wspa findings & conclusions nov-dec 2012

N O V / D E C 2 0 1 2

Findings & Conclusions 1

Findings & Conclusions

President’s Cornerby: Brenda Cothary

I can’t believe this is my last President’s Corner for 2012! Where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday we were talking about WSPA’s annual elections and the Spring CLE. There has been a lot going on since the last column, including chapter meetings, a wine social, and the Fall CLE. I hope you were able to take in some of our events to refresh and rejuvenate your career.

The South Puget Sound Chapter hosted a wine social at Vino Aquino in Tacoma on October 13. There were great speakers who talked about networking and building your professional brand. The event was well attended and the participants left with a lot of valuable information. One of my goals as President is to attend a meeting for each chapter during the year. This year I was able to attend a Spokane Chapter meeting on October 29. It was great to meet paralegals from Eastern Washington, especially those who aren’t able to

attend our Seattle events. I was very happy to see Judy Colenso again. She is a long time paralegal and was WSPA’s first Lifetime Achievement Award winner. The speaker for the event was Jeanne Dawes. Jeanne has been involved with WSPA for many, many years, and has held nearly all positions on the WSPA Board. She was also one of the original members of the Practice of Law Board and helped lay the groundwork for the recently passed Limited License Legal Technician Rule. Jeanne completed the Law Clerk Program and tested for the Bar this year. She passed on her first try! Jeanne spoke about the Law Clerk Program and about the

LLLT Rule and its implications for paralegals across the state.

In addition to chapter meetings, WSPA hosted its annual Fall Continuing Legal Education seminar. This year we did something different by making it a three-quarter day event on a Saturday. We have had numerous requests from members to host a Saturday event to enable those who can’t take time away from their work week. I’m happy to say the event was sold out and we received a lot of positive comments. King County Presiding Judge Richard McDermott was our keynote speaker. He talked about the power and pitfalls of being a paralegal. In addition, presentations were made by a King County Law Librarian (free internet research sites), the Chair of the Practice of Law Board, and a Legal Recruiter. Evolve Discovery provided lunch, which was catered by Bucca di Beppo. We also hosted our first annual silent auction, which was a huge success. Thank you to everyone who contributed items for bidding. I especially want to thank Jay Jenkins for his emcee skills, Jeniffier Provalenko, RP, for all of her help securing donations, and Theda Yandell for her hard work in securing the conference room and handling the logistics. It is due to our great WSPA volunteers that these events are so successful.

Our Mission: To enthusiastically support and promote the paralegal profession in the State of Washington.

President’s Corner

Management ReportsPage 3

End of the PCPage 4

Canned Food DrivePage 5

A Bi-Monthly Newsletter Volume 27 Issue 6 NOV/DEC 2012

2012 WSPA President Brenda Cothary

Get a MemberPage 6

Holocaust Repatriations ProjectPage 7

Intellectual VenturesPage 8

Military ParalegalPage 13

F I N D I N G S & C O N C L U S I O N S

2 Findings & Conclusions

Administrator

Administration Services, Inc.PO Box 58530Seattle, WA [email protected]

Officers

PresidentBrenda [email protected]

Vice-PresididentMembership Sue Beichley

[email protected]

Vice-President Professional Development

Brian Haberly, [email protected]

SecretarySarah [email protected]

Treasurer Julianne [email protected]

Immediate Past PresidentBrian Haberly RP

Management Directory

NFPA Representatives

NFPA Primary RepresentativeSue [email protected]

Secondary RepresentativeJeanenne [email protected]

PACE AmbassadorHelen Halloran, [email protected]

DirectorsEast King Co. DirectorMary [email protected]

Northwest Director Jennifier Provalenko, [email protected]

Seattle DirectorJosh [email protected]

Snohomish Co. Chapter Director Sue [email protected]

Spokane Chapter Director Elena [email protected]

South King CountyJerri [email protected]

South Puget SoundMisty [email protected]

Director At-Large, [email protected]

Committee Chairs Certification CoordinatorHelen Halloran, [email protected]

CLE Approval Committee ChairStephanie [email protected]

Job Bank Committee ChairJennifer [email protected]

Director Marketing & Vendor RelationsDonna [email protected]

Pro Bono CoordinatorJeanenne [email protected]

Newsletter Co-Coordinator/EditorJay [email protected]

