Meeting Minutes Archives
MSBA Paralegal Committee
Back to Committee Website

09/30/09 | 12/09/09 | 1/27/10 | 3/31/10 | 06/07/10

6/1/06 | 5/4/06 | 4/6/06 | 3/2/06 | 2/2/06 | 1/5/06
11/3/05 | 10/6/05 | 9/8/05 | 6/2/05 | 5/5/05 | 4/07/05 | 3/3/05 | 2/3/05 | 1/6/2005
12/02/04 | 11/04/04 | 10/07/04 | 4/1/04 | 3/5/04 | 2/5/04 | 1/16/04
12/04/03 | 11/7/03 | 10/3/03

PRESENT: Sally Dahlquist, Helen Federline, Kris Gibbons, Barb Peppersack, Jodi Standke (?) and Jean Diekmann

1. NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Jean repeated her announcement that Michelle McCullough will be our Committee Chairperson for the 2006-2007 bar year.

Helen is all ready to moderate the paralegal utilization program at the upcoming Probate Institute. Cindy Costello and Susan Link, the paralegal–attorney team on the panel, will show a Powerpoint presentation.

Helen also noted that she obtained a report from the ABA, “The Economic Benefits of Paralegal Utilization,” for a nominal fee. Barb offered to obtain an updated, comprehensive legal professional survey from Altman Weil on paralegal economics. It includes paralegal/attorney ratios, along with attorney and support staff salary data. Kris noted that she has a contact person from whom to buy specific data from this report for a reasonable price.. Helen will also check the U.S. and Minnesota Departments of Labor websites, along with that of the Minnesota Association of Legal Administrators. Helen can use all of this information to update the economics section of our paralegal utilization handout. On a similar note, Barb will e-mail to Jean IPMA’s (International Paralegal Management Association) 2005 survey and a January 2006 report entitled “The Top Ten Reasons to Use Paralegals.” Jean will distribute these materials to the Committee

2. MISSION STATEMENT: In continuing our discussion of how to update our mission statement, the Committee reviewed which other state paralegal associations’ mission statements we have studied, as well as which additional states we should examine. Helen will update this list for our next meeting.

3. PARALEGAL MEMBERSHIP AND PARALEGAL UTILIZATION PAMPHLETS: Barb talked about Dupont Corporation’s 2003 book on paralegal utilization . Their paralegal utilization model is well known and used by other corporations’ legal departments. She offered to purchase the book and will get more information from her law firm’s (Larkin & Hoffman) human resources department. Further discussion will continue at our next meeting when more Committee members are present.

4. MPA CONVENTION NOTICES : Now that the MPA Convention brochure appears on that organization’s website, Jean will ask Sue Bores, MSBA Paralegal Committee Liaison, to send out notices regarding this event to all MSBA paralegal members.

5. NEW PROJECTS & NEW BUSINESS: Jean reviewed last month’s discussion regarding improving our relationship with MPA; everyone at this month’s meeting liked this idea. The Committee also discussed the need to find ways to communicate with the 2,000+ paralegals throughout Minnesota and to also consider the diversity of this professional group.

MSBA’s Solo and Small Firm Conference will be held August 6-8, 2006. Helen will check with Frank Harris and Julie Casserly of MN CLE about having another paralegal utilization program and will find panelists for this event.

Helen is writing an article about our paralegal utilization programs for the NFPA Paralegal Reporter magazine . Look for it in the near future! Kris suggested that we write a paralegal utilization book based on our recent panel discussion programs on this topic, and then sell it at the MN CLE Institutes.

NEXT MEETING: Fall 2006 (TBD by Michelle McCullough, the new Committee Chair)

Minutes by Jean Diekmann, Chair

PRESENT: Sally Dahlquist, Martha Sartoris, guest Jeanne Kosieradzki and Jean Diekmann

1. NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Jeanne Kosieradzki, the Paralegal Program Director at Hamline University, attended the meeting to learn more about this committee.

Jean Diekmann reported on the paralegal utilization program at this month’s MN CLE Business Law Institute which she attended. Several attendees had much insight in this topic, and all agreed that paralegals are valuable assets to any law office.

2. COMMITTEE CHAIR FOR for 2006-2007: Jean Diekmann announced that Michelle McCullough will be next year’s chair of this committee. Thank you, Michelle, for offering your leadership skills!

3. MISSION STATEMENT AND OBJECTIVES: This topic was tabled until the next committee meeting, due to the low attendance at this meeting.

4. PARALEGAL MEMBERSHIP PAMPHLET: This topic was also tabled until the next committee meeting, due to the low attendance at this meeting.

5. MPA CONVENTION NOTICES : Jean Diekmann noted that she hasn’t sent these notices out to all MSBA paralegal members because the MPA hasn’t finalized their convention agenda yet. Sally will ask John Kastan, MPA president, when this agenda should be ready.

6. NEW PROJECTS & NEW BUSINESS: The committee discussed their relationship with the MPA—that we should make a better effort to work with them next year. The committee realizes the need to improve communication between the two organizations via meeting attendance, sharing meeting minutes, announcing our events to the MPA, etc. Brad Michael is MPA’s Bar Association Liaison.

NEXT MEETING: June 1, 2006

Minutes by Jean Diekmann, Chair

PRESENT: Sue Bores, Mary Beth Curry, Kris Gibbons, Cathy Kennedy, Michelle McCullough, Barb Peppersack, Martha Sartoris, Jodi Standke and Jean Diekmann

1. NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: AAfPE Regional Conference – Some committee members attended or participated in this successful and well-attended conference on March 31st and April 1st. It covered the following topics: Paralegal outsourcing, ethics, online paralegal instruction, copyright law, e-Discovery, paralegal job search advice, and an update from ABA representatives.

Committee Chair for 2006-2007 – Jean inquired about anyone’s interest in being next year’s Paralegal Committee chair. If so, they should let her know of their interest, so she can notify Patrick Kelly, next year’s MSBA president.

2. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SUPERCONFERENCE: The date of this new superconference has been changed to September 14 and 15, 2006. Barb verified with Cheri Estrin that all paralegal students get a $100 registration discount to attend any of the superconferences. Jean will put a notice on the committee’s website regarding this event.

3. PARALEGAL WEBSITTE ENHANCEMENTS: Helen sent additional website references to Sue, who will forward them to the committee. Sue announced that the committee’s webpage has been revised. Jean will re-e-mail LegalEthics.com’s disclaimer, along with Kris’ suggested disclaimer language, to the committee. The committee decided that the disclaimer, once decided upon, need only go on the website’s homepage.

4. PARALEGAL MEMBERSHIP PAMPHLET: Michelle distributed a printout of Maricopa County Bar Association Paralegal Division ‘s (“MCBAPD”) mission statement and objectives, along with her revised paralegal membership pamphlet. The committee discussed what its goals are: (a) to advance the paralegal profession; (b) to be a forum for paralegals; (c) to encourage paralegal utilization; and (d) to educate the legal community about paralegal’s role. The committee determined that they need to rewrite their mission statement, especially if they also want a slogan. Michelle will ask MCBAPD if the committee can use the former’s pamphlet to create the latter’s paralegal membership pamphlet. Cathy will ask her school’s (Minnesota School of Business) Graphics class to come up with a logo for the committee. If anyone has additional ideas for this project, they should contact Michelle.

PARALEGAL UTILIZATION PAMPHLET: Michelle distributed a copy of the Paralegal Division of the State Bar of New Mexico’s (“PDSBNM”) paralegal utilization pamphlet. The committee discussed the very stringent paralegal qualifications appearing on this pamphlet. Sue reviewed the paralegal membership requirements as they appear in MSBA Leader Handbook, and the committee noted that these requirements need to be updated, as MPA membership is no longer required for MSBA membership. Michelle will ask PDSBNM if the committee can use the former’s pamphlet to create the latter’s paralegal utilization pamphlet. If anyone has additional ideas for this project, they should contact Michelle.

5. BRIAN CRAIG’S CLE PROPOSAL ON UPL: Cathy reported that the MPA was not interested in Brian Craig’s seminar on unauthorized practice of law, but she will invite Miriam Mastascusa of the MPA to attend Brian’s first presentation to Minnesota School of Business teachers in July. Cathy noted that he might be available this fall to do additional presentations, and Barb suggested that such a presentation would be a good “advanced paralegal program” at an MPA convention.

6 MPA CONVENTION: Jean will put a notice on the committee’s website regarding this annual event, and will also e-mail a message to all paralegal MSBA members, but not until the MPA sets the convention schedule.

NEXT MEETING: May 4, 2006

Minutes by Jean Diekmann, Chair

PRESENT: Sue Bores, Mary Beth Curry, Sally Dahlquist, Helen Federline, Kris Gibbons, Michelle McCullough, Barb Peppersack, Martha Sartoris and Jean Diekmann

1. IP PARALEGAL SUPERCONFERENCE: The committee reviewed the dates for this SuperConference and the MPA Annual Conference (May 11th and 12th and June 22nd, respectively). The theme for the MPA conference will be “Paralegals: Who, What, When, Where and Why,” but the agenda hasn’t been finalized yet. As for fees to attend these events, MPA already has a reduced student rate, and Barb will ask Cheri Estrin about reducing the registration fee for students to attend the SuperConference. The committee decided that offering a package deal for those interested in attending both events would not be possible, since actual attendance at both events cannot be enforced.

The committee also discussed how to most effectively advertise both events, and concluded that MSBA could advertise both events via an e-mail message to its paralegal members. A simple e-mail to MPA members, paralegal school administrators, and managing partners of the top 100 Minnesota law firms to make them aware of the events and directing them to websites for details could also be done.

2. PARALEGAL WEBSITE ENHANCEMENTS: Helen e-mailed her revised website list to the committee, and the committee further discussed the Career Development, Paralegal Regulation, Pro Bono, and Legal Resources sections of that list. Sue suggested reviewing the Paralegal Committee description currently on our webpage, and to e-mail suggested changes to the committee for instant “e-review.”

Kris recommended that we put a disclaimer on our webpage stating that we don’t endorse, guarantee nor represent the services of organizations listed on our website. Sue will ask MSBA’s counsel about this, and Kris offered to help draft such a disclaimer.

3. PARALEGAL MEMBERSHIP PAMPHLET: Michelle will e-mail her draft of the pamphlet to the committee to review and discuss at the next meeting. Sue reminded the committee that Jayne Harris, Membership Director of MSBA, must approve our pamphlet.

PARALEGAL UTILIZATION PAMPHLET: Jean e-mailed ABA SCOP’s (Standing Committee on Paralegals) pamphlet to the committee, but will resend it for everyone’s review. Martha stressed including UPL (unauthorized practice of law) in the pamphlet, and Kris encouraged the inclusion of the topic of confidentiality. Helen will compile a current list of each states’ paralegal regulation guidelines.

4. BRIAN CRAIG’S CLE PROPOSAL ON UPL: Jean will follow up with Cathy on contacting Brian about attending our next meeting to discuss his proposal, and also about contacting Miriam Mastascusa (Director of MPA Events) about having a UPL presentation at the annual MPA Conference.

5 UPCOMING PARALEGAL UTILIZATION PROGRAMS: Jean asked for articles and/or guide sheets/working checklists for probate and/or business law to include in those Institutes’ CLE binders. Barb offered to share some of her “cheat sheets” for the Probate Law Institute binder.

NEXT MEETING: April 6, 2006

Minutes by Jean Diekmann, Chair

PRESENT: Mary Beth Curry, Sally Dahlquist, Helen Federline, Kris Gibbons, Cathy Kennedy, Martha Sartoris, Jodi Standke, and Jean Diekmann

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Martha and Cathy reminded the committee about the AAfPE (American Association for Paralegal Education) Regional Conference in Bloomington, MN on March 31st and April 1st. They encouraged all to attend and Martha offered to e-mail the event brochure and registration form to Jean for immediate distribution to all committee members.

2. IP PARALEGAL SUPERCONFERENCE: The committee discussed why the MPA (Minnesota Paralegal Association) prefers only one area of law as the focus of this event. The committee also discussed ways to increase attendance at both the SuperConference and MPA’s annual conference, such as (i) joint advertising (advertise each event in the brochure for the other event); (ii) reduced registration fee for students; and (iii) offer a package deal with reduced registration fees if you attend both events. Jean will discuss these ideas with the MPA Board and Cheri Estrin of Estrin Legal Ed, the SuperConference organizer.

3. PARALEGAL WEBSITE ENHANCEMENTS: Helen reported that she is currently working on the list of website links to appear on our revised webpage.

4. PARALEGAL MEMBERSHIP PAMPHLET: Discussion was postponed until the next meeting when Michelle is present.

PARALEGAL UTILIZATION PAMPHLET: Martha mentioned that the ABA SCOP (Standing Committee on Paralegals) has a tri-fold pamphlet regarding paralegal utilization on their website. We could use this pamphlet as a base to draft our paralegal utilization pamphlet. She offered to e-mail it to Jean to distribute to the committee.

5. BRIAN CRAIG’S CLE PROPOSAL ON UPL: The committee discussed in what context this program would be presented. Mary Beth suggested a 45-minute course for paralegal students, and Martha suggested presenting the program at MPA’s annual convention, especially since the topic deals with ethics. Cathy will contact Marian Mastascusa of the MPA regarding the latter idea.

6. UPCOMING PARALEGAL UTILIZATION PROGRAMS: Helen announced that Susan Link and Cindy Costello, both of Maslon Edelman Borman & Brand, will be the attorney-paralegal team for the program at the Probate Law Institute. Jodi announced that John Lang and Nancy Stevens of Messerli & Kramer will be the attorney-paralegal team for a similar program at the Business Law Institute.

7. NEW BUSINESS: The committee discussed the possibility of hosting a continuing education day or a social event to increase our visibility in the local law community. Helen suggested a technology conference with the MSBA’s Practice Management and Marketing Section. Jodi suggested creating a program with Kroll Ontrack Inc., a local company that specializes in data recovery services for litigation and transactional law practices. Sally suggested an MSBA paralegal membership drive, keeping in mind that the MSBA year begins on July 1st. Kris and Helen suggested a technology fair at the Solo and Small Firm Conference next year.

