28th ipma annual conference & expo promotional brochure

Innovate, Connect, Refresh!2

Welcome to Vancouver! What a beautiful city for the IPMA Annual Conference & Expo, eh? The 2012 Annual Conference Program Committee worked diligently to prepare a wonderful Conference for you, that is focused on providing meaningful sessions for paralegal managers in developing strategies and executable tactics that you can apply quickly and effectively to allow you to maximize the full potential of your role. In addition to the Human Resources, Finance Management and Practice Management workshop tracks, this year we are excited with the addition of a Soft Skills track to round out our learning experience. We have also engaged three highly-recommended general sessions speakers and some great topics for IPMATalk Live! This is one IPMA Annual Conference & Expo that you will not want to miss!

This year’s Annual Conference & Expo will provide the attendees with the opportunity to Innovate, Connect, Refresh. You will have the pleasure of attending many interesting and inspiring sessions with dynamic and passionate speakers. Brian Fraser & the JazzThink Trio will entertain us and teach us about Managing Like a Jazz Musician. Paul Barton will ground us and keep us focused in Focus Pocus: 24 Tricks for Regaining Your Day. Closing out this Annual Conference will be Shari Harley, who will be keeping it real and teaching us How to Say Anything to Anyone: Setting Expectations for Powerful Working Relationships.

These sessions merely represent the beginning, middle and end of the Conference! In between, we have so many great workshops offered by IPMA members, service providers and other valuable contacts, who have come together to develop sessions to share their hard-earned knowledge and experience with us. A small sampling of these sessions include, a presentation on Conflict Resolution Without Conflict, Ricki Frumkin’s session Interviewing Techniques: How to Identify & Acquire the “Ideal” Candidate, and Penny Godwin telling us Everything You Need to Know About Law Firm Finance.

The annual tradition of selecting a local charity continues this year in Vancouver. You will have the opportunity to donate to the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. This charity offers a continuum of care to children and teens with life-threatening illnesses and their families throughout British Columbia.

A city surrounded by majestic coastal mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver’s spectacular scenery and vibrant lifestyle attracts visitors from across the globe. Vancouver was eloquently described in the New York Times as “...Manhattan with mountains. A liquid city, a tomorrow city, equal parts India, China, England, France and the Pacific Northwest. It’s the cool North American sibling.”

This year’s Annual Conference & Expo will be held at the grand Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. With a prime downtown location, it is a castle in the heart of the city, and close to the Robson Street shopping district and many other cultural offerings. Explore everything the Olympic city of Vancouver has to offer on your journey to the IPMA’s 28th Annual Conference & Expo.

See you in October,

Brian J. Bernhard & Glennis A. Fraser 2012 Annual Conference Program Committee Co-Chairs

Table of ContentsWelcome ................................... 2Logistics ................................... 3 Hotel Accommodations ............. 3 Roommate Match ..................... 3 Charitable Contribution ............. 3 Conference Registration ............ 3 Certificate Program ................... 3 First Time Attendee Group Leaders.3 Expo ........................................ 3 Why Attend .............................. 3Schedule at a Glance ..............4–5Exhibitors ................................. 5Sponsors ................................... 5Sessions & Events ................6–11 Events .................................... 6 Wednesday, October 10 ............ 6 Thursday, October 11 ............... 6 Friday, October 12 ................... 9Speaker Information ...........12–17 Alfastsen-Burton .................... 12 Carter-Godwin ....................... 13 Gupta-Hodgins ...................... 14 Huseth-Larson ....................... 15 McCutchen-Snook ................. 16 Straw-Volkert ......................... 17IPMA Conference Closing Event 18Registration Form ............... 19-20

or online at www.paralegalmanagement.org

Welcome

Inukshuk at Sunset -- English Bay.Courtesy of Tourism Vancouver, John Sinal.

IPMA 2012 Annual Conference & Expo 3

Hotel AccommodationsFairmont Hotel Vancouver900 W Georgia StVancouver, BC V6C 2W6Canada(604) 684-3131www.fairmont.com/hotelvancouver

The IPMA has negotiated a room rate of $185.00 CAD per night, plus taxes and fees. This rate will be available until the room block is full (but no later than 5:00 PM PDT on Friday, September 7).

Reservations can be made by visitinghttps://resweb.passkey.com/go/ipma2012 or calling the Fairmont Global Reservation Centre at (800) 257-7544.

Roommate MatchIf you are interested in defraying your housing cost and/or looking for someone to share the Conference experience, the IPMA will be maintaining a list of individuals who are interested in a roommate. Check the ROOMMATE MATCH box on the Conference Registration Form and the IPMA will contact you for your preferences.

Charitable ContributionIPMA attendees give back to the communities they visit. This year, the IPMA has chosen to donate to the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice (www.canuckplace.org). During Thursday and Friday of the Annual Conference & Expo, the IPMA will accept monetary donations through the purchase of numbered prize envelopes. Select envelopes will offer a prize, while others will offer a note of gratitude for your contribution.

Canuck Place offers a comprehensive continuum of care to over 400 children with life-threatening illnesses and their families throughout British Columbia. The program is unique, offering world-class health care within a home-like environment.

Conference RegistrationYou can register on the IPMA’s web site or by completing the registration form on pages 18 and 19 of this Brochure. All registration fees must be paid by check or money order in U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. bank or by major credit card.

Registrations received without full payment will not be processed until payment is received. If payment is received after the registration date deadline, the appropriate registration fee will apply.

Cancellations received in writing by Friday, September 7 are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations received in writing between Saturday, September 8 and Friday, September 21 are eligible for a 50% refund. Cancellations received after Friday, September 21 are nonrefundable.

Substitution from the registrant’s firm is permitted for a $25.00 USD administrative fee. The substitute’s registration fee will be adjusted to the appropriate registration fee category.

Registrations must be received no later than Friday, September 28 to be listed in the official pre-registrant roster that will be available on site.

Certifi cate ProgramEver asked yourself what more you can get out of going to the IPMA Annual Conference or maybe your employer has asked for justification for your attending? Well, take advantage of the Certificate of Participation program. Just sign the attendance sheet when you come to any of the marked Sessions to receive your Certificate of Participation. Your Certificates will indicate that you have received training in skills valuable to your employer and to your continuing education. Certificates will be mailed to session attendees after the Annual Conference. Sessions that qualify for a Certificate are marked with a scroll.

LogisticsFirst Time Attendee Group LeadersLend a helping hand to IPMA members who have never been to an IPMA Annual Conference by signing up to be a first-time attendee group leader. The group leaders should be “experienced” Conference-goers who help new attendees navigate and appreciate everything the IPMA Annual Conference & Expo has to offer. Your role will be to welcome first-time attendees and facilitate small group discussions at the First Time Attendee Orientation. In addition, we ask that you be available to provide direction, answer questions and give support to your group throughout the Conference!

Please sign up to attend the First Time Attendee Orientation as a Group Leader or to be available as a Group Leader throughout the Conference by checking the appropriate box on the Registration Form or by e-mailing IPMA Headquarters [email protected].

ExpoOne of the highlights of the IPMA Annual Conference & Expo is the Expo portion of the program. Beginning with Wednesday’s Welcome Reception, which marks the opening of the Expo, this trade show continues through Friday afternoon. Companies that provide services and products of interest to paralegal managers participate in this show to meet prospective new clients and to connect with existing clients. The Expo showcases these service providers in a low-key, professional atmosphere. The IPMA has enjoyed the support of a number of service providers that exhibit from year to year. Plan now to spend time in the Expo hall to learn more about the services and products offered and to offer support to those who make many of the niceties of the Annual Conference possible.

Why Attend the IPMA Annual Conference & Expo?Experience the revised workshop tracks.

Select from the more than 22 educational program sessions all geared toward the interests of paralegal managers.

Learn from top-notch professionals and peers.

Establish & renew personal connections with peers across the IPMA spectrum.

Connect with service providers for the latest details on services and products for the paralegal manager.

Transfer your newly-gained knowledge and Conference experience with colleagues and staff .


