Well, friends, in just a couple of weeks, I will come to end of my term as your 2019-2020 President, and I must say it’s been a joy and a rewarding experience. I’ll dive more into the state of the association and all that we accomplished throughout this year in my official State of Association at the June Monthly Meeting, but I’ll take a moment to address some of the highlights in my last President’s Message to you.

True to my promise, the Board reorganized the CAPA budget at the beginning of the term to channel more of our funds into activities and benefits that directly affect the membership, such as the CLE seminar, prizes/rewards, social events, and our annual holiday party. We also channeled some funds into updating CAPA’s website and back-end processes to keep us up-to-date with technology for efficiency. We made the necessary move to increase membership dues to reflect the costs and expenses of continuing to run the organization. While this was not a decision made lightly, it was a move in the right direction, and we will start to see the benefit of these increases in the next term. We created partnerships with the Austin Bar Association and local paralegal associations, such as the Paralegal Division of the Williamson County Bar Association, to expand our circle for networking. In true CAPA fashion, we had some amazing social and networking events with our annual CLE seminar, Paralegal Day celebration, and a wonderful holiday party. While the last three months have been challenging with COVID-19, we have learned ways to bend in situations that were presented to us, and we’ve looked into ways to continue offering the membership benefits you enjoy in a remote/virtual way. I’m passing the torch to your 2019-2020 President-Elect, Amber Haney, who has been my right hand throughout this year and is more than prepared and ready to step into this role and continue leading this membership to greatness. I hope you all welcome her and the incoming Board of Directors with open arms. A special thanks to this term’s Board of Directors, Amber Haney, Ariane Walton, Jennifer Rogers, and Sherry Stowers. I was truly blessed to work with a team of leaders who brought their ideas to the table, keeping the health of the organization at the forefront. Another special and heartfelt thanks to Carli Collins and Francesca Romans, Committee Chairs and Past-Presidents, for their guidance, for reigning me in, keeping me honest, and helping me to always see the big picture. I could not have navigated this term without these fearless leaders! Thanks for letting me serve as your president for this past year! Cheers ~ Brittany Posadas, TBLS-BCP CAPA President 2019-2020

IN THIS ISSUE

• Introducing the 2020-2021

Board of Directors

• Article: “Doom, Gloom, &

Zoom”

• Pro Bono Article: “VLS

Legal Advice Clinic: A

Greeter’s Perspective”

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

PRESIDENT Brittany Posadas, MBA, TBLS-BCP

president@capatx.org

PRESIDENT-ELECT Amber Haney

pres_elect@capatx.org

SECRETARY

Ariane Walton secretary@capatx.org

TREASURER Jennifer B. Rogers, CP treasurer@capatx.org

PARLIAMENTARIAN Sherry Stowers

parliamentarian@capatx.org

IMMEDIATE-PAST PRESIDENT

Kristina Kennedy, ACP, TBLS-BCP past_pres@capatx.org

CLE SEMINARS-LUNCH & LEARN

Alice Lineberry, PLS, CP brownbag@capatx.org

CP STUDY GROUP Jennifer Lovejoy, CP

studygroup@capatx.org

TBLS STUDY GROUP Carli Collins, TBLS-BCP,

Brittany Posadas, MBA, TBLS-BCP, &

Francesca Romans, ACP, TBLS-BCP tbls-study@capatx.org

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Ana Badillo & Jessica Loyola community@capatx.org

ELECTIONS

Carli Collins, TBLS-BCP elections@capatx.org

JOB BANK

Amanda Garcia & Laura Kliman job_bank@capatx.org

MEMBERSHIP

Francesca Romans, ACP, TBLS-BCP & Sherry Stowers

membership@capatx.org

MENTOR & INTERNSHIP

Amber Haney mentor@capatx.org

NETWORKING & SOCIAL EVENTS

Jennifer Chambless & Brittany Melancon social@capatx.org

PRO BONO SERVICE

Ana Badillo, Amber Haney,

& Jennifer Quinlan probono@capatx.org

PROGRAMS-SPEAKERS Lindsey Bentley, MA & Ariane Walton

programs@capatx.org

PROGRAMS-RSVP & DOOR PRIZES Brenda Colvin, TBLS-BCP & Alice Duerr

programs@capatx.org

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Francesca Romans, ACP, TBLS-BCP pr@capatx.org

PUBLICATIONS

Carli Collins, TBLS-BCP publications@capatx.org

RULES & BYLAWS

Pamela M. Etie, ACP,

Francesca Romans, ACP, TBLS-BCP, &

Stephanie Sterling, TBLS-BCP rules@capatx.org

SCHOLARSHIP Lindsey Bentley, MA

scholarship@capatx.org

SCHOOL & STUDENT LIAISON

Brittany Posadas, MBA, TBLS-BCP liaison@capatx.org

SUSTAINING MEMBER LIAISON

Francesca Romans, ACP, TBLS-BCP sustaining@capatx.org

WEB TEAM

Carli Collins, TBLS-BCP, Pamela M. Etie, ACP, &

Jennifer B. Rogers, CP webteam@capatx.org

2019-2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

June 2020 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3

June Board

Meeting

4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19

Juneteenth

20

21

Father’s Day

22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30

June 3 June Board Meeting

June 18 Pro Bono Committee

Meeting

CAPA leaders are working hard to

plan events for the 2020-2021 term,

whether they be virtual or in-person

(socially distanced, of course!)

