2003 Index to Articles

By subject for all articles published between January and December 2003.

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FEATURES

• Head of Her Class
  By Tim Pareti
  Feisty paralegal brings reality and opinions into the classroom.
  January/February

• Learning Curve
  By Debra Levy Martinelli
  In-house training is part of every paralegal’s experience.
  January/February

• Investigating a Child Abuse Action
  By Toni Marsh, Esq.
  The legal assistant’s role.
  January/February

• 2002 Index to Articles
  By Rachel Ng
  January/February

• 2002 Salary Survey Results: Still Smiling After 2002?
  By Rod Hughes
  In a year rife with economic decline, paralegals still managed some respectable gains.
  March/April

• Defending Terry Nichols
  By Debra Levy Martinelli
  A former paralegal reflects on a client who irreparably changed the American landscape.
  March/April

• Secrets of Management Unveiled
  By Brad J. Baber, CLA
  An insider’s look at the role of paralegal managers.
  March/April

• Crafting a Resume
  By Janet M. Roberts
  By way of introduction.
  March/April

• It’s All In Hand
  By Debra Levy Martinelli
  PDAs provide efficient mobility for the next generation of paralegals.
  May/June

• 2002 Technology Survey Results: Technology is Now
  By Rod Hughes
  Paralegals continue to benefit from technology and encourage educators to focus on computer training.
  May/June

• Inside the World of Time & Billing
  By Denise P. Ward
  May/June

• A Temporary Solution
  By Rachel Ng
  Paralegals and law firms find temporary employment a workable solution to a troubled job market.
  May/June

• A Tidal Wave of Documents
  by Debra Levy Martinelli
  Technology and organization are the keys to staying afloat in any large litigation case.
  July/August

• 9 Critical Steps for Trial Preparation
  by David J. Dempsey
  July/August

• Spoliation of Evidence
  by Stacey Hunt, CLA, CAS
  How paralegals can play a key role in stopping the unthinkable.
  July/August

• Art of Negotiation
  by Jeffrey A. Helewitz
  These key tools will help your negotiations go smoothly.
  July/August

• Foreign Affairs
  by Nancy Ritter
  A document management matter with international flair offers tips for counsel.
  July/August

• League of Extraordinary Women
  by Debra Levy Martinelli
  LAT’s 2003 Paralegal of the Year and two runners-up demonstrate a passion for their profession.
  September/October

• Plugged into E-filing
  by Susan Jennen Larson
  Where it’s been; where it’s going and how it affects legal assistants.
  September/October

• Legal Nurse Consulting
  by Neal R. Bevans
  The next big trend.
  September/October

• Technically Speaking
  by Rod Hughes
  Former paralegal capitalizes on legal technology experience and expertise.
  September/October

• Coke Is It
  by Rod Hughes
  Beverage giant offers two legal assistants expansive and vital roles.
  November/December

• Above and Beyond
  by Rachel Campbell
  LAT’s Rookie of the Year sets high goals for herself and achieves them.
  November/December

• The Corporate Fast Track
  by Debra Levy Martinelli
  Case management programs are the right ticket for these large corporate legal departments.
  November/December

• Court Dockets at the Touch of a Button
  by David S. Byrne
  Online tools are streamlining the records retrieval process for corporate and litigation paralegals.
  November/December

COLUMNS

My Opinion

• No Letters Needed
  by Bobbie Polozeck
  A voice for the uncertified.
  January/February
• Disagreement on the Particulars
  by Pamela R. Cobb, CLA and Olivia C. "Libby" Roleson, CLAS
  Valid points are made regarding education, but specifics are at the heart of the debate.
  March/April
• What Paralegals Mean to Me
  by D. Jeffrey Campbell
  More than I could imagine or am able to express.
  May/June
• It’s Your Obligation: Report UPL
  by Katharine L. Essex, CLA
  UPL guidelines are available for paralegals to fall back on.
  July/August
• Don’t Eliminate Overtime Pay
  by R. Elton Johnson III, RP
  Mandatory paralegal regulation and decent compensation needed first.
  September/October
• It Ain’t Easy Being Green
  by Clayton T. Burns
  The challenges, rewards and opportunities in environmental law.
  November/December

