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THE THE THE PARALEGAL PARALEGAL PARALEGAL PERSPECTIVEPERSPECTIVEPERSPECTIVE
Oklahoma Paralegal Association
Inside this issue
NALA Short Course ..........................3
New NALA Secretary .......................4
New NALA Affiliated Associations Director ...........................................5
NALA Region IV Director .................6
2010‐2011 OPA Officers and Regional Directors ..........................7
Evaluating whether to upgrade or replace your PC ...............................8
2010‐2011 OPA Committees ...........9
Seminar Committee Report ............11
OPA Change of Address ..................11
Did You Know? ................................12
Student Committee Report .............13
New CLA/CP/ACPs...........................14
Getting the Right Things Done When Your World is Crazy Busy .................15
2010 Fall Seminar & Meeting Registration ....................................16
JOIN US FOR OUR FALL SEMINAR & MEETING
NOVEMBER 6, 2010
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
As I was thinking about what to write in my first letter as your 2010‐2011 President, I thought about the first meeting of a paralegal organization I attended. I felt like such an outsider – I was in a new city – I knew no one. But that was one of the reasons I was there. I was new to Oklahoma, and continuing my career as a paralegal in Oklahoma City. I had received my
paralegal certificate from the University of Oklahoma College of Law’s Legal Assistant program, and worked in a law office for three years. There I sat in a room full of paralegals. During the meeting, members were asked to volunteer for committees. No one volunteered to be the photographer for the newsletter. I thought if I volunteered, I would not be accepted since I was new and no one knew me. But I did volunteer, and became a member of the Publications Committee, and have been on various committees over the years to support the organizations of which I am a member. Being a paralegal is my second career. My first career was as a professional photographer. Photography seems like such an unrelated field to the legal profession; however, my beginnings in photography began when I was in college to earn my journalism degree. Media Law and Business Law were part of my required courses. After taking these classes; I was hooked on the law. I decided that I would like to be in the legal field some day, and 17 years ago I began on my journey in the law. At that first paralegal meeting when a photographer was needed, it was logical for me to volunteer to be the photographer for the paralegal organization I joined. I had worked for newspapers as a reporter and photographer. That day my participation in paralegal organizations began. (Continued on page 2)
September 2010
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(Continued from page 1)
I am a firm believer in joining and actively participating in organizations. Organizations are excellent sources of continuing education, networking, and making lifelong friends. The members are the life of any organization, and participation by all members is the key for a successful organization. All OPA members are vital to the organization. We are all very busy with our lives at work and with family, but we all need to make time to support OPA. OPA has provided excellent continuing legal education for us. However, it takes a lot of work from the committee members to make the organization work and to provide this excellent continuing legal education. Volunteer for a committee. Give whatever amount of time you can.
The Long Range Planning Meeting held on August 14, 2010, was a very productive meeting. This newsletter lists the dates for our upcoming seminars. MARK YOUR CALENDARS for these dates. The Board of Directors is in the process of revising the Bylaws and Standing Rules of the Oklahoma Paralegal Association to address the growing needs of OPA and the changes in the legal field. The Board’s goal is to make OPA the best paralegal organization in the State of Oklahoma.
For those of you who have recently joined OPA or renewed your membership – thank you for your support. If you have not, I urge you to do so and be an active member of this great organization. It is you, the Members, who make OPA the great organization it is by your participation.
I look forward to serving as your President in the coming year. If you have questions or suggestions, please contact any of the members of the Board of Directors or contact me at 405.755.6714 or by e‐mail at [email protected].
J. Lynn McKay, CP
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CASSANDRA OLIVER ELECTED NALA SECRETARY
Cassandra Oliver, ACP, a senior paralegal at The Williams
Companies, Inc., in Tulsa, OK, has been elected Secretary of The National
Association of Legal Assistants/Paralegals, during the association’s 35th
annual meeting July 16 Jacksonville, FL. She will serve on the NALA board
of directors during the 2010–11 operational year.
