LSI NEWS - Anne Arundel Community College

LSI NEWS
From the Director’s Desk
Dates to Remember
April 18
Forum on the Judiciary
Social Media, Technology,
and the Law: Is Anything
Private Anymore?
6-8 p.m., Cade 219
April 23
Mock Trial
“Battle of the Classes”
Circuit Courtroom #1
6-8 p.m.
May 24
Commencement
Inside this Issue
From the Director’s Desk ____ 1
LSI Program Expectations ____ 2
Forum on the Judiciary ______ 3
By Karen Cook, J.D.
We’re off to the typical fast-paced
spring semester! There’s always a
lot going on in the spring, and this
year is no exception. Please note the
dates of several must-attend spring
events, including the Forum on the
Judiciary on April 18 and the Mock
Trial “Battle of the Classes” on April 23
(see articles about each event within
the newsletter). Additionally, I
would be remiss not to mention the
outstanding programs LSI sponsored
last fall – the Paralegal Forum that
featured outstanding graduates
representing different practice areas
and legal employers, and the
Speaker Series that featured Hon.
Lynne Battaglia from the Court of
Appeals of Maryland speaking on
the topic of “Ethics and
Professionalism.” If you missed
these events, plan to attend next fall.
The Paralegal Forum is held every
October and the Speaker Series is
held every November.
Each semester LSI orientation
Paralegal Forum ____________ 3
Mock Trial ________________ 4
Legal Studies Club __________ 4
CLE Corner ________________ 5
Tutoring Program ___________ 6
Summer Schedule __________ 7
LEX Members Inducted ______ 8
Spring 2012
LSI Speaker Series — Fall 2012
Hon. William Mulford, Hon. Lynne Battaglia, and Hon.
John McKenna
sessions are conducted in all LGS
111 classes and valuable information
is shared with newly enrolled
students. I realized last semester
that some of this information, which
is presented below, would be
valuable not only to new students
but to all LSI students.
Website
If you didn’t know LSI has a
website, it does. It’s www.aacc.edu/
legalstudies. Visit it often for
important program and course
information and details about LSI
events and activities.
Social Media
LSI has its own Facebook fan page.
Next time you’re on Facebook, type
in “Legal Studies Institute at Anne
Arundel Community College” (Click
on “Places”) and “like” us! Help us
build our fan base.
LSI Tutoring Program
To help you succeed in your
coursework and advance the
college’s Student Success 2020
initiative, LSI applied for and
received a Perkins grant for this
academic year to fund a Tutoring
Program. See the article in this
newsletter for further information
about this program as well hours of
operation. Make sure you take
advantage of this helpful
opportunity.
Continued on page 2
(continued from page 1)
Law Library
Program Expectations
This tremendous resource for all LSI students is a great
place to do homework, research, study, explore new
areas of the law, and develop friendships. Only LSI
students are permitted in the Law Library and you
need a pass code to enter. If you don’t know the pass
code, come to CRSC 232 or ask your professor. Don’t
forget to frequently check the two bulletin boards in
the Law Library – the Job Board, which lists current
employment opportunities, and the Club Board, which
provides highlights about meetings. As you know,
there is also a printer in the Law Library for student
use. What you may not know is that each student is
allowed to print a maximum of 250 copies per
semester. If you are getting close to that cut-off
number, a warning will appear on your computer.
When you reach that number, you will not be able to
print further copies. Be aware of this limitation and
pace yourself during the semester so that you are not
in a bind when it comes time for finals or for that final
legal writing assignment.
Yes, our programs are rigorous and you will be held to
a high standard of academic learning and
professionalism! LSI prides itself on turning out
graduates who are on a par with students in their
second and third years of law school. This philosophy
is why LSI is highly respected by legal employers and
why most of our graduates are able to land good
paralegal jobs or get accepted into law school. Read
the full list of program expectations below.
Online Legal Research
According to our graduate survey results, there is an
even split between firms that use Westlaw and those
that use Lexis online research databases. As a result,
we think it’s important for all students to receive
training on both of these online research databases.
Westlaw passwords are provided free to students who
submit the required application, with the exception of
students in LGS 111 and LGS 143. For students in
those two courses, manual research only is authorized.
Lexis passwords are provided free to students
registered for LGS 144.
Advising
The Paralegal Studies Brochure and the Law and
Jurisprudence Brochure should be used as your course
sequencing guides. See me, your faculty mentor or
professor for assistance in scheduling as needed.
Remember to REGISTER EARLY – at least two full
weeks prior to the start of each term. Be aware that
the college begins cancelling low enrollment classes
about one week prior to the first day of the term. As a
result, LSI may cancel courses with only three or more
students before the term begins. By registering early,
we can reduce the chances of LSI courses being cut
due to low enrollment.
Page 2
Have a great spring 2012 term! See you at the Forum
on the Judiciary on April 18.
Legal Studies Institute:
Program Expectations
1. Students will arrive to class on time and be
prepared. Being prepared for class means: actively
participating in the learning process by completing
assigned readings and other work prior to coming
to class; taking notes and participating in
discussions during class; and reviewing and
outlining material after class.
