Winter 2017

PPA held its Annual Holiday Luncheon and Gift Shower on Thursday, December 2, 2016 at the beautifully decorated Engineer's Society. Those in attendance enjoyed delicious lunch and great conversation with fellow PPA members.

Our members also won great door-prizes and fabulous silent auction items that were graciously donated by law firms and our vendors.

We also had the opportunity to honor one of our long time members, Susan McGivern. Susan retired this past year after a long career with BNY Mellon. We wish her the best in her retirement.

Our gift shower recipient was the Pittsburgh Aids Task Force. Two representatives spoke to the attendees about PATF and those

Inside This Issue President’s Message ................ 2

Networking ............................... 2

2016 Vendor Thank You .......... 4

NALA Certification ................... 5

Professional Development ...... 5

Parliamentarian Role ............... 6

PPA Online ................................ 7

New Board Members ............... 8

NFPA Report .............................. 10

Edging Out First Years .............. 11

FDA ............................................ 13

Gratitude .................................. 15

Attached PATF Thank You

PPA Social Networks Find us on LinkedIn Join us on Facebook

PPA ANNUAL HOLIDAY LUNCHEON Christine Boyd

PITTSBURGH AIDS TASK FORCE Michael Vertullo, PPA Board Member and PATF Volunteer

people they help.

All in all, it was a very nice luncheon and was a great start to the holiday season.

Each year the Pittsburgh Paralegal Association sponsors a charity for its holiday luncheon. This year we were extremely happy and proud to sponsor the The Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force (PATF). PATF is located in the East Liberty neighborhood at 5913 Penn Avenue and provides services to individuals and families in the following counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland.

The Task Force operates a full service medical clinic and a Food Pantry for its clients. In addition, they provide the community with support groups, community outreach, Pro Bono Legal services, emergency funds, medical and comprehensive case management, housing programs, and transportation.

The Food Pantry is always in need of volunteers. Volunteers can assist with the monthly Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank Delivery Day (3rd Wednesday of the month from 9:00am to 1:00 pm), during the week, and/or each Sunday morning. On Sundays, we meet at Trader Joe’s on Penn Avenue in East Liberty at 9:00 am and pick up the surplus food (a vehicle is not necessary, but is always welcome!!). We transport the food to the PATF offices and then weigh, sort and stock the items. Randi Lowe serves as the Food Pantry Director.

If you having questions or would be interested in donating your time as a volunteer you may contact me at mvertullo@webblaw.com or Anita Branch, Community Relations Manager at abranch@patf.org. In addition, there is a “volunteer” tab on the website at www.patf.org

The Pittsburgh Paralegal Association donated cash, gift cards, and personal care items to the organization.

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Cindy Wirtz, President

Pittsburgh Paralegal Association!

Happy 40th Anniversary Pittsburgh Paralegal Association! A significant milestone for the paralegal profession! Bravo to the many paralegalswho have volunteered countless hours of their time over the years to keep the PPA thriving. Thank you to all of the vendors in the legalcommunity for their financial support of the PPA. Whether it is sponsoring a CLE, donating a door prize or purchasing advertising on thePPA website, this organization would not be able to exist without your financial support. Every anniversary deserves a party and the PPA is no exception! The PPA Officers and Board of Directors have formed a 40th AnniversaryCommittee to plan a special event to celebrate this milestone. Any member of the PPA is welcome to join this Committee. Interestedmembers should go to our website for the contact information for the Committee. Additionally, we will be emailing all members a surveyregarding the anniversary celebration. This is your organization and we want to make sure we plan an event that everyone can enjoy! The PPA has several great CLEs planned for 2017. In addition, our Spring Conference will be in May and the Special Events Committee isbusy planning our yearly Pirates game and tailgate. I wish all of my fellow paralegals a happy, healthy 2017! As always, please feel free to contact me anytime. Cindy Wirtz cwirtz@pollockbegg.com

NETWORKING – IT’S NOT ABOUT WHAT YOU KNOW, BUT KNOWING THE RIGHT PERSON TO ASK Anne Newcomer, RP®, Pa.C.P. Networking is essential in the professional world. You do not need to love networking to be good at it. Many people view networkingas a chore and think that only a social butterfly can be successful at networking. Introverts physically cringe when someone utters“networking.” Whether you are an extrovert, introvert, or other, you can make networking work for you and expand your knowledge ineveryday situations.

In my own mind, I say to myself, “Ugh! Not more networking! I hate it!” But, in reality, I think I’m not that bad at it. It took me manyyears to discover this and lots of trial and error. I discovered that networking is not about just making small talk at parties andprofessional gatherings. It is about what knowledge you can leverage through the people you meet and their knowledge and skill sets.Let’s look at networking at its first level, your family and friends.

Your everyday friends and relatives are your first source in networking. Networking is not exclusive to people at work or yourprofessional organization. Figure out what your relatives, close friends, and neighbors know or do. Family and friends can open up acompletely new primary network to you. A basic example of networking with family and friends is when I needed a new roof and afurnace cleaning. I mentioned this offhand to a colleague at work and she told me her husband’s friend is a roofer and her husband is anHVAC repairman. My colleague utilized her friends and family to network with me. In turn, I hired the roofer for three repair jobs overthe years and I hired her husband to clean my furnace and install a new furnace at a later time.

Here are a few more examples of networking by utilizing family. At a National Federation of Paralegal Associations conference, onedelegate from another paralegal association had questions about its IRS 503c non-profit status and she had no idea where to start and whoto ask. A relative of mine happens to work for the IRS in the non-profit compliance and approval department. I was able to get some

Continues on Page 3

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Networking (continued from page 2)

information for the paralegal association straight from the source and the individual from the other association didn’t have to wait forhours on hold with a computerized voice message system. Another time, I needed a court reporter in York County, PA. A relativehappens to work for a court reporter agency there and I got a great referral. Another situation arose where I needed transcripts from aPennsylvania Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs hearing that were no longer available through the online site. I contactedthe same relative to see if the court reporter agency where she works contracted with the PA BPOA. The agency did at one time, but notduring the time period I needed. Regardless, it was an avenue that I would otherwise not have had.

One bit of advice though when asking your friends and relatives for favors and contacts, be like the Godfather, Don Corleone, and ask forfavors wisely and only when you really need them.

The next logical place for networking is through the Pittsburgh Paralegal Association, the Keystone Alliance of Paralegal Associations,and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations. Here are three readymade organizations of networking ready for you to utilize!The PPA, Keystone Alliance, and NFPA have sponsors and advertisers on their websites. These companies have shown their support ofthe paralegal organizations and paralegal profession so try them out. Consider them pre-vetted vendors. My attorneys are always askingme to locate court reporters, experts, private investigators, couriers, process servers, translators, copy vendors, e-discovery vendors, and aslew of other litigation support services. I do not personally know a vendor for each of these services but I know other paralegals who door I utilize the vendors that support our professional organizations. If you can’t find a vendor through the websites, don’t be afraid to askothers in the know and give them a call or send an email.

