,but in my little world it meansyou're over-loaded with workand the next project or task will

be the straw that breaks thecamel's (or in this case, theparalegal's) back (note to self,do not compare yourself to acamel in future editorials). Ithought a "Broken Arrow" wasa nuclear accident, but forsome reason, it means you'vereached workload capacity andthen some. I Googled it and it'salso a Neil Young song(another Canadian - have toget those plugs in whenever Ican) and an Academy Awardwinning movie. Nothing to do

with too much work. Anyhow,whenever your workload seemstoo much, tell your boss andco-workers that you're atBroken Arrow status and seewhat happens. It doesn't reallyhelp me to announce it, but I doget some sympathetic looksfrom the higher-ups.

Where was I? Fall. Happy thatit's here. Another month closerto the end of hurricane seasonand closer to the holidays. AndOctober is Breast Cancer

Awareness month, somethingclose to my heart, personally. Iam sure that each one of uscan tell a story about how ourlives, or the life of a friend orloved one has been touched bythis terrible disease. OurCommunity Service Event this

month is to support MakingStrides for Breast Cancer. Iam walking with a team onOctober 23rd at TheAvenues in Viera andencourage you to supportthis worthy cause. Or justgo completely crazy! Join

my team and walk with me!Toni-Marie has more detailslater in this edition.Together we can make aworld with less cancer andmore birthdays!

Bob Moletteire of Moletteire& Torpy is our guestspeaker for our Octobermeeting. Don't miss thischance to hear last year'sBrevard's Next BigThing treat us with his PIwar stories!

Remember, we are alwayslooking for articles for ThePipeline. Please let myselfor Cathie Cummings know ifyou want to submit anarticle, place an ad or havesomething interesting toreport.

Looking forward to seeingyou on the 14

th.

Regards,

Kim

October 2010

Presidents MessageI N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

The Paralegal Pipeline

Presidents Message 1

Speaker Bio 2

PAF News 2

Florida Register Paralegal 2

BCC Paralegal Program 3

Community Service 3

2009-10 Board Listing 4

Sponsors 6 - 7

Article What Do Attorneys Wish

Their Paralegal Knew? 8 - 9

Attachments 10 - 13

Columbus Day

October 11th


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PAF, Inc. News

www.pafinc.org

The PAF 2010 Fall Seminar will be held Saturday, October 16, 201at the Hyatt Regency - Coconut Point in Bonita Springs!

Flyer attached at end of newsletter

Big Bend Chapter Meeting 10/14/10, 12:00 p.m., Capital City Country Club, 1601 GoTerrace Dr., Tallahassee, Topic Expert Witnesses presented by Speaker: Elizabeth WNeiberger, Esquire

Boca Raton Chapter Monthly Luncheon, 10/14/10, 12:00 p.m., Bogarts Bar and GrilCinemark 20, 3200 Airport Road, Boca Raton, Topic Pet Law presented by Steven LogaEsquire

Broward Chapter Dinner Meeting, 11/3/10, Coral Ridge Yacht Club 2800 Yacht CluBoulevard Fort Lauderdale, Topic TBD

Palm Beach Chapter Dinner Meeting, 10/13/10, Crown Plaza Hotel, 1601 Belvedere RoaWest Palm Beach, Topic Domestic Violence: What It Is and How to Prevent It presented Laura Burkhart, Esquire

Pinellas Dinner Meeting/Seminar, 10/12/10, Antonio's Pasta Grill 2755 Ulmerton RoaClearwater, Topic TBD

Southwest Florida Chapter Dinner meeting, 10/21/10, Double Tree Guest Suites, 1220Tamiani Trail N, 2

ndFloor, Naples, Topic Employment Law 101 presented by Amy Garrar

Esquire

Suncoast Chapter Dinner Meeting, 10/11/10, Marinas Jack in the Bay Room, SarasotTopic The Devil is in the Details: Maximizing the Paralegals Role in the Litigation Procespresented by Mary Levine, Esquire

Treasure Coast Chapter Meeting, 10/21/10, 6:30 p.m., Cobbs Landing 200 North IndiaRiver Drive, Fort Pierce, Topic Immigration Law presented by Luciana C. Melo, Esquire