A paralegal for more than 20 years, she has served in a number of other leadership positions for NALA, including terms as Ethics Chair, Region IV Director, Budget Committee and Professional Development Committee. She is also a member of the Oklahoma Paralegal Association, former president of the Tulsa Area Paralegal Association, and a member
of Leadership Tulsa as well as Toastmasters International and is a board member of the Resonance Center for Women. She has ACP (Advanced Certified Paralegal) credentials in Discovery, and holds a BS degree in Business Administration from Oral Roberts University. Also elected at the NALA annual meeting were: President—Karen Greer McGee, ACP, Shreveport, LA; First Vice President—Ann L. Atkinson, ACP, Omaha, NE; Second Vice President Kelly A. LaGrave, ACP, Lansing, MI; and Treasurer—Jill I. Francisco, ACP, Huntington, WV. Debra Overstreet, ACP, Tulsa, was elected Director of NALA Affiliated Associations and Sandra D. Hatch, CP, Portland, OR, was elected Affiliated Associations Secretary. NALA region directors installed at the annual meeting were: Janet L. Holmgren, CP, Region I; Debby J. Sawyer, CP, Region II; JoAnne Sorrentino, ACP, Region III; Beth H. Nellis, ACP, Region IV; Julie D. Hunt, CP, Region V; Melissa Hamilton, ACP, Region VI; Karin M. Scheehle, ACP, Region VII; Terry Halstead, ACP, Region VIII; and Joan Wiley, ACP, Region IX. NALA is the nation’s leading association for professional certification, continuing education, and career advancement for paralegals. The association has more than 6,000 individual members, and another 12,000 are represented through local and regional affiliated associations throughout the US.
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DEBRA OVERSTREET ELECTED NALA AFFILIATED ASSOCIATIONS DIRECTOR
Debra Overstreet, ACP, a paralegal with the US Army Corps of Engineers in Tulsa, has been installed as Affiliated Associations Director for the National Association of Legal Assistants/paralegals at the July 16 annual membership meeting during the association’s 35th annual convention in Jacksonville, FL. She will serve on the NALA board of directors during the 2010–11 operational year. She has worked in the legal field for 30 years, formerly serving as clerk and bailiff for Wagoner County Associate District Judge Pete Simmons. She also worked for private law firms for a time and served in both criminal and civil divisions of the Northern and Eastern Districts of the US Attorney’s Office.
A member of NALA since 1999, she earned her Certified Legal Assistant credential in 2000 and received advanced certification in “Discovery” in 2009. She is a member of the Tulsa Area Paralegal Association and the Oklahoma Paralegal Association. Also elected at the NALA annual meeting were: President—Karen Greer McGee, ACP, Shreveport, LA; First Vice President—Ann L. Atkinson, ACP, Omaha, NE; Second Vice President—Kelly A. LaGrave, ACP, Lansing, MI; Secretary—Cassandra Oliver, ACP, Tulsa; and Treasurer—Jill I. Francisco, ACP, Huntington, WV. Sandra D. Hatch, CP, Portland, OR, was elected Affiliated Associations Secretary. NALA region directors installed at the annual meeting were: Janet L. Holmgren, CP, Region I; Debby J. Sawyer, CP, Region II; JoAnne Sorrentino, ACP, Region III; Beth H. Nellis, ACP, Region IV; Julie D. Hunt, CP, Region V; Melissa Hamilton, ACP, Region VI; Karin M. Scheehle, ACP, Region VII; Terry Halstead, ACP, Region VIII; and Joan Wiley, ACP, Region IX. NALA is the nation’s leading association for professional certification, continuing education, and career advancement for paralegals. The association has more than 6,000 individual members, and another 12,000 are represented through local and regional affiliated associations throughout the US.
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ELIZABETH NELLIS INSTALLED AS REGION IV DIRECTOR
Elizabeth H. Nellis, ACP, long‐time Tulsa freelance paralegal, has been installed as Region IV Director of the National Association of Legal Assistants/Paralegals. She was installed during the association’s 35th annual meeting July 16 in Jacksonville, FL, and will serve on the NALA Board of Directors for the 2010–11 operational year. A NALA member since 1984, and a founding member of the Oklahoma Paralegal Association, she formerly worked for Legal Services of Western Oklahoma and Phillips Petroleum Company. She is also a member of the Tulsa Area Paralegal Association and has served on the paralegal program advisory boards of Tulsa Community College, Rogers State University in Claremore and Midwest City, and Northeastern State University, Tahlequah.