As one of PPA’s NFPA representatives, I am privileged to attend the NFPA region meetings and national conventions. This has openedup a vast ne! Your own Keystone and NFPA delegates can be utilized to help connect you with other paralegals throughout the state andthe country. Here are just a few examples of how I utilized networking connections with other paralegals from Pittsburgh, PPA,Keystone, and NFPA.

I needed a docket from Berks County, PA, which is by subscription only, and asked NFPA primaries and secondaries in or near thatcounty if they had access to the docket. At least one person did and she offered to conduct a docket search for me free of charge. I wasable to provide an updated docket to my attorney and confirm that the opposing party did not file a particular pleading.

Recently, I needed a private investigator (PI) in Michigan. Instead of just doing a Google search for Michigan PIs and picking one out ofa hat, I asked a PI from Pennsylvania with whom I have a good relationship, if she knew or could recommend a PI in Michigan for aboots on the ground investigation as my attorney wanted someone local. My PI friend found several names in her own network. Inoticed that some were in the vicinity of the Michiana Paralegal Association. I asked the NFPA delegates from the MPA if they knewany of the PIs. One of the delegates personally knew and recommended one of the PIs. I was able to get an introduction to the PI and gota few “freebies” because of the referral, including a couple extra searches for telephone numbers after the PI reached my budget cap.

On another occasion, I needed to locate a PI in New York. An affiliate of my law firm suggested a firm, whom I hired, but I wasn’thappy with their service. I met another PI firm at NFPA convention who is in the New York City area and was really impressed with her.I’ll use that firm next time and will pass that information along to anyone I know who looking for a firm in NYC.

Just a few months ago, a friend of a friend needed help to obtain information on a Protection From Abuse and potentially, a pro bonoPFA case. I connected a paralegal with the PFA Signature Project with the one friend and the friend’s friend is getting the assistance sheneeds.

Yet another example is my attorney needed a zoning board administrator to obtain a copy of the current standards and regulations. Ourmutual legal assistant was getting the run around when she tried to call the phone number she located online. I recalled that one of myformer attorneys sat on the zoning board and a quick email to him helped me get the contact information we needed. An important tip toremember is don’t burn bridges when you leave a firm or employer. Pittsburgh is a very small legal community. You’ll probably need afavor from an old boss at some point. At the very least, you don’t want your old boss to make an offhand comment to someone heknows, because you just might need to network with that other someone one day. Continues on page 4

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Networking (continued from page 3)

With all these examples, you might think that networking is just all about me getting what I need. This is not the case. Here are a fewexamples when others used me as a source when networking. A Delaware paralegal reached out to the NFPA Region 4 director, who isfrom Pittsburgh about obtaining an Allegheny County subpoena for a Delaware case through the Uniform Interstate Depositions andDiscovery Act (“UIDDA”). The Delaware paralegal and I are working on getting her Allegheny County subpoena taken care of. Likewise,a Philadelphia Association of Paralegals member, and former NFPA president, was having a trial in Pittsburgh but he did not know anylocal trial technology firms or copying services to help him during trial in Pittsburgh. He emailed me and I gave him introductions andreferrals to my favorite trial presentation firm and copy service. He was all set for trial and will likely use these companies in the futurewhen he has cases in this part of the state.

So aside from meeting people in person, what other ways can you network? The NFPA website offers member discussion boards whereyou can post or respond to questions from other members. Also, try using LinkedIn and Facebook paralegal group pages to network.Regarding LinkedIn, I needed an expert in a highly specialized field, not your everyday electrical engineer. I found a highly respectedexpert on LinkedIn and contacted him. He is retired but provided me with contact information for ten other experts in this specialized field.He also said it was alright to mention him as a referral. The result? I helped my attorney locate and retain an expert through this referral.

Please consider these final thoughts. It is important to remember to stay humble when networking. Everyone does not want to hear abouthow many people you know. Name dropping is just annoying and makes you look pretentious. Your job is to just get the work done andlook like a rock star when it gets done efficiently and correctly. So, follow these simple steps: (1) Network; (2) Turn rock star; (3) Earnraises and promotions.

2016 VENDOR THANK YOU The Pittsburgh Paralegal Association would like to thank the following vendors, law firms and sponsors for their support throughout 2016. Without their support, many of our events would not have been possible. Please continue to support them.

California University of Pennsylvania

Duquesne University Paralegal Institute

Everything But The House

FTI Consulting

Harris Investigations

Litigation Advantage, LLC.

Marjorie Peters Court Reporting

Meyer Unkovic & Scott

Network Deposition Services

Old Republic Title Insurance

Precise, Inc.

Plant Depos

Pollock Begg Komar Glasser & Vertz

Quatrini Rafferty, P.C.

Reed Smith

Signature Information Solutions

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I first heard about the NALA Certified Paralegal Program while earning my paralegal certification at Duquesne University. The programdirector, Pam Bailey, explained that in addition to having our paralegal certification through the University, we could take the NALAexam and become certified. Having the CP Certified Paralegal designation from NALA would mean that as a paralegal we had extraknowledge and would be able to provide “superior service” to our place of employment (www.nala.org). She went on to say that it wasvoluntary, but it encouraged us to sit for the exam, even though it was very difficult. Once I heard about the exam, I decided that I wantedto take it because I knew that it could help me to further my career.

Preparation for the test was intense. I began to study about six months before the testing date. Besides studying for the test, I was alsofinishing up my final two courses at Duquesne, working full-time, and planning a wedding! There were four things that really helped mein the process, the NALA exam book, the study sessions with my fellow students at Duquesne, The Notecard Factory, and my supportsystem of friends and family.

If you plan on taking the test, I highly recommend buying a copy of the NALA study guide, “Certified Paralegal Review Manual, APractical Guide to CP Exam Preparation,” by Virginia Koerselman Newman. It explains everything that you need to know about the examfrom how to register, to how the exam is set up, and what you’re going to be tested on. The each chapter of the book focuses on a differentsection of the exam. At the end of each chapter there is a self-test. I used the book to review the topics and then took the self-test. Thetests really helped me to figure out what areas I needed to study. It also helped me to create The Notecard Factory.

