DECEMBER 2017
PARALEGAL MATTERS A Quarterly Newsletter
NEW
BOARD NEW
BEGINNINGS STILL
THRIVING!
Atlanta Paralegal Association, Inc An Affiliate of the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc., The Paralegal Association
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Share the Vision
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Journey to Become a Paralegal
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What's the Plan?
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New Year, New Legislation
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Want a Fresh Start?
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Georgia Court Appointed Special Advocates
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LEARN - AT - LUNCH JANUARY 18, 2018
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
SOCIAL MEDIA ETHICS Presented By: Heather Riggs - Atlanta Legal Marketing Location: Burr & Forman, LLP Wells Fargo Building, Atlantic Station For More Information: www.atlantaparalegal.org
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DATES TO REMEMBER
Board Meeting
January 13, 2018
Learn-At-Lunch Social Media Ethics
January 18, 2018
Board Meeting
February 10, 2018
Learn-At-Lunch Medical Malpractice
February 15, 2018
Learn-At-Lunch Family Law
March 15, 2018
APA 4th ANNIVERSARY
March 29, 2018
PARALEGAL WEEK
June 10-16, 2018
NALA CONFERENCE, ST. LOUIS, MO
July 11-15, 2018
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EDITOR'S MESSAGE This issue of Paralegal Matters marks new beginnings for APA under new leadership. With the induction of its new board members, APA has the ability to start the year with different perspectives on ways to make this organization great for its members. APA's sole purpose is to ensure that paralegals in the State of Georgia continue to thrive through professional and personal development. In short, we want every paralegal to "win." It is our hope that as you read through this issue, you gain a new resolve to make 2018 your year. We want you to gain new experiences, new skills, and go out for that new position. We want you to humbly knock out your goals and create new milestones. In reality nothing is stopping you from achieving your goals. Once you adopt this mindset, you truly can be a force to be reckoned with and prove to your current or future employer that you are also indispensable. Tap into your awesomeness, get involved with your local government, and use your superb skills to volunteer in your communities. This is your year! Harness your greatness and take control of the wheel. Just remember to help others along their journey as we are all interconnected in this thing we call life. Enjoy this issue and persevere as this will be your best year yet!
Nina Walzer Publications Editor
WELCOME THE 2017 - 2018 APA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT I hope this message finds you in good health and full of enthusiasm as you usher in a new year. The holiday season is an incredibly busy time, but be sure to pause, sit still long enough to remember and appreciate where you have been and where you want to go. Goals are important to help you reach new heights in life. Personally, this is something I do periodically throughout the year. I like to be aware of where I am in relation to where I strive to be. It helps me avoid letting the “big” moments overshadow the steps it took to get there. Whether you are searching for opportunities to learn, develop, serve or creating a legacy for those who come behind you, set a goal and set your mind to it. There is a quote by Dr. Steve Maraboli that says, “if you hang out with chickens you’re going to cluck, if you hang out with eagles you’re going to fly.” Hopefully, through attendance at APA events, you have found a community of positive like-minded individuals who support your goals and help you thrive. Your membership in APA announces to others that you desire more than the ordinary. In anticipation of partnering with you this year to elevate where you are and where you want to be either professionally or personally, the board of directors of APA has intentionally set forth goals to go the extra mile and deliver. This is your association and your presence is essential to the vitality of our organization, and honestly, to the profession as a whole.
