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Recently Posted:  Avoiding Technology Traps

 

2004 Index to Articles

By subject for all articles published between January and December 2004.

Please use our online forms to order Legal Assistant Today reprints and back issues.

FEATURES

  • Unique Paralegal Programs
    These innovative programs provide exciting paralegal education options.
    By Debra Levy Martinelli
    January/February

  • New School of Thought
    Online CLE for paralegals makes advances in the profession. Includes chart.
    By Nancy Ritter
    January/February

  • Voices of Experience
    Paralegals with 20 plus years of experience share their tips for success in an ever-changing profession.
    By Rachel Campbell
    January/February

  • Last-minute Stipulations
    By Jeffrey A. Helewitz
    January/February

  • 2003 Index to Articles
    Online only — click here
    By Kathryn Feather
    January/February

  • Best of Both Worlds
    By Debra Levy Martinelli
    March/April

  • Roads Less Traveled
    Paralegal skills provide the foundation for a variety of careers.
    By Rachel Campbell
    March/April

  • Half Empty or Half Full?
    2003 Salary Survey
    By Rod Hughes
    March/April

  • Tips to Get the Job You Want
    By Lincoln Brunner
    March/April

  • 3rd Annual Technology Survey
    Technology gains, like the economy, grew slowly last year.
    By Rod Hughes
    May/June

  • E-discovery
    Don’t let electronic evidence bury your firm.
    By Sharon D. Nelson, Esq. and John W. Simek
    May/June

  • A Winning Hand
    5 tech-savvy paralegals are dealt a royal flush with their top 5 technology picks.
    May/June

  • The Reality of Litigation Support
    The right technology tools can make you a valuable member of the team.
    By Milton Hooper
    July/August

  • Battling Big Tobacco
    Legal Assistant Ray Goldstein takes on the tobacco industry.
    By Rachel Campbell
    July/August

  • Unlocking Medical Records
    Experts provide the keys to requesting, obtaining and reviewing these important documents.
    By Karen Clark, MS, RN; Patricia Iyer, RN, MSN, LNCC; Barbara Levin, BSN, RN, ONC, LNCC; Mary Ann Shea, JD, BS, RN
    July/August

  • Plaintiff v. Defense
    Paralegals from both sides reveal their winning strategies.
    By Debra Levy Martinelli and Amanda Clifford
    July/August

  • Paralegal of the Year
    2004’s winner and runners-up are enthusiastic, enamored and optimistic about their careers.
    By Elizabeth Millard
    September/October

  • High Risers
    How paralegal managers help run some of the nation’s largest law firms.
    By Rachel Campbell
    September/October

  • It’s a Jungle Out There
    Paralegals manage e-mail in a dark new world of spam, malware, confidentiality and information overload.
    By Dennis Kennedy
    September/October

  • Diving Deep
    Searching beneath the surface to find a world of information.
    By Neal R. Bevans
    September/October

  • 2004 Rookie of the Year
    Wendy S. Cathers is honored for her exemplary work in the paralegal profession.
    By Rachel Ng
    November/December

  • 21st Century Corporate Life
    Paralegals find the corporate environment rewarding and challenging.
    By Tim Pareti
    November/December

  • On the Scene
    What paralegals should know about documenting accidents, crime scenes and interviewing witnesses.
    By Neal R. Bevans
    November/December

  • Collaborative Law
    How paralegals help put the pieces together in a new family law model.
    By Rachel Campbell, Jamie Ann Tyo and Amanda Flatten
    November/December

COLUMNS

My Opinion/Story

  • Finding My Way
    A journey from nursing to the paralegal field.
    By Carol Morrison
    January/February
  • Imported Work Product
    Thoughts to ponder on the globalization of legal services.
    By Carl Mueller
    May/June
  • Are We Growing Together?
    A wealth of exams and associations raise as many questions as options.
    By Beth King, RP
    November/December

Creative Computing
By Pamela S. Brown

  • Hate Your Computer Less
    Four tricks to help you work better with technology.
    January/February
  • Grab It While You Can
    What you find on the Net today could be gone tomorrow.
    March/April
  • Staying Safe
    A good firewall and a few simple steps can help you protect firm and personal data.
    May/June
  • Step Up Your Game
    Technology-phobic paralegals can advance with simple litigation support tools.
    July/August
  • The Metadata Mystery
    Solutions for keeping confidential information within your firm walls.
    September/October
  • Streamlining Your Work
    Outsourcing and electronic gadgets are a paralegal’s best friends.
    November/December

