on the record · a member of the national federation of paralegal associations, inc. page 22 please...
TRANSCRIPT
On the record
The Monthly Newsletter of the Dallas Area Paralegal Association
A member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc.
Page 1
Two days before the Independence Day national holi-
day, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a statewide order
mandating that residents in counties with over 20 corona-
virus cases, like Dallas, wear masks in public spaces, in-
cluding outdoor public spaces where social distancing is
impracticable. Although repeat violators face $250 fines,
Gov. Abbot carved out exceptions to mask-wearing for
young children, certain medical cases, and outdoor exercis-
ers. Accordingly, the Belo Mansion cancelled its plans to
reopen this month and pushed its closure to last through
August 31, 2020. With the retightening of social distancing measures, DAPA
has dialed-back its transition efforts for hosting in-person meetings. Notably,
the annual Vendor Fair has been cancelled.
Although the stress of safety and social uncertainties continue, the coro-
navirus pandemic has created a historic, educational opportunity for the legal
community. M&A deals are getting killed via material adverse events, force
majeure clauses are getting renegotiated, insurance companies are getting
sued for business interruption coverage, and a “tidal wave of bankruptcies is
coming”. DAPA encourages its members to keep abreast of these block-
buster battles and will continue to provide remote learning experiences on
trending topics.
DAPA’s Board of Directors reiterates that it will not host any in-person
events before August 31, 2020. Please continue to observe the calendar and
email blasts for ongoing online opportunities. DAPA will continue to monitor
updates from Governor Abbott, Dallas Mayor Johnson, the Texas Depart-
ment of State Health Services, and the Centers for Disease Control and Pre-
vention to plan a safe strategy for reopening when appropriate.
If you have concerns, please contact me at [email protected].
Floy A. Gaidarski
President
Upcoming Events /
Section Meetings
July
8-Online Technology Meeting
10—Online Intellectual Property Meet-ing
14—Board of Directors Meeting
August
11-Board of Directors Meeting
IN PERSON SECTION MEETINGS CANCELLED
Volume XXXVIII, Number 7 July 2020
President’s Perspective by: Floy Gaidarski
On the record
The Monthly Newsletter of the Dallas Area Paralegal Association
A member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc.
Page 2
Dallas Area Paralegal Association
The Dallas Area Paralegal Association (DAPA) was formed on October 23, 1976 as the
Dallas Association of Legal Assistants, and changed its name in 1996. In 1978, DAPA
became affiliated with the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), an
organization that represents approximately 10,000 paralegals nationwide. DAPA is a
voluntary non-profit corporation composed of paralegals working in all areas of the law,
who are interested in furthering their own professional development, especially
through PACE® and other voluntary certifications, and who are dedicated to the advance-
ment of the paralegal profession as a whole.
On the Record
On the Record is published monthly by the Dallas Area Paralegal
Association as a means of reporting and sharing news and opinions of
interest to DAPA members. Any opinions expressed herein are those of
the writer and not necessarily those of DAPA. Publication herein does
not imply endorsement in any manner.
If you have important information regarding the paralegal profes-
sion, notices of upcoming meetings, events or other dated material, or
section reports to be included in our monthly newsletter, all must be
submitted to the Editor at [email protected] no later than
the 20th day of the month preceding publication. In order to produce
and mail each newsletter to reach our membership in a timely manner,
this deadline must be met. Any material not received by the 20th will be
held for the following month’s publication. Your understanding and
appreciation in meeting our deadline will be greatly appreciated.
If you would like to submit materials for publishing, please send
them via email to [email protected]. The Editor and
Newsletter Committee reserve the right to edit articles submitted for
grammar, clarity and space.
Volume XXXVIII, Number 7 July 2020
No New Members
Welcome New Members
KEEP IT CURRENT
Please take a moment to review your information on the DAPA website and ensure that the proper information is rec-orded. Important information is sent to Members via mail and e-mail, and it would be very helpful for you to keep your infor-mation updated.
To check your information, go to the Members Only portion of DAPA’s website at www.dallasparalegals.org and click on Edit My Profile. You will be prompted for your username and password. If you have forgotten your password, click on Forgot My Password and it will be e-mailed to you. If you still have problems, e-mail your Executive Director, Laura Kehoe at [email protected].