This is your association and your presence is essential to the vitality of our organization. Something magnificent happens when we work together that is absent when standing apart – that is why I am confident that the collective decision of the members of the board to place a greater emphasis on fellowship, leadership, and mentorship through advanced educational programs, CP/ACP certification study courses and community service opportunities will make a difference for everyone. Look ahead to 2018 with hope and believe that whatever goals you have in mind are achievable. Place yourself in a position to take advantage of all the opportunities that lie ahead of you. I look forward to getting to know you and exchanging ideas to foster growth for all. Alicia D. Levenberry, CP APA President
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SHARE THE VISION By Andrea L. Linnear For some, the holidays are generally a good opportunity to get some much-needed rest and relaxation, or to spend quality time with friends and family. For me, the holidays are also a catalyst for reflections of the past 12 months, as I look forward to the upcoming year with a greater sense of purpose. When the incoming Board members of APA convened on a beautiful fall day in early November, we were tasked with defining goals and objectives to reconnect with the mission and vision of our organization. The entire day was spent ensuring that we were up to the challenge of changing the narrative of APA’s future in the paralegal community. We decided that we must be the change that we want to see, and we departed with a clearer understanding of the important role we play in helping paralegals thrive. Yes, we have set lofty goals for APA, not to burden or overwhelm, but to establish standards that exceed the expectations of others.
We invite and encourage you to be involved. Take some time to peruse our website at www.atlantaparalegal.org. Register for Learn-at-Lunch seminars and invite your colleagues. Come share your ideas at the Board meetings, which are open to all members. Talk about APA and our mission on social media. Be sure to check the website and your emails for notifications of upcoming events. Share our enthusiasm to be the best version of ourselves. Thank you in advance for your willingness to participate in the new direction of APA and we look forward to seeing you soon. May peace and joy be with you and yours throughout the remainder of the holiday season and best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year.
#joinAPA #sharethevision #whereparalegalsthrive
“The Visionary starts with a clean sheet of paper, and reimagines the world.” – Malcolm Gladwell Now we move forward, getting to the business of our members. The road ahead will not be without challenges; however, we have the capacity to serve our members in extraordinary ways. So, in the coming weeks, we will be reaching out to you for more direction on how to grow this great organization. We would love to know what is important to you. 6
Andrea is a paralegal for Huff, Powell & Bailey, LLC where she handles complex litigation involving high damages medical malpractice lawsuits. She obtained her BA in Political Science from Georgia State University and her Paralegal Certificate from Clayton State University.
JOURNEY TO BECOME A PARALEGAL By Beonka Weems I began my journey to become a Paralegal during the Summer of 2015. I have enjoyed the time I have spent at Clayton State University (CSU). The beginning was rough, but I managed to push through and complete the program in December. I set out on this journey to become a Paralegal around 2009. I had already received my Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, but came to a halt when I was told there was no paralegal certificate program near my area. I had been out of school for about eight years prior to enrolling at CSU, so you can imagine my hesitation. Starting over again, completing the program this time, at the right time, has been an extremely rewarding, selfless, and honorable task. I am proud for taking the time to invest in my future. If anyone is second guessing, or talking themselves out of accomplishing their dream, DON'T DO IT!!! Never sell yourself short of what can be and is rightfully yours. Beonka is a Junior Paralegal at The Law Office of Tanya Mitchell Graham, P.C. She obtained her Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and her Paralegal Certificate from Clayton State University. She intends to obtain the Certified Paralegal designation by NALA in 2018.
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WHAT'S THE PLAN? By Carrie Foster, Immediate Past President Planning is an active way of “discussing” goals, objectives, strategies and tasks that we need or want to accomplish. However, developing the plan is a written account of intended future course of action. Are you planning or do you have a plan? It has been said that career planning and life planning are liberating and fulfilling activities. I believe this to be true. As I am in the midst of reinventing me, I am finding myself forever discussing my newly set goals in relation to my career, continued education and lifelong aspirations, and though this excites me, I am moving like a turtle to achieve them. I have the planning down pat and am anxious to move forward with the plan.
journey have me pondering on the amount of turmoil, conflict and adversity I had to face to reach my goals. However, the turmoil, conflict and adversity I had to overcome in my career and in my personal life helped me to become a better paralegal, a better person. The lessons I learned through my trials and tribulations are now used as a springboard for the goals and aspirations I want to pursue from this point forward. Setting goals in my career and my personal life have always been a rewarding and positive experience. It gives my life direction, motivates me and strengthens my self-confidence - which brings me to the plan…to act on the… Golden Rules of Goal Setting:
The Plan
1. Set Goals That Motivate Me
Before I delve into the plan, I ask myself the following questions: Am I willing to accept the sacrifices required to achieve my goals? Do I want the lifestyle that comes with it? Do I want the boring and ugly process that comes before the exciting and glamorous outcome?
2. Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals
To this, I answered:
(Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time Bound) 3. Set Goals In Writing 4. Make An Action Plan 5. Stick With It That’s my plan. What’s yours?
ANYTHING IN LIFE WORTH HAVING IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR
I have lived a life of productivity and endless accomplishments thus far. I must admit that the sacrifices, lifestyle, and trials and tribulations endured during this 8
Carrie is a Senior Litigation Paralegal at Thomas Kennedy Sampson Tomkins LLP handling complex litigation including medical malpractice and personal injury. Carrie has extensive trial experience involving multimillion dollar cases in the civil arena.
ATLANTA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION LEARN
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CAREE R OPPOR TUNITIE S
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ASSISTA NCE TOWAR D CERTIFI CATION
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NEW YEAR, NEW LEGISTLATION By Melinda Carter, CP As the new year fast approaches, a new legislative session begins at the state capitol. The state legislative process is a long but necessary course that legislators endure to help improve the laws that govern our state. Some may view the laws as controversial; nevertheless, legislators work hard to push through important legislation for their constituents and stakeholders. As I traveled with my family to New Orleans over Thanksgiving weekend, we noticed warning signs while driving through a neighborhood in Jefferson Parish, indicating a $500.00 fine for cell phone use, which was surprising to me as I have traveled to New Orleans many times and never noticed the signs. I later learned that this law resulted from legislation signed into law by Governor Bobby Jindal in 2014, known as Louisiana HB370[i], which prohibits cell phone use in school zones during school hours. The bill originated with representative Jeff Thompson (District 8), which sent a clear message of its intent after receiving complaints from school officials about improving safety measures in school zones[ii]. Learning this made me think about the task Georgia state legislators have to enact laws for our state. State legislators go through a rigorous process to get legislation passed, beginning with presenting legislation to the Legislative Counsel for review and submitting the bill to the clerk for further analysis by leaders of the General Assembly[iii], among other things. Therefore, it is imperative that legislators present a strong case for legislation garnered by support from their 10
constituents and stakeholders in order to move important legislation forward.
With the current state of politics, it's more important than ever to get involved in our local government. We too can play a vital role in the legislation process. For more information regarding lesgislation in Georgia and how you can stay in the know, please visit the following sites: Georgia General Assembly National Conference of State Legislatures Office of the Governor of Georgia
(Endnotes) [i] http://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx? s=14RS&b=HB370&sbi=y [ii] http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/06/ cell_phone_use_texting_will_be.html [iii] http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/
Melinda has over 10 years of experience in the legal field. She is a certified paralegal with a degree in Business and Legal Studies from Herzing University, and received her paralegal certification in 2016.
WANT A FRESH START? By Karen Miller, ACP Did you achieve the goals you were striving for in 2017? No? Why not? Being a paralegal is a lifelong learning process. In the upcoming new year, think about all the ways that you can improve yourself personally and professionally. Think about how you can raise your professional status, whether it be by increasing your education or applying for that job that you really want.
Start 2018 with a goal of becoming a Certified Paralegal (CP). The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) is changed their test structure and made obtaining certification more flexible by offering more testing windows. For those who have received their CP credential, now may be the time to strive for the Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) designation. Beginning in January 2018, NALA will implement new exam specifications. Why not reach for the stars in 2018? What is stopping you from starting a professional goal in 2018? Age? Money? Time? Right now, is the best time to make it a goal to improve yourself. We make time for, and put our money toward, the things we really want. Start now to obtain the level of certification you need to get that next promotion or interview for that dream job. Obtaining those certifications and acquiring additional skills can be the determining factor in landing that new position. As someone who is over 60 years of age 11
and a sufferer of psoriatic arthritis, I personally have to tailor my goals within those parameters. If I don’t give up, why should you? Are you nearing retirement age as I am? I am taking a class in January to improve my skills as a paralegal. I am receiving mentoring in small business formation to advance my organization as an LLC. When I left high school in the 1970’s computers and the internet did not exist. Because of that, as a baby boomer, I am also sharpening my skills in Microsoft Office and Adobe platforms to make me relevant in the 21st century. If that is you, strive to obtain those skills that will make you more relevant in your job. I can point you in the right direction if that is your long-held dream. Feel free to contact me through the APA membership directory. I will be glad to assist you with enroling into eduation courses. I can also make you aware of any CP or ACP study groups APA may offer or point you in the direction to other types of classes in which you have interest.