Schedule at a Glance

Wednesday, October 101:00 PM – 2:30 PM Board of Directors Meeting

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM First Time Attendee Orientation

4:45 PM – 5:00 PM Opening Remarks

5:15 PM – 6:15 PMGeneral Session #1

Managing Like a Jazz Musician

Brian Fraser & the JazzThinkTrio

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Welcome Reception & Expo Opening

Thursday, October 117:00 AM – 8:00 AM Expo/Continental Breakfast

8:00 AM – 9:15 AMGeneral Session #2

Focus Pocus: 24 Tricks for Regaining Command of Your Day

Paul H. Burton

9:15 AM – 10:00 AM Expo Refreshment Break

10:00 AM – 11:15 AMWorkshop #1

Budgeting 101

Craig A. Hardesty

Interviewing Techniques: How to Identify & Acquire the “Ideal” Candidate

Ricki Frumkin

Current Trends in Paralegal Management

Tara K. Eberhart, RP &Victoria L. Snook

The Art of Better Listening

Kimberly U. Cooley-Reyes

11:15 AM – 1:15 PM Lunch on Your Own

1:15 PM – 2:30 PMWorkshop #2

Leveraging the US Compensation Survey to Attract & Retain Top Talent

Rhonda G. Carter, Kevin Iredell, Meredith L. Larabee & Jeffrey J. Pouliot

2013 Hiring, Compensation & Retention Trends for Canadian Legal Professionals

Charles A. Volkert, III, Esq.

2:30 PM – 3:15 PM Expo Refreshment Break


Paralegal Profitability: What’s Trending...

Carolyn M. Hilgers

The Art of Negotiation: Turning a Poor Performer into a Successful Employee

Leila Kashani, Esq.

Onboarding New Employees -- Tips for the Manager

Charles E. Stuckey

The Art of Achieving Your Goals Through Others

Karen Tuschak, B.A., CHRP


The Challenges, Risks & Rewards of Using Alternative Fee Arrangements

Jeremy R. Larson

Networking Tips & Tricks for the Paralegal Manager

Suzanne Alfastsen &Brian J. Bernhard

Raising Your Team’s Profile: Effectively Marketing Paralegals

Elizabeth A. Gillis

Coaching & Mentoring: How to Get the Most from Your Senior Paralegals

Janet M. Huseth

FinanceManagement

Human Resources

Practice Management Soft Skills

FinanceManagement

FinanceManagement

Human Resources


FinanceManagement

Human Resources


Canadian


Friday, October 127:00 AM – 8:00 AM Expo/Continental Breakfast

8:00 AM – 9:15 AMWorkshop #5

Everything You Need to Know About Law Firm Finance

Penny J. Godwin

Mentoring & Cross-Training Your Staff: How to Connect & Innovate Our Most Valued Resource

Elise B. Brickner-Schulz

Overtime for Paralegals - A Comparative Approach: US & Canada

Tammy D. McCutchen, Esq. &Donovan Plomp

Conflict Resolution Without Conflict

Gary L. Melhuish

9:15 AM – 10:00 AM Expo Refreshment Break

10:00 AM – 11:30 AMGeneral Session #3

IPMATalk Live!

Gary L. Melhuish

11:30 AM – 1:15 PM Annual Business Meeting Luncheon

1:15 PM – 1:45 PM Expo Refreshment Break


Metrics - A Measure of Success!

Christy K. Stouffer

How to Hire & Fire Without Tears

Neena Gupta & Stacie V. Straw, SPHR

Building Strong Relationships with Your Internal & External Clients

Leigh A. Hodgins &Joyce M. McGuiney

Wish You Were Here (or I Was There): Managing Paralegals Across Multiple Offices

Suzanne E. Harwood &Julia T. Johns

3:05 PM – 4:20 PMGeneral Session #4

How to Say Anything to Anyone: Setting Expectations for Powerful Working Relationships

Shari Harley

4:20 PM – 4:45 PM IPMA Raffle

5:30 PM – 8:30 PM IPMA Conference Closing Event with CT Corporation

Saturday, October 139:00 AM – 2:00 PM Board of Directors Meeting/Leadership Development Seminar

Schedule at a Glance

FinanceManagement

Human Resources


FinanceManagement

Human Resources

Practice Management

Human Resources/Soft Skills

Exhibitors (as of Monday, October 1)

Alderson Court ReportingALF Software, Inc.ClioCorporation Service CompanyCT CorporationDye & Durham CorporationEpiq SystemsFirst Corporate Solutions, Inc.Geotext TranslationsIncorporating Services, Ltd.Kelly Law RegistryMeridian Legal TempsNational Network of Reporting CompaniesPark IP TranslationsPlante Moran ProjecTemps (f/k/a Blackman Kallick)Robert Half LegalSpecial CounselThomson ReutersTower Legal SolutionsTransPerfect Legal Solutions

Sponsors (as of Monday, October 1)

Platinum LevelCT Corporation

Gold LevelSpecial CounselTransPerfect Legal Solutions

Silver LevelALM Legal IntelligenceKelly Law RegistryLaw Counsel Staffi ngMcCarthy Tétrault LLP

Bronze LevelBlack Letter DiscoveryEldor-Wal Registrations LtdESC Corporate Services, Ltd.King & SpaldingLegal E - Employment PartnersMcMillan LLPMeagher & Geer, P.L.L.P.Merrill CorporationMiller Nash LLPMODUS, LLCOnCorp Direct Inc.The Partners GroupTower Legal Solutions, Inc.


Wednesday, October 10General Session #15:00 PM - 6:15 PM

Managing Like a Jazz MusicianBrian J. Fraser, Ph.D. & the JazzThink Trio

By the end of this engaging and entertaining keynote, you will have reimagined how to manage and market the value that your team of paralegals delivers to your organization. The Jazzthink Trio will help you identify the qualities of productive teamwork. Jazzthink’s lead provocateur, Brian Fraser, will introduce you to the 5 essential conversations that generate SMARTer teamwork. You will leave the session inspired and equipped to manage like a jazz musician – using conversation that clarify melodies, generate harmonies and system the rhythms of paralegal management excellence.

Upon completion, attendees will be able to:

Implement a new metaphor for managing paralegal teams.

Reimagine the way your voice can create a vibe that generates value one conversation after another.

Thursday, October 11General Session #28:00 AM - 9:15 AM

Focus Pocus: 24 Tricks for Regaining Command of Your DayPaul H. Burton

In this age of hyper-connectedness, the world seems to spin faster and faster. No matter how hard or long we work, we often finish the day right where we started. It feels like we’re treading water!

That’s about to change.

Focus Pocus delivers a host of best practices for staying focused, getting more done, and enjoying greater personal and professional satisfaction. Not a single magic trick is involved. These are straightforward tips that put you back in charge of your work and success. Using any or all of these principles, attendees can gain six plus minutes of productivity a day which adds up to twenty-four hours of additional productivity a year. That’s three days of work off your desk!


Make a direct connection between productivity and its relationship to success.

Utilize two dozen suggestions for increasing productivity and command over work and life.

Become motivated to achieve greater career and personal success.

Sessions & Events

Events

Wednesday, October 103:30 PM - 4:30 PMFirst Time Attendee OrientationIs this your first IPMA Conference? Don’t worry. This orientation provides first-timers with an overview of what to expect at the Annual Conference & Expo and how to navigate the various events and opportunities. In addition, first-timers will have the opportunity to get to know other first-timers in small groups led by veteran IPMA Conference-goers. The orientation is designed to get your first Conference started off right!

6:30 PM - 7:30 PMWelcome Reception & Expo OpeningWelcome to Vancouver and the 28th IPMA Annual Conference & Expo! Join us for a reception with great food, drink and conversation, as you make new friends and renew those formed over the years.

Friday, October 1211:30 AM - 1:15 PMAnnual Business Meeting Luncheon*Come celebrate the achievements of 2012, participate in the business session and look ahead to the coming year at the Annual Business Meeting Luncheon. The members take center stage as the leadership recognizes their commitment to the Association through their involvement in the Association and their communities.

4:20 PM - 4:45 PMIPMA RaffleVisit the IPMA Expo and have your raffle card signed to qualify to win great prizes. Previous prizes have included GPS devices, tablets, gift certificates and much more! Don’t miss this exciting event because you must be present to win!