For me, one of the most effective study methods has always been notecards. Not only do I gain the benefit of reading and writing whilecreating the cards, but I also gain a portable, self-testing study system. I created The Notecard Factory by going through each chapter andwriting down key words, definitions, and concepts. In addition to the NALA book, I also used my class notes. By the time I was finishedI had hundreds of cards! I took The Notecard Factory everywhere from work, to school, to the dentist’s office. I loved that I could testmyself. Often times I would read the word or phrase aloud and then the answer afterwards, giving me the benefit of hearing the materialas well.

The third thing that helped me to study for the exam was the study sessions held at Duquesne University. Pam Bailey helped to guide thestudent run study sessions in which our classmates “taught” a section of the test. It was helpful to hear the material broken down byclassmates, especially because some students had more knowledge in certain areas and could better explain the concepts.

The final thing that helped me prepare for the exam was my amazing support system. Throughout the whole process, Pam Baileyreminded us, “You can do this!” My family and friends were also incredibly supportive. My fiancée, now husband, Michael, wasparticularly supportive. He was there to help me study by quizzing me on my notecards and to offer me positive words of encouragementwhen I wanted to give up.

I took the test over the span of two weekends. After taking the exam, I had to wait about two months for the results. I was anxious to seeif I had passed, so waiting was really hard. Fortunately, when the results came in I found out that I had passed! Preparation and taking theexam was difficult, but I feel that the opportunities that I now have were well worth it.

If you want to learn more about the NALA Certification Program, visit www.nala.org/certification.

NALA CERTIFICATION Ashley Bournias

Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities PPA had some great Professional Development meetings in 2016 and we are striving to make 2017 even better. We are still working on finalizing some of the topics, but here is what we have in the works for the first half of 2017. February 15 – Cumulative Trauma Injuries – Dr. Jon B. Tucker March 15 - The Journey through Senior Care – Heather Bowser April 19 – Veteran's Benefits – Michael Quatrini, Esquire May 17 – Electronic Document Management – Precise June 21 – E-cigarette and Other Battery Explosions – Robson Forensic Also, mark your calendar for May 2, 2017 for our Spring Education Conference! Remember - you can register to attend any PPA event via our web site www.pghparalegals.org.

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A Parliamentarian is an expert in rules of order and the proper procedures for the conduct of meetings. Parliamentarians assistorganizations in the drafting and interpretation of bylaws and rules of order, and the planning and conduct of meetings.

Why does NFPA use a Parliamentarian during Convention? Parliamentarians are often called upon to assist organizations in planning conventions. They assist the organization in drafting and interpreting bylaws, specific to the needs of the organization. Most of the items that must be considered are bylaws, agendas, topics for discussion, and items that have been submitted for consideration of voting members. In the planning for the meeting, the agenda will specify the sequence of events, but consideration must also be given to such things as protocol in the presentation, opening ceremonies, etc. The parliamentarian is helpful in the preparation for the president, credentials reports, election forms and reports, and the processes in the consideration of motions and bylaw amendments.

Parliamentarians are often asked by organizations during meetings or conventions, “given our current bylaws and rules of order, how dowe do this, how do we proceed, or, what is the proper procedure to accomplish this objective?” The Parliamentarian will review, prior to the convention, the organization’s governing documents and provide an opinion as to how to proceed within Robert’s Rules and the association’s bylaws.

The role of the parliamentarian at a policy meeting is to be a resource to the president, to assist the president in the conduct of the policymeeting. The parliamentarian sits adjacent to the president and unobtrusively gives the president help, guidance and support during the meeting. The president can and should consult with the parliamentarian when not certain on how to rule on a question or proceed in the circumstances.

The parliamentarian will advise the president, when requested, on questions of parliamentary procedure. Parliamentarians do not “rule.” Only the president has the power to rule on a question of order. If the parliamentarian has expressed an opinion at the request of thepresident, the president must still make the ruling. The parliamentarian will assist the president by keeping track of the order of those wishing to speak, motions, amendments, voting, etc., during policy meetings.

Generally, the parliamentarian's role is purely advisory. The parliamentarian should unobtrusively call the attention of the president to serious errors in procedure. However, the advice of a parliamentarian is generally not binding on the president.

The General Principles of Parliamentary Procedures are that all members have equal rights, privileges, and obligations; and the rules mustbe administered impartially. There must be a complete and free discussion of all motions, reports, and other items of business. Only onequestion can be considered at a time. Delegates may not make a motion or speak in debate until they have risen and been recognized by the president. Delegates must not attack or question the motives of other delegates. All remarks are addressed to the president. And invoting, delegates have the right to know at all times what motion is before the assembly and what affirmative and negative votes mean.

So what does it take to be a Parliamentarian?

Certification The highest certifications of parliamentarians are the Professional Registered Parliamentarian, or PRP (issued by the National Association of Parliamentarians) and the Certified Professional Parliamentarian, or CPP, or the Certified Professional Parliamentarian Teacher, or CPP-T (both issued by the American Institute of Parliamentarians).

The Duties of a Parliamentarian 1. Effective meeting management

2. Reviews agenda before the meeting

3. Advises the president during the meeting as needed

4. Make the president look good!

5. Make sure the organization’s rules are followed

What does a delegate need to know?

The Eight Steps to Handling a Motion 1. Stand and be recognized

2. Make the motion

3. Second the motion Continues on page 7

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A PARLIAMENTARIAN DURING CONVENTION? DONNA M. HUNTERMARK, RP®, PA.C.P. REGION IV DIRECTOR CHAIRMAN OF THE REGION DIRECTORS

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Parliamentarian (continued from Page 6)

4. State the motion

5. Debate the motion

6. Put the question

7. Vote on the motion

8. Announce the results

Rules of Debate 1. Debate is not in order until a motion is stated by the president

2. The maker of the motion has the right to debate first

3. All debate must be related to the motion

4. Do not attack other delegates in debate

5. Avoid using names and refer to officers by title

Rules Governing the Consideration of Motions Some motions require more than a simple majority vote to pass. If a motion takes away an association’s right it requires a 2/3 majority. Some examples are Call for the Question or Orders of the Day, Previous Question, Limit or Extend Debate, Discharge a Committee, Rescind a Motion, Objection to Consideration, and Suspend the Rules.

I hope this gives you a bit of a window into what the parliamentarian is required to perform before and during convention. If you have any questions, I am certain that the parliamentarian in Vermont for the NFPA convention will be glad to answer your questions.

THE PPA ONLINE Christine Boyd

Did you know…. You have a profile on PPA's web site? You can access it by going to the "member log in" button at the top of the home page

and entering your email and password. Once logged in, you will be at the "Member Center Home Page" and will see a"Hello...My Name is"... badge. Under that is a link to your profile. Here you can update your personal information, changeyour password and even add a photo!