Her Advanced Paralegal Certification is in Social Security Disability and she has a BS in Paralegal Studies from the University of Oklahoma. Also elected at the NALA annual meeting were: President—Karen Greer McGee, ACP, Shreveport, LA; First Vice President Ann. L. Atkinson, ACP, Omaha, NE; Second Vice President—Kelly A. LaGrave, ACP, Lansing, MI; Secretary— Cassandra Oliver, ACP, Tulsa, OK; and Treasurer—Jill I. Francisco, ACP, Huntington, WV. Debra Overstreet, ACP, Tulsa, OK, was elected Director of NALA Affiliated Associations and Sandra D. Hatch, CP, Portland, OR, was elected Affiliated Associations Secretary. Other NALA region directors installed at the annual meeting were: Janet L. Holmgren, CP, Region I; Debby J. Sawyer, CP, Region II; JoAnne Sorrentino, ACP, Region III; Julie D. Hunt, CP, Region V; Melissa Hamilton, ACP, Region VI; Karin M. Scheehle, ACP, Region VII; Terry Halstead, Region VIII; and Joan Wiley, ACP, Region IX. NALA is the nation’s leading association for professional certification, continuing education, and career advancement for paralegals. The association has more than 6,000 individual members, and another 12,000 are represented through local and regional affiliated associations throughout the US.
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2010‐2011 OPA OFFICERS President ............................................................ J. Lynn McKay, CP
[email protected] (405) 755‐6714
President Elect ............................................................ VACANT
Vice‐ President ........................................... Johnanna Oglesby, CLA [email protected] (918) 825‐0332
Secretary .................................................................. Sonya Bott, CLA
[email protected] (918) 459‐2688
Treasurer ...................................................... Lorena Shingleton, ACP
[email protected] (304) 561‐5591
NALA Liaison ............................................. Lennis Ailey, ACP
[email protected] (918) 782‐9021
Eastern Region Director ............Tara Cope, CLA [email protected]
(918) 289‐1880
Adair, Atoka, Bryan, Carter, Cherokee, Choctaw, Coal, Craig, Creek, Delaware, Haskell, Hughes, Johnston, Latimer, LeFlore, Love, Marshall, Mayes, McCurtain, McIntosh, Murray, Muskogee, Nowata, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa, Pawnee, Pittsburg, Ponotoc, Pushmataha, Rogers, Seminole,
Sequoyah, Tulsa, Wagoner, Washington
Western Region Director ................................... VACANT
Alfalfa, Beaver, Beckham, Blaine, Caddo, Canadian, Cimarron, Cleveland, Comanche, Cotton, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Garvin, Grady, Grant, Greer, Harmon, Harper, Jackson, Jefferson, Kay, Kingfisher, Kiowa, Lincoln, Logan, Major, McClain, Noble, Oklahoma. Payne, Pottowatomie, Roger Mills, Stephens,
Texas, Tillman, Washita, Woods, Woodward
REGIONAL DIRECTORS
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Evaluating whether to upgrade or replace your PCEvaluating whether to upgrade or replace your PC By Kim PlonskyBy Kim Plonsky
(Originally appeared in print as "Balancing Act")(Originally appeared in print as "Balancing Act")
Practically since the dawn of the Information Age, sometime in the 1990s, when the personal computer first became widely available in the consumer marketplace, a never‐ending dilemma has faced PC enthusiasts: deciding whether to upgrade or replace, and deciding when (i.e., once it becomes too slow or for some other reason no longer meets our needs). With microprocessors getting smaller, more powerful and faster seemingly by the day, and while software and PC operating systems likewise are evolving as a paralegal, keeping your PC system current is an ongoing challenge.
Since desktop PCs generally have a functional lifespan of only between two and four years (and notebooks, of course, considerably less), buying a PC at least slightly more powerful than prevailing needs would seem to dictate always has been a good idea as somewhat of a hedge against advancing technologies, especially for busy paralegals and attorneys. Inevitably, however, for most PC users, the day will come when that old PC just can’t keep up or fails altogether, and either a major overhaul or replacement is in order.