Please check the website for

updates.

UPCOMING EVENTS

(CLICK THE LINKS FOR DETAILS/REGISTRATION)

Haleigh Cooper

Kyndell Fry

Elizabeth Garcia

Julia Johnson

Jessica Loyola

Kathleen Mendoza

Stacey Milazzo

Kara O’Shaughnessy

Lisa Marie Petrie

Kathryn Renfro

Juan Rodriguez

Harrison Stinnett

Jun

e B

irth

days

Did we miss your birthday? Log in and update your

member profile, or let us know.

ANNOUNCEMENTS & NEWS

PRO BONO COMMITTEE

FEATURED ARTICLE

Volunteer Legal Services has a service to provide free legal advice to assist the people in the greater Austin

region. Held every Wednesday evening at Webb Middle School, the free legal clinics are an essential service

for those residents of Travis County who may not be able to afford an attorney or are seeking a brief

consultation.

The doors are open between 6.00-7.00 pm for intake. This is done on a “first come, first serve” basis. When a

patron arrives at Webb Middle School, they are greeted by some friendly volunteers who quickly assist them by

asking them some important initial questions to ensure the patron is assigned to correct queue. “In a brief

manner, what is the nature of the concern that’s brought you here tonight?”

Once the patron then responds, then the volunteers know to get them in line for Family Law, or General Law.

Each patron is provided with an intake form for them to fill out as they stand in line which captures specific

personal and case-related information. There is a certain financial “intake threshold” that patrons must be

within, which helps verify the patron is eligible to receive the services provided by VLS. Some other criteria are

county of residence, and type of case.

Family Law is stationed on the same side of the building as the entrance which most patrons enter. Those who

are seeking assistance for issues which are not related to Family Law (like tenant disputes, employment issues,

for example, thus placed under the umbrella term of “General Law”), are escorted by one of the friendly

greeters to the far side of the auditorium where the clinic occurs each week. The greeters do answer some

simple procedural questions in regards to how the form needs to be filled out, but they do not dispense legal

advice.

With their intake form filled out, the intake desk gets the patron in queue for the next available attorney. While

the doors for intake close at 7.00 pm, the VLS personnel, attorneys, and other volunteers remain for another

hour to assist the patrons. None of the attorneys are paid for their attendance, as they donate their time to this

worthy cause. Also available are some interpreters for the Spanish-speaking patrons. Many paralegals are

present in order to assist in various duties.

Each attorney consultation is designed to last about ten-to-fifteen minutes. The intake sheet gives the attorney

a general overview of the nature of the concern, but the patron is able to take a few minutes to provide the

specific highlights. Based on the wealth of knowledge each attorney possesses, answers and specific

directions are provided. And in some cases, the patron can be referred to VLS, where an attorney will take the

case for further action. Also available are paralegals and other legal staff to look up specific legal information

if needed by a particular attorney.

While many questions are answered and much advice dispensed to the patrons, immigration and criminal

matters cannot be discussed in this forum.

The clinics also provide free child care, parking, and security. Residents of Bastrop County follow a similar

procedure on the first Tuesday of each month at the Bastrop Public Library, and Hays County residents have

their clinic on the second Tuesdays at the San Marcos Public Library.

VLS Legal Advice Clinic: A Greeter’s Perspective

By Dave McWhorter

ARTICLE

M ythology explains that the common English directive: “May you Live in Interesting Times,” is actually a

translation of a Chinese curse. That we should instead be most happy with “Uninteresting times.” Clearly true, …and now you know why wine snobs rely this cryptic insult: “Hmm. This wine is…. ‘Interesting.’”

So, how was your last 10 weeks? The question of course is rhetorical. It’s challenging at best for most of us to

express the panoply of emotions that life under the “Pandemic” has aroused. And I fully understand that everyone’s

experience is unique, so generalities are useless.

We know that those who had a family member suffer through this disease, or suffered massive financial loss may

continue to suffer grief and despair long after those of us

more fortunate reach for the optimism of recovery.

As I write this in late April, we are six weeks into our shelter

-in-place/social distancing orders, and it looks like we most of us understand that safety and “liberty” are not

incompatible. Truly, safety is a “condition precedent” to

future liberty, rather than an impediment. Unless of course, you are watching those numbskulls who want you to you to

be the first on your block to “save the economy.” And I

agree that having the wherewithal to actually stay at home is a wonderful privilege. Many cannot and they are, all too

often, the heroes of this journey.