You can register to attend any events with just a few clicks. Log into your account and go to our calendar and pull up the event.You will see a link that says "register to attend". Click on that link and all of your information is automatically entered and allyou have to do is click on "submit". It's that easy! You can also add it directly to your Outlook calendar. You will receive areminder of events that you signed up to attend.

You can search for other PPA members? Again, log into the Member Center and you will see a link to Membership Directory.

You can to return to the Member Center Home page at any time after logging in, just by clicking on the Member Center tab onthe blue bar and then click the "return to member center home page" link.

You can renew your membership with just a few clicks! After logging in, go into your profile. There is a "RenewMembership" button on the yellow bar across the top. Click on the "go" button and the renewal application appears with all ofyour information already filled in! No more long applications! Just hit submit, enter your payment information, and you aredone!

PPA has a free job bank! You will see a link to the job bank on the Member Center page after you log in. This job bank is freefor all PPA members. Employers can also post paralegal job openings on our job bank at no cost.

Our Member Center provides access to our free job bank, our quarterly newsletter, as well our online CLE Verificationsubmission form.

If you have any problems with the web site, or have any questions, please contact Christine Boyd at clb@qrlegal.com.

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MEET OUR NEW PPA BOARD MEMBERS Name? Ashley Bournias

Current employer? Reed Smith

Education? I have a very diverse background! I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcasting from Point Park University. I then pursued my Master’s Degree in Library Science from the University of Pittsburgh. Most recently, I received my Paralegal Certification from Duquesne University.

How long have you worked as a paralegal? Along with working in Records Management, I’ve been assisting the e-discovery team for almost two years.

How long have you been a member of the PPA? I have been a member of PPA for about two years.

What goals would you like to see the PPA accomplish over the next five years? I would like to see PPA to continue to offer learning and networking opportunities to paralegals to help them to further their careers.

What is your best advice to other paralegals? I would have to say to never pass up an opportunity to learn something new. I feel that it really helps you to grow as a person and professional.

Favorite area of law? I would probably have to say either Complex Litigation or Labor & -mployment.

Significant other? I recently got married in September of 2016 to my husband, Michael.

Kids? My husband and I don’t have any human children; just our Goldendoodle puppy, Gus.

What was your first job? Your worst job? My first job was a clerk at a small branch of The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. I love to read, so it was the perfect job for me! I can’t say that I really had a worst job. I enjoyed different aspects of every job that I’ve had and used each one as a learning experience.

Are you a cat or dog or neither person? I am most definitely a dog person!

What is your favorite kind of music? I really like the Singer/Songwriter genre.

What is your favorite way to spend a weekend? I really like to cook and bake. One of my favorite things to do is to try new recipes, which I tend to do on the weekends because I have more time. I also really enjoy reading.

What is your favorite food or drink indulgence? I have a huge sweet tooth! My favorite sweet would have to be cookies, in particular, chocolate chip.

What is the best way for PPA members to contact you with any questions, comments or concerns? PPA members can feel free to contact me through my Reed Smith email or phone number.

Name? Carrie E. Cessna

Current employer? Reed Smith

Education? B.A. English, Duquesne University, 2011, Paralegal Certificate, Duquesne University, 2015

How long have you worked as a paralegal? Going on 2 years.

How long have you been a member of the PPA? About 1 year.

What goals would you like to see the PPA accomplish over the next five years? I would like to see membership in our organization grow substantially, which I believe can be accomplished through outreach to firms in our community and the presentation of topical and engaging CLEs. I would love to see more paralegals in the Pittsburgh area take advantage of the benefits that membership in a professional organization has to offer.

What is your best advice to other paralegals? Try to diversify your practice area as much as you can. Not only is it great experience to work in different areas of the law, but it also makes you more valuable.

Favorite area of law? Currently, Employment.

Significant other? Unattached.

Kids? None.

What was your first job? Your worst job? Amateur Horticulturist at a local greenhouse.

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Coincidently, also my worst job.

Are you a cat or dog or neither person? Dog, but I love all animals.

What is your favorite kind of music? Country.

What is your favorite way to spend a weekend? I enjoy spending my free time with friends and family, reading, going to concerts, and doing projects around my house.

What is your favorite food or drink indulgence? Wine

What is the best way for PPA members to contact you with any questions, comments or concerns? I can be reached at ccessna@reedsmith.com.

NEW BOARD MEMBERS (continued from page 8)

Name? Lily Gamber

Current employer? Goehring Rutter & Boehm

Education? Duquesne University

How long have you worked as a paralegal? I started working as a Paralegal in January 2015.

How long have you been a member of the PPA? January 2016

What goals would you like to see the PPA accomplish over the next five years? I would like to see the PPA continue to grow as a strong community for paralegals in the Pittsburgh area.

What is your best advice to other paralegals? Stay organized and do not be afraid to ask questions.

Favorite area of law? Construction law.

Significant other? Yes.

Kids? No.

What was your first job? Your worst job? My first job was as a waitress as a small Greek restaurant. My worst job was as nanny for a summer.

Are you a cat or dog or neither person? A cat person.

What is your favorite kind of music? Alternative music.

What is your favorite way to spend a weekend? Going to concerts with my friends and visiting my family.

What is your favorite food or drink indulgance? My favorite food is sushi.

What is the best way for PPA members to contact you with any questions, comments or concerns? By email: lgamber@grblaw.com

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NFPA REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 10 AND DECEMBER 14, 2016 Anne Newcomer, RP, Pa.C.P., PPA NFPA Primary Representative

Anne Newcomer and Monique Luck attended the NFPA Annual Convention and Policy Meeting from October 20-23, 2016 in Burlington, Vermont.

Thursday, October 20th was a day of CLE seminars and NFPA workshops. Attendance was very good. The NFPA Fall Board meetingoccurred Thursday evening.

The Fall Region Meetings occurred on Friday, October 21st. Here is a summary of the topics discussed in no particular order.

The agenda topic on a Bullying policy is on the consent calendar as is, but it can be pulled off for discussion. Also on the consentcalendar is the administrative topic on regulation coordinators on leaders list and contact information.

NFPA has 47 total associations and 40 present. Quorum established.

The motion to establish a Social media coordinator was approved.

There are two new corporate partners.

NFPA has the ability to track when people open News You Can Use and the results are good.

NFPA has 7218 total members.

All associations are current on dues.

There is an account for money donated for PCCE funds or scholarship. There is no line item in the budget for this so it just has to sit there. There is no procedure for it. There is already one for PACE.

There is a Joint task force for updating PACE. Donna Huntermark is on the task force. They had three webinar meetings withPrometric and the next one is in November. The PACE update is moving forward.