In this Issue
President’s Perspective ........................................................................... .1
This Month’s Meetings ......................................................................... .3
TBLS Exam Program ............................................................................ 4
2021 Board of Directors ........................................................................ 5
2020 PD Salary Survey ........................................................................... 6
2020 TAPS Announcement .................................................................. 7
Mentorship ............................................................................................. .8
July Pro Bono Opportunities ............................................................... .10
“Career Shadowing During a Pandemic” ............................................. 12
Wendi A. Rogers Mentor Protégé Program ........................................ 16
NFPA News ......................................................................................... 19
2020 Board of Directors .................................................................... 20
Section and Committee Chairs ........................................................... 21
Sustaining Members ........................................................................... 22
On the record
The Monthly Newsletter of the Dallas Area Paralegal Association
A member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc.
Page 3
*** There is no cost to attend DAPA General Membership Meetings. Specialty section meetings are free to DAPA members and a low cost of $10.00 to non-members and $5.00 to non-member students. ***
This Month’s Meetings
Learn the Basics of Intellectual Property with a Focus
on Patents
Click Here to Register!
OUT OF ABUNDANCE OF CAUSION, THE DALLAS BAR ASSOCIATION
DECIDED TO CLOSE THE BELO MANSION EFFECTIVE MARCH 13, 2020.
THE CLOSURE WILL LAST UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Technology Section Meeting
Ju1y 8 at Noon —Online
Intellectual Property Section Meeting
July 10 at Noon—Online
Page 4
Page 5
2021 DAPA Board of Directors
Do you want to be a leader and learn more about our paralegal association? Then consider putting your name on
the ballot to serve as one of the board members of the Dallas Area Paralegal Association (“DAPA”). My name is
Sheila White and I’m the DAPA Elections Committee Chairperson for 2020. The DAPA Board elections for
the 2021 term will take place at the General Membership Meeting on October 20, 2020. Please note that in or-
der to be eligible for a board position you must be a voting member of DAPA for a minimum of twelve (12) con-
secutive months immediately prior to January 1, 2021. If you are interested in serving on the Board of this profes-
sional organization for the 2021 term, please submit your Candidacy Statement (a form of Candidacy Statement is
included below) and a recent photo (if available) to the Elections Chairperson at [email protected] by
July 17, 2020 for publication in our August newsletter or by August 21, 2020 for publication in the September
newsletter. For a list and detailed description of all the Board positions, please review the current DAPA Bylaws,
which can be found on the website, www.dallasparalegals.org or contact Executive Director Laura Kehoe at execu-
Serving on the Board of DAPA is a great way for you to continue the growth and development of our great profes-
sion and this organization. The time to get involved is now. Submit your Statement of Candidacy today!
FORM OF CANDIDACY STATEMENT
Candidacy Statement of [Name]
[DAPA Board Position]
I hereby submit my Candidacy Statement for the office of [DAPA Board Position], for the 2021 term of service.
[Provide information on your current job, years of paralegal experience and education.]
[Number of years you have been a member of DAPA and any committees and/or previous positions held with
DAPA] [Other organizations you would like to reference.]
[Example closing - With my years of experience as a paralegal and as member of DAPA, I feel I will perform my
duties well. Please support my candidacy and allow me to represent DAPA as the [Board Position] for 2021.]
Page 6
Paralegal Division
Utilization and Compensation Survey
Salary Survey for Texas Paralegals
Deadline to complete Salary Survey is Monday, August 31, 2020 @ 5:00 pm CST
Please share this email with all paralegal colleagues.
The Paralegal Division’s Utilization and Compensation Survey of paralegals in Texas is now underway! Use the direct link below to complete the 2020 Paralegal Division of the State Bar of Texas Utilization and Compensation Survey. The information from this survey will be used to generate reports that will allow paralegals in Texas to see how their compensation packages compare to others in their geographic region. Questions cover educational backgrounds, work environments, duties and responsibili-ties, billing and salary levels, and regional demographics affecting paralegal utilization and compensation. Participation in the convenient “scroll-and-click” survey is totally anonymous. The survey is open to all paralegals – not just members of the State Bar of Texas Paralegal Division. Please participate and tell others of this opportunity.
By completing the survey you are helping the Paralegal Division to provide the most accurate
and up-to-date information. Each question can be answered by simply checking a response or
filling in a blank. All responses will be kept anonymous.
