2024 Convention CLE Sessions and Workshops

2024 Convention Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Sessions, Workshops and Keynote Speakers

Overview of the sessions that will be offered each day. *Please note that the schedule and speakers are subject to change.

Thursday, September 26

8:30am CLE Sessions:

Empowering Legal Practice with Generative AI
This session will discuss ways that legal departments can utilize generative AI to be better, more productive and creative legal professionals.  Generative AI has many uses for legal departments including drafting letters, contracts, patents, pleadings and more.  Learn how prompt engineering will assist you with your research and results from generative AI searches.
Presented by: Yen T. Florczak, Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of Public Affairs and Legal Transformation, Chief Intellectual Property Counsel, and Assistant Secretary, 3M Company
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

Building an Effective Compliance Program
Dive into the intricacies of crafting a robust compliance program with our session on "Building an Effective Compliance Program." Learn about the crucial elements of an effective Compliance Program regardless of industry. Explore opportunities to fortify your program and learn how to test if it works in practice. Understand how you can leverage data to help you gain valuable insights into the program and how you can use it to prevent, detect and respond to instances of non-compliance.
Presented by: Magnolia Indira Bernhard, Assistant General Counsel, Global Director of Compliance, Kennametal Inc.
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

Compliance for In-House Professionals:  What You Need to Know and Updated Guidance
This program will provide an overview of the latest guidance in Ethics and Compliance for in-house professionals.  This session will include best practices in Compliance risk assessments, training and investigations, as well as consider the duties of in-house professionals to report up when notified of possible corporate wrongdoing. 
Presented by: Professor Steve Naughton, Loyola University School of Law
1.0 NFPA Ethics CLE Credit

CANCELLED - Victims of Crime & the American Justice System
Despite major advances in the victim's rights movement and the passage of Victim's Bills of Rights in every state; victims are still often shuffled to the sideline in the justice process.  This CLE will examine three of the Justice systems in the US (Family, civil, and criminal) and discuss how victims can be assisted through them.  There will also be a discussion regarding what trauma-informed means and using trauma-informed practices to best serve clients.
Presented by: Renee E. Williams, Esq. Executive Director  //  National Center for Victims of Crime
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

10:00am CLE Sessions:

HIPAA, HITECH, 21st Century Cures Act, and Little AI
So, How Do We Get Records? How Much Should It Cost? How Do We Store Records? Oh, and what is the deal with AI?
A discussion on the at-times confusing rules governing transmission and exchange of HIPAA- protected information and some AI information. Through four sections, this presentation informs and educates the attendees on requirements, updates, and various regulations requirements HIPAA, HITECH, 21st Century Cures Act & also touches on AI.
Presented by: Jay Jenkins, VP Client Services/Owner, T-Scan Corporation
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

Conducting Internal Investigations and Industry Risks
Explore the intricate landscape of internal investigations in this compelling CLE session. Learn about crucial aspects of conducting thorough investigations, from understanding when to initiate, identifying key stakeholders, to the strategic involvement of third parties. Uncover the goals, confidentiality, and preservation of investigative details. Gain insights on evaluating, determining conclusions, and effectively communicating outcomes, ultimately ensuring a proper and conclusive closure. Understand why bringing together a diverse team of investigators with different skillsets and areas of expertise can often be the key to conducting successful investigations. Learn how to leverage data and technology in a modern investigation environment. Elevate your expertise in this dynamic exploration of investigative intricacies.
Presented by: Magnolia Indira Bernhard, Assistant General Counsel, Global Director of Compliance, Kennametal Inc.; Herwig Felber, Senior Manager, Certified Fraud Examiner, Forensics & Integrity Services, Ernst & Young LLP; and Marc Milstein, Director, Digital Forensics for T-Mobile
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

12:00pm Keynote Speaker:

Trauma-Informed Legal Workplaces
Vanessa will share facts about secondary trauma within the legal profession and recommendations for creating trauma-informed practices in legal workplaces.
Presented by: Vanessa Nordyke, JD, Executive Director of CASA, Marion County
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