Next joint conference is in NYC at Duane Morris from April 28th and 30th.

Joint conference for 2018, will be in the mid-west. 1 bid so far and will vote via webinar in Nov. when coordinators are elected.VP and Director of Profession Development wants a pro bono conference during the joint conference.

No executive session last night.

Recap the Summer Board Meeting.

NFPA is seeking Rfps for the National Paralegal Reporter. Two bids received so far, 1 from ROI and 1 from Kellen.

Delegates urged to try to get your members to submit articles to reporter, news you can use and association highlight.

Next Inside report is December, always the even months and the 20th.

Representatives from each region to serve on committees. Any member can on the committee. Encourage people to join alongwith coordinator positions. Budget committee is done for the year.

We had a visit from military paralegals and Command Sgt. Lister. Jag has students going through a pilot program. Good response from students and they’ve decided to proceed with the next steps. Reached out to retired association to be under their umbrella. Encourage local associations to create a military liaison.

PPA is hosting the 2017 Spring Region meeting.

Governor Howard Dean was the Keynote Speaker at the luncheon on Friday.

Saturday Oct. 22nd and Sunday Oct. 23rd was the Policy Meeting.

State of the Federation Address highlights: DOL indicates the paralegal profession is growing and continuing to grow. Additionalstates are recognizing the paralegal profession. We are establishing credentials. A tiered profession is evolving, including withUT. New professions based on the paralegal profession and creates a de facto standard for paralegals in those states. WI & CT are following this trend.

2020 Convention to be hosted by Minnesota Paralegal Association

Presentation of Consent Calendar: Currently on the consent calendar are administrative topics 1 & 2 on the dispute resolutionpolicy and the regulation review coordinator. The delegates request to remove Dispute Resolution administrative topic off the consent calendar and after voting, it was removed from the consent calendar. Admin topic on regulation review coordinator isapproved by voice vote by the majority and it is adopted. This will not require local associations to make a new board position. If it is there, great, but if not, still ok. It is probably a good idea for associations to have some type of regulation review person, committee, etc.

Continues on page 11

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Board positions up for election are President, Lisa Vessels & Valerie Wilus; Vice President and Director of Positions and Issues: Lori Boris and Donna Huntermark; Vice President and Director of Paralegal Certification: Nita Serrano; Secretary and Director of Operations: Cherylan Shearer, and ABA Representative: Tammy Smith ( In person) and & Theresa Prater. Results of elections are Valerie Wilus, President; Lori Boris, VP and DPI; Nita Serrano, VP and DPC; Cherylan Shearer, Sec and DOO; and Tammy Smith, ABA Representative. Monique Luck is elected the Region IV Director.

Strategic Planning Committee Report by Becky Kerstetter – strategic meetings are open to all members. Important member benefit not being utilized is webinars. 50/50 attendance. Members encouraged to attend, highlight the webinars, which are economical cle credits. Survey response is lowest for students and paralegals with 6-10 years’ experience.

Ad Hoc Committee on State of the Profession Report – Jessica Mieles, speaking on behalf of Becky Reedy. Asks for a 1 year extension. 6 committee members will remain for another year. Research is done but report not drafted yet. No objections to 1 year extension and motions passes.

Regulation Position Statement Late Submission, Agenda Topic No. 2. Regulation of the Paralegal Profession. Passes by Resolution 16-01.

Agenda topic #3, voted to be accepted as a late submission and double checked through a roll call vote. This was to just be able to bring the late submission agenda topic as an “official” agenda topic. It was brought to the floor for consideration. Linda Odermott presents the position statement. A Motion made to bring to the floor and seconded and opened to discussion.

NFPA (continued from page 10)

Voted to go to caucus and passed. Then a motion was made to reopen this topic and remove it from caucus. Passes. Motion then made to reconvene the committee to make revisions and corrections and recirculate to the delegates in 6 months. Delegates then have 20 days to review and comment, then will vote electronically on the position statement. That motion passed. Anne is on the committee to edit this position statement. We had two conference calls and are waiting for the Board to approve some new language. After that, it will be sent to the delegates for comment, etc.

Presentation of Agenda/Discussion topic #1, Paralegal/Legal Assistant – Discussion follows. Presenter of agenda topic makes a motion to create an ad hoc committee created for the board to develop and update the position statement on the paralegal profession. 16-02 passes the motion as amended.

Motion to bring bylaw resolution 2 to the floor. Passes.

Bylaw resolution 1. Passes, as amended as 16-05.

2017 Convention and Policy Meeting is in New Orleans, LA.

Anne Newcomer & Monique Luck representing Pittsburgh Paralegal Association at the 2016 Convention in Burlington, VT

PARALEGALS EDGING OUT FIRST-YEARS AS FIRMS FACE PROFIT SQUEEZE October 11, 2016 12:00 AM Lizzy McLellan / The Legal Intelligencer With clients putting pressure on law firms to keep rates low and associate salaries on the rise at many firms, firm leaders are increasingly looking to adjust their staffing models, oftentimes placing more responsibilities on their paralegals.

More firm leaders are looking to nonlawyer staff members, such as paralegals, to take over duties that may have once fallen on first-year associates, industry observers said. It has allowed them to lower the costs for clients, and in many cases increase the firm’s profit margin.

But as those tasks fall on other professionals, firms will likely hire fewer new lawyers to fill the traditional role of a first-year associate.

“They realize that their profitability is driven in significant part by lowering what it costs them to deliver the legal services,” Kent Zimmermann of the Zeughauser Group said. “And that’s causing many firms to look at how they staff matters.”

According to Altman Weil’s 2016 Law Firms in Transition report, more than 70 percent of firm leaders are changing or considering changing their strategic approach to staffing. And nearly 38 percent expect to shift work from lawyers to paraprofessional staff.

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“I think it will become more prevalent and it’s going to be out of necessity,” said David Kleppinger, chairman of McNees Wallace & Nurick. “Clients are becoming more and more demanding of receiving value for their legal service and the challenge is: How do you deliver that value at a lower cost … without compromising on quality?”

Harry Reichner, a paralegal at Cozen O’Connor, said he expects a movement toward greater paralegal involvement at law firms, so those firms can provide services to clients who are struggling with the high cost of legal services. Cozen’s paralegals are billed out at relatively high rates because of the clients they serve, he noted, but the large-firm environment and technological resources allow him to focus more on substantive legal work and less on clerical tasks.

The Altman Weil survey came out just a few weeks before a wave of associate salary increases that stole legal industry headlines this summer, beginning in June when Cravath, Swaine & Moore pushed its first-year salary to $180,000. Cravath’s move drove a number of firms across the country to rework their pay scales.