As with most challenging situations we learn unforgettable lessons, we make mistakes, we appreciate, we despair,

we worry, and we find ways to stay mentally healthy. And if we’re lucky - we’re resilient. We handle it, and, if given the opportunity, we lead, we assist, and we grow. Our final opportunity to improve the world comes if we can pass

the best lessons on to those who come after us in a way which makes sense, resonates, and if possible, entertains.

So, here is my attempt at that.

I love what I’ve done with the place! Most of us re-discovered we have wonderfully equipped, cozy and secure places to live. Being home more often allows us to look around and say, “I’m a pretty lucky person.” Look out the

window. Look at your neat stuff. Enjoy! I love my stuff (especially my piano!).

I have wonderful friends and neighbors. People will surprise you in wonderful ways. One of our neighbors brought us

over a huge box of fresh vegetables. We are offering each other help and guidance to fix, resolve, or complete unfamiliar tasks. We go on walks- at safe distances, of course. We know we’ll tell these stories later, and it will make

us smile.

Fear also brings out the “mean and bossy” in others. Sadly, we meet the enemy everywhere. Often in line at HEB,

when they confront you because you had 2 packages of cheese rather than 1(true story). And they are strident in

their jerkiness. While lambasting you in line for not having a COVID-19 compliant mask, they then spend ten minutes writing a check… no,… make that two checks (messed up the first), while we all suffer in line behind them. I call them

the modern Pharisees: they’re better you, and they want to make sure you know it.

[continued on page 8]

DOOM, GLOOM and ZOOM Lessons from the Shadows of COVID-19

BY CLAUDE DUCLOUX

This article appeared in the June 2020 edition of Austin Lawyer, a publication of the Austin Bar Association, and is reprinted with permission.

(continued)

Take my Wife…Please! That, of course, is the most famous one-liner of the late Borscht-belt comedian Henny

Youngman. But sheltering-in-place knows no gender. Wives and domestic partners have likewise discovered, to their chagrin, how unfortunate it is to spend too much time around their mates. My mother used to tease my

father: “I married you for better or worse… but not for lunch.” Too much together-time may result in a boom for

family lawyers.

Hey, that wasn’t so hard. Learning the new technology of Zoom and doing Online meetings is fun, useful and will forever change the options for how we meet. [But you can do it wrong- see how in my tips. You’re welcome.] While, I

certainly prefer to speak to a live audience whenever I can, the widespread ability to use Zoom, GoToWebinar,

GoToMeeting, Freestone. and other platforms have provided me unending opportunities to speak to huge audiences. In one week in April, I had presentation in New York on Monday, Chicago on Tuesday, and Nationwide

on Wednesday, without even changing my underwear (that’s on Thursdays).

We will not fully grasp the gravity and discover the truth of this incredible experience, nor its long-term effects for

many years. But we must, as a profession, continue to demand that our leaders move us forward, and fully follow

the principles of the Rule of Law. Giving us honest direction, and a safe and secure way forward is far more important than placing blame (we already know where it belongs) or fostering identity politics or divisive arguments.

Most importantly, we, the guardians of the Rule of Law, must lead this nation to preserve those true liberties which

we espouse for all. Preserve individual rights, provide access to health care, legal services, … and the voting booth.

Our magic law licenses mean we can help solve problems. We can make people’s lives better. Moving on means rejecting any and every attempt to demonize anyone, any race, culture, religion, and any socio-economic group.

All of us, every person in this nation, should ask, “What Can I Do to Help?”

How the legal profession acts right now may be the difference in whether this 250-year experiment in democracy

survives. Without your help, it looks iffy.

Keep the faith.

CLAUDE ’S SIX TIPS TO RUIN YOUR ZOOM CONFERENCE

POSITIONING Make sure your face is far ABOVE the camera, so that your nostrils look like Italian train tunnels exiting the Alps. LIGHTING Always have a 150-Watt ceiling fixture or fan behind you in the camera frame, so that your face will be darkened like a member of the Witness Protection Program. APPEARANCE Just roll out of bed wearing your “I’m with Stupid” T-shirt. Nothing inspires professional confidence like food stains and eye boogers.

MUTING Make sure to never mute your microphone. We love hearing people gargle and spit. BACKGROUND Scout around for the darkest hallway in your home. Make sure a visible bathroom door is in constant use. ANIMAL ASSISTANCE Make sure your pets are on full display. If possible, show them meticulously washing their most intimate body parts. You’ll be a meme.

CAPA’S SUSTAINING MEMBERS

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!

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2020. Just...the whole year.

• June is the month with the longest daylight hours of the year in the

Northern Hemisphere.

• The June Bug, also known as June beetle, is the name for several

large beetles seen in the United States during May and June.

• On June 17, 1885, The Statue of Liberty arrived in New York

Harbor .

• June is known for the large number of marriages that occur over the

course of the month. According to one etymology, June is named after

Juno (Hera). Juno was the goddess of marriage and a married couple's

household, so some consider it good luck to be married in this month.

Fun Facts

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