Legal Research & Writing

  • Writing Persuasively
    Strong, well-worded arguments are a necessity for a good brief.
    By Celia C. Elwell, RP
    January/February
  • The Big Three
    Every paralegal’s trifecta for success begins with basic competencies.
    By J. Renee Moore
    March/April

  • Drafting Iron-clad Contracts
    10 practical tips you can use.
    By J. Renee Moore
    May/June
  • Beating the Blues
    Insight and tips on the latest Bluebook edition and options.
    By Celia C. Elwell, RP
    July/August
  • Elevate Your Skills
    Nothing will challenge you like putting your research and writing work on display.
    By J. Renee Moore
    September/October
  • The High Price of Information
    11 practical tips for doing research on a budget.
    By J. Renee Moore
    November/December

Corporate Comment
By Claudia J. Taller

  • Due Diligence in Business Transactions
    How to stay organized in the midst of chaos.
    January/February
  • The Paralegal’s Role in Business Transactions
    Putting the pieces together to successfully close a transaction.
    March/April

  • A Whole New World
    The paralegal’s role in corporate governance expands.
    May/June
  • Insider Trading
    Paralegals and representation of a public company.
    July/August
  • Making a Dream a Reality
    Working on real estate deals.
    September/October
  • Form Fitting
    Customize forms to meet your needs.
    November/December

Career Advice

  • Hiring Trends in 2004
    Hot practice areas and what legal assistants need to know to benefit.
    By Sheron Hindley-Smith
    January/February
  • A Standard to Bear
    The profession’s future as seen through a complex economy.
    By Rod Hughes
    March/April

  • Are You a Dinosaur?
    How veterans can remain viable.
    By Jackie Houser
    May/June
  • Smaller Might Be Better
    Consider the advantages of small firms when debating career changes.
    By R.J. Ruppenthal
    July/August
  • The Art of Vacationing
    Smaller doses of time out make managing work easier.
    By Rod Hughes
    September/October
  • The Learning Tree
    Paralegal opportunities for CLE are growing.
    By R.J. Ruppenthal
    November/December

Student’s Workshop

  • Entering the Workforce
    Paralegals share their educational experiences.
    By Dora Dye
    January/February
  • The Double-edged Sword
    Both factual and legal research can play important roles in your career.
    By Dora Dye
    March/April

  • Becoming a Trial Paralegal
    What you should know about this dynamic area of litigation.
    By Neal R. Bevans
    July/August
  • Lending a Voice
    Becoming an advocate in Social Security or Medicaid hearings.
    By Neal R. Bevans
    September/October
  • Pushing the Limits
    Deciding when to take the plunge and become a freelance paralegal.
    By Neal R. Bevans
    November/December

Manager’s Desk

  • What Kind of Manager Are You?
    Choose your style and approach early and with care.
    By Fawn Barnes
    January/February
  • Effective Coaching Strategies
    Discover the advantages of becoming a good paralegal coach.
    By Elizabeth Gillis
    March/April

  • Performance Evaluations
    The necessity we love to hate.
    By Fawn Barnes
    May/June
  • Conquering Stress
    5 helpful tips for managers.
    By Fawn Barnes
    July/August
  • Dealing With Disabilities
    Understanding and following the Americans with Disabilities Act in the law office.
    By Fawn Barnes
    September/October
  • Opening the Lines of Communication
    How to handle feedback up and down the chain of command.
    By Fawn Barnes
    November/December

Litigation Corner

  • Handling Ethical Challenges
    Learn to successfully avoid litigation hot spots.
    By Stacey Hunt, CLA, CAS
    January/February
  • Free to Know
    Applying the Freedom of Information Act to litigation.
    By Stacey Hunt, CLA, CAS
    March/April

  • Take Note of Success
    Recording thoughts, impressions and testimony can be critical at trial.
    By Stacey Hunt, CLA, CAS
    May/June
  • Imagine This
    Using charts and diagrams in the litigation process.
    By Claire Summerhill
    July/August
  • Case Management Strategies
    Organization, a plan and lessons learned provide lifelong case management skills.
    By Melynda Hill
    September/October
  • Crafting Discovery
    A strategy guide to getting what you want and building your case.
    By Celia C. Elwell, RP
    November/December

Pro Bono Spotlight
By Kathryn Feather

My Specialty

NEWS

Associations

  • NFPA Signs New Management Contract
    Seattle firm sets out to reconnect organization with its membership.
    By Janet Roberts
    January/February

  • NFPA Holds National Convention
    Delegates discuss exempt status, elect officers.
    By Rod Hughes
    May/June

  • Off to Africa
    Paralegal delegation plans to learn about nation’s legal culture.
    By Rachel Ng
    May/June