While there are any number of reasons that a PC could become sluggish or deteriorate in performance, some contributing factors can be PC components that become degraded from heavy usage, heat and dust accumulation. Additionally, installing and uninstalling programs can muddle up a PC’s operating system, leaving worthless remnants that serve no purpose other than to slow overall system performance. Another
common cause of decreased PC performance can be the failure to maintain routine good PC housekeeping practices, leading to program or entire PC crashes that often result in premature demise and the need to replace otherwise adequate PC systems. It often becomes part of the paralegal job description for you to evaluate what the next technological step should be for your firm or company. Consider Costs First Whether to upgrade or replace a PC is a choice that only you can make, and depends largely upon what is best for you, in your particular circumstances, after thoughtful consideration of a number of factors, not the least of which is cost. However, while tweaking older PCs into better performance with a few simple hardware or software upgrades might work for some, for others this can actually end up being a more costly proposition that only slightly postpones the inevitable expense of full PC replacement. This particularly is true when you consider that most PC upgrades, whether hardware or software, result in at least some down time in the best of circumstances, and can turn into a protracted nightmare in the worst, as I can attest from personal experience.
For example, after comparing the costs, if the price to upgrade your existing PC would be half or less than the cost of purchasing a brand new PC, upgrading might be the better option — but not always. In my case, I spent roughly $600 to upgrade my year‐old tablet PC when its performance suddenly slowed to a crawl. While I spent only about half
the cost of the new PC I was eyeing, within six months, it became painfully obvious that my cleanup efforts and upgrade expenditures were nothing more than a quick fix, as I still had not achieved the level of performance I sought. Because the upgrades maxed out my PC’s upgradeability options, when performance once again began to lag, I had no choice but to buy that brand new PC anyway. So, in my attempts to achieve satisfactory system performance at a discount and extend the life of my tablet PC, I actually not only ended up spending a more significant amount of money, I lost days performing the tedious tasks necessitated by a major system upgrade, and all for naught. Hopefully, the tips that follow will help prevent this from happening to you. The Performance Factor With cost considerations in mind, let’s explore some of the most common things that can affect overall system performance, so that you can make the right decision when you inevitably are confronted with a need to either upgrade or replace your aging PC.
Processor Speed. Much of a computer’s performance depends on the speed of its central processing unit, which is measured in gigahertz. Generally, the higher the clock‐speed, the faster the PC. While it sometimes is possible to upgrade a PC’s CPU, this isn’t an easy task and usually requires employing a computer expert, which obviously adds to overall costs. New PCs on the market feature dual processors to maximize performance, and quad‐
(Continued on page 10)
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2010‐2011
OPA COMMITTEES
OBA Liaison Committee Nancy McVey, Chair Oklahoma Supreme Court State Capitol Bldg., Rm 244 Oklahoma City, OK 73105 (405) 521‐3848 Email:[email protected] Lennis Ailey, ACP 32273 S. 4252 Rd. Afton, OK 74331 (918) 782‐9021 Email:[email protected] BUDGET and FINANCE Lorena Shingleton, ACP c/o Oklahoma Paralegal Association Post Office Box 2383 Broken Arrow, OK 74013 (304) 561‐5591 Email:[email protected] BYLAWS and STANDING RULES J. Lynn McKay, CP 2509 N.W. 118th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 755‐6714 Email:[email protected] LONG RANGE PLANNING / PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Lennis Ailey, ACP 32273 S. 4252 Rd. Afton, OK 74331 (918) 782‐9021 Email:[email protected]
OBA JOINT SEMINAR/HOSPITALITY ROOM Lennis Ailey, ACP 32273 S. 4252 Rd. Afton, OK 74331 (918) 782‐9021 Email:[email protected]
SEMINAR COMMITTEE Tara Cope, CLA ‐ Chair for Stroud & Tulsa c/o Oklahoma Paralegal Association Post Office Box 2383 Broken Arrow, OK 74013 (918) 289‐1880 Email:[email protected]
VACANT ‐ Chair for Oklahoma City & Guthrie
Webmaster Amy Mooring Email:[email protected]
NOMINATIONS and ELECTIONS / CREDENTIALS (To be announced) MEMBERSHIP / ROSTER Johnanna Oglesby, CLA J. Ralph Moore, P.C. Post Office Box 368 Pryor, OK 74362(918) 825‐0332 Email:[email protected] PUBLICATIONS Lorena Shingleton, ACP c/o Oklahoma Paralegal Association Post Office Box 2383 Broken Arrow, OK 74013 (304) 561‐5591 Email:[email protected] PUBLIC RELATIONS Cassandra Oliver, ACP The Williams Companies, Inc. Post Office Box 2400, MD#47 Tulsa, OK 74012 (918) 573‐6650 Email:[email protected] STUDENT COMMITTEE / BOARD LIAISON ‐ STUDENT DIRECTOR Brenda Seek Chair 10634 E. 18th Street Tulsa, OK 74128 (918) 895‐0540 Email:[email protected] Tara Cope, CLA c/o Oklahoma Paralegal Association Post Office Box 2383 Broken Arrow, OK 74013 (918) 289‐1880 Email:[email protected]
THE PARALEGAL PERSPECTIVE
Editor: Lorena Shingleton, ACP Editorial Staff: 2010‐2011 OPA Board of Directors
While serving on a committee is not mandatory, it is the best way to meet other OPA members who share commons interests and goals – and it is fun!