Saturday, October 139:00 AM - 2:00 PMBoard of Directors Meeting/Leadership Development Seminar*Join the IPMA Board of Directors at their post-Conference meeting! Here you can learn about the inner workings of your elected Association governance, while developing your own Association leadership skills. Seating is limited to 35 due to space limitations.*Open to all attendees, but requires pre-registration to attend.

2011 Dowtown Vancouver Aerial.Courtesy of Tourism Vancouver, Albert Normandin.


Workshop #21:15 PM - 2:30 PM

Leveraging the US Compensation Survey to Attract & Retain Top TalentRhonda G. Carter, Kevin Iredell, Meredith L. Larabee & Jeff rey J. Pouliot

Monitoring salary trends to attract and retain top talent can be challenging in today’s market. Having access to the most up-to-date compensation (salary and bonus) data can help you set fair competitive pay levels and attract and keep your top talent engaged. The Annual Compensation Survey for Paralegals/Legal Assistants and Managers can be one of the most valuable resources at your disposal. This program will help you understand the changes made to the 2012 Compensation Survey. This program will also help you understand how to utilize the information provided in the survey to its greatest potential in order to make the most efficient and beneficial use of the data.


Understand and leverage the enhancements made to the 2012 Compensation Survey.

Effectively negotiate and manage compensation issues with confidence.

Present your annual compensation budget to firm/upper management with supporting data.

2013 Hiring, Compensation & Retention Trends for Canadian Legal ProfessionalsCharles A. Volkert, III, Esq.

Please join us as Robert Half Legal discusses cutting-edge information for the Canadian Legal Professionals. We will review current employment trends as well as discuss retention ideas for your organization. The Robert Half Legal survey also reviews salaries and trends in Canada and discussion will ensue as to how to use this useful tool.


Comprehend hiring, compensation and retention trends in the Canadian legal market.

Understand, at a high level, how to adapt this information to meet the needs of their respective organizations.

Workshop #110:00 AM - 11:15 AM

Budgeting 101Craig A. Hardesty

Creating an accurate budget is a task we all encounter. Here you will interact with the speaker and your peers to understand the purpose of your department budget, the impact of the overall bottom line of the organization and how to decide where to charge items within your budget.


Develop a department budget.Understand the purpose of budgeting

and the process.Determine budgetary items for which

you are accountable.Make the best and most accurate

estimates.

Interviewing Techniques: How to Identify & Acquire the “Ideal” CandidateRicki Frumkin

This session will cover the ins and outs of the interview process. The speaker will discuss how to determine what makes a successful candidate from reviewing resumes through the entire interview process. She will highlight what should be included in a great resume as well as how, as a potential employer, to deal with gaps and unemployment issues that face potential candidates in today’s challenging job market. She will discuss interviewing pitfalls, including topics and questions to avoid and will also cover the best ways to elicit answers from a candidate without asking direct questions. You will learn acceptable and unacceptable ways to form questions you wish to ask the candidate during the interview. This session will also help you to read a resume in a more in-depth way to determine if the candidate has potential that you are not seeing on first glance. This will be an interactive session where questions will be welcome.


Recognize a successful candidate on paper and in person.

Address resume gaps, including contract work and unemployment.

Know the questions to avoid in an interview.

Avoid implied job offerings through careful interview semantic choices.

Successfully elicit information without asking “the question”.

Discuss the positives and negatives of interview evaluation forms and make an informed decision as to whether they are the right fit for your company.

Current Trends in Paralegal Management Tara K. Eberhart, RP & Victoria L. Snook

An open discussion addressing the complexities of the paralegal manager’s role, and identifying current trends in the profession. The session will be moderated by a paralegal manager and will feature two consultants from one of Canada’s largest recruitment firms.


Identify current trends in the profession.

Have a practical understanding of the tools & techniques to identify, track and analyze these trends.

Anticipate challenges and potential growth opportunities.

The Art of Better ListeningKimberly U. Cooley-Reyes

Ever notice how some people are better at listening than others? What makes a good listener? How does one become a great listener? As managers, we are challenged with listening to employees, peers and superiors, but do we really hear them? How can we make sure that we do?

The Art of Better Listening will challenge attendees to increase the depth of knowledge they have with respect to what may appear to be a simple skill, but is one of the most important skills that a manager can possess: Listening.


Recognize “artful” versus “non-artful”listening skills.

Understand the nuances associated with listening.

Determine what enhanced listening techniques you can add to your own repertoire of skills.

Make listening not just a skill, but an art.

Sessions & Events



Paralegal Profitability: What’s Trending...Carolyn M. Hilgers

Paralegal profitability is a challenge facing many law firms. Competition for billable hours is fierce, productivity has decreased and margins have declined. Some legal work is now considered clerical while other tasks have been devalued. With increased pricing controls, some billing rates are flat while others are increasing at a modest pace. The impact of each metric on profitability requires a paralegal to increase efficiency, perform higher value work, and shift work to lower level timekeepers.


Evaluate the billable hour requirement.

Regularly track write-offs and analyze realization reports.

Work with paralegals to decrease write-offs by leveraging and properly recording billable and administrative time.

Identify high value work and determine who should be performing tasks.

Improve paralegal skills to meet the demand for higher value work.

The Art of Negotiation: Turning a Poor Performer into a Successful EmployeeLeila Kashani, Esq.

This session will focus on how negotiation skills can be used to supplement and reinforce your management and leadership skills as you work with those employees who are particularly challenging. Do you manage them out, or can you turn them around? By choosing the latter path, you may just find that you’ll have an employee who is not only productive, but successful, dedicated, and loyal.


Identify and understand the basic theories of negotiation.

Understand how negotiation fits within the broader perspective for managing conflict.

Apply negotiation techniques to help you become more collaborative.

Blend these new skills with your management and leadership skills to help you master the art of negotiation.

Onboarding New Employees -- Tips for the ManagerCharles E. Stuckey

This workshop will cover new employee orientation after the Human Resources orientation to integrate the new employee into your team and to best equip them for the challenges ahead. Sample checklists and training schedules will be shared to demonstrate approaches that can be used for onboarding.


Design an orientation program for new paralegals.

Identify components of a training program which will lead to successful integration of new paralegals.

Understand the importance of designating mentors for new paralegals.

Develop and use checklists effectively.

The Art of Achieving Your Goals Through OthersKaren Tuschak, BA, CHRP

The bucket of roles and responsibilities that paralegals managers are expected to handle is constantly expanding. While this expansion leads to new and exciting opportunities for paralegal managers it also means that we have less available time to meeting our rapidly expanding goals and objectives. Achieving your goals on your own is no longer possible in the interconnected world in which we all now work. The multitude of people that you must interact with in order to accomplish your goals ranges from colleagues, to employees, to attorneys, to Business Partners and so on. Achieving the buy-in from others is key to getting them to meaningfully participate and help successfully achieve your goals. This workshop will examine how to motivate and influence others to build momentum and obtain their buy-in. It will examine how to complete your goals working with others who are not helping because they have to but because they want to.


Set goals that are achievable.Develop a road map of how to get

things done through others. Inspire others to see it your way.Achieve greatness through the masses.


The Challenges, Risks & Rewards of Using Alternative Fee AgreementsJeremy R. Larson

In this session we will examine industry trends, the various types of Alternative Fee Agreements (AFAs), the need for appropriate levels of subject matter expertise, the development of key financial metrics, and best practices in utilizing paralegals to meet client and firm objectives. We anticipate the attendees will be in a position to consider the various roles paralegals and paralegal managers can play in the successful implementation of AFAs.


Understand industry trends regarding alternatives to the billable hour.

Gather historical financial information, advising and consulting with decision makers.

Assist with budgets and development of financial metrics.

Successfully manage projects through completion.

Follow up with responsible attorneys (and client) to assess what went well and what could be improved.

Participate in the development of best practices.

