Oregon Paralegal Association

Article of Interest from Oregon State Bar, By Elizabeth Frost

tom — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:30:01 +0000

The Legal Writer Primer on Pronouns: Common Mistakes.

By Elizabeth Frost

From the Oregon State Bar website

I am a stickler for proper usage of pronouns, but I haven’t always been this way. Growing up, as I would regale my mother with stories from school, she would interrupt me periodically to say: “She and I, not me and her.” My eyes would roll way back in my head. Who cares, I’d wonder? Couldn’t she understand my point without perfect respect for pronouns?

Read entire article: http://www.osbar.org/publications/bulletin/12may/legalwriter.html

October 28, 2011 – Board Meeting Minutes

sherry — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 05:19:15 +0000

The board meeting of the new elected board of directors of the Oregon Paralegal Association was called to order on October 28, 20111, by Kelley D. Chaney, RP, President, at approximately 5:45 p.m. on October 28, 2011, at the Embassy Suites – Portland Airport located at 7900 N.E. 82nd Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97220.

In Attendance

Kelley D. Chaney, RP, Jacqueline Bollinger, Joyce S. Kent, RP, MaryAnn Ivie, RP, Leah Short, Melissa C. Mayes, Jeannie Lihs, Diane Thompson, RP, CP, and Brenna C. Dickey were in attendance.

Wayne Akin, Board Advisor and Linda Lee True were also in attendance.

New Business

Kelley D. Chaney, RP addressed the board and asked if the first Wednesday at noon was still a good meeting time for the board. Board members agreed that this was still a good time. November 2, 2011 at noon was the date and time set as the next meeting of the board at the offices of Miller Nash LLP.

Kelley D. Chaney, RP asked the board their availability for the leadership retreat. After discussion, November 19, 2011 was determined to be the best day for the leadership retreat. The leadership retreat will be held at Stoel Rives LLP from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

There being no further new business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:52 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Brenna Dickey, Vice President

October 28, 2011 – Annual Member Meeting Minutes

sherry — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 05:10:51 +0000

The annual member meeting of the Oregon Paralegal Association was called to order on October 28, 2011, by Wayne D. Akin, President, at approximately 4:40 p.m. on October 28, 2011, at the Embassy Suites – Portland Airport located at 7900 N.E. 82nd Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97220.

New Business

Wayne D. Akin presented the 2011 Outstanding Service Provider Appreciation Award to Nationwide Process Service Inc.
Wayne D. Akin presented the 2011 Outstanding New Member Award to Leah Short.
Wayne D. Akin presented the 2011 Outstanding Member Award to Kelley D. Chaney, RP.
Awards to leadership team – Wayne D. Akin presented certificates of recognition to Deanne Snedeker, Legal Services Provider Liaison, Pamela “PJ” Packard, Annual Survey Chair, Amanda Purvis, Website Co-Chair, Jeannie Lihs, Membership Chair, Linda Loffer, Intellectual Property Chair, Natalie Nelson-Sander, RP, PACE Ambassador, Julie Lycklama, RP, Mentor/Mentee Chair, Tisha DeLozier, Probate Chair, Mary McCourt, CLA, CSR, CLI, Litigation Chair, Michele Davis, CP, Annual Meeting Co- Chair and Program Chair.
Awards to Board of Directors Wayne D. Akin presented certificates of recognition and “Making a Difference” awards to board members: Brenna C. Dickey, Secretary and Corporate Chair, MaryAnn Ivie, RP, Treasurer, Kathleen K. Miller, RP, NFPA Primary Representative and National Affairs Chair, Joyce S. Kent, RP, NFPA Secondary Representative and Annual Meeting Co-Chair, Kelley D. Chaney, RP, Vice President and Pro Bono Chair, Thomas C. Holmes, Board Member, Karen Russell, RP, Board Member and Domestic Relations Chair, Jackie Bollinger, Board Member and Bylaws Committee Chair, Stacy Franz, Associate Representative, De Dishman, Board Advisor, and Wayne D. Akin, President and Nominations and Elections Chair.
NFPA News – Wayne D. Akin announced that the 2012 NFPA annual convention will be in Anchorage and that NFPA’s annual convention in 2015 will be held in Honolulu.
Pro Bono Awards – Kelley D. Chaney, RP thanked the service providers who support OPA’s pro bono efforts. Kelley D. Chaney, RP presented Dardie Robinson, Diane Thompson, RP, CP, Kelley D. Chaney, RP, Deborah Lazzereti, and Lisa Peterson with the NFPA pro bono award. Kelley D. Chaney, RP encouraged everyone to keep better track of their pro bono hours so that everyone who is performing pro bono work receives recognition.
Wayne D. Akin also recognized Michele Davis, CP for her hard work on putting together the annual meeting. Michele Davis, CP recognized Joyce S. Kent, RP, her co-chair and Diane Thompson, RP, CP for the annual meeting, for all of her hard work.
2011-2012 Election Results – Wayne D. Akin reported the election results for 2011-2012. The election results for OPA 2011-2012 officers and board members and NFPA Secondary Representative were announced by Wayne D. Akin to be the following: President – Kelley D. Chaney, RP Vice President – Brenna C. Dickey Secretary – Melissa C. Mayes Treasurer – MaryAnn Ivie, RP NFPA Secondary – Joyce S. Kent, RP Board of Director (1 year term) – Jeannie Lihs Board of Director (1 year term) – Leah Short Board of Director (2 year term) – Diane Thompson, RP, CP Associate Representative – Linda Lee True
Kelley D. Chaney, RP presented Wayne D. Akin with a gift certificate to Dosha Spa for a massage, as well as a watch.
President’s Award – Wayne D. Akin presented the President’s Award to Kelley D. Chaney, RP, indicating that this award went to the person who helped him the most as President in the last year.
2011 Lifetime Achievement Award – President Wayne D. Akin awarded Mary McCourt, CLA, CSR, CLI with the 2011 Exceptional Member Award. Wayne D. Akin informed the members that Mary McCourt, CLA, CSR, CLI has received the Oregon Paralegal Association outstanding member five times. Mary McCourt has played a critical roll in the Western Business College Program (now known as Everest College) and given roses to students and helped guide the program. Mary McCourt, CLA, CSR, CLI served on Oregon State Bar Quality of Life Committee, attends all Everest College graduation ceremonies and passes out roses at graduation, chaired the OPA litigation specialty group for many years, and been a OPA board member. Everest College has named their law library “The Mary McCourt Law Library,” in her honor. Mary McCourt, CLA, CSR, CLI does outreach for OPA. The board decided to give a new award that has never been given before. Mary McCourt, CLA, CSR, CLI said OPA is the best association she’s ever known.