Karen is a contract paralegal and owner of Miller Virtual Paralegal, LLC. She is a graduate of National Paralegal College and National Juris University. She obtained the Certified Paralegal designation and the Advanced Certification in Family Law from NALA in 2014.
THANK YOU TO OUR
SPONSORS Our annual Sponsor Appreciation Social was held on December 7, 2017 at Burr & Forman. During this event our sponsors were presented with gifts of appreciation. The support of our sponsors helps us to provide Learn-at-Lunch seminars and other events for our members.
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GEORGIA COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES By Lori Derhammer Right here in Georgia, abused and neglected children live in the shadows of our lives. She may be the quiet girl in your son’s class, who had to move homes and change schools three times in the last year alone. He may be the dispirited child at the park who never joins the game. Each year more than 19,000 children are placed in foster care in Georgia with more than 12,000 children being in care on any given day. Unintentionally, kids end up lost in a sea of paperwork and bureaucracy. So the little girl, who has already suffered in an abusive home, enters foster care and ends up in four different homes in just a few months. Or the two siblings who lost their mother to incarceration are split up and live on different sides of the same county. Or the teenager, whose father overdoses, winds up living in a group home until he literally ages out of the system. At its heart, this is not just an issue of abuse or neglect, or a broken system, or
overburdened workers, but of the unalienable rights of a child. Our children need to do more than simply survive. They deserve to thrive in the safety and love of a family throughout their childhood and into adulthood. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is central to fulfilling society’s most fundamental obligation by making sure a qualified, compassionate adult will fight for and protect a child’s right to be safe, to be treated with dignity and respect, and to learn and grow in the safe embrace of a loving family. A CASA is a deeply committed, specially trained volunteer who works within the child welfare system and is appointed by juvenile court judges to individual cases. CASA volunteers are a formidable force; there is no one else like a CASA, who provides individualized attention and brings urgency to a child’s needs. With the help of a CASA volunteer, a child is half as likely to languish in foster
CASA TESTIMONIAL: Larry Sheber As we often hear from our CASA volunteers throughout the state, the work they do with these children has a lasting impression, not only on the children’s lives, but on their lives as well: “I found my place of profound impact and fulfilling service in the CASA program,” states Larry Sheber, who volunteers with CASA of the Appalachian Judicial Circuit in Ellijay. Larry recounts a case where he served a teenage boy who had been placed in foster care. With divorced parents, he was not in contact with his father and was removed from his mother’s home due to her drug use. During eight months in foster care, the teen saw three case workers and six different foster homes. Larry, however, was the one constant adult presence in his life. After investigating, he learned that the teen’s
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father had been incorrectly documented as being in prison. As it turned out, his father was in fact trying to connect with his son in hopes of reuniting with him. Without his CASA Larry, the teen might still be bouncing from foster home to foster home, school to school. Thanks to his CASA, he is home with his dad, achieving straight A’s in a private school, and on track to high school graduation and future success. Friends and family often say to Larry how they could never work with neglected and abused children. It’s too depressing. His response: “What would be depressing is if there weren’t CASAs to help advocate for children who are neglected and abused, not only by their parents but often by a system that is understaffed . . . and overworked.”
care, and that much more likely to find a safe and permanent home in which to thrive.
interests. To do this, we are currently in year two of our statewide growth plan with the goal to serve 13,000 children with 3,200 CASA volunteers at the end of 2018. We are also continuing expansion of CASA services to the remaining 11 counties in Georgia, and are excited to have most recently expanded to Chattooga and Colquitt counties.
