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TPA is an
affiliate of the
National Association
of Legal Assistants
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
◊ President’s Message
◊ Getting the Right Things Done
When Your Life is Crazy Busy – Article: Vicki Voisin, ACP
◊ Announcements
◊ 2011 Chapter Officers
◊ 2011 Officers & Board
◊ Applications for Scholarships
Tennessee Paralegal Association
Post Office Box 21723
Chattanooga, TN 37424
http://www.tnparalegal.org [email protected]
PUBLICATION OF THE
TENNESSEE PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION
President’s Message
Greetings TPA Members:
Hope everyone had Merry Christmas and a great New Year!
Our website re-vamp is almost completed and has been
launched. You will be able to access our new Members Only
section, renew membership and register for seminars through
our website. The Board members are very excited about this
new feature. I want to personally thank each person who has
worked so hard on getting our website revamped. After you
access the website, if there are any suggestions or comments
that you think will make it better, please email me at
[email protected] or call me at 865.523.0404.
Our Spring Seminar will be hosted by the Southeast TN
Chapter in Chattanooga, TN on April 29 and 30, 2011.
Please watch your emails and the website for further
information.
The NALA Convention will be held in Dallas, TX on July 27-
30, 2011. Tammie Murphy, CLA, NALA Liaison, and I will
be attending. If you have any suggestions for a theme for our
table at the exhibit booth, please let us know. Any and all
suggestions are greatly appreciated.
I look forward to a great 2011 with the TPA!
Sherri L. Satterfield, CP TPA President
Winter 2010 Volume 29 Number 4
Getting the Right Things Done When Your World is Crazy Busy By Vicki Voisin, ACP
It's no secret that we live in a crazy busy world. No matter how much you do, your "to do" list is still a mile long and you always run out of day before you run out of list. You're forever scrambling just trying to just keep up. It's probably safe to say that you've probably given up on staying ahead. And that's just at work...add your personal and social obligations and it's no wonder you'd like to just hide under the covers some mornings and skip the rat race.
So how do you get things done? And not just any old "things" but the right things?
First, clear your mental desk. Take 10-15 minutes and write down everything that you need to do. This is everything that pops into your head, from the trial brief to your friend's baby gift to your mother-in-law's birthday card to getting a plumber in to fix that leak. These are just examples -- you get the idea.
Second, grab a blank piece of paper or spiral notebook.
Pick 7 important things from your "everything" list. Write them down...and actually write them, don't type them.
Third, do those 7 things in the order you listed. When you finish with one, move on to the next, and then the next, working through all 7 one by one.
Fourth, do the same thing tomorrow. And the day after and the day after that. If you don't finish something today, it can be moved to tomorrow's list if you still think it's important. If its importance has changed, forget it. Just because it's on the list one day doesn't guarantee it a place on tomorrow's list.
Fifth, use a timer. Once you get this approach down pat, add a timer to your routine. For example, this newsletter is always on my "To Do" list so that it gets done in parts and doesn't end up being an all day project. I allow 30 minutes for each part. So when "write newsletter" shows up on my list each day, I set my timer for 30 minutes and work on it for that chunk of time. This keeps me totally focused and I often get the newsletter done in less time.
One more thing: To tame the always present email, I check it at set times each day or between tasks (from
above) if I'm expecting something important. I also 'book' an hour into my calendar for each day when nothing's planned. This time is used for whatever comes up and, if nothing comes up, I choose whether to do something else from my list, take a long walk, write an article or, if I'm really ambitious, make a really nice dinner for The Don. . .whatever I'm inspired to do. The above makes three assumptions:
You have written goals and objectives AND are determined to achieve them. You understand that perfection and procrastination may derail your 'To Do' list and you avoid them as
much as possible You delegate anything that isn't in your best interest.
Time Management is a hot topic. This article gives you the simplest system for managing your time: write it down and do the things you've written down. Everything else is just noise that clutters your brain.
Your challenge is simple:
Try the 5 steps above. As written. Give it three weeks and see how much more you're getting done every day.