Committee Reports – Wayne D. Akin said the committee reports have been tabled until the next board meeting.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:32 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Brenna Dickey, Board Secretary

OJD announces Court Closure days

tom — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:43:38 +0000

According to an announcement from the Oregon Judicial Department, budget shortfalls are causing the closure of courts on certain days from now until May of 2013. OJD Order 11-033 (click to access) provides that the courts will be closed on the following days:

Friday, Nov. 25, 2011

2012: 2013:

Friday, March 23^rd Friday, January 18^th

Friday May 25^th Friday, April 19th

Friday August 17^th Friday, May 24th

Friday October 19^th

Friday November 23rd

October 5, 2011 – Board Meeting Minutes

sherry — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 05:14:13 +0000

The monthly board meeting of the Oregon Paralegal Association was called to order on October 5, 2011, by Wayne Akin, President, at approximately 12:07 p.m. on October 5, 2011, at the offices of Miller Nash LLP located at 111 S.W. Fifth Avenue, Suite 3400, Portland, Oregon 97204.

In Attendance

Wayne Akin, Brenna Dickey, MaryAnn Ivie, RP, and Kelley D. Chaney, RP were in attendance.

Sherry Rainey was also in attendance.

Diane Thompson, CP, RP, Michele Davis, Tom Holmes, Julie Lycklama, RP, Karen Russell, RP, Kathleen Miller, RP and Janis Timlick attended the meeting by phone.

Jackie Bollinger was excused from attendance.

Minutes

The minutes of the September 7, 2011, board meeting were discussed. After discussion, the September 7, 2011, minutes were approved as amended.

Treasurer’s Report

MaryAnn Ivie, RP reported OPA has $26,726. MaryAnn Ivie, RP reported that we have spent $16,701 in NFPA dues. MaryAnn Ivie, RP reminded Wayne Akin that she needs the final budget so she can prepare it for the annual meeting.