NEXT MEETING: March 2, 2006

Minutes by Jean Diekmann, Chair

PRESENT: Sue Bores, Mary Beth Curry, Sally Dahlquist, Helen Federline, Kris Gibbons, Michelle McCullough, Barb Peppersack, Martha Sartoris, Jean Diekmann, and guest Marilyn Montreux

1. MEETING GUEST: Marilyn Montreux is a faculty member of the Legal Administration Support Department of St. Cloud Technical College. She is starting a paralegal program there, so she attended this meeting to meet other paralegal program directors and to connect with some Twin Cities area paralegal professionals.

2. PARALEGAL WEBSITE ENHANCEMENTS: The committee reviewed the long list of website enhancements and Helen volunteered to find website addresses for all of the suggested links. She will e-mail them to Sue, who will track them on a WORD document. Sue noted that Dick Ericson, MSBA staff member, can revise our webpage once we finalize our many enhancement ideas.

3. BRIAN CRAIG’S CLE PROPOSAL ON UPL: Discussion was tabled until next month’s meeting, after the committee members have a chance to review his detailed proposal. Mary Beth said that it would be a good idea for Brian to make his presentation to paralegal students and also at the annual MPA Convention.

4. PARALEGAL MEMBERSHIP PAMPHLET: The committee discussed the need to update the list of MSBA sections, reduced CLE tuition rates, various changes to the text, referencing committees available to members (but don’t list them), removing specific section fees (but include an updatable section insert), and how best to distribute this pamphlet (especially at MPA events). We should create a slogan and logo for the Paralegal Committee to use on our pamphlets and other communications. Sue reminded the committee that we must get approval from the MSBA Membership Committee chair before changes can be made to the paralegal membership application. Helen will update the list of sections, and Michelle will revise the membership pamphlet.

5. UPCOMING PARALEGAL UTILIZATION PROGRAMS: Jean stated that we have a moderator for our panel at the CLE Business Institute (Tom Hurwitz), but she is still looking for an attorney-paralegal team. Helen is working on finding a team for the CLE Probate Institute.

6. PARALEGAL SUPERCONFERENCES: Jean announced the Paralegal Leadership Institute to be sponsored by Estrin LegalEd and Corporation Service Company in Chicago in February. The committee discussed the desire to hold a similar Paralegal SuperConference in the Twin Cities. This could be a joint project of the MPA and the MSBA Paralegal Committee. Barb will speak with Cheri Estrin about arranging this event.

NEXT MEETING: February 2, 2006

Minutes by Jean Diekmann, Chair

PRESENT: Sue Bores, Mary Beth Curry, Sally Dahlquist, Helen Federline, Cathy Kennedy, Michelle McCullough, Martha Sartoris, Joan Bibelhausen (Guest: Executive Director, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers), and Jean Diekmann

1. GUEST ISSUE: LAWYERS & MENTAL HEALTH: Joan Bibelhausen reviewed the history of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (“LCL”), a full- service mental health organization that helps attorneys who are struggling with various mental health issues find professional, appropriate help for their particular situation. LCL is proactively focusing on the prevention of chemical dependency and suicide. To reach more attorneys who could use this assistance, LCL wants to reach out to legal support staff, educating them on identifying their attorneys’ stress, depression and chemical dependency problems and on what they can do and where they can go to assist those attorneys.. LCL wants to ensure that law firms have systems in place for support staff to safely report attorneys with suspected mental health problems.

Joan is developing a MN CLE program dealing with this issue and geared toward legal firm management. LCL is also getting a grant to fund the creation of a video commercial to market their services and also to foster awareness of attorney mental health issues. Another project of LCL’s is a mass mailing to all attorneys in Minnesota; Martha suggested that this mailing also go out to all MPA (Minnesota Paralegal Association) members and all paralegal schools in Minnesota. Joan would also like to have an event at the next annual MPA conference in June, so Helen will suggest this at MPA’s next board meeting. Martha, Cathy, Mary Beth and Sally are all interested in making a short presentation to students in their paralegal programs, so Joan will create a pamphlet geared toward paralegals and will give to Sue to distribute to this committee. Cathy thinks that this topic would make a good paralegal course, and Joan agreed that LCL wants to assist with developing a course/curriculum on attorney mental health issues.

2. NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Paralegal Utilization Slideshow: Cathy and Mary Beth announced that this slide show recently produced by the ABA Standing Committee on Paralegals (“SCOP”) will soon be available. It is part of a 3-part program, and is downloadable for a small fee. Helen will see if this slideshow is available on the ABA’s online bookstore.

ABA Paralegal Utilization Books: Helen brought to the meeting two books she bought from the ABA: (1) Leveraging with Legal Assistants (© 1993) and (2) Paralegals, Profitability, and the Future of Your Law Practice (© 2003) for any committee member to review.

3. 2006 MSBA CONVENTION: The committee discussed whether or not we should present a program regarding paralegal utilization as it relates to this year’s e chosen policy track, “Access to Quality Justice.” The committee decided against it, since the paralegal utilization programs presented at the various CLE Institutes are proving to be more effective than any of the committee’s presentations at past state bar conventions.

4. WEBPAGE ENHANCEMENTS: This topic was tabled until our next meeting.

5. PARALEGAL PAMPHLETS: This topic was also tabled until our next meeting.

6. UPCOMING PARALEGAL UTILIZATION PROGRAMS: Jean contacted the people organizing next spring’s Business, Probate and Employment Law Institutes regarding inclusion of paralegal utilization panels at these events; she will report on their responses at next month’s meeting.

7. NEW BUSINESS: New Lawyers Committee: Sally and Martha suggested that the committee work with the MSBA’s New Lawyers Committee on the issue of paralegal utilization. Coincidentally, there will be a 2-day CLE for new lawyers on January 9 & 10, 2006. The program is already set, but Martha suggested seeing if the committee can put out our paralegal utilization materials at this event. Jean will contact Frank Harris of MN CLE to see if this is possible. On a similar vein, Helen said that we should start marketing paralegal utilization to law school students.

Outsourcing Paralegal Work: Michelle noted that she did find someone to speak on paralegal outsourcing at the regional AAfPE convention that Cathy is planning. (As an aside, Cathy encouraged all of us to attend this $80 day-and-a--half convention; she will e-mail the convention agenda to all committee members.) Sally mentioned that she recently heard an MPR program and read a Star Tribune article regarding outsourcing in general. Basically, she learned that process-oriented jobs can be outsourced, but creative-oriented occupations cannot be outsourced.

NEXT MEETING: December 1, 2005

Minutes by Jean Diekmann, Chair

October 6, 2005 Meeting Minutes

PRESENT: Sue Bores, Mary Beth Curry, Sally Dahlquist, Cathy Kennedy, Martha Sartoris, Nancy Mischel (Guest: MSBA Access to Justice Director), Diane Simerson and Debbie Anderson (Guests: Partner and Paralegal, respectively, at Robins Kaplan Miller & Ciresi LLP), and Jean Diekmann

1. GUESTS ISSUE: L.A.D./PRO BONO: Diane Simerson and Debbie Anderson, who work together at Robins Kaplan Miller & Cerisi law firm attended this meeting to recruit paralegals to do pro bono work. Diane spoke of how her firm promotes pro bono work via full credit for all pro bono hours worked, pro bono awards, and getting new attorneys and paralegals involved in pro bono work right when they begin working at Robins. Debbie enjoys representing women and their issues. Her realization of the difficulty of accessing legal assistance for lower-income citizens motivates her to do pro bono work. In pro bono cases, paralegals can do discovery, deposition prep work, complete forms and organize documents/files. Mary Beth and Diane will discuss how to get paralegal students involved in pro bono work.

Nancy Mischel, MSBA staff liaison to LAD (Legal Assistance to the Disadvantaged) discussed the new “Up Your Pro Bono” program, a joint effort of MSBA and LAD. This program began this month and runs through next March and encourages attorneys, law students, paralegals, and paralegal students who have not done pro bono work in the last year to commit to do so this year. It encourages everyone to recruit five new pro bono volunteers.

Nancy also spoke about the many resources to find pro bono opportunities, such as the ProJustice Minnesota website (www.projusticemn.org)—a great website to find opportunities to do pro bono work, per your geographic area and law specialty. It has contact information for specific projects and also has legal research references. She also reviewed types of projects available through Legal Aid Society and transactional law projects.

Diane, Debbie and Nancy all agreed that pro bono work is very rewarding, especially since clients are very grateful for the services provided to them, and their faith in the legal system is restored.

Jean will provide a set of the committee’s pro bono handouts to Mary Beth and Diane and Debbie for them to review and update.

Sue will provide some “Up Your Pro Bono” program materials to Michelle McCullough to share with the MPA.

2. MINNESOTA HIGH SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL PROGRAM: Jean recently spoke with Liz Nelson, MSBA Public Services Manager, about this unique pro bono opportunity. Paralegal volunteers are needed to be site coordinators, score calculators or alternate judges. Training for mock trial volunteers occurs in January, so interested paralegals/attorneys should contact Liz Nelson at the MSBA office.

3. The committee reviewed the September meeting minutes and made some minor changes to item 3B regarding the two different pamphlets to create for attorneys and paralegals.

4. PARALEGAL UTILIZATION PROGRAMS: Jean shared an article she found in the Legal Assistant Today magazine regarding paralegal utilization that she will include in the binder materials for the Real Estate Institute.

Jean will contact the planners of the Business, Employment and Probate Institutes to see if they are interested in having paralegal utilization panels included in those institutes.

5. COMMITTEE WEBPAGE ENHANCEMENTS: The committee reviewed and revised Sally’s schematic of the proposed restructuring of our webpage. Jean will e-mail the discussed changes to Sally so she can make those adjustments to her next schematic draft.

6. PAMPHLETS ON PARALEGAL UTILIZATION AND MSBA PARALEGAL MEMBERSHIP: --tabled until next meeting--

7. PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR LAW AMENDMENT: The committee decided to table this project until next year, since Kim Millman is too busy this fall and winter to work on it, although she is still interested in the issue.

8. PARALEGAL REGULATION IN WISCONSIN: Jean reported that no hearing date has been set by the Wisconsin Supreme Court yet, but a hearing could still be held before yearend, per John Goudie of the Wisconsin Paralegal Association.

9. NEW BUSINESS: Regional AAfPE (American Association of Paralegal Educators) Meeting: Cathy noted that she is organizing this meeting which will be held on March 31 – April 1, 2006 in Bloomington. She encouraged committee members to plan on attending it.

NEXT MEETING: November 3, 2005

Minutes by Jean Diekmann, Chair

a. General Practice Solo/Small Firm Section. Helen reported that the Solo/Small Firm conference in Duluth went very well. Attendance was about 250. The whole conference was rated very high. There was a good variety of courses offered. Questions at the Solo/Small Firm seminar included how paralegals can be used more effectively, what freelance paralegals do, what paralegals can do for an attorney. People were pleased with the presentation and cost of the conference. There were many from out of state, and the section hopes to do this annually.

b. Criminal Law section. Sally Dahlquist moderated. Criminal Law panelists at the Institute discussed utilization of paralegals. Sally reported that the seminar went well, but attendance at the Criminal Law section was small. The room was far away and the time slot was at the very end of the day. Panelists did learn from each other and will be good spokespersons for the committee. A few criminal attorneys discussed sharing paralegals between firms. Panelist Joseph Bazan discussed many practical ways that paralegals can be used. He encouraged the use of contract paralegals. Paralegal utilization materials which listed tasks that paralegals perform were available at the event.

c. Elder Law Section. Jean Diekmann will be giving a 25 minute presentation on paralegal utilization at the Elder Law Institute next month. Jean interviewed attorney Julian Zweber, a solo practice, elder law attorney. Both will present at the Excel Center for the Elder Law Institute in St. Paul on October 20th and 21st.

d. Real Estate Section. Sally Dahlquist will moderate. The Real Estate Institute is scheduled for November 18. There are two attorney-paralegal teams from the Messerli and Dorsey law firms. This event is usually very well attended. Jean indicated that we need articles regarding real estate paralegal utilization for inclusion in the Institute binder. There is an article in LAT (Legal Assistant Today magazine) that Jean is interested in using and will contact LAT for permission.

e. Other Institutes are beginning to plan their winter events. The Committee needs to start talking about what we plan to do for these winter Institutes.

a. The Committee discussed ideas for enhancements to the web page. Some of the suggestions: newsletter, links to paralegal associations, events with which we are involved, paralegal schools, trends in the industry, pro bono opportunities, functions with MPA, a monthly interview (attorneys talk about paralegal use), readings (articles about paralegals). Sally suggested using the pinwheel method she used when she developed ideas for her webpage. Sally will develop and e-mail to the Committee the pinwheel to help visualize what we want to do. We will discuss further at the next meeting.

Sue Bores, MSBA staff liaison to the Committee, reminded the Committee that too many links can cause problems and to be aware that if links change or cease, they would have to be removed, requiring more webpage maintenance.

a. Two thoughts on pamphlets were discussed. We could develop and use a pamphlet to promote the MSBA Paralegal Committee. Focus of the pamphlet would be to promote paralegal membership. Other ideas included holding meetings at firms or doing presentations at firms about what the committee does.

b. We could develop and use a different pamphlet to educate attorneys on paralegal use. Ideas for this pamphlet included how to utilize paralegals, paralegal tasks to do and not to do, attorney’s responsibility for paralegal’s work, costs, and paralegal contracting/job-sharing.

c. Cathy said that the Advertising and Design department at her college could work on the final brochure drafts. Students in that program could be assigned that task by their instructor. Helen indicated that she might have some old brochures. Cathy volunteered Joseph Bazan to work with her on developing a brochure for paralegal utilization. Helen put together a utilization seminar a few years ago and will share the documents with the Committee.

