mpa paraview-3q 2010(final) - metrolina paralegal … · the mpa paralegal of the year award is...
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THE PARAVIEWQuarterly Publication of the
Metrolina Paralegal Association
20102010THIRD QUARTER
EDITION
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THE PARAVIEWThe Metrolina Paralegal Association, PO Box 36260, Charlotte, NC 28236www.charlotteareaparalegals.com,
ADVERTISING RATES
The Metrolina Paralegal Association publishes The Paraview, which includes substantive legal articles of interest and general news for the career paralegal. This publication is distributed to approximately 250 members of the MPA in the Charlotte area. The membership of the MPA includes paralegals from private law firms, corporations, title companies, government agencies, local community colleges, educators, and paralegal students. Advertising is available in The Paraview, which is the only local professional publication of this type in the Metrolina area. Our magazine will keep your display advertisement circulating in the legal community for a three-month period.
Our display ad rates per issue are as follows:
1/8 page size (business card) $35.001/4 page size $60.001/2 page size $110.00Full page size $150.00Back cover inside $175.00
For more information contact: Paraview Editor c/o: Metrolina Paralegal Association PO Box 36260, Charlotte, NC 28236
IN THIS ISSUEMark Your Calendars Pg. 3
MPA Officers Pg. 4
A Volunteer’s Reflections on VITA, Volunteer Income Tax Assistanceby Stacy Reid Monroe, NCCP Pg. 5
2010 MPA Paralegal of the Year Pg. 6
2010 MPA Paralegal of the Year Nominees Pp. 7
MPA Executive Committee Report Pg. 8
4 Ways Paralegals Can Get Involved in Marketing the Law Firm by Jay S. Fleischman, Esq. Pg. 9
Stay on Track with Helpful Tools Pg. 10
A Day in the Life of a Franchise Paralegal Pg. 11
10 Extremely Simple Tips to Eliminate Stress by Gretchen Rubin Pg. 12
North Carolina News Pg. 13
MPA Spotlight Pg. 14
NALA News Pg. 16
MPA Board Members and Chairperson Pg. 17
MPA Patrons Pp. 18-19
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS
2nd Quarter 2010
July 2010July 1-Deadline to register for NCCP Exam
July 4-Independence Day
July 8-MPA Monthly Mtg
July 14-17 NALA Convention
July 23-24 NALA CLA/CP Exam
September 2010Sep. 1-MPA Executive Mtg
Sep. 6-Labor Day
Sep. 10-Fall Fest
Sep. 11-Patriot Day
Sep. 23-First day of Fall
Sep. 25-NCCP Exam
August 2010Aug. 1-Deadline to register for NALA CLA/CP Exam
Aug. 4-MPA Executive Mtg
Aug. 12-MPA Social at Mez in Uptown (see board report on Pg. 8 for more details)
Aug. 19-MPA Monthly Mtg
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MPA OFFICERS FOR 2010-2011
(From r-l, President, Antoine L. Robinson, NCCP; First Vice President, Penny H. Higdon, NCCP; Second Vice President, Michelle Kass, CLA; Third Vice President, Tiffany Marx Butcher, NCCP; Secretary, Susan Randolph, CLA, NCCP; Treasurer, Roxanne Crouch, CP and NALA Liaison, Candace Russell, CP, NCCP)
The newly elected MPA officers were installed at the May 13, 2010 MPA monthly meeting. In addition to the officers pictured, new officers include Parliamentarian, Victoria Swaringen, NCCP; Patron Chair, Angie Bowen, NCCP; and Historian, Christina J. Lee. Welcome to the new officers and welcome back to standing officers.
If you have not done so already, don’t forget to join the MPA’s Facebook group and LinkedIn groups. We will post information on upcoming events and activities as well as having discussions on topics of interest to paralegals and those in the legal industry.
The Facebook group can be found at
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=124895300874317
The LinkedIn group can be found at:
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?about=&gid=3125665&trk=anet_ug_grppro
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2010 MPA PARALEGAL OF THE YEAR
MPA announced at its May 13th monthly meeting that Janice D. Linker, CLA, NCCP has been named its 2010 Paralegal of the Year Award winner. The MPA Paralegal of the Year Award is given to a paralegal who exhibits a commitment to professionalism and to the advancement of the legal community. The paralegal must also be a member in good standing of the MPA.