========================> ©2010 Vicki Voisin, Inc. Do you want to use this article in your newsletter, ezine or Web site? You can so long as you include this entire blurb with it: Vicki Voisin, "The Paralegal Mentor",
delivers simple strategies for paralegals and other professionals to create success and satisfaction by achieving goals and determining the direction they will take
their careers. Vicki spotlights resources, organizational tips, ethics issues, and other areas of continuing education to help paralegals and others reach their full potential. She publishes a weekly ezine titled Paralegal Strategies and co-hosts The Paralegal Voice, a monthly podcast produced by Legal Talk Network. More
information is available at www.paralegalmentor.com
ANNOUNCMENTS Please forward any announcements for The Paralegal Advocate to [email protected]
REQUEST FOR SUBMISSIONS TO SELECT TPA ACRONYM.
We have enjoyed themed seminars with great acronyms the past few years. Please submit your acronym for
TPA (Think Paralegals Attain – for example) to [email protected] with subject heading
TPA Acronym submission.
NOTICE TO PARALEGAL/LEAGAL ASSISTANT STUDIES STUDENTS:
Looking for written articles from paralegal/legal assistant studies students to publish in our quarterly newsletters
Basic guidelines: Article/essay can be up to 1 or 2 pages. Topic should be on a current legal issue, topic, or
subject. It can be an essay or informational piece on the chosen topic. Article can be sent by e-mail to
[email protected] with subject heading “Student article submission for
review to the Paralegal Advocate” – student will need to include full name, e-mail contact and school attending.
The student, if article is selected, can add to their resume as being selected for publication in our newsletter and
will need to submit final in Word document for publishing.
We are looking forward to seeing the wide range of subjects and information that is selected by our Tennessee
students in the paralegal/legal assistant study programs. Please share this opportunity with other students. Thank
you very much.
2010 LAWASSA B. JONES SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT WENT TO
PELLISSIPPI STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT KAREN YEARWOOD
Our East Tennessee Chapter
We meet on the third Thursday of each month at Dead End BBQ in Knoxville, beginning at 6:00
p.m. Continuing education credits are available at each meeting. – Nita Gorman, East TPA Chapter Chair
Our Southeast Tennessee Chapter
We are still meeting at the United Way of Greater Chattanooga every third Tuesday of each month. Members
participated in United Way’s Giving Tree and continued to volunteer with the Chattanooga Theater Center each
month. – Christie Gass, Southeast TPA Chapter Chair
Our Central Tennessee Chapter
The Central Chapter will hold its first bimonthly meeting of 2011 on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at
the firm of Brewer, Krause, Brooks, Chastain & Burrow, 2600 Renaissance Tower. Please make plans to
attend. This will be an important meeting in terms of planning for 2011. Please contact Theresa Carrico at
(615) 618-9920 or [email protected] for parking information and directions.
*The Central Chapter is proud to announce that Tabitha Langley, our Secretary/Treasurer has completed her
NALA Advanced Paralegal Certification in Trial Practice.
The Central Chapter’s main challenge is growing its membership and we continue to have loyal attendees.
– Theresa Carrico, CP, Central TPA Chapter Chair
Our West Tennessee Chapter
The West TN Chapter of the Tennessee Paralegal Association finished a good year and will continue to meet
every other month. – Courtney E. Sydnor, West TPA Chapter Chair
Keep track of our Association & Chapters on Face Book
Tennessee Paralegal Association East Tennessee Chapter of the Tennessee Paralegal Association
Southeast Chapter Tennessee Paralegal Association Central Tennessee Chapter of the Tennessee Paralegal Association
West TN Chapter of the Tennessee Paralegal Association
OUR NEW WEB SITE: WWW.TNPARALEGAL.ORG
Be prepared for the launching of our revamped web site. It has just launched. Nancy Harrison with Everything Just So was the website designer that was selected by your Board from the multiple proposals gathered by our website committee. Her proposal was an excellent presentation which has reflected in the job she has done in creating our new web site.
The new, yet similar look to our web site will have many new features. The Members Only section is the most exciting feature. We will be launching a career center/job bank in this section in the not so far distant future, along with a message board and online directory of members. Members will be able to update their contact information online too. Another feature will be access to the current issue of The Paralegal Advocate and an Archive link to prior issues.
A new feature to the main site will be the option that applications, renewals, and seminars can be paid online through Pay Pal once the form(s) are completed. There will be a market place as well. In addition, Nancy has taken the content of our old site and streamlined the layout presentation and links. The content of our old site will still be part of the new site, but the functionality of the site is improved.