Please let us know if you are interested in serving on any OPA committee.
We are looking forward to serving with you!
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core processors already have begun to appear. While those who use PCs for simple tasks such as surfing the Internet, word‐processing and e‐mail might do well to simply upgrade other PC components, power users like legal professionals who run an array of weighty programs might be better off purchasing a new multi‐processor PC.
RAM. By now, most of us realize that RAM, or system memory, plays an important role in system speed and performance by allowing applications to run without accessing a PC’s hard drive. Most PCs sold today have at least 1 GB of RAM, but are easily upgradeable; however, all PCs have limitations on memory expansion capabilities, so it isn’t always possible to increase RAM. While the amount of RAM that is recommended by Microsoft for running Vista is only 1 GB (with the exception of Vista Basic, which requires only 512 KB), increasing RAM to at least 2 GB, or even better to 4 GB if your PC has that capability, can significantly improve the performance of Windows XP and Vista 32‐bit operating systems. Since upgrading RAM is a fairly simple task that many of us easily can perform, and is one of the least expensive means of improving performance, increasing RAM makes sense as a first step to quickly boost performance of a sluggish PC.
For Windows Vista users, however, there is a new feature called ReadyBoost, which implements a USB flash drive to improve performance without the need to physically add memory. Windows ReadyBoost is quite simple to use. When a removable memory device such as a USB flash drive is first inserted into your PC, Vista checks to see if its performance is fast enough to work with Windows ReadyBoost, and if so, you are automatically given the option to allocate a part of the device to speed up system performance, while the rest of the flash drive remains available for storing files.
(Continued from page 8) hard drives and the like. Additionally, many new PCs conveniently feature multiple built‐in memory card readers in popular formats, such as CompactFlash, Secure Digital and Memory Stick, which act as any other hard drive on your PC so that you simply insert the memory card from a digital camera or MP3 player to access photos or other content.
Of course, newer PCs often come equipped with the fastest CD/DVD drives and the latest features. For example, my new Gateway includes Blu‐ray, an optical disc storage media format for high‐definition video and data storage; home theater capabilities that enable television viewing and recording directly from your PC; a high‐definition PC monitor; a wireless keyboard and mouse; and two 500 GB hard drives that combine to provide a colossal terabyte of storage space. The Ultimate Decision In any event, whether you are the type of person who embraces new technology as it comes down the pike, or someone with modest PC needs, the decision to upgrade or replace your older model PC requires consideration of a number of factors, and only you can determine the choice that is right for you. One thing is certain, however: Technology never sleeps. Thus, at least for the foreseeable future, those who rely on technology (i.e., virtually everyone) can expect it to remain a challenge to keep PC systems reasonably current, functional and performing optimally, in order to both minimize costs and maximize productivity. While learning to strike the right balance in deciding when to upgrade versus replace a PC remains a constant struggle, it’s a worthy goal.
Hard Drives. A too‐full hard drive also can slow system performance, and, in fact, can lead to complete PC failure, as I experienced when I failed to notice that I was dangerously close to filling mine. When this happened, I nearly lost everything on my PC and my work came to a screeching halt. While once inconceivable that I could ever possibly fill my first hard drive of only 10 MB, the types of files that most of us store on our PCs today are sometimes huge, especially digital audio, video or picture files. Not paying attention to my hard drive usage lead me to almost completely fill my 80 GB hard drive within about a year’s time. I have thus made it a practice to monitor my hard drive usage, as part of general and regular system maintenance.