Please complete this survey by August 31, 2020 at Salary Survey.
Thank you for your participation. This information will provide summary demographic information about paralegal work, compensation, benefits, and job satisfaction in Texas. Note: The survey findings will be summarized and published on our website. Findings should be
available by October 1, 2020.
Take the Survey for a chance to win 1 of 5 $100 Visa Gift Cards!
Sponsored by:
Center for Advanced Legal Studies
Page 7
Page 8
DAPA MENTORS NEEDED!
What are the requirements of a Mentor? DAPA Mentor must be a mem-
ber in good standing of DAPA, must have at least (5) years of substantive
paralegal experience; must be willing to assist a new paralegal by answering
questions relating to his/her area(s) of the law, or other general paralegal-
related questions, including involvement in local, state and national paralegal
associations; and must agree to be accessible to his/her Protégé on an as-
needed basis throughout the year. At a minimum, Mentors should meet
and/or communicate with their Protégé’s on a monthly basis.
Interested?
Please contact Aaron Bath at [email protected].
Page 9
Page 10
COVID 19 Volunteer Opportunities – July 2020
The Ebby House - DAPA’s 2020 Charity
Spring Cleaning Day at The Ebby House is postponed until quarantine is over. If you are able to help, Ebby House has an Ama-
zon Wish List and a link for donations.
Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/ideas/amzn1.account.AEWZI2EV5CDPQLFYB4AD7CYMD2XA/1HN0GNZZV4340?
ref=idea_share
Donate: https://fowlercommunities.org/donate-now/
Several agencies are offering help during the coronavirus pandemic and looking for volunteers
Dallas County Urgent Needs: https://www.voly.org/causes/all-urgent-needs.html
Dallas Morning News list: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/public-health/2020/03/18/here-are-north-texas-organizations-and-
causes-that-need-help-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/
ProBono Texas: https://probonotexas.org/covid
SPCA: https://www.spca.org/foster?fbclid=IwAR0nSgGkdQN67VqVpkW1kdjaSYcpvS3slWjsHfO7fs5zPIKVsWxhahD_CKM
Meals on Wheels: https://volunteer.vnatexas.org/Landing
American Red Cross: https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/coronavirus--covid-19--and-blood-donation.html
RISE – Reaching Individuals through Service and Education
In-person seminars and clinics are suspended, but you can fill out the volunteer form for future events here: https://
bit.ly/3heWJJS For more information: https://facebook.com/RiseDentonTexas/
Tangotab drop off locations
Tangotab has resumed some sandwich making events under strict guidelines, as well as collecting food item donations. Locations
are announced on Wednesdays on TangoTab social media accounts; find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
TangoTab/
DAYL/DVAP clinics - cancelled through July 31. Virtual clinics each Thursday. For more information: http://
dallasvolunteerattorneyprogram.org/
RAICES
The Pro Se Asylum Program is temporarily suspended. For updates: http://www.zoltanlaw.com/outreach
Soupmobile
Soupmobile is collecting sandwiches (peanut butter only, no jelly), cookies, chips, and masks. https://www.soupmobile.org/
special-event
Catholic Charities
No new volunteers will be placed under the current circumstances. Current volunteers can continue. For more information:
https://ccdallas.org/get-involved/volunteer/
Promise House
Volunteer activities are cancelled/on hold. Donations may be dropped off. For more information: https://promisehouse.org/
volunteer/
Leave a positive message: http://promisehouse.org/positive-message/
Stewpot
In person activities are suspended; meal service at The Bridge continues. https://thestewpot.squarespace.com/response-to-
covid19
Stewpot Amazon wish list: https://smile.amazon.com/hz/charitylist/ls/2ZC0T9RGWBXIW/ref=smi_ext_lnk_lcl_cl
On the record
Page 11
NFPA BLOG: THE PARALEGAL CORNER
Click Here to view all of the blog posts on the NFPA website!
DAPA’s Membership Year Runs from January 1st to December 31st. Don’t Forget to Renew for 2020!
Go To
http://dallasparalegals.org/page.asp?p=Forms to download the Renewal forms and you can pay online!