CASA volunteers are appointed as lay guardians ad litem and often work alongside an attorney appointed to the child. This dual appointment is the best form of representation for children, as the broad range of functions required in providing true representation to children in abuse and neglect proceedings cannot be performed without the combined resources of qualified attorneys and best interest advocates.
On behalf of all our affiliate CASA programs in Georgia, Georgia CASA encoures young lawyers to consider becoming involved with CASA by volunteering as an advocate, donating to the affiliate program in your community, helping with special events, lending your expertise by providing pro bono advice or serving on the board of directors. We are so appreciative of your support to these foster children and encourage you to lift up a child’s voice, a child’s life. You can visit gacasa.org and get connected with the CASA program in your community.
Outside the courtroom, CASA volunteers frequently educate their communities and elected officials about the needs of children in foster care and advocate for systemic changes. Twenty-nine years ago, in 1988, three ambitious women—including one who is a member of this Bar—saw a need for abused and neglected children to have a voice and an advocate in court, and CASA programs were started at the invitation of two forwardthinking judges in Hall and Newton counties. Over the years, CASA has expanded to serve 146 counties, thanks to the generous support of the General Assembly, foundations— including the Georgia Bar Foundation—and countless other donors and supporters.
After all, we must remember that once grown, these former foster youth will become our future lawyers, teachers and leaders. Our opportunity then, which lies within our challenge, is to help every child come out of this tumultuous period of vulnerability and fear recognizing his own potential and believing in himself. Together, we can help these kids live a life of destiny, rather than fate, to the benefit of their children and generations to come.
Today, about 50 percent of Georgia’s foster children have a CASA volunteer advocating on their behalf. This past fiscal year, for the first time in our history, more than 10,000 children were served by CASA volunteers We continue toward our vision for every child who cannot live safely at home to have a CASA volunteer who will help ensure his safe passage out of foster care and to champion, without compromise, what is in his best Reprinted with permission from The YLD Review, the publication of the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georgia, Volume 58, Issue 2, February 2017. Copyright State Bar of Georgia. Statements expressed within this article should not be considered endorsements of products or procedures by the State Bar of Georgia.
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Lori came to Georgia CASA in 2001. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in marketing, from Valdosta State University. She works in the ares of communicaitons and marketing as well as resource development initiatives.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alicia D. Levenberry, CP President
Paralegal Matters is the official e-Newsletter of Atlanta Paralegal Association, Inc. It is designed to serve the needs and interests of paralegals throughout the State of Georgia.
Andrea L. Linnear 1st VP and Treasurer
Paralegal Matters is edited by the members of APA. Publishing and editorial decisions are based on the editors’ judgment of writing, the timeliness of the article, and the potential interest of the readers.
Beonka Weems 2nd VP-Membership
The views expressed in Paralegal Matters are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views of APA. No endorsement of those views should be inferred unless specifically identified as the official policy of APA.
Karen C. Miller, ACP, MSCL 2nd VP-Education
Paralegal Matters exercises reasonable care in accepting advertising from reputable firms and individuals. However, information concerning products and services advertised is provided by the advertisers. Paralegal Matters makes no representations as to the validity of the information or the suitability of advertised products and serves to particular uses. Paralegal Matters and APA are not liable for misinformation, typographical errors, or misprints in advertisements.
Tina D’Agostino, ACP NALA Liaison
Becky Shipes, ACP Parliamentarian
Melinda Carter, CP Website Administrator
Atlanta Paralegal Association, Inc. Nicole N. Clements State and Local Bar Liaison
P.O. Box 7552 Atlanta, Georgia 30357 Website: www.atlantaparalegal.org Email: publicationseditor@atlantaparalegal.org
Nina Walzer Secretary and Publications Editor
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