Networking Tips & Tricks for the Paralegal ManagerSuzanne Alfastsen & Brian J. Bernhard

“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” If this famous saying is indeed true, to be successful in our careers, we need to find ways to get to know the right people! Networking has always been important in the legal industry, but the strategies and platforms are ever-changing. You will discuss and learn the various ways to network yourself and your firm/company in both the in-person and online environments from the perspective of a paralegal manager and a Business Partner.


Know how to network differently in-person versus online.

Identify individual needs and goals for networking in the legal community.

Utilize different techniques of networking on behalf of yourself and on behalf of your firm/company.

Incorporate tools and strategies to effectively network in-person and online.

Sessions & Events


Coaching & Mentoring: How to Get the Most from Your Senior ParalegalsJanet M. Huseth

While having a team of senior paralegals or case specialists on your staff reaps tremendous benefits in terms of utilizing their skill sets for training purposes and having them mentor junior team members; we can’t lose sight of the fact that it is a manager’s responsibility to keep them engaged and current in their paralegal role. You must focus on what drives your senior paralegals to perform well and maintain a level of professionalism that you expect all staff to uphold. We will discuss ways to align your goals with your senior team, and nurture them even at their advanced level. In this session, we will learn motivation tactics, how to keep your team focused and on track, and how to position yourself to be an effective leader of even the most senior staff members.


Understanding how their department’s goals may impact their experienced paralegals.

Develop strategies which help to engage senior paralegals in their continued professional development.

Utilize motivational tactics which will positively influence senior paralegals.

Raising Your Teams’s Profile: Effectively Marketing ParalegalsElizabeth A. Gillis

In this day and age of social media and work being assigned through email and other electronic devices, are your paralegals becoming a hidden source of talent? Are they becoming backroom people who have lost their identity? This session will help you form a plan to showcase your paralegals. It will help you train your paralegals how to market themselves effectively by developing their worth and adding value to their organisations, how to have their talents recognized so that they become indispensible, and how to build trust through healthy relationships with their bosses and peers.


Design a plan.Identify the knowledge, natural

talents, interests, personalities and values within your team.

Develop paralegal practices that “add value” and lead to personal satisfaction on the job such as going above and beyond the job description, doing good work, communicating effectively.

Create marketing strategies to profile your group.

Define activities to help your paralegals climb into the spotlight.

Friday, October 12Workshop #58:00 AM - 9:15 AM

Everything You Need to Know About Law Firm FinancePenny J. Godwin

Feeling perplexed when reviewing profitability statements? Understanding key terminology used in financial discussions is critical to being a player when discussing utilization and profitability with upper management. Comprehending the key components to your monthly profitability statements and leveraging utilization will also help support your request to add personnel. Let’s remove the mysterious cloak and take an in-depth look at what drives revenues, costs, and realization, and interpret and leverage paralegal utilization to its greatest potential.


Understand how paralegal utilization and realization fit into the bottom line of law firm revenues

Support paralegal utilization through statistical analyses.

Understand the terms used in the world of finance and how to speak with the big boys when discussing utilization, direct and indirect costs, and profitability

Mentoring & Cross-Training Your Staff: How to Connect & Innovate Our Most Valued ResourceElise B. Brickner-Schulz

As we begin to pull out of these troubled times we need to get our teams re-motivated, re-invigorated, and re-connected. Through a solid mentoring program and the opportunity for cross-training, we can maximize the efficiency, productivity, and longevity of our paralegals.


Identify effective cross-training scenarios.

Implement an efficient cross-training model.

Identify different mentoring styles.Implement a successful mentoring

program, including resources for checklists, incentives and evaluations.

Sessions & Events

Granville Island at Night.Courtesy of Tourism Vancouver, Coast Mountain Photography.


Overtime for Paralegals - A Comparative Approach:US & CanadaTammy D. McCutchen, Esq. & Donovan G. Plomp

This interactive workshop will provide an introduction to current laws, case law and practices. Wherever possible, the speakers will highlight similarities and differences between Canada and the United States.


Understand statutory requirements and entitlements.

Comprehend key concepts to look for in reviewing or drafting an overtime policy.

Conflict Resolution Without ConflictGary L. Melhuish

Managing conflict resolution is a challenge for most leaders. While it is never a leader’s first choice to address difficult issues with team members, colleagues, friends or family, learning the discipline and skills through communication, negotiation and conflict resolution will result in positive changes within your organization. Improving internal collaboration through positive conflict resolution is not just checking the box, but truly collaborating and working together with a shared intention of improving the outcome without additional conflict. If you start with respect, you and your team will emerge with greater outcomes, critical to your future success.


Understand why conflict resolution without conflict is key to your organizations success.

Engage collaboration through conflict resolution to leverage success and build stronger teams.

End workplace blame and mistrust and replace negative interaction with a climate of respect and appreciation.

General Session #310:00 AM - 11:30 AM

IPMATalk Live!Gary L. Melhuish

Welcome to IPMATalk Live! - the session where you get to determine the content. Moderated roundtable discussions will facilitate the sharing of tips and thoughts on a number of the most important topics facing paralegal managers. IPMA members consistently report that this session is one of their favorites. Senior managers, new managers, working managers, from corporate and firm settings agree that getting to network with their peers and to discuss the most pressing issues of their jobs is an essential part of the conference. Bring your thoughts and concerns for immediate feedback at IPMATalk Live!


Metrics - A Measure of Success!Christy K. Stouff er

How do we quantify success? If something is worth doing, it’s worth measuring. In this interactive session, we will explore the definition of core goals for your organization and how your department can use metrics to contribute to those goals. We will discuss what’s worth measuring, how to measure it in a meaningful way, how to learn from the metrics you gather and how to use them to add value to your department and to your organization.


Understand the metrics lifecycle.Identify core goals.Know what to measure.Utilize measurement methods.Utilize the information to position your

department for success!

How to Hire & Fire Without Tears Neena Gupta & Stacie V. Straw, SPHR

Competent and engaged employees are key to a productive workforce. Managers find it difficult to hire and even more to fire employees. A session of lively and knowledgeable panelists from the US and Canada will demystify the hiring and termination process, drawing from recent court and tribunal decisions. Attendees will be encouraged to challenge our panelists with questions and scenarios.


Understand potentially devastating onboarding mistakes.

Learn strategies to make the difficult termination conversation as painless as possible.

Identify legal issue and implications that can arisue during the hiring and firing process.

Building Strong Relationships with Your Internal & External ClientsLeigh A. Hodgins &Joyce M. McGuiney

This session will explore the importance of relationship building in providing enhanced client service whether it is between the in-house legal team and the business units within the corporation that require its services, between the paralegals in a law firm and the lawyers for whom they work, or between in-house paralegals and law firm paralegals working together to satisfy the needs of the lawyers and clients.


Develop best practices for internal and external client satisfaction.

Utilize techniques to coach and train your employees on developing stronger and better client relationships.

Identify problems within a relationship before a break-up becomes inevitable.

Session & Events


Wish You Were Here (or I Was There): Managing Paralegals Across Multiple OfficesSuzanne E. Harwood &Julia T. Johns

Addressing the challenges a paralegal manager faces when managing across multiple offices requires a specific and intentional approach. Keeping abreast of local developments and staying plugged-in to the current situation, while allowing your paralegals to maintain an appropriate level of day-to-day control, is vital to creating the right environment and level of involvement. In this session, we will explore the challenges of managing in different locations including understanding office cultures, establishing (or not) local leadership, and staying connected. We will also discuss best practices for staffing cross-office work, conducting different types of meetings, staying informed, and building/maintaining morale.


Establish a communication framework for each office.

Utilize technology to better "connect" with your teams.

Take steps to understand local office cultures, relationships, resources, and reporting requirements.

Evaluate current staffing to determine appropriate levels based on productivity/skill sets and if opportunities exist for local leadership.

Analyze the costs and benefits of traveling to multiple offices.

Develop cross-office work distribution procedures.