Newsletter Co- Coordinator/EditorMichelle [email protected]

Military Paralegal Outreach Coordinator Jeanenne [email protected]

[email protected]

Definition of a Paralegal – as defined by NFPA and WSPA

A Paralegal is a person, qualified through education, training or work experience to perform substantive legal work that requires knowledge of legal concepts and is customarily, but not exclusively, performed by a lawyer. This person may be retained or employed by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency or other entity or may be authorized by administrative, statutory or court authority to perform this work. Substantive shall mean work requiring recognition, evaluation, organization, analysis, and communication of relevant facts and legal concepts

mailto:[email protected]
















































The new WSPA logo was revealed at the CLE. I believe all of our members will find it refreshing to have a “new look” after all these years. I am happy to say we are working on redesigning the WSPA website as well. I think you will find it has more current information and is easier to navigate. I hope to reveal the new website to kick off 2013.

WSPA is again planning the Annual Career Night for the end of January. It will be held in a different location this year, but we still plan to offer a great program for students and recent graduates starting off their career in the legal field. The resume review workshop will still be part of the program. The workshop is a great opportunity to get a fresh perspective on your resume. More details will be provided before the end of the year.

2013 looks to be another great year for WSPA. It is exciting to see our profession evolve and so many people become involved. There are always opportunities to serve in WSPA, whether you are interested in committee positions, or whether becoming an officer and director is more to your taste! If you are looking for a great opportunity to network and develop your resume, consider volunteering with WSPA.

Happy Holidays from your WSPA Officers and D i r e c t o r s .

NFPA Primary Reportby Sue Beichley, NFPA Primary

I had the privilege of representing Washington State Paralegal Association at the 2012 NFPA Annual Convention in Anchorage, Alaska, September 27, 2012, through September 30, 2012, with Jeniffier Provalenko. The Alaska Paralegal Association hosted the event. “Venture North To Alaska-The Last Frontier” was the theme for this year’s Convention held at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel.

There were 41 associations present. Eight associations were missing. NFPA had two visitors from CAPA and AAFPE. Bids were accepted for the 2016 Annual Convention. The Vermont Paralegal Association was selected to host the 2016 Annual Convention. The following are the locations for the next four Annual Conventions:

2013 Convention! - Hartford, Connecticut

2014 Convention! - Dallas, Texas

2015 Convention! - Honolulu, Hawaii

2016 Convention - Burlington, Vermont

Betty Green, NFPA’s parliamentarian reported that Robert’s Rules of Order is on their 11th edition.

NFPA launched their new website in June. Additional features will follow in the coming months. The new website enables members to update his or her information. Please remember to update your information if you move or change jobs. Also, you have the opportunity to opt out of NFPA emails and also opt in if you want the PARALEGAL REPORTER in email or hardcopy form. If you have any interest in writing articles for the PARALEGAL REPORTER, please contact me.

The Joint Conference will be held April 19 -21, 2012, in New Orleans. WSPA will host the Spring Region I meeting. Dates will follow.

NFPA will once again participate in the NFPA Member Get a Member program.

We were honored to listen to the Honorable Morgan Christen, United States Court of Appeals, at a luncheon. Judge Christian was appointed to the Ninth Circuit in December, 2011. Prior to her appointment, she served as a judge in the Alaska Supreme Court since 2009. She is an advocate of paralegals

Your 2012 NFPA Board of Director’s are as follows:

Robert Hrouda, RP – President

Theresa Prater, RP – Vice President & Director of Professional Development

Lisa Vessels, CP, RFP – Vice President & Director of Position and Issues

Cindy Welsh, RP – Vice President & Director of Membership

Suellen Honeychuck, RP – Vice President & Director of Paralegal Certification

Melissa Marquez Leslie Vice President & Director of Marketing

Karen Santagata, RP – Treasurer & Director of Finance

Valerie Dolan, RP – Director & Director of Operations

The following are the elected Region Directors:

Theda Yandell, RP ~ Region I

Allen Mihecoby, CKLAS, RP ~ Region II

LaShondra Dillard ~ Region III

Donna Huntermark, RP, PaCP ~ Region IV

Beth Bialis, RP ~ Region V

Pro Bono Reportby Jeanenne Rutherford, Pro Bono Chair

At the 2012 NFPA Convention held in September in Anchorage, Alaska, Christine Flynn, NFPA pro bono chair, presented an agenda topic requesting that NFPA’s pro bono awareness month be officially changed from May to October to coincide with ABA Celebration of Pro Bono. The resolution passed unanimously. The new resolution takes effect in 2013.