Creative Computing

• Mock Trials Enter 21st Century
  by Dwayne E. Krager
  Savvy paralegals can turn technology advances into firm successes.
  January/February
• A-to-Z Approach to Legal Services
  by Dwayne E. Krager
  March/April
• Find What You Need
  by Dwayne E. Krager
  West and LexisNexis offer paralegals unprecedented resources, spawn creation of other online resources.
  May/June
• The Impossible Assignment
  by Pamela S. Brown
  Tips for finding elusive information.
  July/August
• Training Yourself
  by Pamela S. Brown
  Tools on the Internet can help you become indispensable in your firm.
  September/October
• It Looks Good, But Is It Reliable?
  by Pamela S. Brown
  Five steps to more accurate Internet research.
  November/December

Legal Research & Writing
by Celia C. Elwell, RP

• Give Me That Old-time Legal Research
  Technology can fail us, but books can get you out of a pinch every time.
  January/February
• What Is So Special About an Appellate Brief?
  Drafting one might provide you with a challenge that will expand your skills and lead to greater responsibilities.
  March/April
• Saying it Right the First Time
  Clear, concise letter writing eliminates confusion.
  May/June
• The Backbone of Your Case
  Tips on how to draft a straightforward complaint.
  July/August
• Finding it Fast
  Tips to make online research quicker and easier.
  September/October
• Finishing Your Brief
  Crafting the Table of Contents and Table of Authorities.
  November/December

Ethics Analysis

• Conflict Principles
  by Therese A. Cannon
  Paralegals must be diligent to avoid conflicts of interest
  January/February

Corporate Comment

• Working With Attorneys
  by Denise Annunciata
  Paralegals should take initiative to foster good working relationships with attorneys.
  March/April
• A New Ethical Standard
  by Debbie Skolaski, CLA
  Explaining Sarbanes-Oxley and its impact on paralegals.
  May/June
• Technology for Corporate Law
  by Denise Annunciata
  Software and Web sites that suit the needs of corporate paralegals.
  July/August
• Corporate Ethics
  by Debbie Skolaski, CLA
  Upholding standards for in-house legal assistants.
  September/October
• UCC Dilemmas
  by Claudia J. Taller
  The realities of perfecting security interests under revised Article 9.
  November/December

Career Advice

• The Value of Good Advice
  by Kathleen Call
  Mentoring can help you build your career.
  January/February
• Changing Jobs
  by Mary Meinsinger Urisko, Esq.
  Considerations go beyond money, and job seekers need to set priorities to make wise choices.
  March/April
• Networking Isn’t a Dirty Word
  by Denise Templeton
  Make it about relationships, not contacts, and it can be rewarding on many levels.
  May/June
• The First 100 Days
  by Kathleen Call
  How paralegals can prove themselves early in the game with a new firm.
  July/August
• Take Control of Your Career
  by Sheron Hindley-Smith
  Decisions about your advancement are up to you.
  September/October
• Developing Your Leadership Skills
  by Sheron Hindley-Smith
  Corporate legal organizations need paralegals who can inspire and motivate productive teams of professionals.
  November/December

Student’s Workshop

• Finding an Entry-level Job as a Paralegal
  by Dora Dye
  The search for employment begins long before graduation.
  January/February
• Taking Your Class to Work
  by Neal R. Bevans
  Tips on how you can balance schoolwork and your job.
  March/April
• Using Your New Computer Skills
  by Dora Dye
  Tips and advice from working paralegals.
  May/June
• Online Learning Takes Off
  by Neal R. Bevans
  10 Tips for a rewarding online education experience.
  July/August
• Ask the Professor
  by Neal R. Bevans
  What you always wanted to know about law but were afraid to ask.
  September/October
• Pay It Forward
  by Neal R. Bevans
  Volunteer work in local government agencies helps your community and pays off in the end.
  November/December

Manager’s Desk

• The Winds of Change
  by Elizabeth A. Gillis
  Tips on how to survive a firm merger.
  January/February
• The Unorganized Manager
  by Fawn K. Barnes, CLA
  How to avoid drowning in your massive pile of work.
  March/April
• Cream of the Crop
  by Elizabeth A. Gillis
  A high performing paralegal program can help maintain client satisfaction.
  May/June
• Learn To Delegate
  by Fawn K. Barnes, CLA
  You can become a more effective manager by assigning responsibility to others wisely.
  July/August
• Mastering Time
  by Elizabeth A. Gillis
  Tips for training your paralegals to docket effectively.
  September/October
• Workplace Violence
  by Fawn K. Barnes, CLA
  Preventative action should be taken to head off a hostile work environment.
  November/December

