2023 Convention Continuing Legal Education Sessions and Workshops

Here is an overview of the sessions that will be offered each day.
 

Thursday, October 5

8:30am CLE Sessions:

Discovery of Social Media in Legal Proceedings
The continuous rise in social media use (and types) brings a treasure trove of evidence to legal matters and challenges to the Discovery process. Preserving and collecting social media defensibly prevents spoliation and ensures that the evidence can be authenticated, produced and presented at deposition and trial. Examples of discoverable social media (and its metadata) and relevant case law will be reviewed. This presentation concludes with best practices for handling social media in discovery to prepare legal professionals with the knowledge needed to comply with eDiscovery requirements.
Presented by: Matt Mahon
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

Cybersecurity Management
This course will introduce attendees to the key legal, business and ethical issues related to cybersecurity. Attendees will gain familiarity with a framework for approaching cybersecurity through evaluating threats, risks and vulnerabilities and developing appropriate and proportional policies, processes and countermeasures to maintain the integrity of computers, systems and data.
Presented by: Julie Sweeney
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

AI, Chat GPT, and Comment 8 to Model Rule 1.1 
To maintain the requisite knowledge and skill, a lawyer should keep abreast of changes in the law and its practice, including the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology, engage in continuing study and education and comply with all continuing legal education requirements to which the lawyer is subject. 40 States have adopted the duty of technology competence for lawyers, codified in Comment 8 in Model Rule 1.1 of the ABA's Model Rules of Professional Conduct. In an age of AI, ChatGPT, legal tech boom and bust, how should attorneys navigate the deluge of technology that is upon them? What's real, what's possible, and what's hype? Join Kevin Miller, CEO of LegalSifter, Inc., as he discusses the latest in legal tech.
Presented by: Kevin Miller - LegalSifter
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

10:15am CLE Sessions:

What Paralegals from the Army JAG Corps do in Comparison to Civilian Paralegals? - Session description coming soon!
Presented by: TBA
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

Corporate Governance and Subsidiary Management
Presenters will introduce key concepts of corporate governance and subsidiary management that describe the system of processes and practices established by organizations to aid in globalization efforts in today’s increasingly complex world.  They will focus on downstream governance, key terminology, legal entity structure, utilization of subsidiaries, and objective approaches to designing and implementing governance frameworks that fit the needs of organizations. Along with outlining the roles the board of directors, officers, and agents of organizations play in performing sound governance, the presenters will outline how and why organizations operate through subsidiaries, and how to select the right type of legal entity to support business. Finally, the presenters will provide examples of global differences in governance practices, and how organizations can utilize the skills and expertise of paralegals in supporting this crucial legal function.
Presented by: Chanel Bradden & Michael Lockhart 
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

U.S. Case Law Research
This class provides an overview of U.S. case law research, including information about the U.S. federal court system, the publication of court opinions, methods for researching case law, and information about locating records and briefs.
Presented by: Elizabeth Osborne
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

1:00pm CLE Sessions:

Immigration Matters: What Army JAG Corps Paralegals Need to Be Aware Of - Session description coming soon!
Presented by: TBA
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

Project Management for Legal Professionals
You may be asking “what is the difference between project management and legal project management and how can this be useful for paralegals? We have the answer! The presenters will explain how principles of project management are similar, regardless of the field of law, and how they can be customized to fit specific fields such as corporate, litigation, and compliance.  Workflows of project management are basically the same regardless of the size of the project. The presenters will explain how legal projects have a beginning, middle, and end, and how they produce deliverables with measurable outcomes. In addition to explaining the workflows, the presenters will outline how time, costs, and resources impact legal project planning and execution, while highlighting the steps of defining, planning, executing, and closing a project. Finally, the presenters will describe how paralegals and other legal professionals can make valuable contributions to organizations by utilizing solid and transferrable legal project management skill.
Presented by: Chanel Bradden & Alana Stanley
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

Corporate Compliance
This session will provide an overview of what a corporate compliance program is, why a compliance program is needed and help attendees to understand the components of an effective compliance program.  In short, a compliance program is a tool that is used to protect your organization’s brand and reputation.
Presented by: Sherene McDougall
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

2:45pm Workshops:

Recruiting New Board Members - “Your Board, the Next Generation!” 
How do you attract the younger generations to explore leadership positions in your association?  This workshop will be a roundtable discussion on ideas and strategies that have worked to attract the next generation to lead your board through the 21st century.
Presented by: Anne Newcomer, RP, P.A.C.P., CEDS 

Engaging New and Existing Members
Join a panel of local association leaders as they discuss tried and true ways that have aided their associations in engaging their members. 
Presented by: Josie Estes

5 Board Tools to Help Your Paralegal Association THRIVE
A healthy board of directors can support the success of association members, ensure a thriving organization, and have a positive impact on an entire industry. Today, boards are challenged more than ever. In this powerful workshop, Dara Rudick, CEO of Management HQ, will lead participants through these board challenges: Recruiting the Right Board Members; Equipping Board Members to Lead; Cultivating A Productive Board Culture; Driving Mission-focused Member Value; and, Responding to Crises.
In her roles as board member, executive director, and CEO of an association management company, Dara has worked with dozens of boards and tens of thousands of association members. She will share best practices, case studies, and lessons learned that participants can use to help their paralegal associations to thrive.
Presented by: Dara Rudick, CAE

Friday, October 6

8:30am CLE Sessions:

Effective Legal Writing for Paralegals
Effective Legal Writing for Paralegals focuses on four key writing areas: accuracy, clarity, readability, and conciseness. This seminar will provide tips and techniques to sharpen your writing skills and will provide examples of common legal writing mistakes as well as helpful writing-related websites.
The way you communicate, communicates information about you. Make sure you’re right not only with regard to substantive issues, such as legal analysis and your conclusions, but also with regard to writing issues, including selecting the proper word, omitting needless words, and ensuring parallel structure.
Presented by:  Deborah Bouchoux
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