1:30pm CLE Sessions:

Discovering Visual Stories: Using video evidence and 3D visualization to refine your theory of the case
We've all heard the saying "a picture is worth a thousand words," but how does this really play out with video evidence? Using a combination of tips and case studies, this presentation will focus on the following issues:

1. The value of visual tools in understanding technical and complex issues.

2. Reviewing video evidence: best software and best practices.

3. Adding 3d visualization to see the scene from a different perspective.

Presented by: Joshua Cohen, Principal, Fat Pencil Studio
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

Public Record Due Diligence in M & A Transactions: UCC, Tax Liens, Judgment Liens and Intellectual Property Liens
Public record due diligence has traditionally included searching for UCCs, tax liens, judgment liens, bankruptcy, and litigation. A significant trend in recent years is the inclusion of intellectual property liens. This program covers what to search, where to search, and what name(s) to search for thorough public record due diligence in all of the above categories. We will discuss the different types of intellectual property and liens to assist searchers in gathering the information required to make important decisions in financial transactions. Review of statutes, administrative rules, case law, and state variations to all of the above are examined in depth, as well as sharing numerous best practices for doing this work better than ever.
Presented by: Despina Shields, Vice President of UCC Product Management, Cogency Global Inc
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

Navigating the Reform of the Legal Paraprofessional
This Ethics CLE considers the dynamic evolution of paraprofessional roles state by state, exploring the implemented and proposed legislation surrounding the formalized paraprofessional roles and their authority to represent clients in a limited capacity while navigating ethical landmines. Participants will be exposed to the implemented and proposed legislation and challenged to consider the evolution of the paraprofessional role in comparison to its more traditional roots and critically consider implications of representation while adhering to ethical obligations.
Presented by: Beth Bialis, RP - NFPA Director of Positions and Issues
1.0 NFPA Ethics CLE Credit

3:00pm CLE Sessions:

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Cell Phone and Social Media Investigation and Data Collection
Updated processes and best practices for investigating/preserving/collecting data from cell phones and social media.
Presented by: Kelley D. Chaney, RP CEDS, Lane Powell PC
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

Welcome to Employment Law: An Overview of Common Employment Claims
This session will walk through some of the most common employment issues we see in employment litigation and compliance, along with how recent changes in the law, or the world, have added new twists to them. Attendees can expect to get an overview of the basics for discrimination and retaliation claims across several statutes, disability and religious accommodation claims, and wage and hour issues, including how state and federal laws overlap to create a complex network for employers to navigate.  
Presented by: Matt Heldt and Rachel Timmins, Topkon Torp LLP
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

Pivot! A Day in the life of a Municipal Government Paralegal
As a Municipal Government Paralegal working for The Office of the City Solicitor, no day is ever the same. The City Solicitor’s Office provides legal services to the departments and employees of the City of Manchester. The Office also prosecutes cases before the 9^th Circuit Court – District Division – Manchester on behalf of the Manchester Police Department and serves as the legal counsel for the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. From a day-to-day perspective, as a paralegal, this means you could spend the morning prepping discovery for criminal matters and the afternoon finalizing interrogatories for a tax abatement matter the City might have. Municipal work is also unique because you don’t have to bill hours, you work for multiple attorneys across multiple practice areas, you don’t get to pick your clients, but in a given day you might interact with people across every level of government.
Presented by: Donald Francis Shedd II (Donnie)
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

4:15pm Workshops:

Financial Literacy Workshop
Get started with the importance of understanding financial literacy. This workshop will introduce you to the steps for creating a budget, the importance of saving by setting short and long-term goals and strategies to achieving the goals as well as understanding the different types of debt and strategies to minimize or pay off debt efficiently.
Presented by: Catherine D. Curtis, CP, Treasurer and Director of Finance, McLane Middleton

Stand Out in a Crowd with Personal Branding
In today’s world where competition for the best positions is fierce, learn how to use your personal brand to stand out in a crowd. Learn some tips and tricks on how to make the best impression when you first meet a prospective employer and how to leverage your social media to get a recruiter's attention. Invest in yourself, your brand, and your future.
Presented by: Lisa Lynch, CRPTM, CEDS