  • NFPA to Raise Fees
    Association considers increasing membership dues.
    By Jennifer A. Torres
    July/August

  • The Alliance Offers Certification
    Newest national association throws its hat into the credential ring.
    By Rod Hughes
    July/August

  • NALS Passes Certified Professional Paralegals
    First exam has been taken and a new designation is now in use.
    By Rachel Ng
    July/August

  • NALA Offers Options
    Association makes Certified Paralegal Mark available to qualified members.
    By Rod Hughes
    July/August

  • NALA Elects New President
    Debra J. Monke to take office July 16 at Reno Convention.
    By Jon Matsumoto
    July/August

  • NALA Hosts Annual Convention
    Association welcomes record number of attendees and vendors.
    By Rod Hughes
    September/October

  • NALA’s CP Designation Approved
    USPTO approves service mark for national association.
    By Rod Hughes
    November/December

  • ALA Pulls Away From Conclave
    Citing low paralegal membership, association reduces active participation.
    By Stacy Albin
    November/December

Education

  • Pa. Community College Receives ABA Approval
    Sixteenth school in state to receive such accreditation.
    By Janet Roberts
    January/February

  • “First of Its Kind” e-Discovery Course Held
    Certification program offers strategies and insight into electronic data collection.
    By Rachel Ng
    January/February

  • Paralegals Get USA PATRIOT Act Education
    ACLU and Florida association sponsor panel discussion on new federal law.
    By Janet Roberts
    January/February

  • Back to School
    Paralegals at Patton Boggs learn while they earn.
    By Bonnie Cha
    May/June

  • The Online Learning Trend Continues
    One company reaches out to an online provider for legal assistant training.
    By Janet Roberts
    July/August

Technology

  • Real-time Mess
    Patent infringement suit stirs uproar with court reporters, attorneys.
    By Lyndsey Shinoda
    January/February

  • FindLaw Acquires Glasser LegalWorks
    Two companies find synergy in services, products.
    By Jennifer A. Torres
    March/April

  • Software Vendor Trains Paralegals
    CaseSoft designs certification program specifically for legal assistants.
    By Rod Hughes
    May/June

  • West Tackles Legislative Intent
    New product offers insight into legislative intent for researchers.
    By Rod Hughes
    November/December

UPL

  • UPL Alleged in Texas
    Document preparation company draws fire from state UPL committee.
    By Janet Roberts
    March/April

  • Oregon Paralegal Violates State UPL
    State attorney general agrees to settle charges.
    By Nancy Ritter
    March/April

  • Oregon Pursues Legal Assistant for UPL
    Businessman working as a contract paralegal is fined $25,000.
    By Rachel Campbell
    September/October

  • LDA Husband and Wife Team Faces Charges
    Complaint claims wife fronted business for husband after he was barred from LDA practice.
    By Kenya McCullum
    November/December

Regulation

  • Paralegal Progress in Canada (News Brief)
    January/February

  • Certification OK in Iowa (News Brief)
    January/February

  • Illinois Considers Document Preparation Regulation
    Paralegals and legal document preparers have broader range of duties under proposed bill.
    By Jamie Ann Tyo
    March/April

  • Paralegal Screening Permitted in Nevada
    New opinion gives legal assistants more employment options.
    By Janet Roberts
    March/April

  • Experience Gives Way to Education
    New paralegals in California no longer can practice with experience only.
    By Jennifer A. Torres
    March/April

  • Ontario Considers Regulating Paralegals
    The Province’s attorney general and legal assistants agree in principle, argue particulars.
    By Janet Roberts
    May/June

  • Ontario Continues Move Toward Regulation
    With recommendations drafted, legal community weighs in and waits.
    By Heather Smith
    November/December

Litigation

  • N.J. Paralegal Jailed for Theft
    Independent paralegal pockets thousands from attorneys and clients.
    By Tim Pareti
    January/February

  • Paralegal Charged with $90,000 Theft
    Attorney claims paralegal fraudulently forged and cashed client checks.
    By Janet Roberts
    March/April

  • The O.J. Simpson Case Story You Didn’t Hear
    Paralegal claims her involvement resulted in the loss of her job and damaged her reputation.
    By Jon Matsumoto
    March/April

  • Paralegal Battles N.Y. to Name His Nonprofit
    Threatens suit over statute interpretation, state backs down.
    By Jennifer A. Torres
    March/April

  • Canadian Paralegal Represents Client
    Alberta Court of Appeal allows oral representations only.
    By Debra Levy Martinelli
    May/June

  • Paralegal Takes On Prison HMO
    Threatens lawsuit in response to husband’s death.
    By Bonnie Cha
    May/June