Recent Developments in Employment Law
Join us for an engaging discussion on the latest developments in employment law, featuring Andrew Henson as the speaker. Mr. Henson is an experienced labor and employment attorney at Troutman Pepper. He has extensive experience counseling employers and representing them in litigation in state and federal courts. He has successfully represented clients in a wide range of labor and employment matters, including wage & hour class actions, restrictive covenant disputes, government investigations, and discrimination lawsuits.
Presented by: Andrew Henson
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

Human Trafficking - Session description coming soon!
Presented by: Bryce Matson - Homeland Security Investigations
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

10:15am CLE Sessions:

Paralegal Ethics: The Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL) & Best Practices or Paralegals 
Rule 5.5: Unauthorized Practice of Law. This presentation discusses ethical standards of attorneys and paralegals, what attorneys can and cannot delegate to paralegals, the Do's and Don'ts for paralegals, role of social media, and ethical standards. We will also discuss real-time scenarios to avoid, how LLLT has impacted UPL, and best practices during the case management process.
Presented by: Angela M. King
1.0 NFPA CLE Ethics Credit

Time Management and Organization Skills
This seminar provides numerous practical skills for achieving success in law office environments.  Organization skills and tools are addressed, including the effective use of priority or “to do” lists.  Pragmatic tips for juggling priorities, docketing deadlines, and handling paperwork are provided. The seminar addresses specific time management strategies to effectively handle obstacles in the workplace, including setting priorities, “chunking” big projects into smaller units, avoiding procrastination, and managing stress.  The seminar concludes with a review of practical and useful websites and blogs.
Presented by: Deborah Bouchoux
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

Why is it Important for Army JAG Corps Paralegals to be Credentialed and how to Keep up their Credentials? - Session description coming soon!
Presented by: TBA
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

1:30pm CLE Sessions:

Recognizing and Interrupting Microaggressions
This presentation will explore microaggressions and how to recognize and interrupt them. Words and phrases have an impact whether you “mean” it or not. Many parts of the English language are rooted in racism, sexism, ageism, and other forms of discrimination, all of which must be unlearned.  Generally, we all should become more aware of microaggressions, but there should be special attention to and awareness in professional settings. Creating a more inclusive and culturally competent workplace means that each of us has to explore our own unconscious bias in order to become more aware. Leadership must also correct the various types of workplace microaggressions (behavioral, environmental, and verbal) that occur and be very intentional about shifting the workplace culture. 
Presented by: Stefanie Trujillo
1.0 NFPA DEI CLE Credit

The Responsibilities of a JAG Corps Paralegal in Litigation Matters - Session description coming soon!
Presented by: TBA
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

Practice Management - A Paralegal's Guide to Understanding and Opportunities - Session description coming soon!
Presented by: Tara Eberhart
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

3:15pm Workshops:

You are Not an Island, So Connect! 
Do you feel alone on an island, especially when it comes to work? There is no magic crystal ball or even hard work when it comes to creating a life of satisfaction through connection. Cynthia will guide you through ways you can connect through mentorship and networking.
Presented by: Cynthia Minchillo, RP, MPA, Co-Founder of the Wendi Atwood Rogers Foundation

Developing a Board Succession Plan
Do you have a succession plan for your current officers and/or Board of Directors? If you don’t have a plan in place or you just need a refresher course, sign up to attend this workshop. You will learn how to seek individuals to fill vacancies and how to plan for a successful turnover of officers and directors.
Presented by: Cherylan Shearer, IRP

Leveraging Social Media to Grow your Association’s Brand
Learn some tips and tricks for using social media to grow your association's brand and increase visibility.
Presented by: Lisa Lynch, CRP, CEDS



Saturday, October 7

4:00pm Workshops:

Recognizing Board Burnout & Ideas to Manage it
Is your Board of Directors showing signs of burnout? Are you feeling burned out as a volunteer Board member? Discussion on how to recognize burnout and ideas to manage it.
Presented by: Theda Yandell, RP

Study Groups & Scholarships: Helping Credential Seekers and Attracting/Retaining Members
This presentation will be an interactive discussion with the audience to review study groups for PCCE and PACE as well as the type of scholarships offered by local associations as well as NFPA.  Discussion will focus on how these two activities can engage your current members, which encourages retention, and how it can attract new members in the student and active member categories (and perhaps even some sponsors!).
We will discuss:
-- Key aspects of setting up study groups for PCCE and PACE review
-- Different types of scholarships offered and to which types of members they appeal
-- How these two offerings can attract new members by offering unique content which is attractive to retain current members by engaging in activities which are outside of the standard local board member role, and attracting new members seeking support for these activities.
Presented by: Lisa Vessels, RP, CP

Board Leadership: Overview and Tips & Tricks 
With more than 10 years of Paralegal Association Board Leadership between the two of them, Ms. King and Ms. Stanley will lead participants through the foundation of what it takes to build a successful board: Goals, Mission & Vision; Building & Maintaining an Effective Board; Strategic Priorities; Operating Day to Day Functions; Key Association Resources; and so much more. As Past Presidents for the National Capital Area Paralegal Association (NCAPA), Ms. King and Ms. Stanley have overseen day to day functions and responsibilities of a local paralegal association including the oversight of two successful website launches, bylaw and policy & procedures updates, over 100 successful association events and mentorship program. They will share the fundamentals and first-hand experience needed to build a successful BODs.
Presented by: Angela King & Alana Stanley