A handy, free tool that I have found to assist in analyzing what is hogging all of my disk drive space, JDisk‐Report, is available from www.jgoodies.com. JDiskReport generates a graphic chart that displays statistics that make it easy to see how much space the files and directories consume on your disk drives. In my case, I found that my program files took up less than 6 GB of disk space, while documents, files and my PC’s operating system itself took up the lion’s share of available space. This helped me realize that uninstalling unnecessary or obsolete programs would do little to free up disk space, and that replacing or adding another hard drive was the way to go.
As a rule of thumb, if system performance is or would still be inadequate after performing other, easier upgrades, it probably is time to invest in a new PC with one of the latest processors specifically built to handle today’s bloated and power‐hogging software programs.
Other Considerations. Of course, all of the previously discussed information does not take into account other benefits of replacing outdated systems. For example, an older PC might have only a couple of USB ports, hardly adequate for those with many peripherals, such as scanners, multiple printers, external
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SEMINAR COMMITTEE REPORT
Need CLAE credits???
Here are the tentative dates for OPA's upcoming seminars!!
Please feel free to share these dates with anyone else outside of OPA who can join us!
November 6, 2010 ‐ Fall Seminar ‐ Territory Cellars in Stroud, Oklahoma
March 12, 2011 ‐ Tulsa, Oklahoma (Hardesty Library)
June 11, 2011 ‐ Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (venue location TBD)
November 5, 2011 ‐ Guthrie, Oklahoma (venue location TBD)
If anyone is interested in helping work with our Seminar Committee,
please contact Tara Cope at (918) 289‐1880, or [email protected]
We are always looking for speakers! If you know of anyone you would like to refer us to,
please contact Tara. She will also be happy to hear of any specific topics you would like to
learn about at a seminar & she will do her best to accommodate those requests.
OPA HAS A NEW ADDRESS!!
OKLAHOMA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION, INC.
POST OFFICE BOX 2383
BROKEN ARROW, OKLAHOMA 74013
Please make sure to send ALL future mail including seminar registrations, membership
renewals, and membership applications to this new address!!
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We elected to change our regions at our most recent Board Meeting and have
consolidated them into an Eastern Region and a Western Region. Tara Cope, CLA was elected to
serve as the Eastern Regional Director, and she may be contacted at (918) 289‐1880, or
Please note, our Western Region Director spot is VACANT! If any member is interested
in filling this position, please contact OPA's President, J. Lynn McKay, & we will see that your
request is put before the board at our next board meeting on November 6th.
Duties for the Regional Directors are:
The Regional Directors are required to attend each quarterly Board Meeting. The
Regional Directors shall report by letter to their regional members after each quarterly meeting
and encourage attendance and participation in OPA events.
New Regions:
Eastern ‐ Adair, Atoka, Bryan, Carter, Cherokee, Choctaw, Coal, Craig, Creek, Delaware, Haskell, Hughes,
Johnston, Latimer, LeFlore, Love, Marshall, Mayes, McCurtain, McIntosh, Murray, Muskogee, Nowata, Okfuskee,
Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa, Pawnee, Pittsburg, Ponotoc, Pushmataha, Rogers, Seminole, Sequoyah, Tulsa, Wagoner,
Washington
Western ‐ Alfalfa, Beaver, Beckham, Blaine, Caddo, Canadian, Cimarron, Cleveland, Comanche, Cotton, Custer,
Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Garvin, Grady, Grant, Greer, Harmon, Harper, Jackson, Jefferson, Kay, Kingfisher, Kiowa, Lincoln,
Logan, Major, McClain, Noble, Oklahoma. Payne, Pottowatomie, Roger Mills, Stephens, Texas, Tillman, Washita, Woods,
Woodward
YOU CAN NOW FILE YOUR CLAE CREDITS ONLINE???
visit www.nala.org/CLE_Requirements.aspx
Do you have new contact information? Contact Johnanna Oglesby, CLA
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Greetings Members! On behalf of all of OPA, we want to congratulate
Brenda Seek, our recipient of this year's Jamie Bowie Memorial Scholarship!!!
Brenda currently works for H&R Block & has an Associates degree in
Accounting. She has been considering applying for law school and thinks
pursuing a paralegal degree through the paralegal program offered at the
University of Tulsa would be a great start at preparing her for law school. She
recognizes what a supportive role paralegals play within a firm, and feels this
could be a good fit for her. She is a single mother of two boys & she wants to
further her education, "to teach them that you have to keep pushing for your
goals."
