The Crystal Ball:

AAfPE Explores The Future For Paralegals by Susan Howery

I just returned from the annual conference of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE), which was held in Boston this year. It was, as usual, a very interesting conference, and I brought back some great materials and ideas to share with the faculty and students. For example, I learned that in trying to interest a potential employer, the paralegal employee candidate should draft a creative cover letter. Many employers apparently hire based solely on the cover letter. A cover letter is a place to express enthusiasm and to shine positive personality characteristics. The materials reference the importance of professional affiliations or memberships, and suggest that candidates highlight any computer skills, software or hardware they have used, or of which they have some knowledge. The materials state that candidates should not list typing, the ability to fax, or other administrative skills (this is assumed).

There was a session on Legal Nurse Consultants and Paralegal Nurses, which I attended. A legal nurse was a part of that session, and it was illuminating and exciting to hear her speak about the opportunities for nurses who pursue a career in the legal profession. She distinguished between legal nurse consultants and legal nurses, as "legal nurse consultants" do not necessarily have any legal training or background. Legal nurses, however, enter the legal field with a foundation in law and have been very much in demand in many fields, such as in insurance defense, in corporations, in risk management, and in private law firms (both as consultants and as employees). Because legal nurses understand legal strategy, they are extremely useful in offices which are legal and non-legal in nature.

I also attended a session regarding the future of the paralegal profession. I wish all of my students could have attended this one with me because it was exhilarating to hear about all of the great things in store for us in this profession. Many are projecting that we will fill a larger role in the delivery of legal services, including offering some simple services independently to the public. The American Bar Association is currently exploring the possibility of allowing the partnering of lawyers with non-lawyers, which may present some interesting scenarios for the future of the paralegal profession. The session also spoke to the expanded roles of the paralegal, and the opportunities which are opening up in the corporate world, as well as in public service. The paralegal will always be a valuable asset in a private law firm, but there are many opportunities outside of the law firm which have presented themselves over the past few years. For instance, do you know what a legal therapist is? That will be the subject of a future article I will write. Ten

(see Howery)
 
 
 

(Howery)

years ago, we weren't even discussing some of the hottest new specialties which are at the top today, such as legal nurses. It is hard to imagine what is yet to come, but it is clear we are just starting.
 

In short, the future looks great. What we will do in terms of regulating the profession remains to be seen (there is still a lot of contention on this issue between the national associations). It does seem possible though, that some form of regulation will be helping to set and keep standards for this profession, which may be just the ticket for defining and thoughtfully expanding out roles and increasing our earning potential. Stay with this - the crystal ball has spoken.
 
 

I Came to Teaching Quite by Accident by Ruth Harrison

I first became interested in the paralegal profession in 1977. I was home from college for the summer and was filling in as a legal secretary in my father's law office. This was to be a very temporary job while he tried to find someone to fill the huge empty shoes left by the retirement of his 27-year legal secretary/paralegal/girl-Friday. That lady could type 75 words a minute on a manual typewriter! Well, one thing led to another and the next thing we knew, I was still there six years later, faithfully performing all the job functions of what we now characterize as a paralegal. I loved my job, and no one had it better. I was working with a guy I respected and loved, whose only rivals were the likes of Perry Mason and Clarence Darrow. And I was in charge! What fun we had, changing the world and helping the people along the way. However, I made a mistake while I was working for my father. It was when I made the same realization that most paralegals do at some point in their careers, "that I could do most of the things that attorneys did." But, my mistake was to actually say it out loud, where my father could overhear me. Before I knew what was happening, he had me signed up for law school, out the door, and on my way to fame and glory.
 

I came to teaching quite by accident. I had been practicing law for some time at the County Attorney's Office, when I was asked if I would be interested in teaching Legal Research and Writing for a new program at Yavapai College. This of course, would be in addition to working my full-time job. I really don't know what I was thinking at the time, but saying "yes," turned out to be one of the best decisions I have made. I enjoyed my years teaching part-time. I had found my niche. I found that I looked forward to my classes, especially on those days the practice of law seemed particularly overwhelming and negative. And I still love teaching after two and half years of teaching full-time. I spend every spare moment reading the books, outlining the materials, creating assignments and exercises, and trying to make it all sit together. I watch my students blossom from tiny tentative buds to powerful, capable blooms. I learn something every day from my students and I have never felt quite so inspired as when watching a student struggle with a concept, wrestling with it until they finally "get it," and seeing them succeed and move forward with their lives. To have played only a small part in the process is what keeps me teaching. Coming back year after year, even when I am momentarily tired of the struggle. I am renewed by the energy my students have by their commitment and by their successes. Besides, what other job would allow a person to work with some of keenest minds around? We have a great faculty and great students, I couldn't ask for a better job.