MSBA PARALEGAL COMMITTEE

June 2, 2005 Meeting Minutes

PRESENT: Mary Beth Curry, Sally Dahlquist, Helen Federline, Kris Gibbons, Michelle McCullough, Jodi Standke, and Jean Diekmann

1. NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Michelle will be meeting with Martha Delaney of Hennepin County Volunteer Lawyers Network to discuss pro bono opportunities for paralegals.

Helen was recently reappointed as NFPA's (National Federation of Paralegal Association's) Bar Association Coordinator.

2. PARALEGAL UTILIZATION PROGRAM AT CRIMINAL LAW INSTITUTE: The paralegal utilization panel will be a one-hour program on August 22nd in the Bloomington Sheraton Hotel. The panelist list is almost finalized, and Sally and Helen are compiling related articles to be included in the institute program binder.

3. PARALEGAL UTILIZATION PROGRAMS FOR OTHER INSTITUTES: Jean reviewed the dates for some pending institutes this fall, and will contact Lynn O'Connell, who is organizing the Elder Law and Tax Law Institutes, to verify whether the paralegal utilization panel will be included in these two institutes. Jean will also ask Julie Casserly, coordinator of the Solo and Small Firm Institute, if our panel event will be a part of that institute. Next week, Mark Hamel, who is on the planning committee for the Real Estate Law Institute, will inform Jean if a similar panel is desired for that institute.

4. PARALEGAL SUPERCONFERENCE IN TWIN CITIES: Jean reviewed her recent experience at the Boston Paralegal SuperConference and the possibility of having one in the Twin Cities. She will explore this with Mitzi Ellis, MPA (Minnesota Paralegal Association) president.

5. PARALEGAL REGULATION IN FLORIDA AND WISCONSIN: Helen noted that the paralegal regulation bill died in Florida, but may come back next year with major changes reflecting more paralegal input. She also mentioned that the Florida Bar Association opposed the bill. Jean stated that the Wisconsin Supreme Court has still not ruled on the paralegal regulation petition yet. So it is still a possibility, and there may be another hearing in the fall, per John Goudie of the Wisconsin Paralegal Association.

6. SUMMER COMMITTEE MEETINGS: The committee prefers to not meet this summer, but Jean will let the committee know if we are going to have paralegal utilization panels at the pending law institutes noted in 3. above. E-mail and teleconferencing will be used to plan these panels.

7. OTHER BUSINESS: MSBA Convention - Sally will attend this year's convention in Brainerd and offered to distribute paralegal literature (i.e., basic utilization of paralegals) at various convention receptions. On a related topic, the committee discussed creating a pamphlet regarding paralegal utilization for attorneys and another pamphlet encouraging paralegals to join the MSBA.

NFPA Convention - Helen recently attended this annual convention and stated that the NFPA is currently working on two position papers: (1) awareness of outsourcing legal services; and (2) court rules regarding legal document preparers.

NEXT MEETING: September 2005 (TBD by Jean Diekmann)

Minutes by Jean Diekmann, Chair

MSBA PARALEGAL COMMITTEE

May 5, 2005 Meeting Minutes

PRESENT: Mary Beth Curry, Sally Dahlquist, Kris Gibbons, Cathy Kennedy, Nancy Minder (filling in for Jodi Standke), Alanna Moravetz, Martha Sartoris, and Jean Diekmann

1. NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: New Committee Member: Jean welcomed Mary Beth Curry, Legal Program Coordinator of the Minnesota School of Business-Brooklyn Center campus, to the committee.

Estrin Paralegal SuperConference: Jean shared her great experience and dynamic speakers she heard at this conference in Boston last month. The committee discussed the possibility of having this conference in the Twin Cities. Jean will contact Mitzi Ellis, MPA president, about it.

2. PARALEGAL UTILIZATION PROGRAMS AT FUTURE MN CLE INSTITUTES: Since the paralegal utilization program at the Family Law Institute was so successful, the committee discussed producing similar programs in the near future. Martha thought that having at least two programs per year would greatly increase paralegal visibility. Sally suggested that we have judges moderate the panels to give their perspective on paralegals' effectiveness in the courtroom.

Clarion Legal is a nonprofit organization in St. Paul that offers CLE's in the form of creative, interactive events such as plays. Perhaps the committee could enlist Clarion to co-produce a program with the committee regarding paralegal utilization.

Alanna mentioned that some MSBA sections have their own, smaller conferences without MN CLE's involvement, such as the Solo and Small Firm's conference last month.

Jean spoke with Tim Morrow of MN CLE and obtained a list of dates for future institutes of various law sections. These dates are as follows: Bankruptcy - September 12th & 13th; Business - April 2006; Criminal - August 22nd - 24th; Elder - October 20th & 21st; Employment - June 2nd & 3rd; Probate - June 9th & 10th; Real Estate - November 18th & 19th; Solo & Small Firm - early autumn; Tax - November 7th & 8th. Some sections plan their institutes several months in advance, while others plan just a few months before their event.

Since the planning for the Criminal Law Institute is occurring right now, the committee decided to plan a paralegal utilization program for it. Sally had several ideas of potential paralegal, attorney and judge panelists, so she and Mary Beth volunteered to organize this program. Jean will ask Vince O'Brien of MN CLE where the Criminal Law Institute will be held, and will let him know of the committee's interest in participating in it. She will also provide to Mary Beth copies of handouts, discussion questions, and evaluation forms used in the Family Law Institute event.

3. LAW WEEK: Jean reported that the MPA is assisting the Hennepin County Bar Association ("HCBA") with this event, "Ask-A-Lawyer About Health Care Directives (Living Wills)" on May 3rd - 6th in Gaviidae Common. Thus, they didn't need the committee's help, but Joseph Satter of the HCBA thanked her for the committee's offer.

To get involved in next year's Law Week, Kris suggested that the committee contact Chrysalis-A Center for Women. She said that this nonprofit in south Minneapolis uses volunteer attorneys, but she didn't know if they have been involved in previous Law Weeks, but may be interested in doing this in the future.

4. WISCONSIN PARALEGAL REGULATION: Helen wasn't present at today's meeting to update the committee on the status of this pending regulation, so Jean will check the Wisconsin Paralegal Association's website.

5. ADDITIONAL SUMMER MEETINGS: Normally, this committee doesn't meet in July or August, but they will decide at their next (June) meeting whether it is necessary to meet in the summer to plan paralegal utilization programs for the fall.

NEXT MEETING: Thursday, June 2, 2005 at 12:00 p.m.

Minutes by Jean Diekmann, Chair

MSBA PARALEGAL COMMITTEE

April 7, 2005 Meeting Minutes

PRESENT: Helen Federline, Cathy Kennedy, Alanna Moravetz, Jodi Standke and Jean Diekmann

1. NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: New Committee Members: Jean noted that a former coworker of hers who was also on the paralegal utilization panel at the Family Law Institute is interested in joining the Paralegal Committee and will hopefully attend the May committee meeting. Cathy said that there are some colleagues of hers in the Legal Studies Department of the Minnesota School of Business who may join our committee.

Estrin Paralegal SuperConference: Jean will attend this conference in Boston on April 29th and 30th and will report on her conference experience at the May committee meeting.

AAfPE Conference: Cathy Kennedy and Martha Sartoris are co-chairing the planning committee for the annual, regional conference of the American Association for Paralegal Education to be held in the Twin Cities in April 2006.

NFPA Convention: Helen will attend this annual convention of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations in Las Vegas this month. There are many interesting agenda items for this annual meeting, including a new PACE coordinator, outsourcing paralegal work to foreign companies, legal document preparers, etc.

2. PRIVATE DETECTIVE LAW AMENDMENT: Jean contacted Kim Millman about the status of this amendment proposal. Ms. Millman has decided to wait until next year to present the bill to the House and Senate, as a Minnesota senator sponsor has not yet been found. We will resume our work on this project next fall for the possibility of introducing the proposal in next year's legislative session.

3. SUCCESSFUL FAMILY LAW INSTITUTE PROGRAM: Jean attended the attorney-paralegal panel at the Family Law Institute , and reported that it was very successful. At least 25 attorneys attended, 10 of whom completed event evaluation forms. It is quite evident that these family law attorneys want more information on this topic of effective, efficient paralegal utilization.

Helen suggested that we plan to present this program at other upcoming law institutes for those areas of law that typically use or could use paralegals in their practice. It is apparently more effective to have these presentations at the CLE institutes, rather than the annual MSBA convention. Jean will contact Tim Morrow at the Minnesota CLE office to obtain specific dates of future CLE institutes for the bankruptcy, business, criminal, elder, employment, probate, real estate, solo and small firm, and tax areas of law. If any of these sections are having an institute in the early fall, we may decide to hold a committee meeting(s) this summer to prepare for our program(s).

4. LAW WEEK: Jean spoke with Joe Satter, Marketing Director for the Hennepin County Bar Association, and offered the Paralegal Committee's assistance in any HCBA-sponsored Law Week events. Joe said that they hope to provide a week of advice regarding health care directives (i.e., living wills), but they haven't found a place to hold this event yet. He will get back to Jean when the event details have been finalized.

5. NEW BUSINESS: Paralegal Regulation in Florida: Helen reported that paralegal regulation is heating up in Florida, as a bill was recently introduced in that state's House and Senate. Many Floridian paralegals are not happy with the proposed bill because they do not agree with many of its provisions (e.g., certification requirements). Apparently, they didn't have much input in the drafting of it. Helen will e-mail to the committee more detailed information regarding this bill and the resulting discussion among some concerned paralegals in that state.

Paralegal Regulation in Other States: Helen noted that Wisconsin's proposed paralegal regulation is still in the hands of their State's Supreme Court (i.e., they haven't ruled on it yet). Nevada is now looking at paralegal regulation.

NEXT MEETING: Thursday, May 5, 2005 at 12:00 p.m.

Minutes by Jean Diekmann, Chair

MSBA PARALEGAL COMMITTEE

March 3, 2005 Meeting Minutes

PRESENT: Sally Dahlquist, Helen Federline, Kris Gibbons, Alanna Moravetz, Martha Sartoris, and Jean Diekmann

1. NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Next Year's Committee Chair: Jean asked if anyone on the committee desired to be the committee chair during the 2005-2006 bar year. No one expressed an interest, and everyone agreed that Jean will continue her chairpersonship through the next bar year.

Estrin Paralegal SuperConferences: Jean asked the committee members present if they were familiar with the Estrin LegalEd Paralegal SuperConferences. Helen highly recommended these conferences and noted that they have top-notch presenters.

Inver Hills Paralegal Courses: Sally Dahlquist announced a legal writing seminar to be held at Dorsey's law office on March 30th with Judge Gordon Shumaker, and there will be an advanced Westlaw course at Inver Hills Community College on April 15th taught by Paul Hark.

2. PRIVATE DETECTIVE LAW AMENDMENT: Concerning finding a state senator to sponsor this bill, Sally has spoken with her state senator, Joe Atkins; he is interested in it but wants to learn more about it, so Sally will send to Joe the proposed amendment and will refer him to Kim Millman. Helen said that her state senator, Mark Ourada, is not responding to her e-mails. Jean will contact Ms. Millman again to suggest that she ask the two sponsoring state representatives for names of state senators who might be willing to sponsor the proposed amendment.

Jean stated that, so far, the Probate and Trust Section and the General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Committee have given their support of this proposed amendment, and that the Real Estate Section will revisit it at their Legislative Committee's next meeting in June. She has not heard back from the Bankruptcy Section yet, but will follow-up with them. Jean will report these results to John Dornick of the MSBA Legislative Committee after she checks with Ms. Millman on the current status of introducing this amendment bill to the State Legislature.

3. FAMILY LAW INSTITUTE: The committee discussed panel logistics and wondered if any of the panelists have any special audio/visual needs for the panel discussion. They also asked Jean to tell Tim Morrow, the Family Law Institute Coordinator, their concerns about an adequate sound system, microphones, etc. Jean stated that Mr. Morrow verified that all panel event attendees would have to register for the Family Law Institute; however, all panelists receive free registration. Jean will approach Mr. Morrow about waiving the registration requirement for Paralegal Committee members who only intend to attend the panel discussion-not the entire Institute.

Jean will e-mail the finalized list of discussion questions to all committee members, and Sally will write her introductory speech for the event, including why paralegals are valuable assets to family law practice nowadays.

4. PARALEGAL UTILIZATION FOR OTHER SECTIONS/COMMITTEES: On February 7th, Jean e-mailed the heads of specific MSBA sections and committees most likely to benefit from paralegals. Tom Conlin of the LAD (Legal Assistance for the Disadvantaged) Committee was the only one to respond back to her, saying that he welcomes the Paralegal Committee's interest in educating his committee about paralegal utilization.

5. PARALEGAL WEBPAGE ENHANCEMENTS: Job Opportunities: Jean told the committee that she was approached by a recruiter for Target, asking for assistance in communicating job opportunities to other paralegals. Jean replied that the Committee doesn't have a job bank. The committee discussed the possibility of adding a job bank to their webpage, but decided that they shouldn't get involved with job postings, as job placement assistance is not within the scope of the committee's goals. Instead, the committee will refer future requests from employers and job seekers to the MPA (Minnesota Paralegal Association)'s website.

6. LAW DAY: Jean noted that the annual Law Day would occur in the first week of May-Does the committee want to participate in this event this year? The HCBA (Hennepin County Bar Association) sponsors this event. Alanna will verify the time and place and format of this year's event. The committee feels that its involvement would be a good way to market the MSBA Paralegal Committee to the local legal community, so will discuss this possibility at the next meeting when more event details are available.

NEXT MEETING: Thursday, April 7, 2005 at 12:00 p.m.

Minutes by Jean Diekmann, Chair

MSBA PARALEGAL COMMITTEE

February 3, 2005 Meeting Minutes

PRESENT: Sally Dahlquist, Helen Federline, Kris Gibbons, Martha Sartoris, Jodi Standke and Jean Diekmann

1. PRIVATE DETECTIVE LAW AMENDMENT: Concerning finding a state senator to sponsor this bill, Helen has sent the recently revised amendment proposal to her state senator, Mark Ourada. Kris has not yet contacted her state senator, and Sally offered to ask her state senator, Joe Atkins, to sponsor the bill. Jean will call Kim Millman to see if she's secured a senator sponsor yet.