The Jamie Bowie Memorial Scholarship is an annual $250 scholarship
which is awarded to a student enrolled in an ABA‐approved paralegal program.
In 1989, the scholarship was created and named in memory of OPA member
Dianna Peters' daughter, Jamie Bowie. The scholarship account is funded with
contributions made by Jamie's friends and family, OPA special projects, and in
part by membership dues. Criteria in awarding the scholarship is based on
character, grades, and need. Applications are made available during the fall
semester and the scholarship is awarded in November of each year. Along with
the $250 cash award, made payable jointly to the recipient and the institution
being attended, the recipient receives a one year membership in OPA.
Attention prospective students! We're in the process of updating our
website "Courses" list of all Oklahoma paralegal programs, to reflect the most
current contact name(s) and phone numbers. In the meantime, here is a list of
the ones OPA is aware of:
ABA Approved Paralegal Programs:
East Central ‐ Legal Studies Program ‐ offers a Bachelor's Degree in Legal
Studies ‐ 4 year program
Rose State College ‐ Legal Assistant Program ‐ offers an Associate Degree ‐
2 year program
Tulsa Community College ‐ Paralegal Program ‐ offers an Associate Degree
‐ 4 year program
University of Oklahoma ‐ Department of Legal Assistant Education ‐
Certificate Program ‐ 42 units
University of Tulsa ‐ Department of Paralegal Studies ‐ Certificate Program
‐ 6 months
Other Paralegal Programs:
Rogers State University ‐ Paralegal Degree Program ‐ Certificate Program ‐
65 units
Murray State College ‐ Business Management Legal Assistant Option ‐
Certificate Program
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College ‐ Legal Assistant Program ‐ 1 year or
2 year Certificate Program
Northeastern State University ‐ Criminal Justice Department ‐ Bachelor of
Science in Legal Studies
If anyone is interested in serving on the Student Committee this year,
please contact Tara Cope at (918) 289‐1880, or [email protected] or
Cachet Winterroth at (720) 334‐6974 or [email protected].
STUDENT COMMITTEE REPORT
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OKLAHOMA’SCONGRATULATIONS TO OKLAHOMA’SCONGRATULATIONS TO OKLAHOMA’S
NEWEST CLA/CP/ACPsNEWEST CLA/CP/ACPsNEWEST CLA/CP/ACPs
Gila B. Bradenberger, CP Ramona L. German, CP Meghan E. Padgett, CP LaWanda H. Huff, CP Rita J. Lienhart, CP
Bradley S. Bertone, CP Patricia A. Boone, CP
Cachet L. Winterroth, CP Elizabeth G. Autrey, CP
Karen E. Morgan, CP Zachary Brewer, CP Heather D. Ward, CP
Sheri A. Rider, ACP Contracts Administration/Contracts Management
Jeffery L. Shaw, ACP
Trademarks
Summer D. Schrag, ACP Business Organizations: Incorporated Entities
Elizabeth F. Meeker, ACP
Discovery
UPCOMING CLA/CP EXAM DATESUPCOMING CLA/CP EXAM DATES
January 1January 1––3131
Application deadline: December 1, 2010Application deadline: December 1, 2010
Late application deadline: December 10, 2010Late application deadline: December 10, 2010
($25 late fee)($25 late fee)
May 1May 1––3131
Application deadline: April 1, 2011Application deadline: April 1, 2011
Late application deadline: April 10, 2011Late application deadline: April 10, 2011
($25 late fee)($25 late fee)
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Getting the Right Things Done When Your World Is Crazy Busy By Vicki Voisin, ACP
Its 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.
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.
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Oklahoma Paralegal Association’sOklahoma Paralegal Association’s
Fall Seminar and MeetingFall Seminar and Meeting
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Territory Cellars Winery 1521 North Highway 99
Stroud, Oklahoma 74079‐4747
AGENDA
8:30‐9:00 a.m. Registration 9:00‐10:00 a.m. A Divorce Client Primer ~ Preparing your clients for their first
appearance in Court James Hodgens, Attorney, Stroud, OK 10:00‐11:00 a.m. Preparing the Prosecutor for Criminal Court Greg Pollard, Assistant District Attorney, Lincoln County, OK 11:00‐11:15 a.m. Break 11:15‐12:15 p.m. Legal Ethics ~ 15 Minutes of Fame Travis A. Pickens, OBA Ethics Counsel, Oklahoma City, OK 12:15‐1:30 p.m. Lunch 1:30‐2:30 p.m. The Human Side of Law Jeff Nix, Attorney, Tulsa, OK 2:30‐3:30 p.m. Child Support Services & the Structure of the OCSS Whitney Herzog, Child Support Division of Assistant District Attorneys for Pottawatomie & Lincoln Counties, OK 3:30‐3:45 p.m. Break 3:45‐4:45 p.m. Social Security ~ A Paralegal’s Key to Employment Security Clint Parsons, Attorney, Tulsa, OK 4:45‐6:00 p.m. OPA Board Meeting – All members & guests are invited to attend.