Ms. Linker has been a senior paralegal at Johnson, Allison & Hord, P.A. in Charlotte for thirty-seven years. Ms. Linker was nominated by James W. Allison, the managing partner of the firm along with two of the firm’s long-standing clients. Ms. Linker is described as a paralegal with a“wonderful personality” and “unsurpassed” work ethic. Ms. Linker is also “efficient” and held in “high regard by many long-term clients.” In addition, to her work at Johnson, Allison & Hord, Ms. Linker has served in several leadership roles in MPA including Third Vice President, NALA Liaison, and Historian.
Ms. Linker received a commemorative plaque, a cash gift, and a complimentary year of general membership in the MPA.
Congratulations, Janice!!
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MPA Paralegal of the Year Nominees
Rosa M. Goss, CLA: Rosa is a senior paralegal at Duke Energy Corporation. She was nominated by Lara S. Nichols, her attorney supervisor.
Tiffany Marx Butcher, NCCP: Tiffany is a lead litigation case manager at Crumley Roberts. She was nominated by Frank Voler, her attorney supervisor.
Laura Peres, CLA, NCCP:Laura is a corporate paralegal at Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A. She was nominated by Peter Buck, a shareholder at the firm.
Stephanie Elliott-Park:Stephanie is a paralegal at Gray, Layton, Kersh, Solomon, Furr & Smith. She was nominated by Janeene Humphrey, Program Director for the UNC Charlotte paralegal certificate program.
Micah DeCamp, CLA, NCCP:Micah is a volunteer at Legal Services of the Southern Piedmont. He was nominated by Mardy Watson, a fellow MPA member.
L-r, Tiffany Marx Butcher, Laura Peres, Janice Linker, Stephanie Elliott Park, and Micah DeCamp (not pictured Rosa Goss)
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REPORT FROM THE MPA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
First Vice President (Membership):We are off to a great start with renewals and have, in fact, added nine new members. Remember: The renewal period runs through July 31, 2010 and anyone not renewed by September 1, 2010 must reapply for membership.
Second Vice President (Programs):Planning for the FallFest is well under way. As listed on the calendar on Pg. 3, the FallFest will be on Friday, September 10, 2010 at the Marriott Center City. Be on the lookout for the seminar announcement in the near future. We hope to see you there!
NALA Liaison: Mix & Mingle with the Metrolina Paralegal Association August 12, 20105:30-7:30 pmMez - EpiCentre210 E. Trade StreetCharlotte, NC 28202Mez will validate parkingEnjoy complimentary hors d’oeurves - cash bar availablePlease RSVP by August 9, 2010 to [email protected]
As you can see from the above, the MPA Executive Committee is hard at work for you and the organization.
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STAY ON TRACK WITH THESE HELPFUL TOOLS
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Paralegal Gateway’s Revised WebsiteFor those who are fans of the website, Paralegal Gateway, the site relaunched in late April 2010. The new website features integrated social networking (which allows you to create a profile and interact with those who work in the same area of practice); legal vendor directory; sections for Canadian paralegals, paralegal students, military paralegals, associations/school listings.
http://paralegalgateway.com
Nationwide and International Database of Process ServersIf you looking for a process server out of state or internationally, check out the National Association of Process Servers. Their worldwide directory provides contact information on servers around the world.
http://www.napps.org/
Municipal Codes Available Online
The Municipal Code Corporation has a free municipal code library which provides the codes/ordinances for most major cities and towns. Their website is http://www.municode.com/.
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A DAY IN THE LIFE. . . OF A FRANCHISE PARALEGAL
Sarah Heath, NCCP
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**Reprinted with the permission of Gretchen Rubin**
10 EXTREMELY SIMPLE TIPS TO ELIMINATE STRESS IN YOUR DAY by Gretchen Rubin
When I was little, I was always puzzled by the maxim, "A stitch in time saves nine." I couldn't figure out what that meant. Finally, light dawned: a single stitch, made in good time, saves the trouble of making nine stitches later. In other words, a little effort now saves a lot of effort later.
That notion underlies several of the tips below. The other notion: when I have a reasonable amount of energy, life feels a lot less stressful.
1. Keep some cash in the house. For years, I badgered my husband to get cash so we had cash in the house. Finally, light dawned: Why did I get to decide that this was hisproblem? Now I get cash when we need a reserve, and I feel much better.