Whereas paragraphs shall be revised to state:

WHEREAS, NFPA currently has in place an aspiration that paralegals should aspire to twenty-four (24) hours of pro bono services annually and designating October as pro bono month will further support the existing program; WHEREAS, dedicating the month of October as an opportunity to not only celebrate the invaluable service that paralegals provide to the legal community by dedicating their skills, time and talents to pro bono projects, but would provide a unique opportunity to make a commitment to existing local Law Day projects and organize special events to advertise the association and the association’s pro bono program to the legal community and potential new members. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the month of October will be officially designated as pro bono month

Sue Beichley, NFPA Primary Jeanenne Rutherford, Pro Bono Chair



End of the PC Era for the Legal WorldBy Joshua Normand

I recently saw an article in the Law Technology News about the impending death of the PC in the legal world. The advent and popularity of Apple’s iPads and other mobile devices has led to a debate in the legal community about the “consumerization” of IT, as well as cloud computing. What is the common thread of these trends?

The common thread of these trends is anywhere/anytime computing. Each of these technology components is a cog in the larger phenomenon: The users’ expectation of ubiquitous computing. Lawyers and other professionals now demand “always-on” connectivity. It used to be that the definition of a mobile user was someone connecting online from home or, for example, a client’s office. What they had in common was a physical location and a hard-wired connection to the internet. Today’s definition of mobility is “everywhere” from a taxi to walking down the street.

As a result, the PC is no longer King of the IT mountain. However, that begs the question: Is the PC dead or irrelevant in today’s anywhere/anytime mentality?

The answer is not necessarily, but the computer isn’t as essential as it used to be. You will need at least one physical device for mobility to work. Additionally, the tools normally available in the office need to be available regardless of location. Virtualized desktops play an important role in the mobility of the office today. The desktop computer isn’t merely a device sitting on a desktop - it is a service. As a service, it transcends device or location. These components help us deliver our users’ offices to them anywhere at any time.

According to Robert Craig, CIO of Baker Hostetler, “The consumerization of IT is much more than iPads and iPhones in the enterprise. It’s a megatrend that is here to stay and accelerating. And, I believe,

uniquely positioned to impact the legal community. After all, a large law firm partnership shares many qualities of a large consumer-based marketplace.”

We paralegals and other legal professionals are valuable to our employers if we keep up with these developments and can help our employers and clients work more efficiently and bring in new clients and opportunities. Many of our attorneys are out of their office more than they are in the office, so the ability to stay connected and having their IT custom-designed is vital to their success.

WSPA Newsletter EditorP.O. Box 58530

Seattle, WA 98138Email: [email protected]

WSPA Email: [email protected]

All submissions are due the 20th of each odd numbered month for publication the following month. Articles may be submitted on disk in Word format or via Email.

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for clarity, space or advertising.The articles published herein express the opinions of their authors and, unless expressly stated, do not necessarily reflect those of WSPA.Unless otherwise indicated, the authors of the submissions contained in Findings & Conclusions are paralegals. All reports, profiles, summaries, checklists, articles, or other submissions are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon for that purpose. All opinions expressed in any submission are the authors’ sole opinion and should not be taken as the opinion or position of the Washington State Paralegal Association.

Original items printed here are the property of WSPA. We ask that National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) member associations who reprint articles from Findings and Conclusions, credit the article and provide WSPA with a copy as reprinted. Others may not reproduce original material for any purpose without prior, written consent of the WSPA Newsletter Editor.

Publication of any advertisement does not imply endorsement of the product/services offered. WSPA reserves the right to reject advertisement due to content or space considerations.









NFPA is pleased to announce the inaugural phase of the new Association Recognition Program. Although the full program will not roll out until after the 2012 Convention, we are giving member associations the opportunity to get a head start with our Member-Get-A-Member Program! If each member association member refers one new member, the member association will grow substantially. With the Member-Get-A-Member program, NFPA is offering an incentive to member associations to bring in those new members. Each member association that participates in the program will be awarded a certificate at the 2012 Convention. The member association with the highest percentage of membership growth between August 1, 2011 and August 1, 2012 will receive its choice from two prize options:

Winning member association may select one member to be a specially invited guest at the 2013 convention (observer fee waived); OR

Winning member association receives a $100 AMEX gift certificate.