**Approved for 6 hours CLE Credit by NALA, including 1 Hr. Ethics**
**$15 LATE FEE FOR REGISTRATIONS RECEIVED AFTER OCTOBER 22ND**
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REGISTRATION FORM NAME:________________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS:_____________________________________________________________________________
EMPLOYER NAME & ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
TELEPHONE: (WORK) _________________ (HOME) _________________ (CELL) ___________________
EMAIL ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________________________
REGISTRATION FEE (Breakfast, Snacks & Lunch included):
_______ $45.00 OPA Member _______ $55.00 Non-Member _______ $15 Student
For more information, contact: Tara Cope, Seminar Committee Chair (918) 289-1880 [email protected]
***Waiver of annual membership fee available to non-member 1st time seminar registrants.***
**Approved for 6 hours CLE Credit by NALA, including 1 Hr. Ethics**
REGISTRATION DEADLING FOR LUNCH RESERVATIONS: 5:00 P.M. ON OCTOBER 22, 2010
**$15 LATE FEE FOR REGISTRATIONS RECEIVED AFTER
OCTOBER 22ND**
WALKINS WITH NO LUNCH RESERVATION WELCOME
***Reminder to all attendees*** We will once again be collecting items for our troops. Please bring any donations to the seminar with you.
Mail registration and fee to: Oklahoma Paralegal Association c/o Lorena Shingleton, ACP P.O. Box 2383 Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74013 Or email registration to: [email protected]
In our 30th year The Copy Shop has rebranded as
LITGISTIX LLC 5 East Fifth Street Tulsa OK 74103
918 585 5875
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Solutions and services to help your business succeed. Litigation Support Copying E-Discovery Scanning Digital Forensics Binding Offset Printing & Thermography Trial & Paralegal Support On Line Review Tool Custom Index Tab Production Video Services Wide Format Printing & Scanning Multimedia Audio/CD/DVD Courtroom Demonstratives Digital Output Production Graphic Design
Pictured above (L‐R): Cassandra Oliver, Debra
Overstreet, J. Lynn McKay
Pictured above (L‐R): J. Lynn McKay, Cassandra Oliver,
NALA President Karen Greer McGee, and Debra Overstreet
The Oklahoma Paralegal Association was formed in October, 1985, with the purpose of providing a forum for legal education and professional growth for legal assistants throughout the State of Oklahoma and in furtherance of the delivery of quality legal services. The Oklahoma Paralegal Association is an affiliate of the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc. (NALA). The members of OPA voted to affiliate with NALA, recognizing that NALA's goals and purposes were sound and representative of its own aspirations. Among these goals and purposes are:
The promotion of professional legal assistants, education of the public for the advancement and improvement of the profession, and broadening public understanding of the legal assistant concept.
Cooperation and participation with local, state and national bar associations in setting standards for legal assistants; and
Informing its members through continuing legal education seminars and regular news publications.
OPA is striving to further define its position in the legal community by offering its members education, ethical guidelines, local law‐related news, social contacts and an opportunity for professional growth.
OKLAHOMA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION AN AFFILIATE OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LEGAL ASSISTANTS, INC. (“NALA”)
The Paralegal Perspective is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information on the subjects covered. However, the objective of this issue is not to provide legal advice. If legal advice or other assistance is required, you should retain the services of a competent professional. The views expressed in this issue do not necessarily represent the views of the Oklahoma Paralegal Association. COPYRIGHT 2010 Oklahoma Paralegal Association
www.okparalegal.org
An invitation to the legal community to advertise in The Paralegal Perspective Newsletter:
¼ page ‐ $25 ½ page ‐ $50 Full ‐ $100
Discount 10% for members.