Sessions & EventsGeneral Session #43:05 PM - 4:20 PM

How to Say Anything to Anyone: Setting Expectations for Powerful Working RelationshipsShari Harley

You have a request for someone in IT, but you don’t know how to say it, so you don’t say anything. A project you worked on for six months has become a black hole. There is no information about the status. You’re frustrated but you don’t say anything. One of your colleagues isn’t pulling her weight. It’s impacting you, but you don’t say anything. Speaking up when we are frustrated is hard and, as a result, most of us don’t. Instead, either we tell other people (aka gossip) or we say nothing, and relationships become strained. You can say anything to anyone and have it be easy. You just need to lay the ground work to do so, and most of us don’t


Build trust in all of your relationships, making it easier to say hard things.

Find out what the people you work with need from you, so you don’t have to guess.

Tell others what you need, making it more likely that your needs are met.

Receive more feedback and implement it.

Lookout - City View.Courtesty of Tourism Vancouver, Lookout! Vancouver.


Suzanne AlfastsenSuzanne joined Kelly Law Registry (KLR) in July 2002 as Managing Director. Kelly Law Registry is a business unit of Kelly Services, Inc. KLR specializes in placing legal professionals in contract positions, direct placement and project teams. Since 2009 Suzanne has managed the operations of the Kelly National Discovery Project Center an ‘onshore’ eDiscovery project center with the

capacity to staff 200+ attorneys.

Prior to joining she spent 2 years as a Marketing Representative for Ceridian Employer Services providing payroll and benefit solutions to corporate clients. 7 years were spent with Lexis Publishing in the Law Firm Market encompassing various education and management roles.

Suzanne began her sales consultant career shortly after earning her BS degree from Wayne State University. She embarked on a career in the IT industry, where she spent 8 years providing networking, integration, desktop publishing solutions to various private/public companies, government, and education clients. Suzanne has been trained by the top tier hardware and software suppliers during her tenure in the IT industry. 10 years were spent as a part time adjunct professor at a local community college teaching computer applications.

She is professionally involved in elected Membership Chair –ALSP Board Easter Chapter of Michigan, currently serving a 2nd term, IPMA Membership Committee Volunteer- 4th year and Crain’s In-House Counsel Summit Committee- 2nd year.

Suzanne personally volunteers with the National Kidney Foundation Michigan-Oakhurst Golf Classic-4th year as member of the board, WYB- board member for fundraising-3rd year, Government Affairs Committee Member- Automation Alley representing Kelly Services, 100+ Women Volunteer and prepares 5th & 6th Graders for learning TM at Nataki Talibah Schoolhouse a Detroit Charter School.

Brian J. BernhardBrian is the Legal Administrator at the immigration law firm of Elkind Alterman Harston PC. He has been working in the field of immigration since the mid 1990s, where he started his career in the consular section of U.S. Embassy in Bonn, Germany. Since 2001, Brian has worked in law office management positions focusing on office operations and paralegal and legal support

staff supervision. He also teaches immigration law and legal writing and research courses as an Adjunct Faculty Member of the paralegal program at Westwood College Online. Brian is an active member of the IPMA and serves as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Board of Directors and as Co-Chair of the 2012 Annual Conference Program Committee.

Elise B. Brickner-SchulzElise Brickner-Schulz joined Miller Nash in 1987. Elise is an experienced paralegal in the practice areas of securities, corporate, and shareholder disputes; banking and financial institutions; litigation, arbitration, and mediation; products liability; and public policy and government.

Elise has assisted in over 60 trials and has had extensive contact with clients, including an internationally known manufacturer. She has designed and implemented in-house litigation management systems, as well as coordinated and overseen 30 outside counsel to work on over 80 cases nationwide.

As the firm’s director of legal support services, she is responsible for supervising the firm’s paralegals, project staff, and librarians, as well as coordinating workloads and conducting reviews of these staff. She is also involved in the firm’s new associate training program, assists in training new litigation associates, and is a member of the firm’s Diversity, Pro Bono, Technology, and Safety Committees. She is also co-chair of the firm’s Green Team.

Elise is professionally involved in Portland Community College Paralegal Program Advisory Board member, International Paralegal Management Association Past President; Former Vice President of membership and Secretary-Treasurer, Oregon Paralegal Association, member, National Bar Association, associate member, Multnomah County Bar Association, associate member and Oregon Women Lawyers Foundation, associate member.

She has been awarded the Unsung Legal Hero of the Year Award, Daily Journal of Commerce (2011), Quilted Northern—Soft & Strong Champions Award (2010), Susan G. Komen Oregon & Southwest Washington—Strength of Many Award (2009), International Paralegal Management Association—Community Spirit Award and International Paralegal Management Association—President’s Award.

Elise personally volunteers with OAJC, vice president, board member, and development committee chair, Multnomah County Victims Impact Panel, speaker, Robison Home, Quality Management and Corporate Compliance Committee Member, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, 2010 Race cochair, Oregon NARAL, former board member and active in organizations that serve the needs of mentally retarded persons, as well as various women’s political organizations.

When not working or volunteering, Elise loves to garden, read, and travel with her husband.

Paul H. BurtonPaul is a former corporate finance attorney, software executive, and serial entrepreneur. As a nationally recognized time management expert, he helps lawyers and legal professionals regain control of their day, get more done, and enjoy greater personal and professional satisfaction. Paul is the creator of the revolutionary QuietSpacing® productivity method and speaks regularly to professionals about making better use of

their limited time. You can learn more about Paul and his practice at www.quietspacing.com.

Speaker Information


Brian J. Fraser, Ph.D. & the JazzThink TrioBrian Fraser is a speaker and coach who founded Jazzthink in 2002. He provokes people to generate SMARTer teams by mastering 5 essential conversations. He has been a

pastor, professor and college administrator. Find out more at www.jazzthink.com.

The Jazzthink Trio is composed of Cory Weeds on sax, Bill Weeds on guitar, and Doug Stephenson on bass. Cory owns Cory Weeds’ Cellar Jazz Club, one of DownBeat magazine’s 100 best jazz clubs in the world. Find out more at www.cellarjazz.com.

Ricki FrumkinRicki Frumkin is the Executive Director of Law Resources, Inc. Since 1999, Ms. Frumkin has been engaged in the recruitment and placement of paralegals and attorneys for temporary and permanent positions in Washington, DC firms.

Prior to 1999, Ms. Frumkin was the Office Administrator and Director of Client Services for a law firm in the Washington, DC area

where among other duties, she was responsible for interviewing and hiring all staff members.

Ms. Frumkin has extensive experience in all aspects of recruiting, screening and placement of paralegals and contract attorneys.

Elizabeth A. GillisElizabeth specializes in corporate law, law clerk management, and customized training within the legal profession and not-for-profits. She taught the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario courses at community colleges in Toronto. She has made many presentations on corporate legal procedures and professional development. She has been published in Legal Assistant Today and other publications, and has authored 4 books on

corporate legal procedure. She has held leadership positions in the IPMA and ILCO.

Penny J. GodwinPenny Godwin has been employed with Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt, P.C. since 1986 and has been the firm’s paralegal manager since 2004. Prior to her promotion to the firm’s management team she specialized in probate, trust administration, guardianships and conservatorships, and federal estate and state inheritance tax matters. She now manages the firm’s staff of over 50 paralegals, patent agents, land

use planners and other non attorney specialists in the Portland, Seattle, Vancouver and Bend offices. Penny is involved in the Oregon Humane Society (Volunteer Cattery Safety and Customer Service Instructor), American Mensa, Ltd. (Portland Chapter Member) and is the Court Appointment Special Advocate (CASA) for Grant-Harney Counties in Oregon.

Rhonda G. CarterRhonda Carter is the Director of Paralegals at Williams & Connolly LLP in Washington, D.C. She graduated from Radford University and received her master’s degree in legal administration from Marymount University in Arlington, VA. Rhonda served as Co-Chair of the IPMA Washington DC Chapter from 2009-2011. She also currently serves on the advisory board at the George Washington

University Paralegal Studies Program.

Kimberly U. Cooley-ReyesKimberly U. Cooley-Reyes is the Patent Practice Support Manager at Morrison & Foerster LLP in Palo Alto, California. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from San Francisco State University, a Paralegal Certificate from the ABA approved Paralegal Program at St. Mary’s College, and a J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law. Ms. Cooley-Reyes has been in the

legal field for 26 years as a paralegal and a manager. She is a past Chair for the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of IPMA, as well as a former Vice President, Membership. Currently, Ms. Cooley-Reyes is an active panel member at various Paralegal job fairs in the Bay Area. Her professional philosophy is to work hard and laugh every day; her professional passion is talent development, assisting employees on their journeys from A-Z and beyond.