Committee Reports

Advertising – Wayne Akin reported that the new advertising rates will be going in the new Paragram. Wayne Akin is working to get new sustaining members. MaryAnn Ivie, RP reported that we have more sustaining members this year (we have nine). Wayne Akin said he wants more sustaining members. Wayne Akin reported that DTI, a national vendor, is moving into the region and that he will be approaching DTI to become a sustaining member of OPA.
Annual Meeting – Michele Davis, CP reported that the annual meeting had collected $21,570 in income and she believes half of that will be a profit for OPA. Michele Davis, CP reported that OPA currently has 23 exhibitors and one of them will be Esquire. Diane Thompson, CP, RP reported that 60 members are attending the annual conference, with 55 members also attending casino night. Diane Thompson, CP, RP reported that on October 14, 2011, the annual meeting committee will be sending out reminders and providing the username and password to download the meeting materials. Diane Thompson, CP, RP reported the meeting materials were also on CD. Diane Thompson, CP, RP encouraged board and committee members to attend the casino social event. Diane Thompson, CP, RP reported there are 19 attending the Success Seminar.
Annual Survey – Wayne Akin reported he has contacted Pamela Packard, RP to do the annual survey and she has agreed to do the annual survey. Wayne Akin reported we will have the paper surveys at the annual meeting and will also be performing the annual survey via Survey Monkey.
Associate Representative – Stacy Franz was unable to attend today’s meeting and the report was tabled.
Corporate – Brenna Dickey reported that the corporate specialty group meeting was held on September 15, 2011. Brenna Dickey reported that although there wasn’t the attendance she was hoping for, the speakers were excellent and the members able to attend really enjoyed the speakers. Brenna Dickey reported that the last quarterly meeting of the year has been scheduled on December 15, 2011. Thomas E. Wrosch, the Registries Manager of the Oregon Secretary of State, will be speaking on upcoming changes in Oregon law in the new year.
Domestic Relations – Karen Russell, RP will be sending e-blasts to all members to see if they are interested in joining her specialty group.
Membership – Wayne Akin said Jeannie Lihs has been sending out updated membership lists.
National Affairs – Wayne Akin, RP reported the NFPA convention is in a week. Kathleen Miller, RP reported she has only received two comments on agenda topics and three people have commented on the report. Kathleen Miller, RP reported that the Treasurer is the only contested race. Kathleen Miller, RP reported that Karen Santagata, RP was appointed as Treasurer and is not running for the position. Kathleen Miller, RP said the person running against Karen Santagata, RP has issues with when the budget is received by NFPA board members. Discussion of candidates proceeded among board members, including the Vice President of Marketing. Wayne Akin said it might be an exciting conference.
Paragram – Wayne Akin reported there will be a new Paragram out this Friday. Sherry Rainey reported that she interviewed Loretta McCool of Unisearch and said it was a nice profile.
Pro Bono – Kelley Chaney, RP reported she will be participating in a telephone conference regarding her NFPA speaking engagement. Kelley Chaney, RP reported that we will have several pro bono causes we will be supporting at the annual meeting, including Buddy Bears, Lawmen, Dress for Success, Classroom Law Project, and March of Dimes. Kelley Chaney, RP reported Boly Welch donated baskets for our annual meeting.
Research and Development – Wayne Akin reported that Pamela “PJ” Packard, RP was unavailable to attend the meeting.
South of Portland Paralegals – Wayne Akin asked Diane Thompson, CP, RP if the SOPP group have appointed a chair. Diane Thompson, CP, RP said she was unaware that someone had been appointed the chair. Wayne Akin said he will speak with Linda Odermott regarding the status.
Website – Tom Holmes said he and his team have been doing updates to the website, and have the flyer for the Success Seminar on the front page. Tom Holmes reported that he is working on the ecommerce aspect of the website. Diane Thompson, RP, CP asked about when the Paragram will be available on the website. Sherry Rainey said she will be posting historic Paragrams and the recent Paragram.

Old Business

Wayne Akin reported that he has informed Mary McCourt , CLA, CSR, CLI of the award and has confirmed that she is attending the annual meeting. Wayne Akin reported he had sent condolences to Mary McCourt, CLA, CSR, CLI regarding the loss of her companion.

Awards and Nominations – Wayne Akin reported that Michele Davis, CP is in charge of annual awards. Wayne Akin reported he is waiting for a few candidate statements to come in and will be sending out the candidate statements and photos. Wayne Akin reported the ballots will be sent out via Survey Monkey.

Open Forum

MaryAnn Ivie, RP said she would like to have a new position created – Assistant Treasurer – to help with PayPal and advertising. Diane Thompson, RP, CP said the post office box fees are due and she is willing to bring the check if MaryAnn Ivie, RP sends her the check. Kelley Chaney, RP asked MaryAnn Ivie, RP if it would be an appointed position. Kathleen Miller, RP suggested that the board create a finance committee.

Kathleen Miller, RP said she will be contacting board and committee members more about the Foundation for the Advancement of the Paralegal Profession (“Foundation”). Kathleen Miller, RP is not sure why the Foundation has not been one of NFPA’s charities. Kathleen Miller, RP reported that the Foundation provides grants for certification programs. Kathleen Miller, RP suggested that our PACE ambassador could come up with a program for a grant from the Foundation to promote PACE.