Litigation Corner
by Jane Heath

• Calendar Madness
  Paralegals can produce profound effects in this area of the law office.
  January/February
• Time is of the Essence
  Tracking your hours appropriately enhances your value as a profit center for your employer.
  March/April
• The Paralegal’s Role in Summary Judgment
  Legal assistants can take pride in putting together a successful motion.
  May/June
• Alternative to Trial
  An overview of the arbitration process.
  July/August
• Litigating Toward Arbitration
  Learn the art of drafting arbitration briefs.
  September/October
• The Hearing and Beyond
  Tips for the final stages of arbitration.
  November/December

Pro Bono Spotlight

• Paralegal-Attorney Pro Bono Tag Team
  by Jenny Sit
  January/February
• Women’s Issues Advocacy
  by Judy Tremore
  March/April
• Thirst for Justice
  by Barbara Mende
  May/June
• Syracuse Paralegals Help Habitat Homeowners
  by Barbara Mende
  July/August
• Richmond Paralegals Lend a Hand
  by Kathryn Feather
  September/October
• A Friend in the Neighborhood
  by Kathryn Feather
  November/December

NEWS

Associations

• Arizona Association Withdraws From NFPA
  by Jamie Ann Tyo
  January/February

• AAfPE Elects New President
  by Judy Tremore
  Joan Fraczek Spadoni brings 20 years of experience to the table.
  January/February

• Reaching the Masses
  by Janet M. Roberts
  Cincinnati paralegal association seeks to educate the public.
  January/February

• And Then There Were Three
  by Rachel Ng
  New national association forms with agenda of “inclusion.”
  March/April

• NFPA, Members Cope with Broad Issues
  by Jamie Ann Tyo
  March/April

• LAMA Survey Gives Paralegals High Marks
  by Tim Pareti
  An online survey finds attorneys are understanding the valuable role of paralegals.
  March/April

• LAMA President Ready to Take on New Year
  by Tim Pareti
  Paralegal manager plans to boost the organization’s visibility in the legal community.
  March/April

• Paralegal Advocate Picked to Head SCOLA
  by Tim Pareti
  The new chairman of the legal assistant committee aims to encourage more schools to become ABA approved.
  March/April

• Proposed ABA Definition Takes Heat
  by Jamie Ann Tyo
  NFPA suggests changes, while others recommend abandoning the draft entirely.
  May/June

• NFPA Attempts to Regroup
  by Rod Hughes
  New president and board address member issues with candor.
  May/June

• Certified Paralegal Application Abandoned
  by Rachel Ng
  May/June

• NALS Introduces Certification Program
  by Rachel Ng
  Some paralegals worry the certification might dilute the profession.
  July/August

• Cincinnati Association Withdraws from NFPA
  by Jamie Ann Tyo
  July/August

• NFPA Alters PACE Criteria
  by Randi D. Bemiss
  The change allows more paralegals to qualify for the exam.
  July/August

• Conclave Considers Exemption Status
  by Rod Hughes
  Associations send letters supporting proposed revisions.
  September/October

• NALA Announces Online Specialty Certification Program
  by Stacey Hunt, CLA, CAS
  New program focuses on training and assessment.
  September/October

• LAMA Survey Finds Paralegal Pay Has Increased
  by Lincoln Brunner
  Technology is key to staying in demand.
  September/October

• Raising NFPA
  by Rod Hughes
  Association’s president addresses growing pains, tackles problems head on.
  September/October

• Dynamic Duo
  by Kathryn Feather
  Michigan and Ohio Associations form alliance.
  September/October

• NFPA Ends Management Contract
  by Rod Hughes
  Parties agree to disagree on contract language.
  September/October

• Alliance Holds First Education Conference
  by Rod Hughes
  Turnout was small, but focused on veteran paralegal education issues.
  November/December

• A Change in Title
  by Kathryn Feather
  SCOLA becomes the Standing Committee on Paralegals.
  November/December