Member associations participating from August 2011 through August 2012 will begin the Association Recognition Program in the following categories based upon the total percentage membership increase:

1% to 5% - Bronze Merit Associations; 6% to 10%- Bronze Honor Associations. 11% to 15%- Bronze Supreme Associations. 15% or more- Bronze Ultimate Associations.

The member associations should consider incentives to their members by rewarding them for bringing new members into the association. NFPA strongly believes that by rewarding the local members for referring new members, associations will substantially increase their membership.

Free dinner or attendance at a local association function; Free local association merchandise; Discount on local association membership for the following year; Discount on next local association event; Vendor discount provided by a local association vendor; Gift card to a local salon, restaurant, or other local merchant provided by the merchant; Tickets to a local sporting event; Tickets to the local movie theater; Lottery tickets; and Gift cards.


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This year I have added a new specialized Pro Bono activity to my list. Through my employer, Perkins Coie LLP, I am assisting Holocaust survivors receive pensions from the German government. The programs are coordinated nationally by Bet Tzedek Legal Services which is based in Los Angeles. There are different law firms in major cities across the U.S. that coordinate in their specific locals. In Seattle, Davis Wright Tremaine is the local coordinator. When a potential client is available the local coordinator reaches out to firms who have expressed an interest in participating and whoever has the time available is assigned to the client.

Bet Tzedek programs are limited to the ZRBG Pension (Gesetz zur Zahlbermachung von Renton aus Beschaftigungen in einem Ghetto), a modest monthly pension of between $150 – $450 per month, and the GGWP (German Ghetto Workers Pension), a one-time 2000 Euro payout. Prior to August 2011, Holocaust survivors could only apply for one of the programs. Many survivors are currently applying to the additional program for which they are now eligible. While these reparations are treated as a pension, they are paid to those who were imprisoned in ghettos and "paid" for "voluntary work" in the form of ghetto money, food rations, clothing or shelter. (The use of the term “voluntary” is too complicated to explain here.) The ZRBG payment ends upon the death of the pensioner. The GGWP payment can be received by the surviving spouse. (A surviving spouse can receive ongoing ZRBG pension payments after a survivor dies. Heirs are eligible to receive back payments accumulated from the time the survivor submitted the ZRBG application until the survivor's death, and only heirs are eligible for back payments, so keep in mind that

children are not always the heirs to the survivor's estate.)

Since the plans were put into place there have been many adjustments. In 2004, the United States Congress sent a letter of protest over "the staggering number of denials" of applications, requesting immediate changes to the program. Denials were usually based on statements made after liberation that did not match current recollections of the survivor’s time during imprisonment. This was probably due to the aging population of those applying.

The eligibility requirements are rigorous. After filling out intake forms the clients are evaluated on eligibility for compensation depending on:

The country where they lived (must be a country invaded by Nazi Germany, which the Germans refer to as "national socialism or the German Reich")

How long they were imprisoned (post imprisonment education can be included as well as time in the displaced persons camp, or living in hiding for at least 18 months)

Whether they performed "volunteer labor"

With the filing of the claim forms, survivors must provide "proof of persecution." The pages of paperwork to be filled out are formidable. The forms come with instructions in German and English (sometimes Russian and French as well). These forms are very difficult for a survivor to fill out on their own, especially since many of these survivors are now in their 80's. Proof of persecution can be difficult since most lost everything during

the war. It seems that every letter we send out is replied to with a new letter and a form requesting more information. Fortunately, Bet Tzedek has annotated versions of the forms available with which to guide us. An original Power of Attorney must accompany every piece of correspondence regardless of whether there are any forms attached.

While it is not in writing as to the time frame, response to the applications can take from three months to a year and usually when we receive replies from Germany it is accompanied with another form to be filled out.