The Parale al Pi elinePage 2

Speakers Bio

Robert MoletteireMoletteire & Torpy

Robert Moletteire is themanaging partner of Moletteire

and Torpy Law Firm, a personalinjury law firm, which Bobstarted with his partner AndyGraham in 1995. Bob was bornSeptember 5, 1957 inWilmington, DE. Bob obtained aB.A. in Political Science fromthe University of Central Floridain 1979. Bob had the distinctionof being the youngest electedmember of the Edgewood CityCouncil. The City of Edgewoodis located in south OrangeCounty. He was elected to theCity Council in 1977 and served

one two year term, serving asthe President of the Council inhis second year. Bob laterearned his Doctor ofJurisprudence from theCumberland School of Law in1983. He worked as anAssistant Public Defender in the18th Judicial Circuit in BrevardCounty. In 1984, Bob joined aprivate law firm as a criminallawyer as well as a familylawyer. In 1986, Bob devoted100% of his practicerepresenting victims of

negligence in personal injuryand wrongful death matters.Bob became a Board CertifiedCivil Trial Lawyer in 1990. Bobis married and has two sons.His time away from the office isspent with activities that involvehis family which includes BoyScouts and the music ministryat Holy Name of Jesus CatholicChurch. Bob is actively involvedin the Brevard Countycommunity, serving manyorganizations for at riskchildren.

Florida Registered Paralegal

You are now able to post continuing legal education

credits on-line. Go to www.floridabar.org/frp for

instructions on how to post your credits. The

instructions will take you to the page where you can

post your credits. After your credits have been

posted, you can review your CLE history


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National

Boss Day

October 16t

The Paralegal Pipeline Page 3

BPA is Celebratingits 20th

Anniversary!!

BPA is celebrating its 20thanniversary this year! We

ill be honoring those whoplayed an integral part informing our local paralegalassociation at our HolidaySocial in December. If youhave any pictures,information, or stories totell that we can include inthis celebration, please

email Nicole Dooley [email protected].

Brevard CommunityCollege

Paralegal Program.Roma Molinaro, CP, FCP, FRP,

MLA

The Technical AdvisoryCommittee for theParalegal Program hasscheduled its annualseminar for Saturday,February 5, 2011 atBrevard CommunityCollege, Melbournecampus. For information

regarding topics andregistrations, watch thismonthly column or contactRoma [email protected]. TACCommittee members:Roma Molinaro, CP, FCP,FRP, chair, MaureenMartens, CP, FRP, KimDexter, ACP, FRP, LindaGhirardelli, ACP, AlayneBowes, CP, FRP, andRoberta Reaume, CP, FCP,FRP.

Hope startswith BPA.

Making Strides AgainstBreast Cancer is theAmerican CancerSociety's premier event toraise awareness andfunds to fight breastcancer. Making Strides isyour opportunity to honorbreast cancer survivors,

educate women aboutbreast cancer preventionand early detection, andraise funds andawareness to helpachieve a day when noone will have to hear thewords You have breastcancer.

When you support MakingStrides, you are helpingthe Society seek better

ways to prevent, detect,and treat breast cancer,as well as provide helpand hope to people facingthe disease.

Every dollar you provideto the American CancerSociety goes towardeliminating cancer as amajor health concern.Your donation is essentialto supporting our mission,which fights cancer onfour fronts: research,education, advocacy, andservice.

Please see the flyer at theend of the newsletter.

Community ServiceToni-Marie DAlessandro, CP, FCP, FRP

October

CLE/Networking

Meeting

SUNTREE COUNTRYCLUB

One Country Club Drive

Melbourne, FL 32940When: Thursday, October14, 2010, 6:00PM

Distinguished Guest:Robert Moletteire

Topic: PI War Stories andHow Paralegals Helped

Members $19.00Non-Members $21.00Pay at the door on day ofevent.

Note: A member may attendthe meeting without dinner fora charge of $7.00. Non-Members may attend one (1)meeting without dinner withno charge. Thereafter, acharge of $7.00 per meetingwithout dinner will beassessed.

RSVP: Please contact SabineMartel for entree selectionand any additionalinformation at:[email protected].

OctoberBirthdays

Silvia Cowan

Kim Dexter

Joann L. Harris

Trudy A. Howard

Lee Ann Kateb
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Page 4

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PresidentKim Nowakowski, RP, FRPkimberly.nowakowski@ health-first.org

Vice PresidentTracy A. [email protected]

TreasurerPatricia [email protected]

Secretary

Silvia [email protected]

Director-at-LargeCathleen M. Cummings,[email protected]

Immediate Past PresidentDebra A. Clarke, CP, FCP,[email protected]

ParliamentarianToni-Marie DAlessandro,

CP, FCP, [email protected]

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

BanquetNicole Dooley, CP, [email protected]

BudgetPatricia [email protected]

Bylaws and Standing Rules

Maureen Mo Martens,CLA, [email protected]

Community ServiceToni-Marie DAlessandro,CP, FCP, [email protected]

Danielle T. Pirolo

Education/ScholarshipRoma Molinaro, CP, FCP,FRP, [email protected]

Student LiaisonEveling B. [email protected]

Job Bank CoordinatorKim M. Dexter, ACP, [email protected]

Local Bar LiaisonDebra A. Clarke, CP, FCP,FRPdebra.clarke7@yahoo.