Jean reported that the Probate and Trust Law Section has approved the proposed amendment, and that the Bankruptcy Section would be discussing it at their next meeting. Helen will make sure that the Solo and Small Firm Section discusses the proposed amendment in their next teleconference. To solicit more MSBA section approval, Jean will send another e-mail to those sections likely to be affected by this bill.

2. FAMILY LAW INSTITUTE: The Committee reviewed and revised the list of questions to facilitate the panel discussion. Sally, our panel moderator, will prepare an introduction, including why paralegal utilization is necessary, statistical background, etc.

Jean said she would obtain short biographies of each panelist to include in the program materials. Helen will get a copy of Amber Lang's article which recently appeared in the Paralegal Reporter, along with some other articles on roles and responsibilities of paralegals. Sally will also contribute some articles which she used in her previous paralegal utilization seminar. Jean will ask Tim Morrow of the MN CLE Office when course materials need to be submitted for the Family Law Institute program binder and will pass this date on to Helen and Sally.

3. PARALEGAL UTILIZATION FOR OTHER SECTIONS/COMMITTEES: Jean will e-mail the heads of specific MSBA sections and committees most likely to benefit from paralegals, reminding them of the MSBA Paralegal Committee and their willingness to assist these sections/committees with integrating paralegals into their practice.

Jean contacted Sue Holden, MSBA Convention Co-Chair, regarding the Committee's availability to assist with and/or participate in the "Right Size for a Small Firm" program at this year's convention, as paralegals could be a major factor in this issue.

4. PARALEGAL WEBPAGE ENHANCEMENTS: Helen suggested we create a link from the Committee's webpage to the MSBA paralegal membership application. Martha suggested also having a link to the American Association for Paralegal Education (AafPE), as well as links to all paralegal education programs in Minnesota. Others suggested linking to other paralegal professional organizations, such as MPA (Minnesota Paralegal Association), NFPA (National Federation of Paralegal Associations), NALA (National Association of Legal Assistants), AAPI (American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc.), and NALS (no longer an acronym, but "THE association for legal professionals," per their website). The Committee acknowledged the importance of having an informative website, as many people who are new to the profession begin their research with the MSBA, instead of starting with the MPA, of which they probably aren't aware.

NEXT MEETING: Thursday, March 3, 2005 at 12:00 p.m.

Minutes by Jean Diekmann, Chair

MSBA PARALEGAL COMMITTEE

January 6, 2005 Meeting Minutes

PRESENT: Helen Federline, Kris Gibbons, and Jean Diekmann

1. PRIVATE DETECTIVE LAW AMENDMENT: The committee determined which MSBA sections should review and approve the proposed amendment, and Jean will e-mail it to the chairs of these sections. Helen will distribute the entire proposal draft to all committee members. Helen will follow up with her state senator for his sponsorship of the amendment, and Kris also offered to contact her state senator.

2. FAMILY LAW INSTITUTE: The committee decided to have one judge and two attorney/paralegal teams on the paralegal utilization panel. Thus far, Stephen Aldrich, a Hennepin County judge, Thomas Tuft, attorney in St. Paul, and Amber Lang, his paralegal, have all agreed to be on the panel. Kris offered to contact some law firms for possible speakers to be on the panel. Jean will follow-up with Jodi Standke to see if she has found an attorney/paralegal team. Helen will e-mail the list of questions she used in our June 2003 paralegal utilization panel. She will also check two ABA publications, "Leveraging with Legal Assistants" and "Paralegal Utilization," for information to use in planning our panel program.

3. 2005 MSBA CONVENTION: Jean stated that every committee member who responded to her e-mail concerning whether the committee should have a program for this year's convention said "no, unless some other committee or section wants our assistance in their paralegal-related program." Helen suggested that the committee send a message to all MSBA sections and some committees (Legal Assistance to the Disadvantaged, Rules of Professional Conduct, and Women in the Legal Profession), letting them know that we are available to assist them with integrating paralegal usage into their practice/CLE programs/convention seminars. Kris suggested that we should also educate law students about paralegal utilization.

4. PARALEGAL WEBPAGE ENHANCEMENTS: Jean noted that Cathy Kennedy suggested that we create a link to the ABA's Standing Committee on Paralegals webpage entitled "Information for Lawyers: How Paralegals Can Improve Your Practice."

5. NEW BUSINESS -KAPLAN UNIVERSITY'S ONLINE PARALEGAL SCHOOL: Jean said that she was recently contacted by a new student of this paralegal education program who wanted an opinion on it. She was concerned that the credits earned at this school would not transfer to other local paralegal programs. Both Kris and Helen didn't know much about this program, but after reviewing the curriculum requirements for their paralegal certificate program that Jean obtained from their website, the committee determined that the total number of required credits is less than that of local ABA-approved/compliant programs. Also, some specific courses required by the latter were not required by the former.

NEXT MEETING: Thursday, February 3, 2005 at 12:00 p.m.

Minutes by Jean Diekmann, Chair

MSBA PARALEGAL COMMITTEE

December 2, 2004 Meeting Minutes

PRESENT: Helen Federline, Kris Gibbons, Cathy Kennedy, Michelle McCullough, Martha Sartoris, Jodi Standke, Diane Vlassis, Alanna Moravetz, Jean Diekmann, and guest Kim Millman

1. NOVEMBER 4th MEETING MINUTES: are approved.

2. BEARS ON PATROL: Helen told the committee about a joint community service project of the MSBA and MPA (Minnesota Paralegal Association) which supplies teddy bears to law enforcement officers to distribute to kids they encounter on their "beats."

3. PRIVATE DETECTIVE LAW AMENDMENT: The committee had a very productive discussion with Kim Millman regarding the most effective wording of the proposed amendment to allow freelance/contract paralegals to legally perform private investigations. The committee expressed their concern about how "paralegal" is defined, specifically the education requirement. Kim told the committee that the police lobby will be the largest group to oppose the amendment, as many retired policemen and policewomen do private investigation work and may see legalized paralegals doing this work as a competitive threat. She believes that the definition of who can perform this type of work cannot be too broad (i.e., must have high paralegal standards), but must include independent paralegal contractors as legal private investigators. Kim also wants the proposal to be short and simple, thus not too difficult and time-consuming for lawmakers to review and understand.

Kim said that she has two state representatives to sponsor this amendment, but is still looking for a state senator. Helen said she will see if her state senator is willing to be a sponsor. Kim also asked for references of private investigators from whom she could get their opinions on her proposed amendment. Cathy and Jodi will forward some references to her. Kim wanted to know if the MPA is concerned about this proposal. Helen will go back to that organization with the final draft of the proposal.

To revise the standards description in the proposal, Kim will look at North Carolina's recently adopted paralegal regulation law. Helen and Kim will draft the results of the discussion summarized above and will e-mail the revised amendment proposal to all committee members.

4. OTHER RELATED ISSUES: The committee discussed the status of paralegal regulation n Minnesota, including where the MSBA and MPA stand on this issue, and what it will take to get this topic in the forefront. They also discussed paralegal billing ethics, and exempt vs. nonexempt status of paralegal employees.

5. FAMILY LAW INSTITUTE: Jean updated the committee on the dates and locations of this annual event - Wednesday & Thursday, March 30 & 31, 2005, at the Excel Center in St. Paul. Helen offered to distribute to the committee a good article regarding paralegals in family law practice that she had recently seen on the Utah State Bar's website.

6. OTHER MSBA SECTION EVENTS RE: PARALEGALS: Helen noted that the General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Section's annual meeting in April 2005 will have a program regarding support staff. Also, the Practice Management and Marketing Section may have an MSBA convention event that will include paralegal utilization, and their MCLE (Minnesota Continuing Legal Education) program in May will be geared toward solo/small firms-perhaps paralegal utilization would fit into that program.

NEXT MEETING: Thursday, January 6, 2005 at 12:00 p.m.

Minutes by Jean Diekmann, Chair

November 4, 2004 Meeting Minutes

PRESENT: Sally Dahlquist, Helen Federline, Cathy Kennedy, Michelle McCullough, Martha Sartoris, Jodi Standke, Diane Vlassis, Alanna Moravetz and Jean Diekmann

1. SEPTEMBER 15 th MEETING MINUTES: Michelle will draft these and will submit them to the committee for review and approval.

2. NEW COMMITTEE MEMBER: Diane Vlassis, Coordinator of Legal Studies at Minnesota School of Business-Plymouth Campus; Martha Wright Sartoris, Director of the Paralegal Program at North Hennepin Community College. Welcome to the committee!.

3. STATE-BY-STATE PARALEGAL REGULATION: Helen noted that the Paralegal Division of the Nevada State Bar is considering paralegal regulation (voluntary certification). She also noted that Wisconsin is making progress on mandatory paralegal licensure; they had a public hearing on October 27th, and the petition is now pending a vote of the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

4. PRIVATE DETECTIVE LAW AMENDMENT: Kim Millman was unable to attend our meeting, but Helen spoke with her before the meeting and learned that Kim intends to use this proposed amendment to open the door to paralegal regulation in Minnesota. Also, Kim has two sponsors in the House for her proposed amendment, but is still looking for Senate sponsors. Kim thinks that the MPA's (Minnesota Paralegal Association's) and NFPA's (National Federation of Paralegal Association's) definitions of "paralegal" are too broad. Several committee members voiced their thoughts on the Kim's proposed definition, ranging from too narrow (thus, Legislature won't approve) to favoring a restricted definition (so high standards for paralegals would be preserved).

A main concern that the committee has with the proposed paralegal definition is the educational requirement of graduating from an ABA-approved paralegal program, instead of a paralegal program that is in compliance with ABA standards. Martha noted that about 25% of the roughly 1,000 paralegal programs nationwide are actually ABA-approved, but many more consider themselves to be in compliance with the ABA. Martha also posed the following question: "What are the requirements for licensed private investigators and how do they compare with those of paralegals or with those of ABA-approved paralegals?" Helen will find out which organization licenses private investigators and what the licensing requirements are.

The committee agreed with Martha's observation that this proposal will legitimize a type of paralegal work that has been done for years, and that whatever form of the amendment we support should be well researched and successful, so it supports the credibility of paralegals' work.

The committee will discuss Kim's proposed amendment with her in the near future before deciding if the MSBA should support it. Some committee members voiced their thoughts that we should oppose Kim's proposal if she ultimately uses her current definition of paralegal.

Jean informed the committee that the Legislative Proposal Summary requesting the MSBA's support of this proposed amendment is due in to the MSBA Legislative Committee on November 5th, so the committee discussed how the Summary form should be completed, including statement of issue, proponents and opponents, anticipated role of MSBA staff, and committee actions to advance this legislative initiative. Jean will complete the form, including a statement that the committee is currently considering support of Kim's proposed amendment. She will attach a copy of the current private investigator law and Kim's proposal to the form and will e-mail it to the Legislative Committee by tomorrow.

5. FAMILY LAW INSTITUTE: Sally spoke with Gary Voegele about our committee's breakout session regarding paralegal utilization at this event. He requested that we provide to him a summary of our event to appear in the institute brochure. Helen offered to draft a summary for this upcoming event based on a similar panel discussion event the committee produced for the 2003 MSBA Convention.

NEXT MEETING: Thursday, December 2, 2004 at 12:00 p.m.

Minutes by Jean Diekmann, Chair

October 7, 2004 Meeting Summary

PRESENT: Sally Dahlquist, Helen Federline, Cathy Kennedy, Alanna Moravetz and Jean Diekmann

1. SEPTEMBER 15 th MEETING MINUTES: Michelle will draft these and will submit them to the committee for review and approval.

2. LEGALCORPS: Michelle McCullough will contact Sherene Judeh of the Volunteer Lawyers Network about paralegal participation in this new transactional business law pro bono program.

3. PRIVATE DETECTIVE LAW AMENDMENT: We discussed Kim Millman's proposed change to Minnesota statute 326.3341 (Employment Licensed by State (Private Detectives) - Exemptions). Committee members expressed their questions and concerns about this proposal, including the State's Private Investigator Board's thoughts on this proposed change, the definition of a paralegal, and licensure requirements for private detectives. Helen will discuss with Ms. Millman how paralegal is defined in her draft of the proposal. Jean will verify with John Dornik, chair of the MSBA Legislative Committee, the procedures for obtaining the MSBA's support for this proposal.

4. 2005 FAMILY LAW INSTITUTE: Gary Vogele, chair of the MSBA Family Law Section, would like paralegals to be represented on the pro bono panel at the 2005 Family Law Institute. He would also like to include a session on paralegal utilization. The committee agreed that our participation in these events are great opportunities to communicate the value of paralegals to attorneys! Getting some judges' input and support of these events will help attorneys realize the value of paralegals to their practice. Jean will send a note to Mr. Vogele expressing our interest in both of these opportunities.

5. ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON PARALEGAL INTERNSHIPS: Helen stated that Mavis Pattee, director of Alexandria Technical College's new paralegal program, is interested in this possible event. Cathy said that Martha Sartoris, director of the paralegal program at North Hennepin Community College, is also interested. Helen suggested taking our presentation to outstate paralegal schools and corresponding county bar associations as a way of educating attorneys on paralegal internships and creating links between paralegal students and perspective employers.

6. NEW BUSINESS - ASSIST HURRICANE VICTIMS: Cathy asked the committee if we could help a former paralegal who has opened her home to a large family who was victimized by one of the recent hurricanes. They could use plenty of volunteer support, so we will have Michelle follow up with Janet Coleman, who informed Cathy of this situation, on the family's needs at this point. Perhaps she can let the MPA membership know of this volunteer opportunity.

POTENTIAL NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY: Sally mentioned that she is planning on attending a national college student government convention in Washington D.C. with some Inver Hills Community College students. She thinks that this might be a good opportunity to speak with some Supreme Court justices on various paralegal issues.