2. Never let your car’s gas level fall into the “empty” zone. Special note to my fellow under-buyers: if you can afford it, fill the tank! Save yourself from having to return to the gas station in two days.
3. Have an over-the-counter pain reliever at hand at all times.
4. Put your keys away in the same place every day. This sounds so easy -- and it is. It will make you so happy.
5. Turn out the light as soon as you’re sleepy. Since I started my happiness project, I've become a sleep nut. Getting enough sleep makes a huge difference in my sense of energy and cheerfulness.
6. Walk around the block.
7. Take ten minutes before bed to tidy up.
8. If you have to pack a lunch for anyone, get it ready the night before.
9. Have at least one good friend who lives in the neighborhood.
10. Make your bed. This sounds trivial, I know -- but try it, it really helps!
Samuel Johnson pointed out that "To live in perpetual want of little things is a state, not indeed of torture, but of constant vexation." By making the effort to stay on top of the little things, you can keep the vexation to a minimum.
Gretchen Rubin is the best-selling author of the book, The Happiness Project.
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NORTH CAROLINA NEWS
On-Line Interactive Calendars Program in Mecklenburg County
Mecklenburg County bar members have access to interactive Superior Court and District Court calendars through a web-based program. Your attorneys can view calendars, make notes, announce settlements, and provide status reports on cases. The program was developed by Justice Initiatives in partnership with the Trial Court Administrator’s Office of Mecklenburg County Courts. To find out more information go to: http://www.justiceinitiatives.org/courtcal/
N.C. Dept. of Crime Control and Public Safety Launches Gulf Oil Spill Web Page
The North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety has added a new web page to their website which provides information regarding the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The page provides useful information and links on the potential impact to the North Carolina coastline if the spill were to reach our coastline. For more information go to:
http://www.nccrimecontrol.org/index2.cfm?a=000003,000010,001921
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MPA SPOTLIGHT
I became interested in the paralegal field because I was debating on whether to go to law school after college. I heard that being a paralegal first was a good way to get experience in the legal field before pursuing law school. After working as a paralegal for a couple of years, I decided that being a paralegal fit my personality and goals with work and home balance better than being a lawyer would, so I chose to not pursue law school and to focus on a career as a paralegal instead. I have been a paralegal for 15 years.
I enjoy that I am a part of a group of individuals who play an integral part in the legal community. Over the years I have been able to assist in a few real estate transactions that benefited charities and non-profit organizations. It was fulfilling to be involved with helping these charities/non-profits obtain locations to help make their good deeds a reality.
I joined MPA around 1996/1997. I have served as Historian, Audit Committee Chair, Parliamentarian, Treasurer and Second Vice President.
My husband, Andy, and I have been married for 14 years. We have one furry kid (Piper, our nine-year-old lab/chow mix), and a 75-gallon aquarium of freshwater fish.
My biggest hobby is scuba diving. I have been certified since 2005. Although living inland makes diving harder to do, my husband and I try to incorporate diving into most of our vacations.
This quarter’s MPA Spotlight is April N. Ritter, CLA, NCCP who is a real estate paralegal at Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A.
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NALA NEWS
Candace L. Russell, CP, NCCP, our MPA NALA Liaison, has been selected as a member of the LEAP Class of 2011. LEAP is a leadership development program with NALA. The program offers participants the opportunity to develop leadership skills beyond what they may have acquired through local association or community experience. Members will benefit from an insider’s view of the structure and programs of NALA while gaining first-hand experience working with volunteers to find ways to get things done. LEAP focuses on working with others, studying and discussing current leadership trends and publications, and provides members with the experience of public speaking and presentations. Congratulations, Candace!!
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MPA Board Members and MPA Board Members and Chairpersons 2010Chairpersons 2010--20112011
PresidentAntoine L. Robinson, NCCP
McGuire Woods, LLP704-343-2047
First Vice President – MembershipPenny H. Higdon, NCCP
Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson704-377-8173
Second Vice President – ProgramsMichelle Kass, CLA
Littler Mendelson, P.C.704-972-7011
Third Vice President – Job BankTiffany Marx Butcher, NCCP
Crumley Roberts704-567-4529
SecretarySusan Randolph, CLA, NCCPRobinson, Bradshaw & Hinson
TreasurerRoxanne Crouch, CP
BB&T Governmental Finance (704) 954-1703
Student/School LiaisonMicah E. DeCamp, CP, NCCP
If you have any questions or comments concerning the MPA or its activities, please feel free to contact any one of the following MPA Board Members.