Note: An e-mail was sent to Members from [email protected] around the time frame of November 30, 2010 with a User Name & Password. This is the logon information for the revamped site and will be operational once the site is launched. If a member has not received this e-mail, contact information and/or membership may not be current; or information is in the process of being updated and is in the works of being updated to the website. Questions/inquiries for this should be submitted to [email protected] with subject heading “TPA Website – Need Confirm Membership & Logon Information” and provision of name, type of membership, contact information (e-mail and phone number). Please allow at least two days for a response. Electronic communication is necessary between the 2nd Vice-President & the Treasurer for membership status and once membership is established one of our web site techs will need to set up the Member online account.
Also, as I am finishing writing this announcement the new web site is now launched. There will be “tweaking” needed to be done in working out any issues or information. Please contact me at [email protected] if you see or find anything that needs revised added or have a concern regarding our new site. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much. – Laysha M. McCullaugh CP
Central Tennessee Chapter Officers:
Theresa Carrico, CP, Chapter Chair, [email protected] _______________, Vice President/Program Chair Tabitha Langley, Secretary/Treasurer
East Tennessee Chapter Officers:
Nita Gorman, Chapter Chair, [email protected] Michelle Black, Vice Chairperson/Program Chair, [email protected] Tammie Murphy, CLA, Secretary, [email protected] Sherri L. Satterfield, CP, Treasurer, [email protected]
Southeast Tennessee Chapter Officers:
Laysha M. McCullaugh, CP, Chapter Chair, [email protected] VACANT -- Vice President/Program Chair Debra V. Marsee, Secretary, [email protected] Lynn Hager, R.P., Treasurer, [email protected]
West Tennessee Chapter Officers:
Courtney Sydnor, Chapter Chair, [email protected] LaFran Plunk, Vice President/Program Chair, [email protected]
Jennifer Petty, Secretary, [email protected] Tammy Bradford, Treasurer, [email protected]
New Spring Seminar Rotation: Southeast 2011, Central 2012, West 2013, East 2014
Request for Volunteers to join the Paralegal Advocate Team: We want to put your skills to work at what
you do best. You determine the time commitment. We tell you what we need and you tell us what you are able
to contribute. This is a great for adding to your resume and opportunity to be more active in your Association
while doing what you enjoy.
Authoring articles on legal topics or additional information of interest for our Membership;
Selection of relevant legal articles from various sources and obtaining permission from author for
publication in The Paralegal Advocate;
Requesting individuals in the legal field to write an article for The Paralegal Advocate;
Proofreading submitted articles and/or final draft of The Paralegal Advocate before publication;
Marketing liaison – reach out to vendors in the legal field to see if they want to advertise in our newsletter;
Creative submissions or standing column is another consideration/opportunity;
Another project – It’s time for a new look for our newsletter. We would like your feedback on various templates
that are in the process of being generated. We need your help and input on selecting an exciting new look for The
Paralegal Advocate. If you are interested in this or volunteering to join our Team, please e-mail us at
[email protected] Thank you very much. Your Paralegal Advocate Team
SPRING SEMINAR! This year’s Spring Seminar will be hosted in Chattanooga.
Mark your calendar. You will not want to miss this event.