__________________________
 

Success is not a journey,

it is a destination.
 
 
 

I was privileged to be invited. . . by Terry E. Bristow

My name is Terry E. Bristow. I am a mother of two teenage daughters, Jessica 18 and Cassidy 16. I have been married to Dale, who works for Fry's Food and Drug Store, for 23 years. I grew up in Prescott.

I have worked at the Yavapai County Attorney's Office for nine years, eight of those years as a Legal Assistant. I received my National Legal Assistant Certification in May of 1994. I was the first paralegal the county attorney's office hired. As a legal secretary, I was reclassified in 1993 to a legal assistant status. I have worked in the legal field for over twelve years and have loved every minute of it. I have experience in criminal law, civil litigation and domestic relations, but my heart is in the criminal law area. My compassion for victims of crime has led me to work in the past as a crisis response volunteer with the Victim Witness Division of the Yavapai County Attorney's Office. At the county, I work in the criminal division. I do legal research and writing on a daily basis, assist at trials, do interviews and some investigation.
 

Over five years ago, I was privileged to be invited to teach the Legal Research and Writing class with Ruth Harrison and each year our students are a joy to get to know. Many have graduated and become successful legal assistants in the Prescott area, as well as in other states. Some students found they love the law so much that they've gone on to law school. I have learned so much from the students that have fought and slayed the dragon known as legal research and writing.
 

Each paralegal has done something to touch my heart and, besides singing for a hobby, teaching is my love. With the love of the law and a desire to continue learning, the paralegal field will continue to grow strong. The Yavapai College Paralegal Program is one of the best I have seen, caring teachers and mentors alike. I want to thank Susan Howery and Ruth Harrison for being such great mentors for me as well as friends.
 

__________________________
 
 
 

P. A. Y. News Quickies . . .
 
 
 

Book Exchange . . .

Avoid the book store hassle. On Monday, January 17, 2000, there will be a book exchange, in the quad area of the campus. All Paralegal students are encouraged to bring their needed or unwanted text that will either be sold, loaned or exchanged. For more information, please contact Juliana McCroskey @ 632-5896.
 
 
 

The Challenge is On . . .

HUGE Canned Food Drive.

Attention P. A. Y. members, please spread the word, the canned food drive is still on. Please donate what you can, all is appreciated. The boxes, which are marked, are located in the library, cafeteria, and residence hall. All food that is contributed will be donated to Turning Point Residence. Thank you to all who participated.
 
 
 
 
 

Success . . .

it is achieved every day.
 
 
 
 

Look for the Divorce Clinic in Spring 2000. Please volunteer to help, it is a great learning experience no matter what field of law you choose to pursue. For more information or to add your name to the volunteer list, please contact Juliana McCroskey @ 632-5896, Lisa Posada @ 445-3935, or Susan Howery @ 776-2343.
 
 
 

We need your help . . .

Please volunteer to help at the concession stand. We have space for all of the following dates: Saturday, Dec. 11^th, Saturday, Dec. 18^th, Thursday Dec. 30^th, and Saturday Jan. 15^th.

All of these dates are back to back games of both the college women's and men's basketball team, so there will be a double shift that needs to be covered, three (3) people per shift are needed. The shift times are: 4:30 to 6:30pm and 6:30 to 9:00pm. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Juliana McCroskey @ 632-5896.
 
 
 

P. A. Y. Meeting.

The last one for Fall 1999, is Tuesday, Dec. 14th, at 5:30pm, in Bldg. 2, Room 228. Please come and join in on great conversation. Regular PAY meetings for Spring 2000 will be on Tuesday's. The first scheduled meeting will be on Feb. 8^th, 2000 at 5:30pm. For information on location for next semester, please contact Susan Howery @ 776-2343. Hope to see you all there!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Thank you . . .

To all who contributed their hard work and time for the various functions that have happened throughout the semester. And for all who held

an office:
 

Juliana McCroskey....................President

Lisa Posada...............................V.P./Sec.

Kelly Chaney.............................Treasure

Troy Daniels..............................Editor

Susan Howery...........................Program

Coordinator

John Watson &

Jody Aguierra............................Student Government Representatives

Christie Barnard........................Webmaster
 
 
 

Christmas Project . . .

This project is to provide a family with the means to celebrate Christmas. $500 total will be given to the family: $400 Target gift certificate and $100 for groceries. For more information on this project, please contact John Waston @ 636-0643.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Happy Holidays