Tara K. Eberhart, RPTara Kim Eberhart is the Senior Firmwide Paralegal Manager at McKenna Long & Aldridge where she oversees a program of 110 paralegals supporting thirteen offices. Prior to her tenure at McKenna, Ms. Eberhart was a Senior Paralegal specializing in Intellectual Property (Patent) litigation. Ms. Eberhart earned her undergraduate degree from the University of

Mary Washington (1993) and her Masters in Legal Administration (MALA) from Marymount University (2011). She served as Co-Chair of the Washington D.C. Chapter of the International Paralegal Management Association (2011), was a Past President and Advisory Board Member of the National Capital Area Paralegal Association (NCAPA) and the recipient of the Paralegal Program Excellence Award (2010). Ms. Eberhart is a member of the George Washington University Paralegal Studies Program Advisory Board and a current member of the faculty (Adjunct Professor, Litigation). She is a frequent speaker and author on issues affecting the paralegal profession including effective financial management strategies and leveraging technology within a legal environment. Ms. Eberhart’s career, association involvement and professional achievements are made possible by her husband Robert and their daughter, Madison.

Speaker Information


Suzanne E. HarwoodSuzanne Harwood is the Senior Director of Paralegal Services & Litigation Support for DLA Piper US LLP, based in the firm’s Palo Alto office. Prior to joining DLA Piper, Suzanne was Paralegal Manager and interim legal technology manager for Skadden Arps in Chicago. She began her career as a Litigation paralegal at Sidley & Austin and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in

Paralegal Studies from Winona State University. Pro bono work has always been important to Suzanne, and she is proud to have served on the board of directors for Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, as well serving as a legal services volunteer.

Carolyn M. HilgersCarolyn Hilgers is the firm wide Director of Paralegal Services for King & Spalding LLP’s seventeen domestic and international offices. Carolyn is primarily responsible for the functions associated with staffing, utilization, productivity and performance of the firm’s 190 specialists, paralegals, practice support and project assistants. She is also responsible for the firm’s docketing and court services and provides support for

other non-lawyer timekeepers. She also supervises the firm’s audit letter response process.

Carolyn has over 26 years of legal experience including 22 years in paralegal management. She has been a member of the International Paralegal Management Association for 16 years and has chaired and served on several Committees and on the Board of Directors. She is a Life Member and Past President of the IPMA and a frequent speaker at the Annual Conference.

Carolyn holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Regis University with a double major in marketing and psychology in business and industry. She received paralegal certification from the Denver Paralegal Institute. Carolyn is also an advisory board member for the ABA approved Samford University paralegal studies program.

Leigh A. HodginsLeigh Hodgins has been a corporate paralegal for over 20 years and the Assistant Corporate Secretary (Canada) of Spectra Energy Corp for over six years. Leigh is responsible for the Canadian Corporate Secretarial and corporate governance functions of Spectra Energy and oversees the maintenance of the records of both the public and private Canadian entities. Leigh also provides

assistance to the Spectra Energy Mergers and Acquisition group.

Leigh is a member of the Canadian Society of Corporate Secretaries and a former member of International Paralegal Management Association (IPMA).

Leigh is an active board member and Vice President of the Ridge Meadows Recycling Society. A community-based, non-profit organization that advocates zero waste, operates responsible waste reduction services and provides environmental education and employs people with developmental disabilities.

Neena GuptaMs. Gupta is an internationally-recognized employment lawyer who works for individuals and Fortune 500 companies alike. She is a partner at Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP, one of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious law firms. An experienced university-level lecturer, she is a popular speaker at events organized by numerous legal and human resource organizations, including the

International Bar Association and the Canadian Human Resources Professionals Association. She handles employment litigation at all levels of courts and tribunals and frequently assists companies in avoiding problems by ensuring that employment documentation and procedures are up to legal and industry standards. She was formerly a governor of the Ontario Law Commission, which consults on issues relating to law reform, and is currently on the Rules committee of the Ontario Courts. She has a passion for creativity and entrepreneurship. The first she indulges by playing the piano (badly) and the second she supports by being an active member of TiE, the world’s largest not-for-profit organization supporting entrepreneurship.

Craig A. HardestyCraig Hardesty is the Manager of Paralegal Services for the Atlanta office of King & Spalding and also teaches in the Emory University Paralegal program. Before joining the firm, he was the Director of Human Resources for an international software company. Craig received his paralegal certificate from NCPT: The National Center for Paralegal Training where he subsequently taught a variety of courses and served as the

Director of Career Services, Dean of Students, and the Executive Director. Before joining NCPT, Craig was a paralegal and the program administrator for the Georgia Law Center for the Homeless and a Policy Associate for the Georgia Center for Nonprofits. He has worked at two universities as the Coordinator of Judicial Affairs where he developed programs to stem campus violence and create living and learning environments. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Towson State University and a Master of Public Administration from Georgia State University.

Shari HarleyShari Harley runs Candid Culture, a training and consulting firm making it safe to tell the truth at work. Shari is the author of the book How to Say Anything to Anyone, has a master’s degree in Communication and taught leadership development at the University of Denver. Her almost alarmingly engaging style makes it impossible to nod off in her programs. You’ll be laughing while

you’re learning, and will walk away with tools and techniques to transform any relationship.

Watch videos and learn more about Shari at www.leadershipandsalestraining.com.

Speaker Information


Leila Kashani, Esq.Leila Kashani is Business Development Vice President with Special Counsel, Inc, the nation’s largest provider of legal staffing solutions. She advises law firms and corporations in the Washington, DC market regarding both managed review and non-managed staffing solutions for a broad range of workforce needs. In this role, she collaborates closely with clients regarding

optimum ways to utilize a variety of legal professionals including project managers, highly specialized knowledgeworker attorneys, legal nurses, paralegals, and document reviewers. During her tenure at Special Counsel, Leila has been awarded consecutive President’s Club honors each year.

For a number of years, Leila has enjoyed her involvement with Women in E-discovery. Currently, she serves as the organization’s Southeast Regional Director. She has presented on Alternative Staffing Models at the Annual NALP Education Conference, spoken on several law school and law firm career panels regarding career opportunities and job search strategies, and serves on Adecco Group North America’s Corporate Social Responsibility & Inclusion Council. Before joining Special Counsel in 2004, Leila practiced at two Washington, DC law firms. She received a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2001 and a B.A. from Georgetown University in 1996.

Meredith L. LarabeeMeredith has served as the Director of Legal Professionals for Snell & Wilmer L.L.C. for 23 years. She is responsible for handling the daily business affairs for the Legal Professionals Group, which consists of 58 paralegals, 33 project assistants, and 17 records assistants in 7 locations (Phoenix, Tucson, Costa Mesa, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Denver, and Las Vegas) and supervising an in-house paralegal training staff.

Meredith is a Past President of the IPMA, a co-founder of the IPMA Phoenix Chapter and the Maricopa County Bar Association Paralegal Division, and an original member of NALA’s ACP advisory committee. Today she serves on the advisory boards for NFPA and the paralegal programs for Phoenix College and Everest College, Phoenix, AZ. Prior to joining Snell & Wilmer, Meredith was the principal administrator for the CBS Law Department, New York, New York.

Jeremy R. LarsonJake Larson is a member at Foster Pepper PLLC. His practice focuses on Litigation & Dispute Resolution as well as Employment & Labor Relations. He received his J.D. from the University of Washington in 1992. He received the King County Bar Association’s “Outstanding Mentor of the Year” award in 2007.