WEBSITE LINK: The idea of getting a link from the very popular LawMoose website to our MSBA paralegal webpage was brought up.

STATE-BY-STATE PARALEGAL REGULATION CHART: Helen will distribute an updated chart of each state's current status on establishing paralegal regulation, along with a chart indicating which states allow disbarred/suspended attorneys to work as paralegals.

PARALEGAL MEMBERSHIP IN STATE BAR ASSOCIATIONS: Helen noted that 20 of the 56 state bar associations require licensed attorneys to belong to the associations; six of these states with required bar associations allow paralegals to join the bar. Thirteen of the states with "voluntary bar associations" (i.e., licensed attorneys not required to have bar membership) allow paralegal membership.

NEXT MEETING: Thursday, November 4, 2004 at 12:00 p.m.

Minutes by Jean Diekmann, Chair

MSBA PARALEGAL COMMITTEE
April 1, 2004 Meeting Minutes

PRESENT: Sally Dahlquist and Jean Diekmann

1. MARCH 5th MEETING MINUTES: These are being drafted by Michelle McCullough and will be distributed to the committee as soon as they are available.

2. UPDATE ON COMMITTEE WEBPAGE ENHANCEMENTS: Sally Dahlquist will work on adding links to our webpage, but will not change the look of our committee homepage, per Mary Grau's advice.

3. PARALEGAL SURVEY RELEASE: The survey will be e-mailed to all MSBA paralegal members when the MSBA convention webpage is launched in mid-April.

4. CONVENTION BUSINESS MEETING PLANNING: Sally noted that there is going to be a pro bono seminar held at her school (Inver Hills Community College) on April 23, 2004. The guest speakers will include LaVern Pritchard (he created the LawMoose website); Michelle McCullough (Minnesota Paralegal Association {"MPA"}'s pro bono coordinator); Joan Biebelhausen (a legal career management counselor who encourages her clients to use pro bono experiences to open up job/career opportunities for those who are new to the field); and Brad Thorsen (director of Volunteer Lawyer Network).

At next month's meeting, we will discuss more specific pro bono opportunities to present at the convention business meeting, as Michelle will share her pro bono connections she has obtained through her experience as MPA's pro bono coordinator.

5. WE THE PEOPLE IN NEW YORK AND TENNESSEE NEWS: Jean reviewed recent legal suits against this organization in New York and Tennessee. These suits may be more effective than those previously filed by various state bar associations because the former are based on divorce and bankruptcy cases where clients have actually been harmed by bad guidance given by We the People staff.

6. NATIONAL AMERICAN UNIVERSITY'S PARALEGAL PROGRAM: Sally and Jean discussed this new paralegal studies program that's being offered at a few local NAU campuses. Jean spoke with an admissions counselor at the school and discovered that the program just started in January 2004 with an Introduction to Paralegal Studies course offered during the Winter 2004 quarter. Sally has seen television commercials for the program, but doesn't know anything about it beyond what was advertised.

7. INCREASING PARALEGAL COMMITTEE VISIBILITY TO MSBA: Sally and Jean discussed the fact that our committee was not noted in the article, "MSBA Committees Seek Volunteers," in the March issue of Bench & Bar. Bev Carpenter also mentioned this to Jean prior to the meeting. We need to increase the visibility of paralegals to the MSBA and others in the legal field, perhaps by writing an article for Bench & Bar and/or Law & Politics magazine.

NEXT MEETING: Friday, May 7, 2004 at 12:00 p.m. at the MSBA office

Minutes by Jean Diekmann, Chair

MSBA PARALEGAL COMMITTEE
March 5, 2004 Meeting Minutes

PRESENT: Jean Diekmann, Michelle McCullough and Beverly Carpenter

1.February 5, 2004 Meeting Minutes were distributed and approved.

2.NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
A. Jean has offered to be the chair of the committee for next year unless others are interested.

3. COMMITTTEE WEBPAGE ENHANCEMENTS:
A. The suggestion was made to include pro bono information
B. Two questions were suggested to add to the survey: What are the obstacles to doing pro bono? and What areas are you interested in?
C. Will send survey out when the annual convention web page is up.

4. CONVENTION BUSINESS MEETING:
A. Not sure of date yet- either Thursday (June 10th) or Friday (June 11th).
B. Michelle will work on pro bono volunteer opportunities list.

5. WE THE PEOPLE IN NEW YORK TIMES:
A. 29 lawsuits have been filed against We the People; 26 of them have been won by the defendant or were dismissed.

6. HAWAII LEGISLATION:
A. New exception for registered document preparers from UPL.
B. Must register with the Department of Commerce.
C. Must be physically present with whom the person is working.
D. 5 years experience under an attorney preparing the same documents; attorney must be a member of the Bar.
E. Requirement can be waived for someone with 10+ years of experience.

7. OTHER BUSINESS:
A. Proposed Department of Labor Change: paralegals may no longer be afforded protection and may not be entitled to overtime. Could be an opportunity to gain professionalism and help negotiate salary.

Minutes prepared by Michelle McCullough

MSBA Paralegal Committee
February 5, 2004

PRESENT: Sally Dahlquist, Helen Federline, Mary Grau, Jodi Standke, and Jean Diekmann

1. JANUARY 16th MEETING MINUTES: These were distributed to the committee prior to the February meeting and have been approved.

2. COMMITTEE WEBPAGE ENHANCEMENT IDEAS: Sally reported on several ideas she has for improving our committee's webpage, including the following:
A. Use an index format with committee introduction at the top of the page, followed by goals, meeting minutes, and annual report archives;
B. Present goals and meeting minutes as bulleted lists so they are visually pleasing and quickly understandable by the reader;
C. Links to additional web pages to cover topics such as continuing education, paralegal regulation, pro bono and employment opportunities, paralegal events, etc.;
D. Photos of committee events and committee members;
E. Artwork and graphics, (but content is more important than visuals).
Mary noted that, for marketing purposes, the MSBA's policy is to not alter the (standardized) look of committee/section webpages. She advised us to begin with simple webpage changes and work up from there. Sally will begin the enhancement process by "fleshing out' the above ideas.

3. MSBA CONVENTION EVENT: Jean noted that currently there are only two MSBA paralegal members in the Duluth area.

Mary stated that the MSBA's convention committee policy regarding those attending only a section's/committee's business meeting is that they must pay the convention fee.

The committee drafted six survey questions concerning paralegals' pro bono activities and intentions to attend this year's MSBA Convention. Jean offered to put these questions in final form and will get the committee's final review before the survey is distributed to MSBA paralegal members. To avoid the cost of mailing the surveys, the committee decided to e-mail the pro bono/convention invitation survey to all Paralegal MSBA members.

4. ILLLINOIS LEGAL DOCUMENT PREPARER ACT: Helen said she learned from a paralegal in Illinois that Illinois State Senator James DeLeo introduced this bill even though his staff advised him that it was not a good idea to do so. There was no paralegal involvement in the drafting of this bill. The NFPA is monitoring this bill, so the committee doesn't need to act on it at this time.

5. "WE THE PEOPLE" ARTICLE: The committee discussed this article that appeared recently in "Minnesota Lawyer" concerning a new legal document preparation business in Minneapolis. Helen will research the resolved litigation in other states against this organization and will decide if it would be appropriate for us to respond to the article via a letter to the magazine editor.

6. PRO BONO AND SOCIAL CAPITAL ARTICLE: Jean reviewed an article entitled "Pro Bono and Social Capital in the Profession" which also appeared in "Minnesota Lawyer." This article discussed how social networks can be used to encourage attorneys to participate in pro bono programs to help alleviate the current shortage of legal services for the disadvantaged.

7. NWA PARALEGAL KIMBERLY NEALE: Sally reported that she is still trying to set up a meeting with Ms. Neale and the committee to discuss her wide range of job responsibilities; she may meet with just Sally if she can't find a time to meet with the whole committee.


NEXT MEETING: Friday, March 5, 2004 at 12:00 p.m. at the MSBA office

Minutes by Jean Diekmann, Chair

MSBA PARALEGAL COMMITTEE
January 16, 2004 Meeting Minutes

PRESENT: Bev Moe Carpenter, Sally Dahlquist, Mary Grau, Michelle McCullough, and Jean Diekmann

1. DECEMBER 4th MEETING MINUTES: These were distributed to the committee prior to the January meeting. Everyone present at the December meeting approved those minutes, except Sally, who said she would review them in the coming week and will give her approval/recommended changes to Jean.

2. RESEARCH ON PARALEGAL REGULATION STUDIES:
A. ABA Standing Committee - Jean contacted Jeffrey Campbell of the ABA Standing Committee on Paralegals regarding any recent state-by-state research results his committee might have. She is awaiting his response.
B. NFPA articles - Jean reviewed with the committee a few state-specific articles which were recently posted on NFPA's website. Bev asked about the text of North Carolina's Paralegal Profession Act. Since Jean hasn't read it yet, Bev will research it further on the Web.
C. Wisconsin paralegal regulation status - Per John Goudie, the petition requesting paralegal regulation was sent to the Wisconsin State Bar Association for signature, and then will be submitted to their Supreme Court later this month. An oral hearing will probably occur this fall, unless the petition is "fast tracked." John will notify Jean when the hearing date is set.

3. COMMITTEE WEBPAGE ENHANCEMENTS: Sally will e-mail her ideas to Jean in a few weeks.

4. NORTHWEST AIRLINES PARALEGAL: Sally reported that this woman wants to meet with us to discuss her multi-state paralegal duties, so Sally will see which future committee meeting date works for this Inver Hills Paralegal Program graduate.

5. MSBA CONVENTION EVENT: Mary noted that this year's convention theme is "Lighting the way to the Future." She suggested that we ask Nancy Wallrich, the MSBA Pro Bono Coordinator, what event she is planning for the convention, and see if we could "piggyback" on her event. Mary also suggested asking Kammi Stout, the MSBA Convention Coordinator, if any other committees or sections are planning on doing a pro bono program at this convention. Michelle feels that it's time for the committee to become active in a pro bono program by recruiting paralegals for pro bono work and/or by putting in pro bono time ourselves. All those present agreed, and we ultimately decided to hold a committee business meeting at the annual convention, where we will discuss pro bono opportunities for paralegals and attorneys and how to get involved in pro bono work. We will send special invitations to all MSBA paralegal members for this meeting. Tram Thai will give Jean a current MSBA paralegal member roster, and Michelle will gather information on various pro bono programs, including those in the Duluth area.

On a similar note, we should survey the MSBA paralegal members to see if they are currently doing pro bono work, whether they are planning on attending this year's MSBA convention, and if they would like to be on the paralegal committee next year.

Lastly, Barb wondered if one must pay the convention fee if she/he attends only the business meeting. She thought that that was the case last year, but Mary will verify this with Kammi Stout, and Jean will check with Helen Federline, last year's paralegal committee chair.

6. OTHER BUSINESS:
i. Illinois Legal Document Preparer Act - Helen distributed information about this Illinois bill to the committee prior to our meeting. We should check that state's paralegal association's website to see if they (paralegals) were involved with the creation of this bill.

ii. Fair Labor Standards Act - Bev asked if anyone is aware of any upcoming changes to this federal law that could affect paralegals professional (exempt/nonexempt) status. She heard something at her office about this, and will get more information from those folks and will also ask Helen, who may have current information on this topic.

iii. Sally will look into something she recently heard about pending changes to ethics rules for attorneys that may affect pro bono work and paralegals.

NEXT MEETING: Thursday, February 5, 2004 at 12:00 p.m. at the MSBA office

Minutes by Jean Diekmann, Chair

PRESENT: Bev Moe Carpenter, Sally Dahlquist, Helen Federline, Jean Diekmann

1. NEWS & MISC. COMMENTS: Helen said that she recently read a good article on paralegal utilization,"The Power of the Paralegal" by Tony Wright, in the November 24th issue of Lawyer's Weekly. She will e-mail it to the committee.

2. NOVEMBER 7th MEETING MINUTES: These were distributed to the committee and revised prior to the December meeting. The committee approved the revised version to be placed on our MSBA committee webpage.

3. RESEARCH ON PARALEGAL REGULATION STUDIES:
A. ABA Standing Committee - Jean hasn't had any response from this committee, so Helen suggested contacting a specific member directly for an update on any state-by-state research results.
B. NFPA articles - Jean couldn't access the most recent articles on NFPA's website, so Helen told Jean an alternate way of accessing them, since NFPA is currently upgrading its website.

4. PACE EXAM INFORMATIONAL MEETING: Jean reported that about a dozen people attended this meeting, and that she was discouraged by the declining numbers of people taking the exam these last few years, the low percentage of testtakers who pass the test, and that the test is geared toward litigation paralegal practice. The committee thinks that the latter point probably discourages transactional law paralegals from taking the test, but also wondered if there presently exists more transactional or litigation paralegals. The committee compared the format and content of the PACE and CLA exams.

In a more positive light, Sally believes that the PACE exam can be a good guideline for potential future paralegal regulation, as it helps distinguish a paralegal from someone that poses to the public to be a paralegal, but really isn't one. Helen noted that some states that currently regulate their paralegals do use the CLA or PACE test as a requirement for meeting that state's paralegal certification requirements. She also mentioned that NALA has trademarked the term "certified paralegal."

5. WEBPAGE ENHANCEMENTS: Sally reported that she is still working on this project, and plans to present some ideas at next month's meeting.