Tom Clay of Altman Weil said he and other consultants have been “preaching” to firm leaders that they should reassess their staffing models.

“The profit margin on paralegals can be much higher than with associates or anyone else,” Clay said. “Paralegals have been around for generations, but now [firms are] realizing paralegals can be a better, more cost-effective method of getting things done.”

Mr. Clay said the profit margin for paraprofessionals often outweighs an associate’s profit margin for up to six years into the associate’s career. And a firm will likely experience a loss for most associates in their first year, and possibly second year.

Anne Newcomer has been a paralegal at Meyer, Unkovic & Scott in Pittsburgh for four months and worked at Goehring, Rutter & Boehm for about a decade before that. Throughout that time, she said, she and other paralegal colleagues have taken on “much more increased responsibility, where formerly a young associate would have handled those tasks.”

Some of those tasks include assisting with research, drafting tax liens, making calls and interacting with clients, Ms. Newcomer said.

Mr. Kleppinger said his firm routinely calls on nonlawyer professionals in a variety of practice areas including intellectual property, real estate and energy. He said the firm looks at staffing from the perspective of clients, who want better service at the best possible value.

Ms. Newcomer said firms’ increased dependence on paralegals is client-driven, particularly in insurance defense, where she used to do a lot of her work. Insurance adjustors would look over the bills, then point out certain associate tasks that a paralegal could have done, she said.

As those duties expand in scope, Mr. Clay said, navigating the ethical boundaries for nonlawyers should be simple. Those professionals simply have to work under the auspices of a lawyer, he said.

“The rules of professional responsibility are extremely clear about the use of paraprofessionals,” he said.

Mr. Zimmermann agreed, noting that in certain areas of law, paralegals have long been a key part of the business model. Firms in the intellectual property space as well as private wealth or trusts and estates practices seem to be growing the percentage of nonlawyers they employ, he noted.

“You’ve got to make sure those people aren’t practicing law,” Mr. Zimmermann said. “That having been said, there’s a lot nonlawyers can do.”

Paralegals aren’t just taking on the tasks that once fell to lawyers. At some firms, they’re absorbing the role of secretary as well. Cindy Wirtz, president of the Pittsburgh Paralegal Association, said she has noticed that trend taking place in Pittsburgh, as law firms rely on smaller secretarial pools rather than an individual secretary for each attorney.

Andrea Yannuzzi, president of The Philadelphia Association of Paralegals, said the same. A lot of the job postings aimed at paralegals are now seeking a “legal assistant/paralegal,” who will do both secretarial and paralegal work, she said in an email.

Mr. Clay said that should be the case. Ideally a firm will have one secretary for every six to eight lawyers, he said.

“The real, long-term potential savings is in legal secretaries,” Mr. Clay said.

Lizzy McLellan: lmclellan@alm.com. On Twitter: @LizzyMcLellTLI. To read more articles like this, visit www.thelegalintelligencer.com.

Reprinted with permission from the “October 11, 2016 edition of the “The Legal Intelligencer”© 2016” ALM Media Properties, LLC. All rights reserved. Further duplication without permission is prohibited, contact 877-257-3382 or reprints@alm.com.

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The FDA’s Attempt at Getting Control of the Widespread Use and Creation of Deadly Drugs Ramona Atkins, Full Time Faculty, Kaplan University, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Many individuals are feeling the need to be creative in how they procure drugs. Not so long ago, individuals were buying cold and allergy products over the counter and using the pseudoephedrine to add to their concoctions to produce methamphetamine. In 2005, lawmakers became savvy to what was taking place and required its purchase to be at a pharmacy, wherein they kept this drug behind the counter. The Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 was incorporated into the Patriot Act signed by President Bush on March 9, 2006. The act banned over-the-counter sales of cold medicines that contain the ingredient pseudoephedrine, which is commonly used to make methamphetamine (fda.gov).”Individuals were required to produce photo identification and the amount that they could purchase was limited. The purpose behind this law was three-fold:

“So that customers do not have direct access to the product before the sale is made.

To have a written or electronic ‘logbook’ listing sales that identifies the products by name, quantity sold, names and addresses of purchasers, and the dates and times of the sales.

To place a limit on the amount that can be purchased in a single day and in a month (fda.gov).”

Larger Problems Concerning Opioid Addiction and Its Treatment This seemed to only be the beginning as there is a growing problem regarding the use of legal and illegal drugs. In fact, there is an out-of-control use of heroin that is alarming and more than a cause for concern. “In 2014, of the 21.5 million adults suffering from drug addiction, 2.5 million were abusing opiates — illegal drugs, like heroin, and prescription painkillers, like oxycodone, codeine, and morphine.” Another alarming fact stems from the state of Ohio, wherein, “Ohio, is dealing with addiction problems so severe a recent Congressional report called the state, ‘the face of the nation’s opioid epidemic.’ Between 2012 and 2014, accidental opioid deaths rose 59 percent to 2,531 deaths; the number hit 3,050 in 2015. Every day, eight people died of a drug overdose in Ohio, half from heroin. Still, 86 percent of people suffering from drug dependency were unable to receive necessary care in part because of an unstable opioid treatment market (Huffington Post).”

Interestingly enough, and not so surprising, pharmaceutical companies jumped on the money making bandwagon to produce drugs to treat opioid addiction. One consumer’s goods company, Reckitt Benckiser, owner of products such as Lysol and Mucinex, succeeded in doing so when the Food and Drug Administration granted it exclusive rights to Suboxone, an opioid treatment drug. One would have thought this would be a good thing; however, because of the competition among pharmaceutical makers, as well as the altering of the form in which the treatment came (going from pills to filmstrips), more problems were caused. Unlike pills, filmstrips are easy to smuggle into prisons and jails — one can simply slip a filmstrip into the pages of a Bible or hide it behind a postage stamp — where inmates abuse the drug. Maryland was coping with the same problem. Because nearly a quarter of buprenorphine prescriptions are paid for by Medicaid, there is a public interest in the matter (Huffington Post).” Consequently lawmakers in states such as Maryland later followed by Ohio interceded. Suboxone was removed from the state’s Preferred Drug list and was replaced by the pill form Zubsolv. The problem is far from over with heroin use and addiction. However, there are some strategies being tried included of which are as follows:

Safe injection sites, whereby injections are supervised and approved at centers. “Safe-injection sites have been in Europe and Canada for years but have only been proposed in a few U.S. cities, including Ithaca, N.Y., and Seattle. The idea has received significant backlash from lawmakers who say it would essentially provide a government-endorsed site to abuse drugs (Time.com).”