HistorianChristina J. Lee
McGuire Woods, LLP704-343-2247
ParliamentarianVictoria Swaringen, NCCP
Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A.704-377-8130
NALA LiaisonCandace L. Russell, CP, NCCP
Nexsen Pruet704-338-5337
Patron ChairAngie Bowen, NCCPMcGuire Woods, LLP
Bar Liaison(Open)
Audit ChairSusan Randolph, CLA, NCCPRobinson, Bradshaw & Hinson
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WE WISH TO THANK OUR 2010WE WISH TO THANK OUR 2010--2011 PATRON 2011 PATRON MEMBERS FOR ALL OF THEIR SUPPORTMEMBERS FOR ALL OF THEIR SUPPORT
A. WILLIAM ROBERTS, JR. & A. WILLIAM ROBERTS, JR. & ASSOCIATES COURT REPORTINGASSOCIATES COURT REPORTINGCONTACT: LAURIE BENJAMIN, MARKETING DIRECTOR 6047 TYVOLA GLEN CIRCLECHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28217TELEPHONE: 704-573-3919FACSIMILE: 704-414-6777WEB: WWW.SCHEDULEDEPO.COMEMAIL: [email protected]
CAPITOL SERVICES, INC.CAPITOL SERVICES, INC.CONTACT: DEAN PALLASACCOUNT EXECUTIVE800 BRAZOS, SUITE 400 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 TELEPHONE: 800-345-4647FACSIMILE: 800-432-3622WEB: WWW.CAPITOLSERVICES.COMEMAIL: [email protected]
CAROLINA COPY SERVICES, INC.CAROLINA COPY SERVICES, INC.CONTACT: PERRY MONTGOMERY & RYAN SYLVESTERPRESIDENT, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE1712 EUCLID AVENUECHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28203TELEPHONE: 704-375-9099FACSIMILE: 704-375-8898WEB: WWW.CAROLINACOPYSERVICES.COMEMAIL: [email protected]
CASEWORKSCASEWORKSCONTACT: FRANK MCNALLY, EXECUTIVE DIR OF SALESGARY FULLER, VP OPERATIONS/BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT1550 WESTBROOK PLAZA DRIVEWINSTON-SALEM, NC 27103TELEPHONE: 704-527-8977FACSIMILE: 336-768-7651WEB: WWW.CASEWORKSONLINE.COMEMAIL: [email protected]; [email protected]
CHICAGO TITLE INSURANCE COMPANYCHICAGO TITLE INSURANCE COMPANYCONTACT: SARAH HUTTO FUNKHOUSERVICE PRESIDENT6921 KUCK ROADCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28227TELEPHONE: 980-322-2832FACSIMILE: 704-545-6394WEB: WWW.NORTHCAROLINA.CTT.COM
WWW.DOCPREPONLINE.COMEMAIL: [email protected]
DOCUMENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.DOCUMENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.CONTACT: GREG WESTACCOUNT MANAGER201 S. TRYON STREET, SUITE LL175CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28202TELEPHONE: 704-342-1020FACSIMILE: 704-342-1655WEB: WWW.DTIGLOBAL.COMEMAIL: [email protected]
DOCUMENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.DOCUMENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.CONTACT: GREG WESTACCOUNT MANAGER201 S. TRYON STREET, SUITE LL175CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28202TELEPHONE: 704-342-1020FACSIMILE: 704-342-1655WEB: WWW.DTIGLOBAL.COM
EMAIL: [email protected]
EXECUTIVE DOCUMENT SERVICES, INC.EXECUTIVE DOCUMENT SERVICES, INC.CONTACT: COLIN LERCHACCOUNT EXECUTIVE222 SOUTH CHURCH STREET, SUITE 203CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28202TELEPHONE: 704-334-2800FACSIMILE: 704-334-0306WEB: WWW.EXECUTIVEDOCUMENTSERVICES.COMEMAIL: [email protected]