6. OTHER BUSINESS:
i. Regarding Helen's comment last month about the insurance industry's certification requirement for paying for paralegal work appearing on client bills, Bev wondered what the industry thinks a "certified/certificated (?) paralegal" is. Helen offered to ask attorney Russ Melton for more details on the insurance industry's notion of a "certified paralegal."

ii. Pro bono project: Jean told Nancy Wallrich that we will complete this project and get the final agency contact results list to her by December 12th.

iii. Sally is still working with the Northwest Airlines paralegal to set something up with her, perhaps an appearance at our next committee meeting.

iv. Helen will request a seminar for attorneys to attend at next year's Midwest Solo/Small Firm Success Conference, the topic being paralegal's role in "unbundling legal services."

v. Helen asked the committee if we want to do something at next year's MSBA and/or MPA annual conventions. MSBA's convention will be held on June 9th - 11th. The committee agreed that something along the lines of the value of paralegals in fulfilling the critical need for pro bono legal services might be in order, as a similar discussion at last year's MSBA panel was very beneficial. We will discuss this possibility at next month's meeting.

vi. Sally noted that we should encourage law schools to include a discussion of paralegal utilization in the delivery of legal services to the disadvantaged. In their CLE courses for their alumni.

NEXT MEETING: Friday, January 16, 2004 at 12:00 p.m. at the MSBA office

Minutes by Jean Diekmann, Chair

PRESENT: Sally Dahlquist, Helen Federline, Mary Grau, Jodi Standke, Jean Diekmann

1. WELCOME: Jean thanked everyone for continuing their service on the committee.

2. NEWS: Jean attended legislative committee meeting to learn procedure for submitting proposals to the MN Legislature via the MSBA review process; Jean met MSBA Lobbyist, Lloyd Grooms. Jean attended the MSBA leadership conference – the lunch presentation focused on the critical need for more pro bono services. Jean handed out memos received at the luncheon, “10 Pro Bono Initiatives” and “Crisis in Access to Justice” to the committee members.

3. PARALEGAL REGULATION PANEL REVIEW: The low attendance was disappointing, but the productive discussion made up for it. We learned that we need to educate attorneys on what paralegals can do for them in pro bono environments. There are lots of minor offenses cases currently handled in court in which paralegals can help out, but we have to educate those in the legal system of the opportunities to use paralegals. “Unbundling of legal services” is necessary to determine which tasks paralegals can do. We The People offers legal-related services to those who need low-cost legal service; however, they’ve been sued in TX, FL and CA, which shows the need for paralegal regulation. Concerning UPL (unauthorized practice of law), we agreed that there is a fine line between relaying legal advice and giving legal advice to clients.

4. PARALEGAL UTILIZATION PANEL REVIEW: The attendance was great and most completed evaluation forms had positive feedback on them. However, Jodi and Sally noted that they received some negative feedback verbally right after the panel event. Some attendees wanted to hear how to establish good, effective working relationships with their attorneys, but instead they heard what work paralegals are already doing. It was also noted that many people in the back of the room couldn’t see nor hear the panelists. We learned that we need to educate attorneys on paralegal utilization (which was the main purpose of creating this panel, which will eventually be presented to the bar association).

5. COMMMITTEE GOALS – PARALEGAL REGULATION: Regulation is still a threat to many paralegals, so we need to educate them on benefits of regulation. Paralegals working in law offices don’t need regulation—it’s the ones out in the public, serving those that need legal assistance, who could benefit from regulation. Legal aid departments/agencies and freelance paralegals would also benefit from regulation. We must assure law office paralegals that they won’t lose their jobs due to regulation. We agreed that the bar association won’t spend any time on this issue until paralegals as a group are unified in wanting regulation; thus, we need to determine regulation options (certification – licensure – regulation). At this point, we need to look at what other states have done in terms of paralegal regulation in their jurisdiction, and see what works and what doesn’t. Jean will research studies done by the ABA’s Standing Committee of Paralegals regarding paralegal regulation in various states. The MSBA also did a similar study in 1992.

6. COMMITTEE PROJECT – PRO BONO OPPORTUNITIES: Jean handed out copies of Jim Baillie’s memo regarding 10 pro bono initiatives for the MSBA this year. We noted that paralegal participation was not included, although Bev Carpenter did send an e-mail to Jim to let him know of our interest in being involved in these pro bono initiatives. Jean reviewed a project for the committee to do, which involves following up with current and prospective organizations that offer pro bono legal services to the public, and therefore want to be listed in the MSBA Pro Bono Opportunities Directory. The project needs to be done by October 31st. She will divide up all the organizations to be contacted among the attendees of this meeting, along with Michelle McCullough, and will send the assignments and copies of the current pro bono directory to the committee members next week.

7. MSBA Paralegal Committee website: Jean noted that a paralegal in Duluth inquired to her about the committee—who was on it, and what does the committee do. Jean said that she recently visited our webpage and discovered that there wasn’t much on it. She suggested that we beef up our webpage so it’s more informative to paralegal website visitors. Mary reminded the committee that committee agendas/meeting notices for the current bar year do appear on each committee’s webpage. Helen mentioned that Dick Erickson of the MSBA office is the website manager—he could help us with any webpage enhancements we decide to add. Sally thought it would be helpful to have links to other sites that paralegals use frequently, so she will make a list of suggested links to put on our webpage.

8. INDIANA BAR INQUIRY: Jean told the committee about a letter she received from Spencer Walton, Jr., the chair of the new paralegal committee of the Indiana State Bar Association. In the letter, he requested us to send him information regarding MN Bar’s requirements for paralegal membership, how we promote paralegal utilization to our attorneys, and how we promote bar membership to paralegals. Helen said she would direct him to Leslie Cox and Anita Hayward, two paralegals in Indiana who helped get paralegals on the Indiana Bar.

9. MINNESOTA SCHOOL OF BUSINESS: Jean mentioned that she recently received a solicitation from this school that has a paralegal program. She wanted to know if this program was “legit.” Helen assured Jean that it was, as she and Jodi Standke are on this paralegal program’s advisory board. They have an 18-month certificate program, bur are not ABA-approved yet. They intend to seek ABA approval in the near future via an associate degree program for paralegals.

NEXT MEETING: Friday, November 7, 2003 at 12:00 p.m. at the MSBA office

Minutes by Jean Diekmann, Chair

- Last Updated 08/05/05 -

2008 Meeting Minutes
Minutes from prior fiscal years
1/30/08 | 5/2/07 | 1/31/07 | 10/25/06 | 9/27/06

1/30/08 | 2/27/08 | 3/26/08 | 6/25/08 | 10/29/08

Minutes to MSBA Paralegal Committee Meeting
October 29, 2008 – 12 pm to 1:30 pm

Attendees (In-Person): Leondra Hanson, Helen Federline, September Holmblad, PP, PLS, Lynette Gilliland, PP, Barb Peppersack, Sylvia Naim, RP, Michelle McCollough, Sue Borres, Jean Dieckman and Sally Dahlquist.

Attendees (via Teleconference): John Kastan, Judi Stinson, Jillian Kase, Penny Cierzan and Steve Schneider.

Michelle introduced the newest member of the Paralegal Committee, Leondra Hanson.

AGENDA ITEMS: The agenda items left off from our last meeting are picked up at this meeting.

1. MSBA Position Paper

      Paper is not completed yet.  We need volunteers to take sections of the paper to write.  We currently have an outline for the paper.  The purpose of the position    paper is to have Paralegal Certification through MSBA.  We will be looking at   Ohio and North Carolina certification programs.

2. Analysis of Different States Paralegal Certification Programs

      A.        Ohio’s Paralegal Certification Program

      Michelle talked to Melissa Quick, Ohio Certification Manager.  The Ohio State Bar went to the Supreme Court regarding regulation to get started.  They modeled their paralegal certification after the Ohio attorney certification program.  The attorney certification program is modeled after the ABA program.

      Requirements of the Ohio Paralegal Certification Program is as follows: there are two main components their certification program: 1. education and work experience.  The CLE component is the completion of 12 hours over 3 years. Other requirements are 3 references, 2 references from attorneys and 1 from someone in the legal profession, the completion of the application and the exam. The exam is one that they developed and it is only administered once a year.

      The certification exam is made of 80% general area (80 questions) and the remaining 20% is made up of 2 substantive areas of law (20 questions, 10   questions each).  Applicants must choose 2 from 9 areas.  Individuals who fail 1 area of the exam and pass the other can still pass the exam.  In total, 124 paralegals are certified paralegals through the Ohio’s certification program. In 2007, 87 paralegals passed and 10 failed the exam.  In 2008, 42 paralegals         passed and 8 failed the exam.

      In-house corporate paralegals are expressing interest in taking the exam because they are required to do so within their corporate department.  Some paralegals have seen an increase in compensation, they believe because of their certification.
      There are over 2,000 paralegal members of the Ohio State Bar.

      The development of the test, they wrote the test themselves.  The bar created a specialty board of 12 members.  They hired a test specialist.  It took 1 year to get     the program up and running.  They decided in June 2006 and were ready in June 2007.  No surveys were done, they just went for it.

      The program has attorney buy-in; attorneys also get to bill out their certified paralegals out at a higher rate.  Paralegals who are certified claim they are getting    more complex cases.  They have also focused on advertising outside the bar.

      Fees:                           
      Ohio State Bar Membership                 $70
      Off Exam                                              $50
            Off Application                         $50
            *They don’t offer review courses for exam for either attorneys or paralegals.

            Legal educators have assisted with refresher courses for the exam at a cost of $100.  It is independent from the bar, it is videotaped and successful.

            The setup of the certification program was that they pushed regulation, then        certification.  They set up a specialty board first and came up with four components for the exam.  They did a budget analysis.  The general assembly of the bar approved it and it was approved with no problems.  The set up of the certification program has increased membership and revenue.

            There have been some discussion regarding national exams, however, attorneys do not recognize the national certification programs, but they recognize the Ohio certification program.  The overall tone is enthusiasm and success.

            B.         Delware’s Paralegal Certification Program

            September Holmblad researched Delaware’s paralegal certification program and           reported on the following.  Paralegals have to be members of the association to take their exam and maintain it.

            C.        Florida’s Paralegal Certification Program

            Judi Stinson has called but was not able to talk to someone yet.  She hopes to report on Florida’s program at the next meeting.

            D.        North Carolina’s Paralegal Certification Program
           
            Sylvia Naim has not yet made contact.
           
            E.         Texas’ Paralegal Certification Program

            Helen Federline has not yet made contact.

3.         MSBA’s Paralegal Certification Program

            Sue Borres has an exam moderator/writer.  Michelle suggested that we need the            support of MSBA’s certification manager, Jessica.  The steps this committee needs to take are: 1. prepare a report or proposal, 2. submit report/proposal to operations committee; and 3. upon approval of the operations committee, the proposal needs to be submitted for approval to the general assembly.

            Suggestion was made that the position paper should be more of a proposal to be           submitted to the operations committee and then the general assembly.  The position paper should include information about Ohio’s program and its success in the background section.  A task group should be formed to develop a certification program and the purpose of the program. 

            September Holmblad volunteered to write sections 5 and 6 of the position paper           outline from Sylvia.  Leondra will also help with the review of the paper and the integration along with Helen Federline and Sally Dahlquist.

            To fund the MSBA paralegal certification program, committee members need to            arrange for other funding sources (i.e., Grants from West Publishing and LexisNexis), as well as, contacting employers for support.  Additional resources: MLM, IPMA, MPA, MLAA, MTLA, AAFPE, LEEA, MDLA, other bar associations in the Twin Cities and county bar associations.  Helen Federline will try to locate the contact list for the county bar associations.  Barb Peppersack will    have one of the floaters in her firm research all the MN county bars for contact information.

            Michelle has not yet been in contact with the different vendors for grant support.            Sally Dahlquist knows a former paralegal student who may be able to assist with getting grant support.  Sally may also have a contact at West Publishing. Someone suggested that the MLM could also give grants.

            Would the ABA Standing Committee on Paralegals support our certification program?  It was suggested that they may be limited on what they can do because of the guidelines they have in place that governs ABA.  The ABA is re-reviewing their online paralegal programs because of the growing popularity of online paralegal programs.

4.   Raising the profile of paralegals and certification, the committee agreed that members of the committee should try to write articles for submission to various publications or to try to present at CLEs.  The following are just a few contacts to various bar association sectionals.

      MN CLE – Michelle McCollough to contact

                  Update: Michelle has made contact with MN CLE, but she hasn’t been                                     able to get any information yet.  Members of the committee suggested that                    Michelle contact Vince O’Brian, Tim Morrow, Lisa McKenna and/or                              Frank Harris (executive director).

      Hennepin Co. Bar Assoc. – Lynnette Gilliland to contact Carol Berg
                 
                  Lynnette has not yet made contact.

      Dakota Co. Bar Assoc. – Sally Dahlquist to contact Joan Voltz

                  Sally has made contact with Joan Voltz and they have a meeting scheduled on November 5th.

      New Lawyers Sectional – Sylvia Naim to contact

                  Sylvia emailed the sectional chair and is awaiting a response.  She hopes                                    to update the committee at the next meeting.  It was suggested that the                                    Paralegal Committee and the New Lawyer Sectional should partner up for                               a social event to help cross-market each of our groups.

      Anoka Co. Bar Assoc. – September Holmblad to contact the bar president

                        September has made contact and they said ok, but nothing more has                             developed.

Helen suggested that both the Ramsey County and the Duluth bar associations should be contacted.  Lynette volunteered to contact Ramsey and Michelle volunteered to contact Duluth.

5.         Publications – Articles

Helen Federline has not yet made any contact with the individual she knows in the Elder Law sectional to write an article.  Michelle contacted the Elder Law Sectional and she announced that the Elder Law sectional was very excited.  They publish an e-newsletter once a week.  They would like articles of interest to Elder Law attorneys and that they need to be more law based such as the ethics of dealing with seniors from a paralegal’s perspective.

Michelle also contacted the Probate Sectional.  They would love a submission from us.  Helen suggested Cindy Costello to be an author for an article.  Barb Peppersack volunteered to look into this.

Sylvia contacted Lynda Nelson, Paralegal Supervisor with the Office of Lawyers’ Professional Responsibility regarding writing an article on Paralegal Ethics.  The article could be broad and sent to all practice areas.  Lynda is interested in writing an article but wanted more direction.  At the committee meeting, it was suggested that the article be geared towards ethics (generally) and the ethics of using paralegals in their practice, applicable to attorneys.  Sylvia will provide Lynda with this information, so she can start writing the article. 