Assurance of Learning Programs for your Local Paralegal Studies program
Learn about NFPA’s Assurance of Learning program offering deep discounts to students at local universities and colleges when they partner with NFPA to use the PCC Exam to provide their students a credential upon graduation.
Presented by: Lisa Vessels, RP, CP

5:00pm Workshops: (Same session offerings as 4:15pm Workshops)

Financial Literacy Workshop
Get started with the importance of understanding financial literacy. This workshop will introduce you to the steps for creating a budget, the importance of saving by setting short and long-term goals and strategies to achieving the goals as well as understanding the different types of debt and strategies to minimize or pay off debt efficiently.
Presented by: Catherine D. Curtis, CP, NFPA Treasurer and Director of Finance

Friday, September 27

8:30am CLE Sessions:

Handshakes Aren’t Legally Binding: A Primer on Contracts
Whether it's the simple act of buying a cup of coffee or engaging in business negotiations for work, contracts litter our daily lives. In this session, we will explore the vast world of contracts from an in-house legal team perspective. From drafting through execution, you'll gain a thorough understanding of the essential elements of contracts and discuss practical strategies for assisting your business partners.

Led by legal professionals with experience in contract law and in-house work, this presentation goes beyond theoretical concepts to provide practical insights and tips relevant to your day-to-day responsibilities. Whether you assist with contract preparation, conducting due diligence, or navigating disputes, this session will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in your role.
Presented by: Elizabeth L. Spencer, Associate Counsel, FAC Services, LLC
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

Legal Ethics for Oregon Licensed Paralegals
This session will include issue spotting and resolution of legal ethics for Oregon Licensed Paralegals and best practices and guidelines for paralegals to avoid the unlawful practice of law.
Presented by: Nik Chourey, Deputy General Counsel of the OSB
1.0 NFPA CLE Ethics Credit

Effective Fact Finding
Most paralegals know discovery in complex civil litigation is not measured in pages or boxes, but in GBs or TBs. This CLE will cover the first thing you should do when you get a new case and include tips for identifying key custodians and data quickly and efficiently. After this session you will have a system for effective litigation holds, feel more confident interviewing custodians, know how to ask the right questions, and add a few tools to your kit to uncover the facts that matter most to your case.
Presented by: Greg Scott, Markowitz Herbold, PC
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

10:00am CLE Sessions:

Behind the Scenes: The Process Service Industry and How to Get the Most from your Process Server Vendors
Due process is an important part of our justice system and professional process servers take that mission very seriously. Come learn about how the U.S. process service industry works behind-the-scenes with Tea Godfrey, Vice President of Oregon Association Process Servers and owner of Solid Serve Legal. Ms. Godfrey will explain the advances in technology being used by those in the industry today, as well as how professional servers are hired and trained across the country. Learn how to get the most out of your relationship with your favorite process server and ensure that every service of process is executed properly and efficiently.
Presented by: Tea Godfrey, Process Server/Private Investigator, Solid Serve Legal
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

International Relations: Understanding Apostilles & Legalizations
In this CLE we will learn about the process for notarizing documents for use internationally. During the presentation we will discuss both Apostilles & Legalizations, the similarities and differences, the Hague Convention, and when you would need to use one or the other. Finally, we will learn the steps involved for both courses of action.
Presented by: James Crawford, Senior Regional Account Executive for Registered Agent Solutions, Inc. (RASi), a Lexitas Company
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

What Every Paralegal Needs to Know About Estate Planning
This seminar will broadly cover the tools used in estate planning.  We will cover options for drafting trusts for taxable estates, the validity of wills, choices for documents related to disability or incapacity of clients, and potential pitfalls in drafting these documents.  We will also cover ways to bring value to your estate planning legal team.
Presented by: Ryan Collier, Collier Law
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

12:00pm Keynote Speaker:

The Oregon Licensed Paralegal Program; How and Why to Apply
Judge Maureen McKnight, chair of the Oregon State Bar's Committee of Paralegal Assessors (CoPA), and Linda Odermott, RP, OCP, Member of the CoPA, will discuss similar licensed paralegal programs that are popping up around the country. Then they will dive into factors that helped create Oregon's Licensed Paralegal (LP) Program, including a 2018 Civil Legal Needs Study, the access to justice crisis impacting Oregonians, and the public's overwhelming support of the creation of such a program. They will also discuss the many benefits a licensed paralegal can bring to the legal profession (and to attorneys). Finally, they will map the LP application process for paralegals who wish to become LPs in Oregon.  
Presented by: Judge Maureen McKnight and Linda Odermott, RP, OCP
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

1:30pm CLE Sessions:

Prepare Yourself for a Successful Working Relationship with an Attorney

How to be sure you are meeting an attorney’s paralegal needs
Be prepared to modify how you work since all attorneys have different needs/requirements
The benefits of checklists
Education, education, education – CLE
Taking advantage of Administrator or Paralegal Coordinator when needed to accomplish all of the above
Be willing to accept constructive criticism in a positive manner.

Presented by: Darlene Berkley
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

Brand Clearance and Filing and Online Enforcement of Branding (Trademarks)
This presentation delves into essential strategies for brand clearance and filing, tailored for the paralegal community. Attendees will gain insights into navigating the complexities of brand clearance decisions and the filing process. The presentation will highlight risks and strategies to limit risk exposure with adoption of short-term branding and advertising and outline ways to create strategy for protection of longer-term product name adoption. Additionally, it will explore the pivotal role of trademark registrations in online brand enforcement, encompassing third-party marketplaces and social networking platforms. Attendees will leave equipped with actionable tactics to bolster brand protection in an increasingly digital landscape.
Presented by: Anna McCoy, McCoy Russell LLP
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

LGBTQ+101 for Legal Professionals
We’ve seen the various Pride flags. We’ve seen the letters. We’ve heard the discourse about pronouns. But what does it all mean? And how can you as a legal professional understand it better?

With this presentation, Jenn Echikson (an ally, advocate, mother of a transgender woman, and a member of the queer community herself) hopes to foster understanding, respect, equity, and inclusivity by explaining key terms and identities within the LGBTQ+ spectrum, concepts such as biological sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, and gender expression, and the history of Pride and the meanings behind the flags, as well as how you as a paralegal can promote inclusion and affirming legal practices for your LGBTQ+ clients.
Presented by: Jennifer Echikson
1.0 NFPA DEI CLE Credit

3:00pm CLE Sessions:

Billable Hours – Taming the Savage Beast
In this session, we’ll discuss billable hours – what are they, how are they used, and how we can do a better job of capturing our time and conveying the value of our time.  By developing a better understanding of how billable hours are used from a business perspective, perhaps we’ll gain a new perspective of billable hours and not view billable hours as a drudgery – an onerous task that gets in the way of accomplishing our actual work.  We’ll discuss activities that can be billed and explore ways of capturing our time more efficiently.  Finally, we’ll look at ways to write a time entry that shows value and has a better chance of being recovered – not slashed or written off!
Presented by: Angela M. Vohsing, Workers' Compensation and Litigation paralegal, Employment Section of Eastman & Smith Ltd.
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

Healthcare Compliance: Top 10 Issues and Concerns
The healthcare compliance arena is extremely broad and includes patient care, patient confidentiality, reimbursement, HIPAA, and managed care contracting, among others.  This session will explore the most common healthcare compliance concerns related to patient care, hospital and physician responsibilities, and insurer obligations. Topics covered will include data security, balanced billing, fraud and telehealth, among others.
Presented by: Brenda S. Cothary, Paralegal, Coordinated Care
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