FIRST AMERICAN TITLE OF THE CAROLINASFIRST AMERICAN TITLE OF THE CAROLINASCONTACT: TRACEY BIRGE & GATES E. GRAINGER, ESQ.COMMERCIAL UNDERWRITER, AGENCY & UNDERWRITING COUNSEL1043 EAST MOREHEAD STREETMOREHEAD CORPORATE PLAZA, SUITE 110CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28204 TELEPHONE: 704-334-3060FACSIMILE: 800-669-8528WEB: [email protected]: [email protected]
HUSEBY, INC.HUSEBY, INC.CONTACT: DEBBIE LAWRENCEBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER1230 WEST MOREHEAD STREET, SUITE 408CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28208TELEPHONE: 704-333-9889FACSIMILE: 704-372-4593WEB: WWW.HUSEBY.COMEMAIL: [email protected]
IVIZEIVIZECONTACT: TOM PAGANIMANAGING PARTNER200 SOUTH TRYON STREET, SUITE 10CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28202-3214TELEPHONE: 704-343-2679FACSIMILE: 704-344-9994WEB: WWW.IVIZE.NETEMAIL: [email protected]
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JD SOLUTIONS, LLCJD SOLUTIONS, LLCCONTACT: JENNIFER B. SAWTELL-DAY13016 EASTFIELD ROAD, SUITE 200-241HUNTERSVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28078TELEPHONE: 704-998-8420FACSIMILE: 704-900-0407WEB: WWW.JDSOLUTIONSLLC.NETEMAIL: [email protected]
NATIONAL CORPORATE RESEARCH, NATIONAL CORPORATE RESEARCH, LTD.LTD.CONTACT: JEANNE CARNAHANVICE PRESIDENT, SALES615 S. DUPONT HIGHWAYDOVER, DELAWARE 19901TELEPHONE: 800-483-1140FACSIMILE: 800-253-5177WEB: WWW.NATIONALCORP.COMEMAIL: [email protected]
NATIONAL DIGITAL FORENSICS, INCNATIONAL DIGITAL FORENSICS, INC..CONTACT: GIOVANNI MASUCCIPRESIDENT/CEOPOST OFFFICE BOX 2125RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27602-2125TELEPHONE: 919-754-8644FACSIMILE: 919-754-8334WEB: WWW.NATLDF.COMEMAIL: [email protected]
NOVA OFFICE STRATEGIES, INC.NOVA OFFICE STRATEGIES, INC.CONTACT: JASON RYANPRESIDENT129 WEST TRADE STREET, SUITE 1420CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28202TELEPHONE: 704-347-0055FACSIMILE: 704-347-3421WEB: WWW.NOVAOFFICE.NETEMAIL: [email protected]
R.B. PHARR & ASSOCIATES, P.A.R.B. PHARR & ASSOCIATES, P.A.CONTACT: CLARK NEILSONPRESIDENT420 HAWTHORNE LANECHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28204TELEPHONE: 704-376-2186FACSIMILE: 704-333-8724WEB: WWW.RBPHARR.COMEMAIL: [email protected]
WE WISH TO THANK OUR 2010WE WISH TO THANK OUR 2010--2011 PATRON 2011 PATRON MEMBERS FOR ALL OF THEIR SUPPORTMEMBERS FOR ALL OF THEIR SUPPORT
SPECIAL COUNSELSPECIAL COUNSELCONTACT: HOLLIS BAUERPLACEMENT DIRECTOR831 E. MOREHEAD STREET, SUITE 740CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28202TELEPHONE: 704-338-9200FACSIMILE: 704-338-1109WEB: WWW.SPECIALCOUNSEL.COM
EMAIL: [email protected]
STEWART TITLE OF THE CAROLINAS, LLCSTEWART TITLE OF THE CAROLINAS, LLCCONTACT: Z. BRENNANVICE PRESIDENT AND BUSINESS MANAGER112 S. TRYON STREET, SUITE 620CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28284TELEPHONE: 704-331-0438FACSIMILE: 704-332-9325WEB: WWW.STEWARTTITLE.COMEMAIL: [email protected]
WILLIAM IVES CONSULTING, INC.WILLIAM IVES CONSULTING, INC.CONTACT: MARVIN MACKAYSALES & CLIENT RELATIONS320 S. TRYON STREETLATTA ARCADE, SUITE 213CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28202-1914TELEPHONE: 704-376-5600FACSIMILE: 704-376-0302WEB: WWW.WICUSA.COMEMAIL: [email protected]
Metrolina Paralegal AssociationPost Office Box 36260Charlotte, NC 28236