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2026 Paralegal Development Conference - Sessions

2026 Paralegal Development Conference Sessions

Click the drop-down menu below to view full session details, categorized by each day.

12:00 - 12:05 PM
Opening Remarks
- Beth Bialis, RP, NFPA Director of Positions & Issues
- Angela Vohsing, NFPA Paralegal Regulation Co-Coordinator
- Brenda Cothray, NFPA Paralegal Regulation Co-Coordinator

 
12:05 - 1:00 PM
AI Biases in Law Firms: A Critical DEI Perspective (1.0 DEI CLE)
NFPA DEI Committee:
- Jennifer Echikson, Pa.C.P., Chair
- Elizabeth Dear, NJCP, PaCP
- Kenneth Palacios
- Patrice Givens
 
  • This presentation emphasizes the practical, day-to-day role paralegals play in recognizing and addressing AI bias while empowering them to be effective advocates for DEI within their firms and the broader legal profession. 

1:15 - 2:15 PM 
Ethics for Legal Paraprofessionals (1.0 Ethics CLE)
- Mary Mayer, Freelance Paralegal in Northern Arizona

  • This session explores the growing landscape of Licensed Legal Practitioner (LLP) programs by outlining what they are, where they currently operate, and the services they authorize, while examining how varying state regulatory frameworks define their scope, qualifications, and oversight. It highlights the impact LLPs have on expanding access to justice through real-world examples of support for low‑income individuals and illustrates how this pathway creates meaningful opportunities for career advancement among paralegals. The session also addresses the ethical considerations involved in balancing expanded professional authority with responsibility and accountability.

 
2:30 - 3:30 PM 
Community Justice Workers and the Future of Paralegal Practice
- Dr. Alicia Mitchell-Mercer, Chief Operating Officer, Frontline Justice
- Nikole Nelson, founding CEO, Frontline Justice
 
  • This session explains the Community Justice Worker (CJW) model and the access-to-justice gap that led to its development. Across the United States, many civil legal problems involving housing, public benefits, debt, and family stability never receive legal resolution because they arise outside courts and legal offices and go unaddressed. The CJW model responds by placing trained legal help in community settings such as legal aid offices, clinics, libraries, shelters, and community organizations, where people first seek help.  Participants will learn what CJWs do in practice, including helping individuals understand their legal options, completing and submitting forms and applications, preparing appeals, and navigating court and administrative processes within defined subject areas. The session explains how paralegal training fits naturally within CJW programs by drawing on transferable skills such as legal intake, document preparation, procedural guidance, and community-facing legal support. The session also includes examples from states where CJW-style programs are operating to show how these models are expanding access to civil legal help within existing legal systems. 

 
3:45 - 4:45 PM
A Day in the Life of a Community Justice Worker
- Joy Anderson, Co-Director, Community Justice Worker Resource Center
- Ashley Vincent, Community Justice Worker, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska Legal Services Corporation
 
  • Full information on this session coming soon!


4:45 - 5:00 PM
Closing Remarks
- Patty Meagher, MnCP, 2026 NFPA Convention Chair
- Beth Bialis, RP, NFPA Director of Positions & Issues
- Angela Vohsing, NFPA Paralegal Regulation Co-Coordinator
- Brenda Cothray, NFPA Paralegal Regulation Co-Coordinator
12:00 - 12:05 PM
Opening Remarks

- Julie H. Rosenau, NFPA Director of Membership

 
12:05 - 1:00 PM
Steps to Creating Meaningful Mentoring System
- Lisa M Lagreca, Pa. C.P., NFPA Certification Coordinator, Silverang, Rosenzweig & Haltzman, LLC
  • This presentation explores the concept and value of mentoring as a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. It begins by defining mentoring and explaining its purpose, then highlights the benefits for both mentors and mentees—such as skill development, career advancement, and increased confidence. The session outlines the stages of a successful mentoring relationship, from establishing trust and setting goals to providing guidance and constructive feedback. It also covers essential mentor skills like active listening and effective communication, along with common challenges and strategies to overcome them. The presentation concludes with actionable tips for fostering long-term, mutually beneficial mentoring relationships that inspire growth and success. 


1:15 - 2:15 PM
Board Succession: Tag! You're It!
- Lisa Lynch, CRPTM, CEDS, Cushman and Wakefield

  • Serving on a local paralegal association board can be rewarding—but attracting new leaders and keeping them engaged is often a challenge. In this interactive session, we’ll explore practical strategies for succession planning, inspiring members to step up, and creating a culture that retains committed board volunteers. We’ll share proven approaches, discuss common obstacles, and invite participants to exchange ideas about what works in their associations. Come ready to learn, collaborate, and leave with actionable tips to keep your board strong and energized for the future. 