            It was suggested that an article should be written for the Bench & Bar regarding             MSBA Paralegal Certification, as well as, the MN Lawyer and Law and Politics.

Next Meeting is tentatively scheduled for the first week of December at noon to 1:30 pm at the MSBA offices.  Sue Borres will check the calendar and email the group with the next confirmed meeting date.

The 2009 MSBA Annual Convention will be held in Duluth.  It was recommended by committee members that the Paralegal Committee should try to have a strong presence at the convention.

Meeting Adjourned.

Minutes to MSBA Paralegal Committee Meeting
June 25, 2008 – 12 pm to 1:30 pm

Attendees (In-Person): Sylvia Naim, RP, Barb Peppersack, September Holmblad, PP, PLS, Lynette Gilliland, PP, Helen Federline, Jean Dieckman and Sue Bores.

Attendees (via Teleconference): Michelle McCollough, John Kastan, Judi Stinson and Sally Dahlquist

AGENDA ITEMS: The agenda for this meeting will be to review the attorney and paralegal surveys and determine an answer to the following questions (Yes, No, or there isn’t enough data).

1. How does this affect our attorney members?  How many attorneys will find the paralegal certification designation to be of value to their law practice and support the program?  How many will use the designation when hiring a paralegal?

1. Is there enough demand by paralegals to support a paralegal certification program?

1. The program will need to support itself financially, same as the attorney certification programs.  (See the budget handout for the financial specifics.)  Can you demonstrate that there will be enough income annually to cover expenses?

If the Committee decides that the answer to all three questions is yes, then the next step is for the committee to write a report that addresses the questions above and recommends that the MSBA form a Task Force of paralegals and attorneys to develop a program.  The report will need to be submitted to the Operations subcommittee of the Assembly for consideration.

Discussion of Agenda Items:

The MSBA paralegal certification survey results were reviewed and discussed.

The International Paralegal Management Association (IPMA) released a position statement on regulation.  They are generally opposed to mandatory regulation.

Paralegal certification fees of states with voluntary certification already in place were discussed and are as follows:

            North Carolina                                               Ohio
            Application Fee            $125                            Members Application Fee         $150
            Exam Fee                     $50                              Exam Fee                                 $100
            Annual Renewal Fee     $50                              Bi-Annual Report Fee               $100
                                                                                    Recertification Fee                    $150
                                                                                    Non-Members ($50 more per fee)

There are currently 82 certified paralegals in Ohio.
           
Suggestion was made to review the budget in order to proceed with moving forward with the voluntary certification program.

Currently, there are 150 paralegal members of the MSBA. 
There is approx. 1,000 members of the Minnesota Paralegal Association (MPA), 96 are out-of-state members.
There are approx. 4,000 paralegals in the State of Minnesota.

Todd Scott wrote an article about paralegals in the MSBA Solo Practioner newsletter. (Article will be located and distributed to committee members).

One or more members of the Committee will need to work on contacting the State Bars for both North Carolina and Ohio regarding their certification programs.

Education and Marketing are two very important issues for certification

Mike Ford, current MSBA President is very pro-paralegal.

Currently, there are 800 certified attorneys in Minnesota and there are 8-9 certification programs within the MSBA.

FUNDING

1. To fund the MSBA paralegal certification program, committee members need to arrange for other funding sources (i.e., Grants from West Publishing and LexisNexis).
2. To collect dues, our paralegal committee needs to become a sectional.  In order to become a sectional, we need more than 50 members.
3. An additional resource: Minnesota Lawyers Mutual (MLM) for support regarding reduction of insurance fees for attorneys.
1. Paralegal Committee members would have to talk to MLM directly
2. Additional resource for marketing
4. Additional support could come from the following associations: MLM, IPMA, MPA, MLAA, MTLA and MDLA

ACTION ITEMS:

1. Todd Scott article regarding paralegals will be distributed to committee members. (Sylvia will distribute to members)

2. South Dakota Legislative rule regarding paralegals will be distributed to committee members.  (Sylvia will distribute to members)

3. Write a position paper of all our findings along with a summary of the paralegal survey results and submit to MSBA (can work on this over summer break).

Paralegal Committee Members volunteered/assigned:

1. John Kastan, Michelle McCollough and Sylvia Naim volunteered to write the initial draft of the position paper.
2. Sally Dahlquist and Helen Federline volunteered to proofread the position paper.

4. Contact associations (mentioned above) for support.

Paralegal Committee Members volunteered:

1. Helen Federline to put together a contact list
2. Lynette Gilliland to draft letters to the various associations
3. Barb Peppersack to assist as needed

5. Contact other states regarding their voluntary paralegal certification program.

Paralegal Committee Member volunteered/assigned:
Texas – Helen Federline
Florida – Judi Stinson
Ohio – Michelle McCollough
North Carolina – Sylvia Naim
Delaware – not assigned

6. Contact West Publishing and LexisNexis for grants. 

Michelle McCollough volunteered to take this task on.

7. (From the March 2008 Committee Meeting) Marketing: Raise profile of paralegals and certification.

Michelle stated that members of the Paralegal Committee should try to write articles for submission to various publications or to try to present at CLEs.  The following are just a few contacts to various bar association sectionals.

Efforts should be made to contact other district bar associations.  Helen stated that the Stearns Bench & Bar is separate from the 10th Judicial District Bar.

Publications – Articles:

Prior to the meeting, Michelle sent a list via email of publication individuals who could be contacted for article submissions for that specific area of law or general articles applicable to every area of law regarding paralegals.

Helen Federline announced that she is in the process of writing an article for the Elder Law publication.

Sylvia suggested that Lynda Nelson, Paralegal Supervisor with the Office of Lawyers’ Professional Responsibility, could write an article on Paralegal Ethics.  The article could be broad and sent to all practice areas.  Sylvia will ask Lynda if she would be interested in writing such an article.

A possible Bench & Bar article submission could be regarding the Wisconsin Supreme Court Paralegal Licensure Hearing on April 7th.

Next Meeting will be held September 24th at noon to 1:30 pm at the MSBA offices.

Meeting Adjourned.

Minutes to MSBA Paralegal Committee Meeting
March 26, 2008 – 12 pm to 1:30 pm

Attendees (In-Person): Michelle McCollough, Sylvia Naim, RP, September Holmblad, PP, PLS, Lynette Gilliland, PP, John Kastan, Helen Federline, Judi Stinson, Mary Beth Curry and Sue Bores.

Attendees (via Teleconference): Steve Schneider and Sally Dahlquist

John Kastan announced that Governor Tim Pawlenty signed the Proclamation recognizing June 1st – 7th, 2008 as Paralegal Week.  A copy of the signed proclamation was distributed to members of the Paralegal Committee.

AGENDA ITEMS:

• Survey of paralegals regarding a voluntary paralegal certification program.

• Paralegal participation in the MSBA’s Sesquicentennial activities.  (Henry Evans to report on this since he is on the Sesquicentennial Committee also).

• Develop a plan to raise the profile of paralegals with attorneys.

• New Business.

DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEM #1:

Prior to the meeting, Michelle McCollough sent a draft of survey questions to be sent to all MPA members and MSBA Paralegal members.  This survey was discussed and the following was decided:

Upon initial review of the survey and further discussion, the committee decided to keep the paragraph as is, but to add to the following statement to the first paragraph, “MPA supports this initiative and is jointly working with MSBA…”

The first three paragraphs were taken from the MSBA attorney survey regarding paralegal regulation.  Committee discussed and decided to keep language as is.

Paragraph #4 regarding, “Licensure” was added to the survey by Michelle and taken from the NFPA website.  Upon further discussion, it was decided that this paragraph would remain as is.

Paragraph #5 regarding “minimum standards” was added to the survey by Michelle.  Upon further discussion, the committee decided to keep the paragraph as is, with the exception of changing the word, “would” to “could” in the last sentence. 

Committee decided to add a paragraph defining the differences between certificated paralegal and certified paralegal.  Paragraph will include sentence to read as, “…if graduated from certificate program, it does not mean you are certified…”  We will also add the definitions for the following designations, RP, CP/CLA, PP and ACP to this paragraph.

MPA’s purpose of this survey is to know how its membership feels about regulation and licensure.

Questions 1 and 2 will remain the same.

Question #3 – the word “voluntary” will be removed from the question.  It will now read, “Do you understand the difference between certification and licensure?”

Question #4 - the word “voluntary” will be added in front of “state certification program”.  Question to now read, “Would you be in favor of a voluntary state certification program?”

Question #5 – “whether state or national certification” will be added to the question at the end to complete the question.  Question will now read, “Would you see a benefit to yourself in being certified, whether state or national certification?”  Also add next to the “Comment” box, “If yes, please list benefits”.

Question #8 will be moved up to question #6.  Question #8 currently reads, “Which would you prefer: National (RP or CP) or State Certification?  This question will be changed to now read, “Which would you prefer: National (RP, CP/CLA, PP or ACP) or State Certification?”

Old question #6 will be moved to question #7.  Old question #6 currently reads, “Would you be willing to pay for your own certification? [See example fee schedule below].  This question (now #7) will remain the same, with the exception of the word, “below”, will now be changed to “above”.  Fee schedule will be moved in front of question 7.

Old question #7 will be moved to question #8.  Old question #7 currently reads, “Should the MSBA offer a paralegal certification program?  This question (now #8) will be changed to now read, “Should the MSBA offer a paralegal certification program?  Please comment on what a successful program should encompass for you.”

Questions 9 and 10 will remain the same.

Question #11 will be deleted from the survey.

At the end of the survey, a general comment box will be added with the following language, “Please provide any additional comments regarding certification or licensure that you may have.”

This survey will be emailed to all MSBA Paralegal members.  MPA will send a broadcast email to all of its members with a link to the survey. The body of the email will stress importance of issue and survey and how it could shape profession.  Email will also include language urging members to send survey to any other Minnesota Paralegal who is not currently an MPA member.

DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEM #2:

Henry Evans sent Michelle a copy of the South Dakota Legislation, Chapter 16 (SDL 16) which defines who a paralegal can be in South Dakota.  Judi Stinson will scan and email to Paralegal Committee members.

Henry Evans was not present at today’s meeting to report on MSBA’s Sesquicentennial activities.  He is on the Sesquicentennial Committee.

DISCUSSION OF ACTION ITEM #3:

Raise profile of paralegals and certification.

Michelle stated that members of the Paralegal Committee should try to write articles for submission to various publications or to try to present at CLEs.  The following are just a few contacts to various bar association sectionals.

Efforts should be made to contact other district bar associations.
Helen stated that the Stearns Bench & Bar is separate from the 10th Judicial District Bar.

Publications – Articles:

Prior to the meeting, Michelle sent a list via email of publication individuals who could be contacted for article submissions for that specific area of law or general articles applicable to every area of law regarding paralegals.

Helen Federline announced that she is in the process of writing an article for the Elder Law publication.

Sylvia suggested that Lynda Nelson, Paralegal Supervisor with the Office of Lawyers’ Professional Responsibility, could write an article on Paralegal Ethics.  The article could be broad and sent to all practice areas.  Sylvia will ask Lynda if she would be interested in writing such an article.

A possible Bench & Bar article submission could be regarding the Wisconsin Supreme Court Paralegal Licensure Hearing on April 7th.

NEW BUSINESS:

Michelle announced that she along with Helen Federline, Sylvia Naim and NFPA President, Anita Hayworth, will be attending the Wisconsin Supreme Court Hearing on Monday, April 7, 2008 at 9:45 am. 

John announced that NFPA will be holding their annual convention in 2011 in Minneapolis.  MPA will be hosting. 

Other announcements:

• May 9th – 10th – NFPA Pro Bono Conference in Minneapolis.  Hosted by Faegre & Benson
• June 5th - MPA Annual Conference

Michelle will send out email to Paralegal Committee members after the 4/7/08 WI Supreme Court Hearing.

Next meeting topics will be:

• Survey results discussion
• Updates on Publications contacts

Next Meeting will be held April 30th at noon to 1:30 pm at the MSBA offices.

Meeting Adjourned.

Minutes to MSBA Paralegal Committee Meeting
February 27, 2008 – 12 pm to 1:30 pm

Attendees (In-Person): Michelle McCollough, Sylvia Naim, RP, Jean Dieckman, September Holmblad, PP, PLS, Lynette Gilliland, PP, Henry Evans and Sue Bores.

Attendees (via Teleconference): Renae Fry, Jillian Kase, Sally Dahlquist and Barb Peppersack

Michelle thanked Sylvia for preparing last month’s minutes and for conducting last month’s meeting while she was absent.  Michelle also thanked Jillian for writing the family law article.  Jillian announced that the article will be published next month.

Michelle announced that the Wisconsin Supreme Court hearing regarding Paralegal Licensure is scheduled to take place on April 7th.  Michelle, Helen and Sylvia will be attending the hearing.

ACTION ITEMS (from January meeting):

• Develop plan/timeline to educate attorneys and to market certification of paralegals.  What are the issues?  How do we get it out there?  Who do we get it to?  What did Wisconsin do to market paralegal licensure/regulation?

• Develop paralegal survey for distribution to MPA members.  (John Kastan will develop survey).

• Marketing/educating of Paralegal Managers/Legal Administrators – IPMA?

• MSBA 150th Anniversary – booths at the state fair, capitol.  Develop brochures to market paralegal regulation program.  Paralegal committee involvement, marketing and education.

DISCUSSION OF ACTION ITEM #2:

Prior to the meeting, John Kastan sent a draft of survey questions to be sent to all MPA members.  This survey was discussed and the following was decided:

• Question #1 on the survey should be eliminated;
• Question #2 on the survey is ok;
• Question #3 on the survey is ok;
• Question #4 on the survey is ok;
• Question #5 on the survey is obvious and therefore should be eliminated;
• Question #6 on the survey is obvious and therefore should be eliminated; and
• Question #7 on the survey is repetitive and should be eliminated or it should be re-worded.