My most challenging were the applications for Mr. and Mrs. M., husband and wife, who were both receiving ZRGB funds. They had both filled our applications for GGWP pension, but the German government put them on hold. Mrs. M. passed away in 2010. We filed a survivor's benefit application for Mr. M., which goes unanswered. We then sent a number of letters in 2011 and 2012 requesting status of the application and to activate the GGWP applications which were put on hold. In November of 2011, Mr. K. died, leaving a surviving daughter who wants to continue to pursue her father's survivor application and the applications to the GGWP. We were happy to finally receive a resolution of Mr. K.'s application, which resulted in an award and back payment to the date the application was filed. The German government has yet to respond to requests to process either GGWP applications for either of the survivors.

Despite the challenges, it is an interesting assignment with great benefit to those who need our assistance.

Holocaust Repatriations Project



Washington State Paralegal Week Intellectual Ventures Paralegal Appreciation BreakfastHosted by David Kris & IV Legal Department on Friday November 2, 2012

David Kris greeting Intellectual Ventures Paralegals at Paralegal Week Breakfast

Adriane Brown, President of Intellectual Ventures,

thanks the paralegals for their work

At Breakfast; Tricia Donhowe, Byron Springer, Phyllis Turner-Brim, Melissa Finocchio, Lonnie Rosenwald, David Kris and Leslie Kodish



Laurie Eisenhart, Pam Miller, Katie Kay

Adriane Brown, David Kris, and Paralegal Manager Katie Kay

Thanks David Kris for hosting a breakfast for the Paralegals!

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HELP WSPA SUPPORT MILITARY PARALEGALS AROUND THE WORLD

! Calling all WSPA members! We have set a goal for 2012 to send 6 Military paralegal care packages to make life easier for those who have chosen to serve our country.

! We have been assigned to the legal office on the USS Enterprise!

These soldiers work almost non-stop and can not just run to the store for a treat or something to read. Along with food, hygiene and entertainment items, we include postcards from the Seattle area and current magazines for men and women.

Please help us with our goal by bringing your donations to the WSPA chapter meetings. You can also include a card thanking them for their service and telling them a little about ourselves and where we live. Items will be collected, boxed and mailed to designated military base or ships every other month.

If you would like to participate but are unable to bring an item to the meetings, contact me at the email below and we will arrange for pick up. You could also send a check to:

WSPAPO Box 58530

Seattle, WA 98138-1530Please make the check out to WSPA and indicate that the funds are for the military outreach program. This will help purchase phone cards or other items that we would like to include.WSPA is a founding member of the NFPA Military Paralegal Outreach program, which began in February 2006. We appreciate the members of WSPA for the strong support of this program!Any questions regarding this continuing project may be directed to Jeanenne Rutherford, [email protected]

Suggested Items:

Hygiene: Food:Antibiotic Ointment Single Serving Pasta LicoriceChapstick/lip balm/Carmex Ready to Heat Soups Sunflower SeedsSunscreen (Bull Frog is good) Lunchables Aqua DropsBug Repellent (with deet) Ramon Noodles GumFace cleaner Powdered Power-Aide/Gator-Aide/ Peanuts in a shellEye drops/Saline Koolaid/Tang Rice Krispy TreatsLiquid hand sanitizer/Baby wipes Granola Bars/Cereal Bars Snack CakesFoot/body powder (Gold Bond) Fruit Roll-ups Misc:Deodorant Raisins CondimentsShampoo/Conditioner Beef Jerky (no pork) Lemonade/Ice Tea MixTooth Brush/Toothpaste Applesauce Cough DropsNose spray/nose drops Fruit/Pudding Cups Stationery/envelopesHand/Body Lotion Cereal (individual Servings) Stamps/PensBand-aids, Mole Skin Chex Mix Dice/Travel GamesSoap Tuna Kits Individual Instant CoffeeMouth Wash Snacks: Books/MagazinesNail Clippers Hard Candy (no chocolate-it melts) Tylenol/IbuprofenDental Floss Snack Mix Allergy MedicineTums/Rolaids Chips/Cookies/Crackers/Microwave Ziploc BagsTylenol/Aspirin Popcorn/Pretzels Instant CamerasQ-Tips Pop Tarts RainX

TIPS FROM A SOLDIER'S MOM: • Send sauce packets (like Arby's sauce). I am told this can make any MIC's taste good.• Send cards and email/snail mail so soldiers can say thank you.• Holiday cards, photos and stories of the everyday things at home are priceless. • Some of the favorite letters are about walking the dog, the kids holiday show and local sports, even if it is not their family it helps you

know that life goes on.