  • Attorney Imposter Sentenced
    Former paralegal will do jail time.
    By Lilledeshan Bose
    September/October

  • Paralegal Plunders Proceeds
    Establishes fake company, embezzles more than half a million.
    By Janet Roberts
    September/October

  • Case of First Impression in Pa.
    State Supreme Court ruled paralegal fees in workers’ compensation cases are part of reasonable attorney’s fees.
    By Jennifer A. Torres
    November/December

  • Notes Are Protected
    Calif. Appeals court says documents drafted by attorney’s agent are covered as attorney work product.
    By Rachel Campbell
    November/December

  • Charges of Embezzlement, Identity Theft in Rhode Island
    Scheme to defraud insurers also netted an NBA Lakers draft pick.
    By Dennis Johnson
    November/December

  • Paralegal Indicted on RICO Charges
    12 others also indicted for conspiring to steal from mortgage companies.
    By Kathryn Feather
    November/December

Profiles

  • Paralegal Appointed to Clerk of Superior Court’s Office (News Brief)
    January/February

  • Onward Soldier
    Military paralegal takes up battle for hearts and minds.
    By Lincoln Brunner
    March/April

  • A Legal Journalist
    President of National Press Club uses paralegal education as an advantage.
    By Nancy Ritter
    May/June

  • One Man Making a Difference
    Florida paralegal works to protect rights of unaccompanied immigrant children.
    By Jennifer A. Torres
    July/August

  • Paralegal Killed in Iraq
    National guardsman died in military convoy attack outside Baghdad.
    By Rod Hughes
    September/October

  • Paralegal Program Director Scores Promotion
    Troy Paino named dean of Winona State University College of Liberal Arts.
    By Jon Matsumoto
    September/October

  • New Appointment to Minn. Gov. Council
    Independent legal assistant joins advisory group, helps local poor access legal services.
    By Stefania Gardella
    November/December

  • Legal Aid With a Mission
    Nuns team up to bring legal assistance to local community.
    By Dennis Johnson
    November/December

  • N.Y. Legal Figure Dies
    Attica Prison inmate during 1971 uprising, respected legal assistant felled by cancer.
    By Michelle Devera
    November/December

  • Recognition of Service
    Sarah Fowler has been helping Jacksonville’s poor for more than two decades.
    By Kenya McCullum
    November/December

Trends

  • Overtime Issue Lives Again
    DOL proposed regulatory changes likely to be implemented.
    By Rod Hughes
    January/February

  • Minnesota Poor to Pay for Legal Help
    Budget deficits force state to seek funds from unlikely sources.
    By Tim Pareti
    January/February

  • Ariz. Bar Membership (News Brief)
    January/February

  • Access to Legal Services in Utah (News Brief)
    January/February

  • FLSA Face Lift Proceeds
    Senator’s request to hold off on new rules denied.
    By Rachel Ng
    March/April

  • Outsourced: Paralegals Join the Club
    Sending legal services overseas could impact paralegals.
    By Rachel Campbell
    May/June

  • Legal Aid Paralegal Dodges Budget Cut
    Alaska officials seek to save small office from proposed cutbacks.
    By Janet Roberts
    May/June

  • Calif. Bar Continues to Welcome Paralegals
    Solo and Small Firm Section admits legal assistant members.
    By Jon Matsumoto
    July/August

  • DOL Addresses Paralegal Exemption
    New labor regulations say most legal assistants are not exempt.
    By Nancy Ritter
    July/August

  • FLSA FairPay Regulations Take Effect
    New task force and Web site created.
    By Janet Roberts
    September/October

  • Managers See Earnings Increase
    Upward trend is motivator for managers and those with management aspirations.
    By Rod Hughes
    September/October

Pro Bono

  • On-the-job Training
    A puppy joins a law firm to better a life.
    By Rachel Ng
    March/April

  • Paralegal Wins Quarterback Award
    NFL team recognizes legal assistant’s volunteer work.
    By Jon Matsumoto
    May/June

  • Ariz. Paralegal Recognized
    Award and lunch with U.S. Supreme Court Justice mark event.
    By Bonnie Cha
    July/August

  • N.C. Paralegal Honored
    Local organization bestows excellence award on first legal assistant recipient.
    By Heather Smith
    November/December

Miscellaneous

  • N.Y. Sushi Memo Unpalatable
    Paralegal memo garners attention from profession, national media.
    By Rachel Campbell
    January/February

  • The Rules of Discovery
    With mounting use of electronic evidence, the FJC reviews rules.
    By Janet Roberts
    September/October

 

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