There being no new business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Brenna Dickey, Board Secretary

2011 UTCR CHANGES (8/1/11)

tom — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:30:58 +0000

New UTCR Rule 6.190 takes effect August 1, 2011 as follows:
6.190 EVIDENCE SUBMITTED IN AN ELECTRONIC FORMAT
(1) Any exhibit or testimony to be presented to the court in an electronic format shall be compatible with the court’s electronic equipment.
(2) Prior to trial or hearing, a party intending to offer electronic evidence must make sure it is in a format compatible with the court’s equipment. A party is responsible for the cost, if any, incurred by the court as a result of the party’s use of the court’s electronic equipment or in repairing the court’s electronic equipment as a result of a party’s use of it.
(3) Parties may use their own equipment to present electronic evidence. However, parties using their own equipment may need to make their equipment available to the court, opposing parties, and the jury.
(4) It is a party’s responsibility to provide any technical support needed in presenting the party’s evidence and in making its evidence compatible with the court’s electronic equipment or in using the party’s own equipment.
Additional amendments to the UTCR’s can be found at: http://courts.oregon.gov/OJD/programs/utcr/index.page?

Notice of State Filing Fee Changes (8/1/11)

tom — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:29:14 +0000

Circuit Court “Additional Party” Filing Fee Changes Effective June 17, 2011
House Bill 2667 (2001), effective June 17, 2011, eliminates the “additional party” fee for filing a declaratory judgment action on or after January 1, 2011, and for responding to those actions. The bill also allows a party who paid an additional party fee for a declaratory judgment action filed between January 1, 2011, and June 30, 2011, to request a refund of the additional party fee. The party must request the refund on or before August 16, 2011. To request a refund, the party should submit a written request to the court where the party paid the additional party fee. See Oregon Laws 2011, Chapter 398, Sections 5-8: http://www.leg.state.or.us/11orlaws/sess0300.dir/0398.pdf

Filing Fee Changes Effective October 1, 2011

Also House Bill 2710 creates new provisions and amends circuit court, appellate court and other court filing fees effective October 1, 2011, and applies to proceedings commenced on or after October 1, 2011. See Oregon Laws 2011, Chapter 595: http://www.leg.state.or.us/11orlaws/sess0500.dir/0595.pdf

Connecticut HB 6477- Legislation on UPL

tom — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 01:44:10 +0000

Connecticut – HB 6477 – UPL and Outsourcing – Public Hearing Held 4/8/11
Legislation was introduced in Connecticut, HB 6477 – An Act Concerning the Unauthorized Practice of Law by Notaries Public and the Outsourcing of the Drafting, Review or Analysis of Legal Documents. It was referred to the Joint Committee on Judiciary on 2/24/11 and a public hearing was held on 4/8/11. At the request of the Connecticut Alliance of Paralegal Associations, NFPA prepared a response to this proposed regulation which can be found at the attached website link, under Public Hearing Testimony. While the intent was to prohibit “Notorios” from practicing law and outsourcing of legal work, the legislation, as proposed, had a far greater impact on the paralegal profession in Connecticut. HB 6477 died in committee.

cga.ct.gov <http://cga.ct.gov>

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Daniel — Sun, 29 May 2011 04:52:13 +0000

Paragram

See the latest issue of our bi-monthly newsletter, findings and conclusions.

March 2, 2011 – Board Meeting Minutes

sherry — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 02:19:57 +0000

The monthly board meeting of the Oregon Paralegal Association was called to order by Wayne Akin, President, at approximately 12:07 p.m. on March 2, 2011, at the offices of Miller Nash LLP located at 111 S.W. Fifth Avenue, Suite 3400, Portland, Oregon 97204.

In Attendance

Wayne Akin and Brenna Dickey were in attendance. Jeannie Lihs and Sherry Rainey were also in attendance.

MaryAnn Ivie, RP, Tom Holmes, Kelley Chaney, RP, Jacqueline Bollinger, Janis Timlick, Karen Russell, RP, Julie Lycklama, RP, and Kathleen Miller, RP attended by phone.

Minutes

The minutes of the December 1, 2010 and January 5, 2011 board meetings were discussed. After discussion, the December 1, 2010 minutes and January 5, 2011 minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report

Wayne Akin said he would be calling a special budget meeting and will be checking for dates for availability. MaryAnn Ivie, RP submitted the treasurer’s report to the board. Wayne Akin reminded everyone to get their requested budget items for next year in to Kelley Chaney, RP and MaryAnn Ivie, RP.