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WSPA's Mission:

To enthusiastically support and promote the paralegal profession in the State of Washington.

We are dedicated to the enhancement of the paralegal profession.

We strive for personal and professional development.

We will encourage increased utilization of paralegals to broaden employment opportunities statewide.

We advocate high quality paralegal educational programs in preparation for entry into the profession.

We hold our members to high standards by requiring 10 Continuing Legal Education credits per year to retain full voting status or to hold an office in the Association.

We will monitor proposed state and federal legislation affecting paralegals and will participate in the legislative and regulatory process to represent our Members' views.

Washington State Paralegal Association

Membership Application

PO Box 58530, Seattle WA 98138 Membership Year 1/1/2012 to 12/31/2012

WSPA Membership Application- Membership Application form page 1

Important: This form should be used only to apply for new membership. If you are a current WSPA member, please use the Membership Renewal form. You may also Renew and pay by credit card securely online at http://www.acteva.com/Go/WSPA.

Applicant Name:

Preferred Mailing Address:

Daytime Phone: __________________________

Evening Phone: ___________________________

Fax Number: ___________________________

E-Mail Address(es): Employer Name & Address:

Send Mail to: � Home � Work

WSPA Membership (See below for definitions and requirements.)

Check one and submit the appropriate membership fee with your application. Make checks payable to WSPA.WSPA is a Washington not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization, Tax ID # 51-0140447:� Regular Member - $85.00 Employer Paid? �Yes �No

� Associate Member - $60.00 � Student Member - $40.00 � Sustaining Member - $200.00

Who referred you to WSPA? (Please be specific so that we can thank them!): ______________________________

Special Qualifications: � PACE® Registered Paralegal � CORE™ Registered Paralegal � LPO � Other Please Describe:___________________________________________________

Chapter Affiliation(s):� East King County � Northwest � Seattle � Snohomish County � South King County � Spokane � South Puget Sound � Central Washington � Other: _______________________

Check all areas in which you are willing to help: � Chapter Activities � Events (CLE's, Convention) � Membership � Newsletter � Job Bank Admin. � Other:_______________________________________________________________________

**Please visit our website at www.wspaonline.org to sign up for specific list servs. Please note that by participating in these list servs, you will receive regular e-mail updates and have the opportunity to participate in e-mail discussion of issues relevant to the list serv.**

WSPA Membership Application- Membership Application form page 2

Education: (check all completed) � Assoc. Degree, Paralegal Studies � Assoc. Degree, Other � Bachelor's Degree, Paralegal Studies � Bachelor's Degree, Other

� Certificate in Paralegal Studies � Master's Degree � Other Postgraduate Degree � Other: ____________________________

**If you are currently enrolled in a paralegal studies program, give:

Name of the school/program: __________________________________________________________________________

Location:_____________________________ Length of program:_______________________

Degree expected: Type:_________________ Month & Year:___________________________

Employment: Number of years of experience as a paralegal _______. Current status (Check all applicable):

�Employed full-time as a paralegal �Employed part-time as a paralegal �Employed full-time, not as a paralegal �Employed part-time, not as a paralegal �Full-time student in a paralegal program** �Part-time student in a paralegal program** �Unemployed �Other: _________________________

Employer Type: �Private Law Firm �Government Agency �Public Service Agency �Self-employed/freelance/contract �Corp. Legal Dept./Other Private Industry �Temporary Employment Agency

Practice Areas (check all areas in which you regularly practice): �Admiralty/Maritime �Bankruptcy �Civil Litigation �Collection �Commercial Torts �Contracts �Corporate/Business �Criminal �Elder Law �Employment/Labor �Environmental �ERISA/Employee Benefits �Estate Planning �Family/Domestic �Foreclosures �Government �Intellectual Property �Land Use �Legal Technology �Malpractice/Professional Liability �Personal Injury �Probate �Real Estate �Securities �Tax �Workers Compensation �Other:__________________________________