MeetingsSabine [email protected]

MembershipTracy A. [email protected]

Newsletter EditorCathleen M. Cummings,FRP

Jessica PauleyBill Hickman

Nominations/ElectionsNicole Dooley, CP, FRP

PublicityCathleen M. Cummings,[email protected]

Lisa NobleSabine Martel

Ways and MeansCathleen M. Cummings,[email protected]

OTHER POSITIONS

Historian/Photographer

Kim Nowakowski, RP, [email protected]

PAF WebsiteDanielle T. [email protected]

BPA is onFacebook,LinkedIn, and

Twitter!

Search BrevardParalegal Associationand join! We list usefullinks, informationregarding upcomingmeetings and events,and its an opportunityto network with fellowmembers!

Membership

51 Active6 Student

2 Honorary

2010-11 BPA Board of Directors & Committee ChaiNewsletterAdvertising

Half Page $100/YearOr $55/6 months

Business Card $50/YearOr $30/6 months

Special rates availablefor one-time ads

Submit business card or adartwork, preferably in .jpgor .bmp format to [email protected] or send itto:

Kim Nowakowskic/o Health First, Inc.6540 US Hwy 1Rockledge FL 32955

The Paralegal Pipelineadvertising reaches peoplethroughout Florida. Thepublications revenuesupports scholarships andvarious community serviceprojects, which enablesyour costs associated to

advertising here to be taxdeductible.

Please make your checkpayable to BrevardParalegal Association.Thank you.

Meeting Policy

Reminder

Pursuant to Internal

Revenue Code Section

501(c)(6) if you RSVP for a

dinner and do not attend

the meeting, you will be

sent an invoice for the

cost of the dinner.

The Paralegal Pipeline
mailto:kimberly.nowakowski@%20health-first.orgmailto:kimberly.nowakowski@%20health-first.orgmailto:kimberly.nowakowski@%20health-first.orgmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:kimberly.nowakowski@%20health-first.orgmailto:kimberly.nowakowski@%20health-first.org


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Page 5The Paralegal PipelineThe Paralegal PipelineThe Paralegal PipelineThe Paralegal PipelineThe Paralegal PipelineThe Paralegal Pipeline

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The Paralegal Pipelin


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What Do Attorneys Wish Their Paralegals

Knew?Kim WalkerThe Legal IntelligencerOctober 06, 2010

I read a lot of magazines and newspapers of varying genres and I am always drawn to the articles with headlines like"What your insurance agent doesn't want you to know" and "What your flight attendant will never tell you" and "Yourmechanic wished you would ... ."

The information in these articles always intrigues me. I got to thinking, "What do I really want to know?" For starters, Ireally want to know what my Comcast bill is every month, but I'll never get to the bottom of that dilemma. Another thingI want to know is, "What do attorneys wish their paralegals knew?" It's clearly a question I should have posed 25 yearsago, but better late than never.

To find the answer, I polled attorneys at three Philadelphia firms, asking a simple question: "What do you wish yourparalegal knew?" These are their responses:

I wish my paralegal knew, or at leas t had a basic understanding of, all the new software and technology used in lawoffices now. I just don't have the time to learn it myself. I wish my paralegal knew how to file a complaint in federal and state court, knew how to get and serve subpoenas infederal and state courts, knew how to manage an online database, knew how to search and retrieve dockets, knewhow to cite-check, proofread and create a Table of Citations. I wish my paralegal knew how to clearly and concisely digest a deposition and describe relevant documents in ashort memo. I wish my paralegal knew how to research any topic and find the information I need. I wish my paralegal knew the difference between collated and uncollated copies, and that copies should always bethe latter when they are made for the purpose of serving as exhibits at a deposition. I wish my paralegal knew that I don't like to work on the weekends either, but sometimes it's just necessary. I wish my paralegal knew that whining is not professional. I wish my paralegal knew that it's OK to make mistakes and that I should be told immediately if a mistake has been

made. I wish my paralegal knew that I have no idea when Paralegal Day is, but appreciated you every day. I wish my paralegal kept up to date on latest case law regarding our practice. I wish my paralegal would dress professionally. I wish my paralegal wouldn't leave in the middle of a work emergency. I wish my paralegal knew the parties, parties' counsel, co -counsel and judges and their contact information in everycase, preferably off the top of their head. I wish my paralegal knew how important it is to get along with other people in the firm. It makes my life easier. I wish my paralegal knew it was OK to ask questions. I wish my paralegal knew Alan Ball and would give me "True Blood" spoilers.