Page 12
Career Shadowing During a Pandemic By
Cynthia Minchillo, RP
Recently we had a request for a high school student to shadow us at work. I agreed to allow the person to
shadow me in June, not realizing the pandemic would be taking more of a foothold in my area. Because of
the changing environment, I had to come up with an idea of how to allow shadowing online so I did not
risk the health of the shadower, my co-workers, and myself.
Before coming up with a plan, I had to think about what shadowers want to know. What skills do they
need, what is the work environment like, what type of projects can they expect? Do you enjoy your career?
After thinking about what is most important (and asking my shadower what she wanted to learn), I came up
with a list of what to share.
Here is what I did:
1. I used my cell phone, and recommend a cell phone or tablet so you can move around. Then your desk-
top is available for other items.
2. We joined each other on WhatsApp. There are a lot of apps that can be used, like WhatsApp, Zoom,
Facebook Messenger, Google Hangouts, Google Duo, Apple FaceTime, Skype, Line, Viber, KakaoTalk (I
have used this to chat with people in other countries) and WeChat.
3. Once connected, I showed her around the office so she could get a good idea of the setup. I also showed
her our artwork. I know that sounds strange, but most people are curious. The office I work in has walls
filled with movie posters, so it is more interesting than most offices. Or maybe the artwork reflects your
type of work or the atmosphere you created to help you work.
4. I showed her the tools of my trade. Resources, technical equipment, files (while keeping confidential in-
formation confidential), etc.
5. Once my student got an idea of our office setup, our equipment, and the tools we use, I was able to sit
down and show her items like my schedule. It is important for shadowers to know what your daily work
routine is like. I have a very long (25 pages) to-do list that reflects my projects over the next few months. I
then spent time explaining how I work each day through my to-do list.
6. We then discussed the online tools I use, the software our office uses, and how we use these important
software tools. I was able to show her my computer screen since I was on a mobile device.
Page 13
7. We then discussed some job specifics, what are my everyday movements, i.e. I speak to clients, discuss
matters with my boss, work on my many projects, maintain appointments and other deadlines, review new
projects coming, etc.
8. We discussed education. What type of education do I have? How did I build my career? I think this is a
great way to end. What is the Shadower going to need to have a similar career?
9. Last, I asked my shadower what she was leaning towards for her college experience and a possible career.
What did she want? Throughout the experience, the shadower was able to ask questions as well.
Allowing someone to shadow you online can open up a new world for both parties. I realized an online
shadow experience is a great opportunity for someone who is shy or too remote to shadow in your location.
I'm glad I was able to participate in this way and hope to do many more in the future.
Just remember, if you decide to do an online shadow, be sure to ask your co-workers, boss, or managers,
and be sure to keep client information confidential.
Happy Shadowing!
Cynthia Minchillo obtained her paralegal certificate and began working as a paralegal in Dallas in 1998. She became
a Board Certified Paralegal by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Personal Injury Trial Law in 1996, and
maintained this designation through April of 2014. She earned her Registered Paralegal designation from NFPA in
1997, and obtained her B.A. in Government and Politics in 2000 and an M.P.A. in Public Affairs in 2003 from
University of Texas at Dallas.
Cynthia is a paralegal with Chalker Flores, LLP and is a member of the Dallas Area Paralegal Association (DAPA),
the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), and the Paralegal Division of the State Bar of Texas
(PD). She has held various elected and appointed positions with these associations, including serving as the Litiga-
tion Section Chair, NFPA Representative, and President of DAPA between 1994 and 2008, and as the ABA Para-
legal Approval Commission Representative for NFPA from 2007-2011.Cynthia also serviced as blogger for the PD
from 2012 to 2018. She earned the distinction of DAPA’s Paralegal of the Year in 1997, and the Michele M.
Boerder Lifetime Achievement Award, Volunteer of the Year Award, and NFPA’s Outstanding Local Leadership
Award in 2014.
She has been a frequent presenter and author on various continuing legal education topics for
paralegals. Cynthia is a proud adjunct faculty member of Collin College’s paralegal program,
and served as an adjunct faculty member of El Centro College’s paralegal program for many
years. She is the author of her own blog, “Cynthetics”. Co-founder of the Wendi Atwood Rog-
ers Memorial Fund to raise money for community grants and provide free mentorship pro-
grams, and part-time equestrian.
Page 14
News Flash!