Committee Reports

• Annual Meeting— Kelley Chaney, RP reported that Michele Davis, CP and Joyce Kent, RP were unable to attend today’s meeting, so the annual report committee’s report was tabled. Kelley Chaney, RP reported that Michele Davis, CP had informed her that the quarterly meeting was successful.

• Associate Representative – Wayne Akin reported OPA would be holding a Success Seminar at Clark College on April 9, 2011. Wayne Akin said Kelley Chaney, RP could circulate the flyer. There is a resume workshop at the end of the event.

• Bylaws – Jackie Bollinger reported that the Bylaws ad hoc committee hasn’t been able to meet for a few weeks, but the ad hoc committee has been working on revising the bylaws and is making progress on revising the bylaws. Jackie Bollinger reported that the next meeting will be tomorrow.

• Corporate – Brenna Dickey reported to the board that the next corporate specialty group meeting will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2011 at noon. Janis Timlick and Loretta McCool of Unisearch, Inc. and Valerie Sasaki of Miller Nash LLP will be speaking to the corporate specialty group about resources available to them through NRAI and nexus issues for businesses doing business out of state.

• Domestic Relations – Karen Russell, RP will send out an e-mail in the next week to those interested in the members interested in domestic relations

• Intellectual Property – No report. • Job Bank – Sherry Rainey reported that she is posting new employment opportunities on

the OPA website.

• Membership – Jeannie Lihs reported we have approximately 240 members, some of which are on a trial basis. Jeannie Lihs submitted the draft application for membership for the upcoming OPA year to Kelley Chaney, RP.

• Mentee/Mentor – Julie Lycklama, RP reported that we have 36 people in the program, but we need more mentors, so if more people are interested, it would be great to have more participation.

• National Affairs – Tabled report. Wayne Akin said Cindy Byfield has left NFPA and he’s not sure who is replacing her but he will keep the board posted. Brenna Dickey indicated she was interested in attending the NFPA Regulation and Leadership Conference at the end of April if OPA leadership was still supporting her attendance. After consideration, the board approved sending Brenna Dickey to Cleveland, Ohio for the NFPA Regulation and Leadership Conference. Wayne Akin mentioned to the board that Natalie Nelson-Sander would also be attending the NFPA Regulation and Leadership Conference in conjunction with the PACE Conference.

• Paragram – Sherry Rainey has been working on keeping the stories for publication together. Sherry Rainey said that the full page ads are what is taking up most of the room. Wayne Akin announced that Derek Miller is no longer the publisher of the Paragram and that those responsibilities for its publication will be with Wayne Akin now. Kelley Chaney, RP will be handling the e-blasts and Sherry Rainey will be the editor of the Paragram.

• Pro Bono – Kelley Chaney, RP reported that the pro bono meeting was scheduled and was canceled due to the threat of inclement weather. The next meeting will be March 22, 2011 at her law firm. Kelley Chaney, RP found out from the national pro bono coordinator that they are moving the currently separate pro bono meeting to the annual meeting. The San Jose pro bono conference is now canceled. Kelley Chaney, RP was asked to be a speaker at the NFPA pro bono meeting. Wayne Akin said Kelley Chaney, RP should get the request for attendance on the new budget. Tom Holmes said there is a general policy of NFPA not to pay for speakers. Wayne Akin said there may be funds available, so Kelley Chaney, RP should ask NFPA what if any, is covered and factor that in to her budget. Kelley Chaney, RP announced that April 30, 2011 is the March for Babies event and asked board members to put the event on their calendar.

• Research and Professional Development – Pamela “PJ” Packard was unable to attend and the report is tabled.

• Web Site – Tom Holmes reported that he has Sherry Rainey working on the website and Amanda Purvis working on the calendar on the website. Tom Holmes will be working on having board meeting minutes on the website. Tom Holmes said it’s time to renew the Costco cards and he hasn’t received anything. Karen Russell, RP asked if there is a contract and Tom Holmes said there isn’t. Tom Holmes said he has sent the invoice to MaryAnn Ivie, RP and he will resend it to her. Wayne Akin said it would be nice to have the contract in place.

Open Forum

There being no new business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:42 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Brenna Dickey, Board Secretary

Oregon Paralegal Association

Article of Interest from Oregon State Bar, By Elizabeth Frost

October 28, 2011 – Board Meeting Minutes

October 28, 2011 – Annual Member Meeting Minutes

OJD announces Court Closure days

October 5, 2011 – Board Meeting Minutes

2011 UTCR CHANGES (8/1/11)

**Notice of State Filing Fee Changes** (8/1/11)

Connecticut HB 6477- Legislation on UPL

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Paragram

March 2, 2011 – Board Meeting Minutes

Notice of State Filing Fee Changes (8/1/11)