Upon further discussion, it was decided that questions 3, 4 and 7 should be combined to form one question.

The committee decided to put an introduction before the survey questions, defining or explaining “Paralegal” and defining or explaining licensure, certification and regulation (something similar to what was done on the MSBA survey to attorneys).

There was some discussion of possibly putting links to other states’ website regarding regulation of paralegals because each state is different.  There was also a discussion of
outlining the fees on the survey.

There was discussion that it might be best to tailor the MSBA attorney survey for dissemination to the paralegals.  Questions to be added to the survey would be:

1. How long have you been a paralegal?
2. Would you be in favor of a certification program?  If yes, why?
3. Would you see a benefit to yourself in being certified?  If yes, why?
4. Would you be willing to pay for your own certification? (Give examples of fees).
5. Do you think MSBA should offer a certification program of Paralegals in Minnesota?
6. Which would you prefer, National (RP or CP) or State certification?

Michelle will review these questions, expand on them, talk to John and present them at the next meeting for discussion.  Sue will send John (MPA) the Survey Monkey link for the MPA survey.  Michelle will add comment boxes and why questions to the survey.

MSBA would need to demonstrate to the paralegals the value; certification and the program have, in order to pay for itself.

In last month’s meeting minutes, Sue Bores mentioned that it would cost about $20,000/year to maintain the MSBA paralegal certification program.  Some committee members wanted clarification of how that figure was determined.  Sue explained that it would take about $15,000 - $20,000 for 10 hours of staff time per week with additional costs for marketing, postage and program expenses.

The questions on the MPA survey would need to clarify between mandatory vs. voluntary certification program.  Sue mentioned that MSBA would look to MPA to take the lead for the mandatory certification program, and then MPA would approach the bar to assist with the mandatory certification program.

Sue Bores announced there are 150 paralegal members of the MSBA.

Henry Evans announced that the South Dakota Paralegal Committee is made up of all attorneys, except for one member who is a paralegal and the President of the South Dakota Paralegal Association.  South Dakota Legislation, Chapter 16 (SDL 16) defines who a paralegal can be.  The statute was adopted by the Legislature.  The South Dakota Bar is mandatory for attorneys.  Henry will email a copy of the statute to members of the paralegal committee in PDF format. 

Sue announced that in order for the MSBA Paralegal Committee to become a sectional, we would need to have 50 members, collect dues and have our own sectional by-laws.  In 1999/2000, the Paralegal Committee was a sub-committee and then it was bumped up to a full committee.  We currently have 17 members.

DISCUSSION OF ACTION ITEM #4:

MSBA 150th Anniversary

• May Day – official state holiday
• June – State Bar Convention
• September – State Fair booth

Henry will email all the details of the above events to the members of the Paralegal Committee.

Lynette announced that the NALS regional conference is scheduled to take place on June 13th – 14th, 2008 in Duluth (around the same time of the MSBA State Bar Convention).

DISCUSSION OF ACTION ITEM #3:

Sylvia announced that IPMA is not in support of certification

Committee decided to table this action item for now, to be revisited at a later time.

DISCUSSION OF ACTION ITEM #1:

Committee decided that we could spend an entire meeting devoted to this action item.  It was decided to table this action item for now, to be revisited at a later time.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Michelle announced that she has a list of publications that committee members could submit articles to regarding the MSBA Paralegal Committee and/or generic topics.  Michelle will distribute this list to the committee members.

Michelle announced that she is lobbying to get paralegals as members of Minnesota Intellectual Property Law Association (MIPLA).

Next Meeting will be held March 26th at noon to 1:30 pm at the MSBA offices.

Meeting Adjourned.

January 30, 2008 – 12 pm to 1:30 pm

Attendees (In-Person): Sylvia Naim, RP, September Holmblad, PP, PLS, Lynette Gilliland, PP, Barb Peppersack, Judi Stinson and Sue Bores.

Attendees (via Teleconference): Helen Federline, Mavis Pattee, Sally Dahlquist, John Kastan and Henry Evans

Committee members examined each of the survey questions and answers on the MSBA attorney survey regarding paralegal certification.

Committee members discussed each of the comments made by survey respondents regarding questions 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12.

Finance committee was proposed to analyze finances needed to start and maintain the MSBA Paralegal Certification program.

Helen Federline announced that the following states have voluntary paralegal certification with fees: North Carolina, Ohio and Texas.

Helen also announced that the Wisconsin Supreme Court will consider Paralegal Licensure in April 2008.

When asked how much MSBA would need to fund the paralegal certification program, Sue Borres announced it would cost about $20,000/year to maintain the program.  There are a total of 16,000 attorney members of MSBA.

Committee asked John Kastan (MPA President and Committee member) if MPA would survey the paralegals regarding certification/regulation interest.  John agreed it would be a good idea.

ACTION ITEMS (for next meeting):

1. Develop plan/timeline to educate attorneys and to market certification of paralegals.  What are the issues?  How do we get it out there?  Who do we get it to?  What did Wisconsin do to market paralegal licensure/regulation?
2. Develop paralegal survey for distribution to MPA members.  (John Kastan will develop survey).
3. Marketing/educating of Paralegal Managers/Legal Administrators – IPMA?
4. MSBA 150th Anniversary – booths at the state fair, capitol.  Develop brochures to market paralegal regulation program.  Paralegal committee involvement, marketing and education.

Next Meeting will be held February 27th at noon to 1:30 pm at the MSBA offices.

Meeting Adjourned.

PRESENT: Jean Diekmann, Sally Dahlquist, Heidi Slegers, Helen Federline, Ranae Fry, Penny Cierzan, Sylvia Naim, Barb Peppersack and Michelle McCullough

1. NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Nothing to report.

2. LETTER TO MSBA COMMITTEES AND SECTIONS: The committee discussed feedback they had received from the various sections and committees. Barb shared that the Probate Section suggested we get involved in Wills For Heroes, CLE’s and luncheon seminars. Other members were in the process of following up with their section/ committee. The committee expressed an interest in presenting at various Institutes and Michelle will contact MNCLE to see about getting involved.

3. CERTIFICATION: The Committee discussed the recent proposal by Meaghan Harper to implement a local Certification program run by the MSBA.

The committee reviewed several of the national certification programs and discussed the benefit of having a state certification program. The committee was overwhelmingly in support of a state certification program. The committee discussed surveying MPA paralegals, attorneys and human resource groups to see if they recognized a benefit to having a state certification program. The committee would also like to be in contact with North Carolina and other bar associations that have started a certification program.

Michelle will contact Meaghan to let her know the committee supports the idea and will find out what the next steps are to get it started.

4. NEXT MEETING: The committee decided to meet on May 30, 2007 in order to discuss the certification program further.

PRESENT: Jean Diekmann, Sally Dahlquist, Heidi Slegers, Helen Federline, Ranae Fry, Barb Peppersack and Michelle McCullough

1. NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: MPA Winter Gala: The committee was reminded the MPA Winter Gala is being held February 8th at the Science Museum. The dates for future meetings were also provided: The Annual Meeting will be June 14th and the Fall Gathering will be October 18th. Wisconsin Licensure: Helen provided an update on licensing efforts around the country. Rumor has it that the Wisconsin Supreme Court will take up Petition in Wisconsin regarding mandatory licensure. Wisconsin would be the first state to require mandatory licensure. Helen also mentioned the upcoming issue of the Paralegal Reporter has an article on licensing efforts. ABA Business Law Section: Jean shared an article she found on Paralegal Utilization in the ABA’s Business Law Section. The article is available on line by going to abanet.org, clicking on member groups, business law and then view the latest publication. Wills for Heroes Update: The program is still getting underway. We will be notified when they are ready for volunteers. Sue mentioned that the Military Assistance committee provides assistance to those coming back and going to war. We may want to check with them to see if we can get involved with their program. Legal Corps: Michelle mentioned that she contacted Legal Corps to see if they accepted paralegal volunteers. She had not gotten a response yet.

2. LOGO: The logo was tabled for next month as Cathy’s husband has been extremely busy at work and has not been able to work on it. Michelle has an artist friend she will ask to work on it.

3. LETTER TO MSBA COMMITTEES AND SECTIONS: The committee reviewed a draft provided by Michelle. The committee preferred the letter verses the invitation-style. Michelle will revise the letter for the next meeting. The committee then reviewed the list of sections and committees and picked several of each to target with the first letters: Children and the Law (Jean), Elder law, Family law (Sally), Immigration law (Michelle), Law Student and New Lawyers (Sally), Probate and Trust law (Barb), Real Property law (Renee), Military law, Human Rights, Diversity and LAD.

4. MEMBERSHIP PHAMPLET: The committee reviewed membership pamphlets from other paralegal organizations and discussed what should be included in the pamphlet. It was suggested we should definitely include practicelaw.org, Court Ops and Sections and Committees. Everyone liked the brochure by the Ohio State Bar Association, so we will model ours after that. Helen mentioned that we do not want to state that CLE’s are a specific benefit as any paralegal can receive the same rate as the reduced MSBA member rate. Helen also wanted to clarify how the membership pamphlet was going to be presented: is it being published by the MSBA or our committee? Michelle will provide Sue with the text for the pamphlet and Sue will make the brochure using PageMaker.

5. NEW PROJECTS & NEW BUSINESS: Committee was already running over the scheduled time and did not get to new business.

MSBA PARALEGAL COMMITTEE
October 25, 2006 Meeting Minutes

PRESENT: Jean Diekmann, Martha Sartoris, Cathy Kennedy, Sally Dahlquist, Barb Peppersack and Michelle McCullough

1. NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: MPA Annual Membership Meeting: Barb reminded the committee that the MPA annual meeting would take place that night.

2. MISSION STATEMENT: The committee reviewed a draft Mission Statement prepared by Michelle and Martha. Several revisions were suggested. The final version for approval is:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Mission of the paralegal committee is to provide a forum for paralegals, educators, attorneys and other legal professionals to engage in discussion and research relevant to the paralegal profession and the legal community.

The goals of the Committee are:

• Promote effective utilization of paralegals
• Serve as a resource to students, legal community and the public
• Assist in the delivery of quality legal services
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Logo: Cathy presented a draft logo for the committee to review. Several options were discussed, including adding scales, shaking hands, open hands, 2 people facing each other, the Norway Pine, the MN Judicial Center or court house. The committee also consulted several other paralegal committee logos and suggested Cathy draft a logo with the state of Minnesota and legal scales or the Norway Pine tree. The committee also liked the wording “MSBA Paralegal Committee” around the outer circle.

3. PARALEGAL MEMBERSHIP PAMPHLET AND UTILIZATION PAMPHELT: The committee decided to table the pamphlets until the mission statement is approved. Michelle offered to work on a draft pamphlet.

4. NEW PROJECTS AND BUSINESS: Michelle shared an update on the Wills for Heroes program being implemented by the Probate and Trust Sectional. This program will send volunteer attorneys, paralegals and secretaries to fire stations and police stations to prepare wills for first responders. They will definitely need paralegal volunteers and once the program is ready to go, this will be a great pro bono opportunity for paralegals.

Michelle suggested looking at current bar programs to see if we can get more involved in existing programs. Barb suggested sending a letter of introduction and interest to the other MSBA committees and offered to draft a letter for our review at the next meeting. Sue said she would contact Emily, the MSBA liaison for Mock Trial to see how they could use our help. Michelle offered to follow up with Class Action, after several members mentioned seeing an advertisement for volunteers in the MSBA Digest.

NEXT MEETING: November 29, 2006

Minutes by Michelle McCullough, Chair

PRESENT: Jean Diekmann, Martha Sartoris, Sally Dahlquist, Jeanne Kosieradzke, Heidi Slegers, Barb Peppersack and Michelle McCullough

1. NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Letter from inmate: Jean shared a letter she received from an inmate requesting pro se help or referral to a legal secretary or paralegal. The committee decided this was not something we wanted to get involved with directly, but referrals to Cathy Kennedy at the MN School of Business, Debbie Rahman at Anoka Tech’s Legal Secretary Program and Barb Golden or Sue Larson at the MN State Law Library were suggested. ABA Approval: Sally announced that Inver Hills has been re-approved by the ABA through 2012. Congratulations!

2. MISSION STATEMENT: The committee reviewed MCBAPB’s mission statement and discussed the key elements of the mission statement. It was suggested that the mission statement should possibly have short bullets, be broad vs. specific and have long term v. short term goals. It was decided that Michelle and Martha would work on a few drafts and present them at the next committee meeting. Any ideas should be sent to Martha at Martha.sartoris@nhcc.edu. Michelle and Martha will look at other Bar Committee’s mission statements for more examples. Several goals were suggested by the committee: 1) help students transition into jobs and 2) share more information on who needs entry level paralegals. Logo: The graphic designers at The Minnesota School of Business have not provided Cathy with a logo yet; she will continue to try and get something.

3. JOB BANK: The mission statement discussion segued to whether we want to post jobs on our committee’s web page in order to link potential employees and employers. It was pointed out that we would have to make sure this was OK with the MSBA. It was also suggested that we could have links to the county bar associations for employment access.

4. CLIFF RHODES: Michelle shared an email from Cliff Rhodes, Dean of Presentation College – Fairmont Campus, who requested paralegal job statistics to determine the demand for a paralegal program. The committee suggested he look to the U.S. Department of Labor and the MN Demographer (www.demography.state.mn.us). Sally offered to speak with Cliff if he had any further questions.

5. MENTORSHIP PROGRAM: Sally suggested the committee think about starting a mentorship program, possibly in conjunction with the MPA. Barb relayed that the MPA’s mentorship program is not active because they can’t find mentors. The committee discussed how we could set up a program to benefit attorneys and paralegals. Suggestions for a mentorship program or educational program included 1) host sessions on various topics and 2) offer technology training with CLE credit. The question whether mentors could get CLE credit was also raised. The committee will continue to brainstorm and review program options.

NEXT MEETING: October 25, 2006

Minutes by Michelle McCullough, Chair

- Last Updated 10/25/06 -