Have you already obtained your CLE credentials to obtain voting status for next year and meet the criteria for
voting member status? Guess what? You can use all those credentials THIS YEAR!
Anyone who already has five (5) CLE credit hours, along with one (1) Ethics CLE credit hour can request that
their status be changed from non-voting to a voting member. This status allows you to participate in the elec-
tion of Board members, as well as becoming a Section Chair. Please submit your membership status update
request to Laure Kehoe, Executive Director and Cindy Moss, Membership Vice President, DAPA.
3.6 Mandatory Continuing Legal Education for Voting Members:
Renewing voting members must complete a minimum of six (6) hours of substantive continuing legal education (CLE),
at least one (1) hour of which must be in the area of Ethics. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, re-
newing voting members who joined the Association in the immediately preceding membership year shall be required
to complete one half (0.5) hour of CLE for each month for which he or she was a member during the immediately
preceding membership year, of which at least one half (0.5) hour must be in the area of Ethics. All CLE requirements
must be completed by December 31st of at the immediately preceding membership year. No carry-over of CLE hours
shall be allowed from year to year. Non-participatory CLE or self-study CLE hours shall be allowed from year to year
and may account for no more than two (2) CLE hours of the six (6) required CLE hours each membership year. Re-
newing voting members must report their CLE on a form promulgated by the Board of Directors and such completed
forms shall be subject to audit by the Board of Directors in its discretion. The Board of Directors shall use the follow-
ing criteria for approval of continuing education courses for credit towards mandatory CLE requirements for renewing
voting members.
On the record
Page 15
Shadow a Board Member
We are looking for voting members who want to shadow Board Members and find out more about their particular positions. If you are interested, please contact Floy Gaidarski at [email protected] or Laura Kehoe at [email protected]. Come to a board meeting and learn how your board of directors works! We work hard but we have a lot of fun! Come join a meeting and shadow a board member. Shadowing a Board Member doesn't require any work, but lets you see what a position involves if you are interested in future participation on the Board. Come see if you like it!
Interested in getting involved with DAPA and the paralegal legal community?
DAPA has several positions open. To learn more about these positions and other exciting ways to volunteer, please contact Executive Director, Laura Kehoe, for more information.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Do you have an article, tip or tricks that you want to share with DAPA members? Publish them in the “On The Record” Newsletter! The dead-
line for submission is the 20th of the preceding month. Please send your submissions to Debbi Lowe, Newsletter Editor at newslet-
Page 16
DALLAS AREA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION’S
WENDI A. ROGERS
MENTOR-PROTÉGÉ PROGRAM
DAPA's Mentor-Protégé Program is committed to promoting professionalism and career devel-
opment, as well as instilling high ethical behavior in paralegals that are new to the profession. We
are here to contribute to the success of, as well as set the standards for, new paralegals and parale-
gal students. DAPA believes it is crucial for tenured paralegals to share their knowledge with up-
and-coming paralegals to help foster growth and maintain and/or raise the standards of the pro-
fession. By pairing new paralegals with "seasoned" or senior paralegals, DAPA's Mentor-Protégé
Program offers numerous benefits.
The Program encourages students to become more engaged in the parale-
gal profession, as well as DAPA
DAPA's Protégé's receive immeasurable support from their Mentors to
help to contribute to their success in the profession
DAPA's Mentors act as a trusted counselors and provide guidance to the
new paralegal
The Program provides Protégé's with additional opportunities to network
with other legal professionals and develop new relationships
DAPA's Mentors are able to enhance the Protégé's skills and soon become an invaluable re-
source to the new paralegal
What are the requirements for a Protégé? A DAPA Protégé must be a member in good standing
of DAPA and must have three (3) years or less substantive paralegal experience.
What are the requirements for a Mentor? A DAPA Mentor must be a member in good standing
of DAPA; must have at least five (5) years substantive paralegal experience; must be willing to as-
sist a new paralegal by answering questions relating to his/her area(s) of the law, or other general
paralegal-related questions, including involvement in local, state and national paralegal associa-
tions; and must agree to be accessible to his/her Protégé on an as-needed basis throughout the
year. At a minimum, Mentors should meet and/or communicate with their Protégé's on a month-
ly basis.
If you are interested in serving as a Mentor in 2020, or would like to have a Mentor assigned to
you, please complete the appropriate application and email to [email protected].