April 29 & 30 – 2011
ADDITIONAL DETAILS TO BE POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE AND OUR NEXT NEWSLETTER
2011 TPA Officers & Board Members
Contact the officers/board members via our new e-mail address at: [email protected] or directly from our website at www.tnparalegal.org
President: Sherri L. Satterfield, CP, Leitner, Williams, Dooley & Napolitan, Knoxville
First Vice President: LaFran Plunk, West Tennessee Legal Services, Jackson Second Vice President: Christie L. Gass, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Chattanooga
NALA Liaison: Tammie Murphy, CLA, Toppenberg & Burke, P.C., Knoxville
Secretary: Laysha M. McCullaugh, CP, Fleissner, Davis and Johnson, Chattanooga
Treasurer: Phyllis A. Carter, SunTrust Bank (Retired), Chattanooga
Central Region Director: Rachael Reach, Brewer Krause Brooks Chastain & Burrow, Nashville East Region Director: Pamela K. Leckey, CLA, Peggy G. Comstock Attorney at Law, Knoxville
West Region Director: Tammy R. Bradford, John D. Hamilton Attorney at Law, Jackson
Central TN Chapter Chair: Theresa Carrico, CP, Brewer Krause Brooks Chastain & Burrow, Nashville
East TN Chapter Chair: Nita Gorman, Gary A. Davis and Associates, North Carolina
S.E. TN Chapter Chair: Laysha M. McCullaugh, CP, Fleissner, Davis and Johnson, Chattanooga
West TN Chapter Chair: Courtney Sydnor, Nix, Patterson & Roach LLP, Jackson
Historian: Susan Westmoreland, CEBS, Horton & Maddox PLLC (Retired), Chattanooga
Parliamentarian: Susan Westmoreland, CEBS, Horton & Maddox PLLC (Retired), Chattanooga
Publication Chair: Laysha M. McCullaugh, CP, Fleissner, Davis and Johnson, Chattanooga
Website Committee Chair: Theresa Carrico, CP, Brewer Krause Brooks Chastain & Burrow, Nashville
FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO: http://www.nala.org/examinee.aspx
TENNESSEE PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION
APPLICATION FOR THE LAWASSA B. JONES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The application's questions are designed to let the Committee Members know more about you, please be sure to
include all information you think pertinent.
NAME: ________________________________________________________________ LAST FIRST MIDDLE
ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Number City State
TELEPHONE
NUMBER: _____________________________________________________________ AREA CODE NUMBER
EMPLOYER: _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
E-MAIL ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________
SCHOOL: ___________________________________________________________
WORK HISTORY (ATTACH A SEPARATE SHEET IF NECESSARY):
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
This application must be accompanied by a copy of your last transcript (high school or college), a letter of personal
recommendation, a letter of scholastic recommendation, and a short statement explaining your reasons for
applying for the scholarship and why you chose to become a paralegal. List any organizations to which you belong
and any community or school involvement. The letters of recommendation must come from people familiar with
your scholastic and leadership abilities. At least one letter must come from a teacher who is familiar with your
scholastic ability. APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED WITHOUT ATTACHMENTS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. Applications
should be returned to the Tennessee Paralegal Association by October 15th to be considered for the next year.
All application materials or written inquiries should be sent to Attn: Scholarship Committee:
Mail: Tennessee Paralegal Association
P.O. Box 21723
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37424
E-Mail: [email protected]
ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS APPLICATION WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL.
TENNESSEE PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION
APPLICATION FOR CLA/CP EXAM SCHOLARSHIP
The application’s questions are designed to let the Committee Members know more about you.
Please be sure to include all information you think pertinent.
NAME: ___________________________________________________ LAST FIRST MIDDLE
ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________ STREET
___________________________________________________ CITY STATE ZIP
TELEPHONE: _______________________________________________
EMPLOYER: _______________________________________________
EMAIL ADDRESS: _____________________________________________
DATE SCHEDULED TO
TAKE CLA/CP EXAM: ________________________________________
Applications should be returned to the Tennessee Paralegal Association by October 15th
for consideration of the next year.
This Application MUST be accompanied by the following:
Resume;
Letter(s) of recommendation; and
Short essay/paragraph detailing why you want to obtain CLA/CP credential and study
plans to prepare for exam.
All application materials or written inquiries should be sent to Attn: Scholarship Committee:
Mail: Tennessee Paralegal Association
P.O. Box 21723
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37424
E-Mail: [email protected]
ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS APPLICATION WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL.
Message From
The Paralegal Advocate Team
We would appreciate your contribution to The Paralegal Advocate by submitting articles of interest to you to be published. Please note the deadlines for each issue and feel free to provide any information you would like published prior to the deadline. If you would like to have articles published on specific topics in the Advocate, please contact us.
- The Paralegal Advocate Team
THE PARALEGAL ADVOCATE
is published quarterly by the Tennessee Paralegal Association, an affiliate of the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc. Articles and other information for the newsletter should be sent to the Advocate Team at the below address. Please title subject heading “For TPA Advocate:
Tennessee Paralegal Association
Attention: Advocate Team Post Office Box 21723
Chattanooga, TN 37424
DEADLINES FOR UPCOMING ISSUES:
SPRING: MARCH 31, 2011 SUMMER: JUNE 30, 2011
FALL: SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 WINTER: DECEMBER 31, 2011
Special Request: Please submit 2 weeks prior to
deadline, if possible. Thank you.