2:30 - 3:30 PM
Leading From Where You Stand: Redefining Power, Value, and Possibility for Paralegals 
- Jaclyn Foster, Author, Paralegals Should Be Millionaires

  • This session challenges paralegals to rethink what leadership really means — not just managing tasks or supporting attorneys, but taking ownership of your career, your value, and your future.  Drawing from her journey building and scaling multiple six-figure legal businesses and the core message of her book Paralegals Should Be Millionaires, Jaclyn explores what it looks like to lead from where you are through entrepreneurship. This session is about expanding your lens: understanding how paralegals create real economic impact, how leadership shows up in solutions (not just roles), and how to move from “supporting the vision” to shaping one of your own. This is a conversation for paralegals who know they’re capable of more — and are ready to lead their careers with intention. 


3:45 - 4:45 PM
The Modern Day Paralegal Leader – Building Confidence, Collaboration, and Influence in a profession that doesn’t always hand out leadership titles.

- Jaclyn Doherty, VARP, Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, P.C.

  • The Modern Paralegal Leader is a practical presentation focused on how paralegals build confidence, collaborate effectively, and influence outcomes without relying on formal leadership titles. It examines the shift from task execution to strategic contribution, highlighting ownership, communication, and sound judgment within legal teams. The session is designed to strengthen day-to-day operations while reinforcing the paralegal’s role as a reliable, proactive partner in the firm.

4:45 - 5:00 PM 
Closing Remarks
- Patty Meagher, MnCP, 2026 NFPA Convention Chair
- Julie H. Rosenau, NFPA Director of Membership


5:00 - 6:00 PM 
Social Activity

12:00 - 12:05 PM
Opening Remarks

-  Lisa M. Lagreca, Pa. C.P., NFPA Certification Coordinator
- Tina M. Johnson, RP, MnCP, NFPA Director of Paralegal Certification

 
12:05 - 1:00 PM
The Process of Obtaining a NFPA Credential from Beginning to End
Lisa Vessels, RP, Duane Morris LLP
  • This presentation will cover the nuts and bolts of successfully applying, studying, and taking the NFPA credential exams.  We will discuss determining eligibility before applying, what documentation is required to submit with your application (and which is not!), and how the credential exams differ. We’ll also discuss preparation for the exam itself, such as study groups, formal and informal programs of preparation, ideas for self-study, and length of time generally needed to prepare for the exam.  Finally, we’ll discuss taking the exams, and what to expect whether you are planning to take an exam remotely, or at one of the testing centers, and what to expect after you have completed the exam, and of course, getting your results. 


1:15 - 2:15 PM
Bright Boundaries to Help You Navigate Ethics Like A Pro (1.0 Ethics CLE)
Rashida Forbes, Owner, Stylish Paralegal
  • Let's take a refreshing break! Discussing paralegal ethics doesn't have to be a dark and dreary conversation. Developing bright boundaries that are clear, practical, and surprisingly fun is what this session aims to do. Learn how to protect your role, your cases, and your peace while staying aligned with ethical best practices. 


2:30 - 3:30 PM
The Value of Formal Paralegal Education: Building Competence and Credibility
Antoinette France-Harris, Professor and Program Coordinator of Legal Studies, Clayton State University
  • Formal paralegal education is essential for developing the analytical, ethical, and practical skills required in today's legal environment. This webinar will explore how structured academic programs enhance professional competence, improve client service, and strengthen the credibility of the paralegal profession. Attendees will gain insight into the correlation between education and career advancement, as well as strategies for advocating formal training within their organizations. By emphasizing quality education, we empower paralegals to meet evolving legal standards and contribute meaningfully to the justice system. 


3:45 - 4:45 PM
Leading the Future: Ethical Leadership, Certification Pathways, and Building High-Impact Paralegal Teams (1.0 Ethics CLE)
-
Tony Sipp, Co-host, The Paralegal Voice podcast; Chair of the Paralegal Studies Advisory Committee, College of the Canyons
-  Amy McGuigan, ACP, CAS, CEDS, Swanson & McNamara LLP
  • In an increasingly digital, regulated, and high-demand legal environment, paralegals are asked to show up not only as professionals, but as leaders. This interactive session explores modern leadership principles, ethical accountability, and certification pathways that accelerate career development. Through shared experiences from two paralegal leaders who have built departments, steered organizations, and navigated difficult regulatory landscapes, attendees will learn how to: 

    - Transition from task-doer to decision-maker 
    - Lead teams through change, conflict, and cross-department collaboration 
    - Leverage certifications and specialty credentials to advance professionally 
    - Apply ethics frameworks to real-world scenarios in high-pressure matters 
    - Build a high-performance reputation within your firm or legal community  

    Participants will leave with actionable leadership strategies, tools for compliance and regulation awareness, and a roadmap for elevating the paralegal profession from within.  


4:45 - 5:00 PM
Closing Remarks
-
Patty Meagher, MnCP, 2026 NFPA Convention Chair
- Lisa M. Lagreca, Pa. C.P., NFPA Certification Coordinator
- Tina M. Johnson, RP, MnCP, NFPA Director of Paralegal Certification

 

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