Introduction to Military Justice: Adverse Actions in Response to Solider Misconduct
The military justice system is unique in that it often does more than strictly punish Soldiers for alleged misconduct. It contemplates rehabilitation, corrective training, and administrative responses to crimes that go beyond mere prosecution and confinement. In this presentation, you will be introduced to the military justice system from the perspective of a U.S. Judge Advocate who presently serves as a command advisor and prosecutor. This presentation will explore why the military justice system is so broad and diverse in its ability to respond to criminality, when compared to the typical civilian jurisdiction. This presentation will teach you about the several types of adverse action available in the military justice system to include: courts-martial, non-judicial punishments, administrative separations, reprimands, and other rehabilitative/ corrective tools at the disposal of a military commander when responding to alleged Soldier misconduct.
Presented by: Captain Lesley Pilgrim
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

4:15pm Workshops:

CANCELLED - Mastering Time: Effective Time Management Strategies for Paralegals
Time management skills are essential for paralegal success. Learn prioritization techniques and stress management strategies to enhance your productivity, optimize your calendar, minimize distractions and achieve peak efficiency.
Presented by: Josie Estes, McLane Middleton

Minnesota Paralegal Association Success Stories
This session will discuss MPA history and accomplishments over the last 50 years. MPA is a founding member of NFPA and continues to grow its membership.. MPA has also been involved in the Licensed Paraprofessional Pilot Project in Minnesota, diversity, equity & inclusion initiatives, pro bono and supporting local charities. This discussion will include ways your association may grow and engage membership.
Presented by: Aprille Beyer, M.L.S, MnCP, President, MPA, and Patty Meagher, MnCP, MPA DPI & NFPA Primary

Birth of a Fundraiser…Ideas, Tips, and Tricks for Non-Dues Revenue for your Association
Not reinventing the wheel, Don will speak to paralegal associations’ experiences in fundraising. We’ll chat about silent/live auction fundraisers and a well-honed plan for a successful event. We will also discuss other fundraising ideas, crowd-sourcing amongst the attendees what experiences, both successes and not-so-great attempts. Take back to your own association a few new ideas, and hopefully a great schematic to get you started on your own fundraising!
Presented by: Donald Bristol, RP®, Pa.C.P.

Student Workshop:

Thriving in Your Paralegal Career: Essential Skills Beyond the Classroom
Prepare to launch your paralegal career with confidence! This seminar goes beyond textbooks and legal theory to equip you with the real-world skills essential for success. Discover how to recognize and overcome imposter syndrome, set healthy boundaries to prevent burnout, navigate challenging work environments, and build a fulfilling career that aligns with your goals. Whether you're a soon to be graduate with no prior legal experience or a seasoned paralegal completing your formal education, this session will provide invaluable insights to help you thrive in the dynamic world of legal support.
Presented by: Linda McGrath-Cruz, MPS ACP FRP, Perfectly Paralegal Consulting, Inc.

5:00pm Workshops:

CANCELLED - Mastering Time: Effective Time Management Strategies for Paralegals
Time management skills are essential for paralegal success. Learn prioritization techniques and stress management strategies to enhance your productivity, optimize your calendar, minimize distractions and achieve peak efficiency.
Presented by: Josie Estes, McLane Middleton

Minnesota Paralegal Association Success Stories
This session will discuss MPA history and accomplishments over the last 50 years. MPA is a founding member of NFPA and continues to grow its membership.. MPA has also been involved in the Licensed Paraprofessional Pilot Project in Minnesota, diversity, equity & inclusion initiatives, pro bono and supporting local charities. This discussion will include ways your association may grow and engage membership.
Presented by: Aprille Beyer, M.L.S, MnCP, President, MPA, and Patty Meagher, MnCP, MPA DPI & NFPA Primary

Saturday, September 28

12:30pm Keynote Speaker:

Licensing of Paralegals Across the Country
Eighty-six percent of the people who need legal assistance for basic life necessities cannot afford a lawyer. Our legal system is ripe for change to meet those needs. The paralegal profession is at the precipice of that change. After decades of work, licensing of paralegals has begun. Join us to learn about the paralegal licensing movement across the country.  You will learn statistics about the need; credentialing requirements; the varying models of licensing; new states under consideration; and the pending, federal First Amendment cases that present compelling arguments for all states. 
Presented by: Page Beetum, Esq.
1.0 NFPA CLE Credit

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