Janet M. HusethJanet serves as Senior Business Development Director for Special Counsel and has mentored new hires in the organization. She has been with Special Counsel since 2010 as part of an acquisition by Ajilon Legal’s parent company Adecco who she has worked for since 1999. Janet started as the Director of Paralegal Placement for Co-Counsel (which became Ajilon Legal) and was promoted to

Branch Manager and successfully developed business in the Dallas market. Prior to joining Co-Counsel, Janet worked as a litigation paralegal for 2 Texas based firms over 10 years and has managed paralegals and case clerks. She has a passion for the paralegal profession and has had the benefit of consulting with numerous paralegals on their job search and career development. She is a sustaining member of the Dallas Area Paralegal Association where she has enjoyed several speaking engagements and has been an active sponsor of IPMA over the years. Janet is a graduate of Texas A&M University.

Kevin IredellKevin Iredell is currently Vice President of Research and Continuing Education leading both the ALM Legal Intelligence business and ALM’s CLECenter.com. Iredell joined ALM in 2006 as director of marketing for its national publications where he led the transformation of the marketing team from an internal unit to a client-focused service provider. In 2009 he was promoted to head

the company’s Legal Intelligence business unit. Prior to joining ALM, Iredell spent almost five years at LexisNexis/Martindale-Hubbell in a variety of marketing and product development positions, delivering both traditional advertising services and digital client-development products to the legal market. He also held previous positions in marketing at Lucent Technologies and The Hertz Corporation. Iredell is a frequent speaker on topics including research, marketing, branding and law firm economics. He received his bachelor’s degree in economics from Villanova University.

Julia T. JohnsJulie began her Paralegal career in 1997 in Lafayette, Louisiana with an oil & gas litigation firm. Subsequently as a Paralegal, she has assisted with insurance defense, workers’ compensation, labor and employment defense and general commercial litigation defense work. Additionally, Julie worked in the General Counsel’s office of the University of North Texas.

In 2006, Julie became the Paralegal Manager at Powell Goldstein and, with the combination of Powell Goldstein and Bryan Cave in 2009, the firm-wide Paralegal and Docketing Manager. Currently, Julie is the Director of Paralegals and Docketing for Bryan Cave LLP and manages over 140 Paralegals and docketing personnel in 18 US offices.

Speaker Information


Donovan G. PlompDonovan Plomp is a partner in McCarthy Tétrault LLP’s Labour & Employment, and Pensions, Benefits & Executive Compensation groups in Vancouver. He has appeared as counsel in matters before the British Columbia Labour Relations Board, the Canada Industrial Relations Board, the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal, the Supreme Court of British Columbia

and grievance arbitration panels. He has also assisted clients in drafting employment contracts and policies, as well as advising on a wide variety of workplace issues including privacy, disability, and the application and interpretation of collective agreements.

Mr. Plomp received a BA (Hons) from the University of Ottawa in 1997, and his LLB from the University of British Columbia in 2000. After graduating from law school, Mr. Plomp served as a judicial law clerk with the Supreme Court of British Columbia. Mr. Plomp was called to the British Columbia bar in 2002.

Mr. Plomp is a member of the Canadian Bar Association and the British Columbia Human Resources Management Association. He has served as an executive member and Chair of the BC Employment Law section of the Canadian Bar Association and is presently an executive member of the National Labour and Employment Section of the Canadian Bar Association.

Jeff rey J. PouliotJeff Pouliot is the firm-wide Director of Paralegal Services at Morrison & Foerster, where he oversees the firm’s Paralegal, eDiscovery Resource Management and Litigation Docket teams. Morrison & Foerster is a leading law firm with over 1,000 lawyers in 15 offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. Jeff has over 25 years of paralegal and management experience. He has been a

member of IPMA for over 10 years and is currently a member of the IPMA Compensation Advisory Board.

Victoria L. SnookVictoria Snook is the Manager, Corporate Services in the Corporate Commercial Group of McMillan LLP in Toronto, Canada. Victoria is responsible for administrative matters, staffing, developing and implementing departmental policies and procedures, conducting educational seminars for students and lawyers and managing workflow.

Victoria has more than 20 years of experience in the legal environment and is a board member and Vice President, Marketing of the IPMA.

Christy K. Stouff erChristy Stouffer is the Director of Practice Support Services for Patton Boggs, LLP. She has managed paralegal programs for over 20 years, and is a Life Member and Past President of the IPMA as well as an Advisory Board and former faculty member of the Georgetown University Paralegal Studies Program Advisory Board.

Tammy D. McCutchen, Esq.A former administrator of the Wage and Hour Division at the U.S. Department of Labor, Tammy D. McCutchen is a leading authority on wage and hour laws. As a partner in the Washington D.C. Office of Littler Mendelson, P.C., she counsels management clients on compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act and state wage-hour laws. While at DOL, Tammy managed an annual budget of

$160 million and 1,400 employees, represented by two unions, in more than 250 offices across the country. She was the primary architect of the first major changes to DOL’s Part 541 “white collar” overtime regulations in 50 years. Before working at DOL, Tammy was senior counsel at the Hershey Company, practiced law in Chicago, and clerked for Judge Daniel A. Manion on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. She received her law degree from Northwestern University School of Law. Tammy is currently a member of the Small Business Legal Advisory Board of the National Federation of Independent Business, and Chair of the Federalist Society’s Labor and Employment Practice Group.

Joyce M. McGuineyJoyce McGuiney has been a corporate law clerk for over 30 years and the Manager of Blakes Transaction Services Law Clerks for more than 15 years. Joyce is responsible for the hiring, training, discipline and assessment of and the distribution of client work to the law clerks in her group. She is also involved in her Firm’s pro bono initiatives, associate training and precedent development programs.

Joyce has both chaired and presented at continuing legal education programs for The Law Society of Upper Canada, CBA-O, Insight and the Canadian Institute on corporate transactions for law clerks. She has also spoken at International Paralegal Management Association (IPMA) Conferences on the topics of paralegal training, time management skills for managers who juggle client files with management responsibilities and best practices for managing multiple generations.

Joyce is a Past President of the IPMA (2007-2008), and the recipient of the association’s 2004 Golden Pen Award for her contributions to the Association’s magazine Paralegal Management. She was also awarded the association’s 2006 Pro Bono Award in recognition of her commitment to pro bono services.

Gary L. MelhuishGary Melhuish is the Manager of Litigation Support Services in the Philadelphia office of Ballard Spahr, LLP. Gary has 30 years experience as a paralegal, including over 20 years as a paralegal manager, and is a Past President of the IPMA. He is a former member of the ABA’s Standing Committee on Paralegals Approval Commission and serves on the NFPA’s PACE Advisory Committee.

Gary is a frequent speaker at paralegal educational seminars and IPMA meetings.

Speaker Information


Stacie V. Straw, SPHRStacie Straw is the Director of Human Resources at O’Melveny & Myers LLP, where she oversees firmwide Human Resources, Practice Support, and Paralegals. She started her career as a litigation paralegal at O’Melveny & Myers, and eventually transitioned to an in-house role at DIRECTV before returning to O’Melveny in a management role. She has her B.A. from

University of California, San Diego, her Paralegal Certificate from UCLA Extension, and an MBA from University of California, Irvine. Stacie has been active in the IPMA for the past several years and is currently the President of the Association.

Charles E. StuckeyChuck has been a lawyer for over 30 years, first in private practice litigating tort defense and insurance cases and then supervising litigation on behalf of various State Farm entities. While in private practice, he supervised paralegal use and training. With State Farm, Chuck led an initiative to increase the utilization of paralegals. He has supervised paralegals and assisted with the creation and development of four full

time paralegal managers across the Law Department. Chuck is a member of the IPMA.

Speaker InformationKaren Tuschak, B.A., CHRPKaren is the Director of Professional Development and Practice Support in the Toronto office of Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP with over 25 years of experience in the legal profession both with law firms and with an in house legal department of a major corporation. Karen oversees internal and external professional development and education for the Toronto office including

associates, students and paraprofessionals. As part of her role she is responsible for the on-going development and administration of in-house continuing legal education programs. Karen also acts as a supervisor, leader, mentor, advocate, trainer, financial watchdog, evaluator, problem-solver, and resource manager to the paraprofessional group. Karen’s role is strategic in maintaining a well trained, properly utilized and motivated paraprofessional staff.

