Tip of that hat to LawCrossing for pointing to this info: "While reviewing news releases and other noteworthy items pertaining to the paralegal world this week, I came across a notice about an upcoming Pro Bono Conference sponsored by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA). The conference, which will be held in Denver at Holland & Hart on March 24 and 25, 2007, will...
Good news that should mean more jobs for paralegals: "More than 25 percent of in- house law department leaders indicated that they will increase their use of outside counsel in the coming year, according to the Association of Corporate Counsel's 2006 Chief Legal Officer Survey . "This is a significant increase from 2005 when only 16 percent of respondents anticipated an increase in the...
So, certification for Connecticut paralegals is "two to five years" away? "The road to paralegal certification will be a long one, but Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz pledged her support of the endeavor during a luncheon speech to the Central Connecticut Paralegal Association (CCPA) earlier this month at The Hartford Club. "The CCPA has not yet taken an official stance on...
Don't know, at this point, if it's possible to turn the rushing tide toward outsourcing of legal work. But I applaud the IPA's attempt: "Ruby Prasad’s legal research and briefs regularly find their way into courts across the United States despite the fact her workstation is located 8,000 miles away in India. "Prasad is among the 200 lawyers working for Chicago-based Mindcrest Inc.,...
Another strong opinion about regulating Canadian paralegals: "Ontario has passed a law that will regulate paralegals. This is good news. Until now, what has it taken to be a paralegal? Call yourself one. That's it. No training required. No liability insurance. No minimum standards. No discipline for bad ones. "I've seen some good paralegals. I've seen some bloody awful ones too. Of...
This news is not a surprise, but it does sound like the battle continues: "Ontario became the first province in Canada to regulate paralegals Thursday, but many in the profession worry they could be forced out of business because they will be regulated by lawyers - the very people they compete against for most of their work. "The Liberal government had to use its majority to out-vote...
Regulation up north has definitely been a hard-fought battle: "Last month, the Ontario Bar Association managed to lobby successfully for further clarity of the portion of bill 14 that amends the Law Society Act, after it made submissions to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy. "As a result, the legislation now refers to paralegals as 'paralegal members' rather than 'persons...
My, how time has flown for the paralegal profession in Texas! "Paralegals have made their way out of the figurative woods and into the light of a recognized profession since the State Bar of Texas created its paralegal division 25 years ago, an Austin woman who was instrumental in the landmark said Wednesday. "Debra Crosby told 30 people at a Petroleum Club luncheon that she entered...
Very strong press release from Ontario paralegals: "The Ontario Justice Committee hearings regarding Bill 14 (Access to Justice Act) are coming to a close at Queen's Park. One thing is very certain . . . Independent paralegals in Ontario are in a David and Goliath fight for the very survival of their profession!! "If Schedule C to Bill 14 is enacted, without amendment, Ontario...
Good for the association & the person this scholarship honors: "The Lycoming County Paralegal Association is honoring one of its members by establishing a scholarship fund for legal assistant/paralegal students at Pennsylvania College of Technology. "The Maxine Stiffler/Lycoming County Paralegal Associate Scholarship Fund will provide an annual award of $250 to a student in the...