Page 17
DALLAS AREA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION'S WENDI A. ROGERS MENTOR PROGRAM
Submit completed forms to [email protected].
Application for Prospective Mentor
Name:
(please print or type)
Firm:
Mailing Address:
Work Tele-
Facsimile:
Email Address:
Are you a current voting member of DAPA?
Number of Years of Substantive
Paralegal Experience
Practice Area(s)
Special Needs, Requests or
Preferences
As a Mentor of DAPA, you hereby agree that you are a member in good standing of DAPA, that you have five (5)
or more years of substantive paralegal experience, that you are willing to assist a new paralegal by answering ques-
tions relating to his/her area(s) of law, or area(s) of experience, or other general paralegal-related questions, includ-
ing involvement in local, state and national paralegal associations; and you agree to be accessible to your assigned
Protégé on an as-needed basis throughout the year, and at a minimum, you agree to meet or communication with
your assigned Protégé on a monthly basis.
Signature:
Date: For DAPA Use Only
Date Received: Date Matched:
Name of Protégé:
Page 18
DALLAS AREA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION'S
WENDI A. ROGERS MENTOR PROGRAM
Submit completed forms to [email protected].
Application for Prospective Protégé
Name:
Mailing Address:
Firm/School:
Telephone: Facsimile:
Email Address:
Practice Area(s)
Are you a current DAPA member? Are you currently a Par-
alegal Student?
Number of Years of Substantive
Paralegal Experience
Anticipated Graduation
Date:
I am requesting a
Mentor for the
following reasons:
Career objectives
Education goals
Current information on the paralegal
profession, including certifications
Resume review and tips for interviewing
for a paralegal position
Other:
As a Protégé of DAPA, you hereby agree that you are a member in good standing of DAPA, that you have three
(3) or less years of substantive paralegal experience.
Signature:
Date: For DAPA Use Only
Date Received: Date Matched: Name of Mentor:
On the record
Page 19
NFPA News
REPORTING PRO BONO and COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS
We are excited to announce that pro bono and community service reporting is now set up through your member login on the NFPA website.
1. Go to the NFPA website ( www.paralegals.org ) 2. Sign in with your email and password 3. Once logged in, go to the Pro Bono tab and select “Reporting Pro Bono and Community Service Hours”
4. The form will auto fill your name and individual information that was provided to NFPA by your local association. 5. Complete the form and submit.
The reporting period will remain July 1st through June 30th— so get your time in to NFPA!! Please report pro bono hours on a quarterly basis so that the NFPA Liaison to the ABA can share your service hours
and projects with the ABA. NFPA’s Model Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Guidelines for reinforcement state that:
EC-1.4(d) A paralegal should aspire annually to contribute twenty-four (24) hours of Pro Bono Publico services . . . . EC-1.4(e) A paralegal should aspire to contribute twenty-four (24) hours of Community Service on an annual basis. Contact Cindy Welch, CRP
TM if you have any questions.
NFPA RECORDED ONLINE CLE
Paralegal Education - Recorded CLE Webinars Hosted by NFPA
Go To
https://www.paralegals.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageID=3291
2020 NFPA Annual Convention
October 22-25 in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Hosted by the Minnesota Paralegal Association
NFPA Summer Board Meeting
July 31—August 2, 2020 All Day
A New Student Webpage Added to the NFPA Website!
Go to http://www.paralegals.org/students and there are added links to the
“Become a Member” and “Entering the Paralegal Profession Page”
NFPA Coordinators Positions Available!
Go to www.paralegals.org/default.asp?page=98 to see all of positions!
If you’d like to receive NFPA’s bi-monthly e-newsletter—you can sign up here!