Prescribed heroin where individuals would be able to receive small amounts of the drug for those who are dependent upon it. “Opponents say the government is not only endorsing the use of an illegal drug but doing nothing to help people actually break their addiction. Critics believe that methadone clinics, which have been

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used for years to help those who are addicted, would be a safer alternative (Time.com).”

Medication assisted treatment to help reduce individual cravings and help with withdrawal symptoms. The government has expanded access to treatment centers. “Opponents say these centers foster ‘government-sponsored addiction’ that merely move addicts from one drug to another and argue that addicts aren’t being treated if they’re simply addicted to another drug (Time.com).”

Naxalone for everyone has been met with some backlash as this drug blocks the effects of an opioid overdose and helps to revive heroin users. The problem is that this drug does not address the addiction and is costly per dose.

Legalization of marijuana has been suggested but there is no concrete evidence that this will stop an opiate addiction.

Don’t arrest the users, treat them is also a consideration. However, despite treating them, the drug suppliers and dealers continue to provide the source of the problem.

So, the problem is not an easy one to resolve when drug companies are in competition for treating addiction, drug suppliers are still providing a means to get high, and the government is at a loss for effective treatments to curb all use and deals on the street for that magical high that often results in death.

From the Darkness of Heroin to a Synthetic Drug Called Pink The drug called Pink is a heroin substitute that can be legally purchased by mail. “Pink, better known by chemists as U-47700, is eight times stronger than heroin, and is part of a family of deadly synthetic opioids, all of them more powerful than heroin, that includes ifentanyl, carfentanil and furanyl fentanyl. By themselves or mixed with other drugs, in forms ranging from pills to powder to mists, they're killing thousands of people across the country, say law enforcement and health officials. The powerful, ersatz opioids are part of a surge of synthetic drugs, including bath salts and mock-ups of ecstasy, being shipped into the U.S. from China and other nations (NBC News).” The synthetic heroin like drugs are inexpensive and very few states have outlawed its use.

Some states have outlawed it, while some states are just learning about it. The Drug Enforcement Administration has taken steps via temporary bans toward banning the drug nationally. However, the progress with this is very slow. It is yet another problem without immediate as well as effective solutions to prevent addictions and death from its use.

Morning Glory Flower Seeds Now Used for its LSD Type Effects As if pseudoephedrine use for methamphetamine production, heroin, and synthetic heroin drugs weren’t enough to contend with, individuals are now purchasing morning glory flower seeds for a dollar a packet to illicit a high similar to that which is found when LSD is used. “Seeds originating from Morning Glory (Ipomoea tricolour) plant, also called Blue Convolvulus (Blauwe Winde) in Dutch. The seeds of the Morning Glory contain a natural tryptamine called Lysergic Acid Amide (LSA), from the same family as LSD. The seeds can be eaten. LSA is a shamanistic entheogen; this substance causes a visionary, introspective and meditative state of consciousness (dutchheadshop).” The FDA considers the seed which many chew to be a class three drug much like codeine. Kids are vomiting and some have even become hospitalized as a result of overdosing on the seeds.

The Food and Drug Administration’s Recent Enactment to Curb Street and Creative Drug Use Unfortunately, it is difficult to monitor and seize all illegal drugs being produced in neighborhoods, back alleys as well as to catch all drugs being manufactured in foreign countries and smuggled into the United States. However, in addition to The Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005, the government has made efforts to ban synthetic drug products as follows:

“Congress has taken steps to ban many of the synthetic substances at the Federal level, and the Administration has supported such efforts.

The Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act is part of the FDA Safety and Innovation Act of 2012, signed into law by President Obama. The law permanently places 26 types of synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). It also doubled the maximum period of time that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) can administratively schedule substances under its emergency scheduling authority, from 18 to 36 months.

The Controlled Substance Analogue Enforcement Act of 1986 allows many synthetic drugs to be treated as controlled substances if they are proven to be chemically and/or pharmacologically similar to a Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substance.

In 2011, DEA exercised its emergency scheduling authority to control five types of synthetic cannabinoids, and three of the synthetic substances used to manufacture synthetic cathinones. In 2012, all but one of these substances were permanently designated as Schedule I substances under the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act, and the remaining substance was permanently placed into Schedule I by DEA regulation (whitehouse).”

Every state is different in its approach towards banning drugs and enacting laws that prevent drug entry, use and distribution. However, until the states either come up with a uniformly strict set of regulations to do so, drug use will continue to be more creative and perhaps more deadly with the combination of what appears to be harmless ingredients. The Federal guidelines are in place and yet the monitoring and full enforcement of laws to stop the epidemic don’t appear to be working as well as they should. It would seem one of the first and most basic steps to take would be for the Federal Government to require stricter monitoring guidelines for all imports into the United States. Secondly, making retailers such as Home Depot and other places where seeds can be purchased aware of the potential for drug use

FDA (continued from page 13)

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FDA (continued from page 14) from the purchase of seeds for sale. A strict requirement that anyone under the age of 18 must provide photo identification much like what is required for the purchase of a product containing pseudoephedrine. Legislation to limit access to ingredients or drugs that people become addicted to seems to be a good step in the right direction, at least until the Federal Government can only come up with harsher laws for possession and use and more importantly find viable ways to enforce the laws. References http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/InformationbyDrugClass/ucm072423.htm http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/as-manufacturer-of-leading-addiction-drug-comes-under_us_5811abb4e4b08301d33e058f?utm_hp_ref=heroin-epidemic http://time.com/4496013/heroin-opioid-addiction-treatment/ http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/americas-heroin-epidemic/pink-stronger-heroin-legal-most-states-n666446. http://www.dutch-headshop.com/en/morning-glory-seeds-10-grams-heavenly-blue-p-773.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/ondcp-fact-sheets/synthetic-drugs-k2-spice-bath-salts

I was listening to the radio the other day when a segment came on about gratitude and its contribution to overall health.

The interviewer speaks with a young woman who had suffered a heart attack not long after she and her young child had moved back with her parents. When asked how she is coping, the young woman explains that one of the biggest changes in her life since the heart attack is keeping a gratitude journal. It doesn’t matter what happens during the day, come day’s end, she takes time to write down several things for which she is grateful. She finds that this helps her to be more positive, more daring in her daily life; she focuses more on her mental and physical health and pushes harder to achieve more of her life goals. The segment went on to discuss current research on the effects of how gratitude improves health and quality of life.

My interest was piqued.

I found several studies by the University of California system. At UC San Diego, a team at the School of Medicine showed that people who are grateful had better heart health, less heart inflammation, and healthier heart rhythms. “They showed a better well-being, a less depressed mood, less fatigue and they slept better,” said the study’s author, Paul J. Mills. “When I am more grateful, I feel more connected with myself and with my environment. That’s the opposite of what stress does.”