As you can see, the list is pretty diverse and every word came from an attorney. Some of the wishes seem to becommon sense but all too often paralegals get complacent, especially if they've worked for a firm for a long time. Takethe time to look at the list and highlight some of the areas where you may be weak. Then do something about it.

For instance, if you are a weak at proofreading -- as I am, no one in my firm would ask me to proofread anythingunless everyone else suddenly went blind -- now may be a good time to take a proofreading seminar. Or at the veryleast, learn some proofreading tips, find some at this link: http://www.lrcom.com/tips/proofreading_editing.html.

If you need to learn ECF filing and docket retrieval you can find a great resource atwww.pacer.gov/psc/qresources.html.

Learning how to write clearly and concisely may be a bit more challenging, but there are classes you can take onlineor at your local community college. A class that may be helpful is technical writing, which is offered at most communitycolleges. I know it is offered at Community College of Philadelphia.
http://www.lrcom.com/tips/proofreading_editing.htmhttp://www.lrcom.com/tips/proofreading_editing.htm


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Learning how to research any subject may also seem daunting, but if you don't like research and you are not curiousby nature, you may have made a poor career choice. The Internet, even a basic Google search, is always a goodplace to start. From there you can get to more sophisticated research or at least get a direction for your research.

As a paralegal, one of the most important skills you can master is research, not just legal research. A crackerjackresearcher can save the firm time and money. You always look good when you find the needle in the haystack.

Knowing how to get along with others you should have learned in kindergarten. But if you forget what you were taughtask any 7-year-old you know. They will be able to tell you how to play nicely with others.

A person's true character is seen in two situations, one of them is how graciously one can admit making a mistake.Mistakes are great, they teach you lessons and help you learn. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone makesthem!

Not sure how to dress professionally? For starters, "business casual" is not the same as "home on the weekend." Youcan look at Wikipedia for one explanation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_casual.

Keeping abreast of the latest technology should be on the top of your priority list. It goes without saying that youshould already know how to manage an online database, online deposition repository and any software that is gearedtoward your particular practice area. Not only should you know it, but you should keep updating with training. Thesesoftware packages change rapidly. Sometimes for the better, sometimes not.

Another thing about technology to be aware of is that LexisNexis and Westlaw are buying out smaller companies andmaking that company's content part of the Lexis or Westlaw content. It's always a good idea to know where to look forinformation. So, signing up for some free Lexis or Westlaw training every few months never hurts.

Quick! Off the top of your head: Do you know when Paralegal Day is? I didn't think so. That attorney gets a pass.

Two points I want to drive home are that you need to take control of your skills and you are responsible for learning allthe new tricks of the trade. The second is no one is good at everything. Work on your weak skills, but it's OK to ask forhelp from co-workers that do something better than you do.

Just for the record, I wish I was the paralegal that knew Alan Ball!

Kim Walker is a senior litigation paralegal with Berger & Montague, where she specializes in complex class action

lawsuits. She has been a paralegal in Philadelphia for more than 25 years. Walker is on the board of the PhiladelphiaAssociation of Paralegals, is an instructor for the Institute for Paralegal Education and blogs at Paralegal Pie.


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American Cancer Society

2010 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

This month's community service will benefit breast cancer awareness and research for a cure.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is the American Cancer Society's premier event to raise awareness andfunds to fight breast cancer. Making Strides is your opportunity to honor breast cancer survivors, educate womenabout breast cancer prevention and early detection, and raise funds and awareness to help achieve a day when noone will have to hear the words You have breast cancer.

When you support Making Strides, you are helping the Society seek better ways to prevent, detect, and treat breastcancer, as well as provide help and hope to people facing the disease.

Every dollar you provide to the American Cancer Society goes toward eliminating cancer as a major health concern.Your donation is essential to supporting our mission, which fights cancer on four fronts: research, education,advocacy, and service.

How Can You Help Save Lives?Start a TeamJoin a TeamWalk as an IndividualDonate to a WalkerDonate to a TeamMake a General Donation

Kimberly Nowakowski is walking for a reason. Lets support ourBPA President in her efforts to create a world with less breastcancer and more birthdays!

Kim has signed up to walk and hopes you will join her in her efforts by signing up to join her team or making adonation in support of her participation. Together, we can save lives from breast cancer!

Kimberly Nowakowskis page:http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCFY11Florida?px=17638020&pg=person

al&fr_id=28015

Event DetailsDate: Saturday, October 23, 2010Location: The Avenue VieraTime: Registration Begins at 7am / Walk Begins at 9am


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bpa paralegal pipeline october 2010

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