Karen is currently the Immediate Past President and a member of the Board of Directors of the International Paralegal Management Association. Karen also sits on the paralegal advisory board of

a local community college and regularly teaches in its part-time paraprofessional program.

Charles A. Volkert, III, Esq.Charles Volkert is executive director for Robert Half Legal and co-managing director of Robert Half Legal eDiscovery Services. Robert Half Legal is the premier provider of highly skilled legal professionals for law firms and corporate legal departments; it also

offers legal project management and managed review services. A noted author and speaker, and former litigator, Mr. Volkert holds a JD from the University of Miami School of Law and BA from Furman University.

Mark Your Calendar!29th Annual Conference & ExpoWednesday, October 16 – Saturday, October 19, 2013

Hyatt Regency Grand CypressOrlando, FloridaUnited States of America

CT Corporation and CT Lien Solutions

invite you to the IPMA Conference Closing Event

to enjoy an evening of exquisite food, cocktails and entertainment high atop

the Vancouver Lookout overlooking one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

• Take in a 360° view of Vancouver offering lighted

cityscapes, harbor views and majestic mountains • Savor a taste of Vancouver as prepared by one of the city’s

finest chefs • Have great time with your colleagues and the evening’s

entertainment

REGISTER WHEN YOUR COMPLETE YOUR IPMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

DETAILS Complimentary shuttle bus The first bus will depart at 5:30 pm from the hotel with the last returning shuttle returning to the hotel at 8:30 pm. WHEN Friday, October 12, 2012 5:30 – 8:30 pm WHERE Vancouver Lookout

Emergency Contact Name Emergency Contact AM Phone Emergency Contact PM Phone

Work Telephone Home Telephone FAX Number

City State/Province Country ZIP/Postal

Address E-Mail Address

Firm / Company

First Name for Badge Title

Last Name First Name Middle Initial

o Please check if this is new information. o Regional Office o Main Office o Corporate Legal Dept. o Government Dept. o Other

SESSIONS (Please select one workshop in each time slot)

Workshop #1: Thursday, October 11, 10:00 AM - 11:15 AMo (1) Budgeting 101

o (2) Interviewing Techniques: How to Identify & Acquire the “Ideal” Candidate

o (3) Current Trends in Paralegal Management

o (4) The Art of Better Listening

Workshop #2: Thursday, October 11, 1:15 PM - 2:30 PMo (5) Leveraging the US Compensation Survey to Attract & Retain Top Talent

o (6) 2013 Hiring, Compensation & Retention Trends for Canadian Legal Professionals

Workshop #3: Thursday, October 11, 3:15 PM - 4:30 PMo (7) Paralegal Profitability: What’s Trending...

o (8) The Art of Negotiation: Turning a Poor Performer into a Successful Employee

o (9) Onboarding New Employees -- Tips for the Manager

o (10) The Art of Achieving Your Goals Through Others

Workshop #4: Thursday, October 11, 4:45 PM - 6:00 PMo (11) The Challenges, Risks & Rewards of Using Alternative Fee Agreements

o (12) Networking Tips & Tricks for the Paralegal Manager

o (13) Raising Your Team’s Profile: Effectively Marketing Paralegals

o (14) Coaching & Mentoring: How to Get the Most from Your Senior Paralegals

Workshop #5: Friday, October 12, 8:00 AM - 9:15 AMo (15) Everything You Need to Know About Law Firm Finance

o (16) Mentoring & Cross-Training Your Staff: How to Connect & Innovate Our Most Valued Resource

o (17) Overtime for Paralegals - A Comparative Approach: US & Canada

o (18) Conflict Resolution Without Conflict

Workshop #6: Friday, October 12, 1:45 PM - 3:00 PMo (19) Metrics - A Measure of Success!

o (20) How to Hire & Fire Without Tears

o (21) Building Strong Relationships with Your Internal & External Clients

o (22) Wish You Were Here (or I Was There): Managing Paralegals Across Multiple Offices

Badge Info:

(Please Type or Print Legibly):

EVENTSwill will not attend attend Wednesday, October 10o o First Time Attendee Orientation

o o Welcome Reception & Expo Opening

Friday, October 12o o Annual Business Meeting Luncheon o o Conference Closing Event

Saturday, October 13

o o Board of Directors Meeting/ Leadership Development Seminar

FIRST TIME ATTENDEE GROUP LEADERo I would like to be a First Time Attendee Group Leader.o I plan to attend the First Time Attendee Orientation.

DIETARY PREFERENCES & ADA NEEDSo Vegetarian o Kosher o Gluten Free

Food Allergies ___________________________________

Other ___________________________________________

Please notify IPMA Headquarters of any needs under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

ROOMMATE MATCH

o I would be interested in being matched with a roommate.

CONTINUED ON BACK

28th Annual Conference & Expo Vancouver, BC - October 10 - 12Innovate, Connect, Refresh!

19

REGISTRATION POLICIES

Conferencen Registrations received without full payment will not be processed until payment is received. If payment is received after a registration date deadline, the appropriate

registration fee will apply.

n All registration fees must be paid by check or money order in U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. bank or by major credit card.

n Cancellations received in writing by Friday, September 7 are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations received in writing between Saturday, September 8 and Friday, September 21 are eligible for a 50% refund. Cancellations received after Friday, September 21 are non-refundable.

n Substitution from the registrant’s firm is permitted for a $25.00 USD administrative fee. The substitute’s registration fee will be adjusted to the appropriate registration fee category.

n Registrations must be received no later than Friday, September 28 to be listed in the official pre-registrant roster that will be available on-site.

n Conference Registration is a separate process from Hotel Reservation.

HotelFairmont Hotel Vancouver Vancouver, BC V6C 2W6 (604) 684-3131 900 W Georgia St Canada www.fairmont.com/hotelvancouver

n $185.00 CAD Single/Double + Local Taxes & Fees for the nights of the Annual Conference & Expo. Rates pre and post-Conference may be higher.

n Reservations can be made by visiting https://resweb.passkey.com/go/ipma2012 or calling the Fairmont Global Reservation Centre at (800) 257-7544. Identify yourself as part of the International Paralegal Management Association’s Conference.

n Available until the room block is full, but no later than 5:00 PM PDT on Friday, September 7.

n Hotel Reservation is a separate process from Conference Registration.

n If you are interested in defraying your housing cost and/or looking for someone to share the Conference experience, the IPMA will be maintaining a list of individuals who are interested in a roommate. Check the ROOMMATE MATCH box on the Conference Registration Form and the IPMA will contact you for your preferences.

REGISTRATION TYPES & FEES (All prices in USD)

TypeBy Sept. 7

Between Sept. 8 & Sept. 21 After Sept. 21

Member Registrant(Includes all scheduled Breakfasts, Breaks, Sessions, Welcome Reception & Expo Opening, Annual Business Meeting Luncheon, Raffle, Conference Closing Event and Saturday’s Board of Directors Meeting/Leadership Development Seminar)

$700.00 $775.00 $825.00

Non-Member Registrant(Includes all scheduled Breakfasts, Breaks, Sessions, Welcome Reception & Expo Opening, Annual Business Meeting Luncheon, Raffle, Conference Closing Event and Saturday’s Board of Directors Meeting/Leadership Development Seminar AND when application received and approved, $200.00 of the Registration Fee will be applied to 2013 membership dues)

$950.00 $1025.00 $1075.00

Day Rate Registrant (One Day Only)Thursday, October 11(Includes Breakfast, Breaks and Sessions)

Friday, October 12(Includes Breakfast, Breaks, Sessions, Annual Business Meeting Luncheon, Raffle and Conference Closing Event)

$350.00 $400.00 $425.00

Return with payment to:

IPMAPO Box 659Avondale Estates, GA30002-0659United States of America(404) 292-IPMA (4762)(404) 521-4233 [email protected]

Total Fees Enclosed: $____________________________________________________________

Payment (Payable to the IPMA. Must be draw from a U.S. Bank in U.S. funds.):

Visa MasterCard AMEX Check

Card # __________________________________________________________ Expiration Date ___________________

Signature ________________________________________________________ Date ____________________________

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28th ipma annual conference & expo promotional brochure

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