Education

• Online Education Still Backseat to Traditional Schooling
  by Barbara Mende
  However, survey shows Web components are being used.
  January/February

• Coping with Education Costs
  by Judy Tremore
  A California paralegal association is pursuing MCLE provider status from the state bar.
  January/February

• Paralegal Program Phased Out
  by Rachel Ng
  March/April

• AAfPE Approves Short-term Policy Statement
  by Rachel Ng
  Association establishes standards for adequate paralegal education programs.
  May/June

• Locating Scholarships for Paralegal Students
  by Janet M. Roberts
  More schools and organizations are trying to ease the financial burden.
  September/October

Litigation

• Nonlawyer Makes Grassroots Effort Against U.S. Trustees
  by Randi D. Bemiss
  A document preparer recruits others to join lawsuit against the Executive Office for the United States Trustees.
  May/June

• Cast Away
  by Rod Hughes
  Vacationing paralegal asked to disembark cruise ship after attempting to question ship workers.
  November/December

Technology

• NFPA, LexisNexis Join Forces
  by John J. McGurk
  The two create a video to market PACE.
  January/February

• Summation Offers Free Training
  by Rachel Campbell
  Sessions cover transcripts to electronic evidence.
  January/February

• Compassionate Career
  by John Caldwell
  Paralegals help victims of spousal abuse in high-tech domestic violence center.
  March/April

• Maine State Bar Joins Casemaker Consortium
  by Janet M. Roberts
  The online research tool created by the Ohio State Bar is now available in 11 U.S. states.
  March/April

• U.S. Department of Justice Selects Redax
  by Rachel Campbell
  Software ensures a speedier process for reviewing documents.
  March/April

• Juries at the Touch of a Button
  by Rachel Campbell
  New program aids paralegals and attorneys in critical area of trial preparation.
  May/June

• Kansas Adopts E-filing
  by Rachel Campbell
  Federal courthouses require all documents in civil and criminal cases be filed electronically.
  July/August

• Rulemaking on the Web
  by Janet Roberts
  Federal government makes civic participation easier with Web site.
  July/August

• Goodbye Graffiti, Hello Jot
  by Lyndsey Shinoda
  PalmSource rolls out new, user-friendly handwriting recognition technology.
  July/August

• ProxiLaw Creates Virtual Legal Assistants
  by Lincoln Brunner
  On-demand paralegal services marketed to ease law office workload.
  November/December

• New and Improved
  by Rachel Campbell
  TimeMap 3 software still user friendly.
  November/December

• Dealing with Electronic Discovery
  by Rachel Campbell
  New York ruling sets criteria to determine who will bear the cost.
  November/December

UPL

• ABA Weighs Practice of Law Definition
  by Jamie Ann Tyo
  Legal assistant associations voice concern.
  January/February

• Arizona State Bar Reintroduces UPL Proposal
  by Lincoln Brunner
  New exceptions could change life for document preparers, not traditional paralegals.
  January/February

• Okla. Bar Could Limit Paralegal Work
  by Mila D’Antonio
  Proposed ethics opinion fails to separate disbarred attorneys from other nonlawyers.
  March/April

• Curbing UPL in New York
  by Rachel Campbell
  State paralegal associations issue position statement on UPL.
  May/June

• N.Y. Attorney General Could Prosecute UPL Violators
  by Janet M. Roberts
  Bill before state senate would crack down on unauthorized practice of law.
  May/June

• Third Time’s the Charm
  by Rachel Ng
  The State Bar of Arizona succeeds in its third attempt to reinstate UPL rules.
  May/June

• North Carolina Bar Opinions Revise Real Estate Guidelines
  by Lincoln Brunner
  New opinions allow nonlawyers to handle aspects of real state closings.
  May/June

• Real Estate Closing Considered Practice of Law
  by Janet M. Roberts
  Georgia state bar committee rules nonlawyers preparing deeds are committing UPL.
  July/August

• Nebraska Paralegals Want Clarification
  by Lincoln Brunner
  Nebraska Supreme Court set to rule on UPL.
  September/October

• Kentucky Supreme Court Overturns Bar Ruling
  by Janet M. Roberts
  Nonlawyers are allowed to perform real estate closings.
  November/December