Definitions Paralegal (NFPA Definition): A paralegal is a person qualified through education, training, or work experience to perform substantive legal work that requires knowledge of legal concepts and is customarily, but not exclusively, performed by a lawyer. This person may be retained or employed by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency, or other entity or may be authorized by administrative, statutory, or court authority to perform this work. For additional definitions, requirements, and various other information, check our web site at http://www.wspaonline.org. Privacy Policy WSPA’s general policy regarding member information is that we do not share this information indiscriminately. We must share name and mailing address with NFPA in order for you to receive your full membership benefits. We may share name and mailing address with certain legal-related vendors, including seminar sponsors, for a fee. This provides WSPA with non-dues income and allows us to keep our membership fees low. We provide this information in the form of printed labels, and we make it clear that the information is to be used only once. We do not give information to any vendors in electronic form which could be used multiple times. We will share with other members of WSPA any of the contact information which is usually available in the WSPA Membership Directory. This includes name, mailing address, daytime telephone, fax number, e-mail address, employer name, practice areas, and chapter affiliation(s). Any other information which we may maintain about our members is available only to WSPA officers, directors, and committee chairs. However, if your primary mailing address, phone, or e-mail is no longer accurate, we may substitute another address, phone, or e-mail. The alternate information would then become shareable as though it were the primary information for that member. You may specify stronger restrictions on certain of your information than under the standard WSPA policy, by completing and signing the following. Please check if any of the specified items should not be shared with WSPA members or vendors:

Item WSPA Members Vendors Home address (usually shared only if it is the primary mailing address) Work address (usually shared only if it is the primary mailing address) Daytime phone Evening phone ¥ Fax number ¥ E-mail address ¥

Signature: I affirm that the information given in this application is true and correct and that I meet the requirements for the membership category indicated above.

Signed: Date:

Washington State Paralegal Association 2012 Membership Renewal FormPO Box 58530, Seattle WA 98138-1530 For the Membership Period of 1/1/2012 to 12/31/2012

To file this Renewal Form with your check payment (payable to WSPA), Mail it to WSPA, P O Box 58530, Seattle, WA 98138-1530; Questions? Please email for assistance to: [email protected]

Important: This form should be used only to renew a current or previous WSPA membership. If you are applying for a new WPSA membership, please Join Online at www.wspaonline.org. You may also Renew and pay by credit card securely online at http://www.acteva.com/GO/WSPA (Renewing Member option)

Member’s Name: WSPA Membership Number (if known): Preferred Mailing Address: Company Name (if applicable):

BBBB�Check here if this is an updated Mailing Address

Daytime Phone: Evening Phone:

E-Mail Address (primary):

E-Mail Address (secondary):

WSPA Membership (See below for definitions and requirements.) Check one and submit the appropriate membership fee with your application. Make checks payable to WSPA. WSPA is a Washington not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization, Tax ID # 51-0140447: � Regular Member - $85.00 Employer Paid? �Yes �No � Associate Member - $60.00

� Student Member - $40.00

� Sustaining Member - $200.00

Definitions & Requirements Paralegal (NFPA Definition): A paralegal is a person qualified through education, training, or work experience to perform substantive legal work that requires knowledge of legal concepts and is customarily, but not exclusively, performed by a lawyer. This person may be retained or employed by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency, or other entity or may be authorized by administrative, statutory, or court authority to perform this work. Substantive shall mean work requiring recognition, evaluation, organization, analysis, and communication of relevant facts and legal concepts.

Membership Types – Regular Membership - $85: Any individual currently employed as a paralegal (see definition above). Regular members are eligible to vote and hold office. Student Membership - $40: Any student currently enrolled in a paralegal program and not eligible for regular or associate membership status. Student membership is limited to 3 years. Student members are eligible to vote and hold office. Associate Membership - $60: Any paralegal living or working outside Washington, not currently practicing, or retired. Associate members are eligible to vote and hold office. Sustaining Membership - $200: A person, organization or other entity interested in supporting the objectives of WSPA. Sustaining members may not vote or hold office.. CLE Credits: WSPA recognizes CLE credits are an important part of developing and maintaining one’s skills and abilities. As such, all WSPA members are strongly encouraged to obtain 10 CLE credits annually. Individuals who earn 10 CLE credits in a membership year will be recognized in the WSPA newsletter Findings and Conclusions, and will be eligible for a 10% discount off the registration fee for one WSPA CLE of his/her choice during the following calendar year. CLE credits may be reported on the attached form.

wspa findings & conclusions nov-dec 2012

Documents

wspa board

chapter meetings

practice of law board

law clerk program

great wspa volunteers

spokane chapter meeting

annual fall

jeanne dawes