Page 20
2020 Board of Directors
President
Floy Gaidarski
President Elect
Aaron B. Bath, CEDS, RP®
Programs Vice President
Jill Spytman
Membership Vice President
Cindy Moss
Education Vice President
Melody Johnson
Professional Development Director Michele Boerder, CP, TBLS-BCP
Secretary
Melanie S. Isaac
Treasurer
Position Available
NFPA Primary Representative
Kelli M. Smith, CRPTM
Communications Director
Debbi Lowe
Director-at-Large
Position Available
Past President Board Advisor
Laura Kehoe, CRPTM
Parliamentarian
Position Available
Executive Director
Laura Kehoe, CRPTM
To find out more on each of the Board members,
please visit DAPA’s website at www.dallasparalegals.org
On the record
Page 21
Section Chairs Animal Law
Sunja Smith [email protected]
Bankruptcy
[Available Position]
Assistant Collin County
[Available Position] [email protected]
Corporate Law
Abby E. Hardy, RP
Criminal Law
[Available Position]
Family Law Melanie S. Isaac, TBLS-BCP
Government
[Available Position]
Intellectual Property Law
Clark R. Thurston
Leadership/Management Michele Boerder, CP, TBLS-BCP
Las Colinas
[Available Position]
Litigation
Candy Ryan, CRP™
Medical / Personal Injury
Melody Johnson
North Dallas
Cynthia Minchillo, RP
Probate Law
[Available Position]
Assistant Real Estate
Nicole Durenberger
Technology
Aaron Bath, CEDS, RP
Appointments and Committee Chairs Assistant Secretary [Available Position][email protected] CLE Audit Committee [Available Position] [email protected] Elections Committee Sheila White [email protected] Entertainment Committee Jill Spytman [email protected]
Ethics Committee Kay Redburn, TBLS-BCP [email protected] Financial Audit Committee Melanie S. Isaac, TBLS-BCP
[email protected] Job Bank Administrator Amisha Pandya [email protected] Membership Committee Cindy Moss [email protected]
Wendi A. Rogers Mentor / Protégé Program
Aaron Bath, CEDS, RP [email protected]
Membership Survey Aaron B. Bath [email protected]
Newsletter Editor Debbi Lowe [email protected] Newsletter Committee Debbi Lowe [email protected] Assistant Newsletter Editor [Available Position] [email protected] National Affairs/ NFPA Committee
Kelli M. Smith, CRPTM [email protected] NFPA Secondary Representative [Available Position] [email protected] NFPA Certification Ambassador [Available Position][email protected] Paralegal of the Year Award Michele Boerder, CP, TBLS-BCP [email protected]
Pro Bono / Community Service Chair Cindy Moss [email protected]
Professional Development Committee Michele Boerder, CP, TBLS-BCP
[email protected] Programs Committee Jill Spytman
[email protected] Publications Committee [Available Position] [email protected]. Public Relations Committee Sunja Smith [email protected] Rules and Bylaws Committee [Available Position] [email protected] Scholarship Committee [Available Position] [email protected]
Special Awards Committee
Michele Boerder, CP, TBLS-
BCP
paralegalaward@
dallasparalegals.org Strategic Long Range Planning Floy Gaidarski [email protected]
Student Liaison Collin County College [Available Position] [email protected] Student Liaison El Centro College [Available Position] [email protected] Student Liaison SMU [Available Position] [email protected] Sustaining Member Liasons Candy Ryan, CRP™ [email protected] TAPA (Texas Alliance of Paralegal Associations)
Aaron Bath, CEDS, RP [email protected] Weekly Communications Manager Debbi Lowe [email protected]
Website Administrator Kathy Davis, PLS [email protected] Assistant Website Administrator [Available Position] [email protected]
On the record
The Monthly Newsletter of the Dallas Area Paralegal Association
A member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc.
Page 22
Please help support our Sustaining Members by calling on them when you have a project that needs outside support. It is
through their continued support and generosity that DAPA is able to keep membership rates low and provide social events
and CLEs at a low cost.
Sustaining Members
Arlington Career Institute Assure Court Reporting
Attorney Resource Beacon Hill Staffing Capitol Services, Inc.
Complete Legal Computer Forensics Services Corporation Service Company
Courtroom Sciences, Inc. CT Corporation Dickman Davenport, Inc.
Dwq Solutions El Centro College
First Corporate Solutions Guiden Mediation & HR Services
HC Legal Search HG Litigation Services
Huseby Global Litigation Kim Tindall & Associates MJB Group
Open Door Solutions, LLP Registered Agent Solutions, Inc. Rimkus
Robert Half Legal Special Counsel Special Delivery
Texas File, LLC Texas Paralegal Financial Services
The Legal Connection United Corporate Services US Legal Support, Inc.
Veritext Legal Solutions Westwood Professional Services
Level 2 Legal Solutions