• Utah Bill Redefines Practice of Law
  by Lincoln Brunner
  The state is pushed to improve legal access.
  November/December

Regulation

• Hawaii Supreme Court Rejects Certification
  by Rachel Ng
  State high court says concept could not garner sufficient support to become a rule.
  January/February

• Calif. Goes After Scam Artists
  by Randi D. Bemiss
  January/February

• North Carolina Prepares to Set Professional Standards
  by Lincoln Brunner
  January/February

• Ohio Seeks Regulation
  by Rachel Ng
  Six paralegal associations agree to pursue registration as a first step.
  March/April

• Va. Supreme Court Ponders Paralegal Statute
  by Janet M. Roberts
  Proposed rule would define role for state’s legal assistants.
  May/June

• North Carolina Moves Closer to Full Regulation
  by Lincoln Brunner
  The Paralegal Profession Act is introduced to the state legislature.
  July/August

• Wisconsin Classifies Paralegals
  by Janet M. Roberts
  Proposal sets paralegal definition, education and experience requirement.
  July/August

• British Columbia Considers Certification
  by Tim Pareti
  Another Canadian province looks into paralegal regulation.
  July/August

• A Proposal on the Table
  by Mila D’Antonio
  An Eastern Michigan University law professor says his proposal to regulate legal assistants makes more sense than any plan he has seen to date.
  July/August

• New Jersey Paralegals Wait on Registration
  by Lincoln Brunner
  State bar association board of trustees to vote on proposal.
  July/August

• South Carolina Pursues Regulation Options
  by Janet M. Roberts
  Proposal pending review from state bar ad hoc committee.
  July/August

• Overtime Issue Heats Up Again
  by Nancy Ritter
  A proposal to change exemption rules causes stir in the paralegal community.
  July/August

• Keep on Trying
  by Janet M. Roberts
  Missouri paralegals tackle regulation again.
  September/October

Profiles

• Enhancing Team Service
  by Mila D’Antonio
  One N.C. district attorney’s office’s reorganization of legal assistant services proves positive.
  May/June

• From Legal Assistant to Partner
  by Judy Tremore
  Former paralegal passes the state bar exam and becomes a law firm partner the same year.
  September/October

• Blazing a Trail
  by Kathryn Feather
  Ontario paralegal raises the bar.
  September/October

• Attorney-Paralegal Team Honored for Military Aid
  by Barbara Mende
  Maryland office recognized for providing legal support for soldiers and families.
  November/December

• One Client at a Time
  by Mila D’Antonio
  Cleveland law firm takes a team approach, involving legal assistants in every case.
  November/December

Trends

• INS Pushes Immigration Laws
  by Janet M. Roberts
  Paralegals busy keeping up with stringent enforcement.
  January/February

• ABA Supports Multijurisdictional Practice
  by Lincoln Brunner
  If states agree with ABA, cross-border practicing could become more prominent.
  January/February

• Competition Intensifies
  by Janet M. Roberts
  Paralegal market not as strong as previous years.
  January/February

• Criminal Documents Somewhat Harder to Get
  by Lincoln Brunner
  Mississippi discovery process might move slower with new rule.
  January/February

• Breaking the Glass Ceiling
  by Janet M. Roberts
  Accredited paralegals can perform attorney-like duties in immigration law.
  March/April

• Shop Offers Cup O’Law to Customers
  by Jamie Ann Tyo
  Lawyers and lattes help ease access to legal services.
  March/April

• One-Stop Law Center
  by Mila D’Antonio
  Unique center frees solo attorneys from the high costs of operating a law practice and offers challenges to legal assistants.
  May/June

• HIPPA Changes Require More Diligence
  by Nancy Ritter
  The rules affect paralegals working in pharmaceutical companies and those working with health plans.
  September/October

• Instructions in Plain English Simplify Process
  by Rachel Ng
  California introduces 800 new civil jury instructions.
  September/October

• Pitch Black
  by Janet M. Roberts
  How the August blackout affected law offices in the United States and Canada.
  November/December

• DOL Proposal on Overtime Dies on House Floor
  by Rod Hughes
  Presidential veto could revive the issue despite bipartisan vote in House and Senate.
  November/December

• Arizona Sets Standards for Bar Membership
  by Rachel Ng
  State bar might open doors to paralegals in 2004.
  November/December