Robert A. Emmons, a professor of psychology at UC Davis, agrees: “Clinical trials indicate that the practice of gratitude can have dramatic and lasting effects in a person’s life. It can lower blood pressure, improve immune function, and facilitate more efficient sleep.” But Emmons says gratitude can do more. People who keep a gratitude journal have a reduced dietary fat intake — as much as 25 percent lower. Stress hormones like cortisol are 23-percent lower in grateful people. And having a daily gratitude practice could actually reduce the effects of aging to the brain. Emmons concludes, “Gratitude works because, as a way of perceiving and interpreting life, it recruits other positive emotions that have direct physical benefits, most likely through the immune system or endocrine system.”

I found more: a study at the University of Utah involving law students and stress.

“There are some very interesting studies linking optimism to better immune function,” says Lisa Aspinwall, PhD, a psychology professor at the University of Utah. Research comparing the immune systems of healthy, first-year law students under stress found that, by midterm, students characterized as optimistic (based on survey responses) maintained higher numbers of blood cells that protect the immune system, compared with their more pessimistic classmates.

Keeping a gratitude journal boosts optimism and keeps one healthy.

My first response to this was that it seems like being perpetually grateful is a tall order. Most of my day is spreadsheets and meetings and document analyses. Gratefulness doesn’t have to be big. It’s often a sum of little things, and it’s those little things that can be written in the journal. Experts say that gratitude is something that can be learned. The more one practices the habit—writing in a gratitude journal—the easier it becomes.

Focusing on one little thing to be grateful for, says Mills, people “find over time that the feeling of gratitude can transform the way they see their lives.”

More than that: an attitude of gratefulness just might prolong one’s life, too.

References "10 Reasons Why Gratitude is Healthy ." Healthy Living. The Huffington Post, 21 July 2014. Web. 29 Jan. 2017. www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/21/gratitude-healthy-benefits_n_2147182.html Elizabeth Heubeck. "Boost Your Health with a Dose of Gratitude." Web MD. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2017. http://www.webmd.com/women/features/gratitute-health-boost#1 Lauren Dunn. "Be thankful: Science says gratitude is good for your health." Health & Wellness. Today.com, 23 Nov. 2016. Web. 29 Jan. 2017. http://www.today.com/health/be-thankful-science-says-gratitude-good-your-health-t58256 Patti Neighmond. "Gratitude Is Good For The Soul And Helps The Heart, Too." Your Health. NPR.org, 23 Nov. 2015. Web. 29 Jan. 2017. http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/11/23/456656055/gratitude-is-good-for-the-soul-and-it-helps-the-heart-too

GRATITUDE MAKES THE HEART GROW STRONGER Deb Wallman

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Officers President Cindy Wirtz cwirtz@pollockbegg.com

Vice President Christine Boyd, Pa.C.P Clb1217@comcast.net

Treasurer Roberta Cramer rcramer@dfllegal.com

Secretary Laura F. Babish, C.P., Pa.C.P. laura.babish@highmarkhealth.org

Representatives: NFPA Primary Michael Vertullo mvertullo@webblaw.com

NFPA Secondary Anne Newcomer, RP atnparalegal@gmail.com

Keystone Alliance Primary Stephanie Barber barber@zklaw.com

Keystone Alliance Secondary Cherilynn Morgan cher16@1999@yahoo.com

Directors: Lakeisha D. Barker barker@zklaw.com

Ashley Bournias abournias@reedsmith.com

Carrie Cessna ccessna@reedsmith.com

Lily Gamber lgamber@grblaw.com

Diana Roth, RP roth006@yahoo.com

Vera Mohamed vera.mohamed@hacp.org

Deb Wallman dwallman@reedsmith.com

Committees By-laws/Procedures Manual Cindy Wirtz cwirtz@pollockbegg.com

Christine Boyd clb@qrlegal.com

Laura Babish laura.babish@highmarkhealth.org

Diana Roth roth006@yahoo.com

CLE Virginia Baumgardner virginia.baumgardner@limbachinc.com

Job Bank Bobbi Cramer rcramer@dfllegal.com

Marketing Anne Newcomer atnparalegal@gmail.com

Cher Morgan cher16@1999@yahoo.com

Membership Admin Saveria Saunders smsaunders@hillmanco.com

Christine Boyd clb@qrlegal.com

Anne Newcomer atnparalegal@gmail.com

National Affairs Michael Vertullo mvertullo@webblaw.com

Anne Newcomer atnparalegal@gmail.com

Newsletter Deb Wallman dwallman@reedsmith.com

Ashley Bournias abournias@reedsmith.com

Carrie Cessna ccessna@reedsmith.com

Nominations Bobbi Cramer rcramer@dfllegal.com

Paralegal Certification Ambassador Anne Newcomer atnparalegal@gmail.com

Laura Babish laura.babish@highmarkhealth.org

Pro Bono Diana Roth roth006@yahoo.com

Cindy Wirtz cwirtz@pollockbegg.com Special Events LaKeisha Barker – Pirate Game barker@zklaw.com

Cher Morgan – Happy Hours cher16@1999@yahoo.com

Christine Boyd – Holiday Luncheon clb@qrlegal.com

40th Anniversary Laura Babish laura.babish@highmarkhealth.org

Christine Boyd clb@qrlegal.com

Carrie Cessna ccessna@reedsmith.com

Cher Morgan cher16@1999@yahoo.com

Anne Newcomer atnparalegal@gmail.com

Mike Vertullo mvertullo@webblaw.com

Student Liaison Bobbi Cramer – Chair rcramer@dfllegal.com

Social Media LaKeisha Barker barker@zklaw.com

Ashley Bournias abournias@reedsmith.com

Specialty Sections Animal Law Stephanie Barber barber@zklaw.com

Estates & Trusts Diana Roth roth006@yahoo.com

Family Law Cindy Wirtz cwirtz@pollockbegg.com

Litigation Stephanie Barber barber@zklaw.com

Carrie Cessna ccessna@reedsmith.com

Lily Gamber lgamber@grblaw.com

Vera Mohamed vera.mohamed@hacp.org

Deb Wallman dwallman@reedsmith.com

Real Estate Diana Roth roth006@yahoo.com

Technology/IP Christine Boyd clb@qrlegal.com

Michael Vertullo mvertullo@webblaw.com

Workplace Law Christine Boyd clb@qrlegal.com

Laura Babish laura.babish@highmarkhealth.org

Pittsburgh Paralegal Association 2017 Contact List

Pittsburgh Paralegal Association P.O. Box 704 Pittsburgh, PA 15230

www.pghparalegals.org