2. Students will take responsibility for submitting wellplanned and well-written work products, utilizing
the LSI tutor, the college’s Writing Lab, or
Smarthinking.com for outside assistance.
3. Students will take responsibility for perfecting
study and test-taking skills.
4. Students will act in a professional manner. This
includes:
a. Showing respect and courtesy to professors and
classmates.
b. Properly addressing instructors (“professor”).
c. Sending well constructed e-mails to professors.
d. Refraining from texting or using other cellular
devices during class.
e. Being honest and trustworthy. Cheating will not
be tolerated.
5. Students understand and affirm that they will be
held to a high standard of academic learning and
professionalism.
Spring 2012
Forum on the
Judiciary
Tackles Social
Media
Make plans now to attend
LSI’s signature event — the annual Forum on the
Judiciary. On Wednesday, April 18, the Forum on
the Judiciary will be held in Cade 219 from 6 to 8 p.m.
The topic for the evening will be Social Media,
Technology, and the Law: Is Anything Private
Anymore?
Judges from all levels of the Maryland Judiciary and
a federal judge will be in attendance, including:
Chief Judge Robert M. Bell
Court of Appeals of Maryland
Judge Richard D. Bennett
U.S. District Court for Maryland
Judge Timothy E. Meredith
Court of Special Appeals of Maryland
Paralegal Forum Features
Practicing Attorney
Former students now employed as paralegals were
joined at the annual Paralegal Forum for the first time
by a practicing attorney. Maria McKenna, Esq.,
shared her experiences as an AACC paralegal student,
a law student, and her on-the-job insights as a lawyer
who hires and supervises paralegals. She is an
associate at the law firm of Council, Baradel, Kosmerl
& Nolan in Annapolis.
Moderated by Professor Robyn Brown, the panel
included: Leah Diggs-Gnatiko, a paralegal with the
Office of General Counsel for the D.C. Water and
Sewer Authority; Michael Fullem, an auditor with the
Anne Arundel County Register of Wills; Kelly Hedin,
a paralegal with Holden Campbell; Michael Pelletier,
a paralegal with the Law Office of Paul V. Bennett;
Michele Shipley, a registered paralegal with Hyatt &
Weber; and Linda Taylor, a paralegal with the Law
Office of Wayne Clark.
Judge Laura S. Kiessling
Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County
Chief Judge Ben C. Clyburn
District Court of Maryland
Master in Chancery Cynthia Ferris
Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County
During the evening the judges will each discuss
issues from their respective courts dealing with
Facebook postings, texting, YouTube or videos and
others. Following the discussion, there will be a
question and answer period.
continued on page 4
Pictured above left to right: Linda Taylor, Michele Shipley, Michael Fullem, Kelly
Hedin, Leah Diggs-Gnatiko, Michael Pelletier, and Maria McKenna, Esq.
Panel members responded to questions from Brown
about to how they found employment and what
AACC courses have proved most helpful. Candid
comments encouraged the audience with the good
news – jobs are out there. Panelists also presented a
realistic view of finding a job. Several panelists
suggested that Legal Research and Writing I and II as
well as the Paralegal Internship have proved most
useful to them. Others added Civil Procedure as a
course that helps the newly employed paralegal to hit
the ground running.
Forum on the Judiciary 2011
Page 3
Continued on page 4
Spring 2012
(continued from page 3)
McKenna explained that although
many attorneys prefer an
experienced paralegal as a new
hire, she would rather train a
paralegal to her own preferences
in carrying out assigned tasks.
She also testified to the “leg up”
that students will enjoy in law
school if they have trained or
been employed as paralegals.
Legal Studies Club
For students interested in the law, the Legal Studies
Club provides an excellent opportunity to network
with fellow students and professionals as well as
participate in a variety of exciting activities, events
and educational opportunities.
Pictured above: Maria
Worthington McKenna, Esq.
Strategies for the job search
included networking at events where lawyers will be
present, such as professional meetings. One panelist
enjoyed success with “cold calls” to law firms in a
preferred geographic area. Shipley reminded the
audience that opportunities for networking with
employed paralegals is readily available through
student membership in the Maryland Association of
Paralegals (MAP), of which she is the current
president.
A lengthy Q&A session encouraged current students
to ask about issues that are of immediate concern to
them. Panelists lingered to entertain more personal
questions following the formal program.
In February, the club sent eight students to the Anne
Arundel Bar Association Winter Dinner Meeting and
held a voter registration drive. In March club students
went to the Museum of Crime and Punishment in
Washington, D.C. The club pays the admission for the
first 20 members who sign up. The club will have
several legal networking events and social outings
before the end of spring term.
The Club is open to students in all programs in the
Legal Studies Institute and meets most Tuesdays at 3
p.m. in the Law Library (CRSC 250). For more
information, visit the website at www.aacc.edu/
legalstudies and click “Club.” Even if you cannot
attend meetings, become a member to get on the email
list for meeting minutes and notice of events and
activities. You also can contact faculty adviser,
Professor Peter Wirig, at 410-777-1158 or
pmwirig@aacc.edu.
The Paralegal Forum is an annual event sponsored in
the fall by the Legal Studies Institute.
Get experience! Do an internship! Register for LGS
275. For questions concerning the Paralegal Internship
program, call or email Karen Cook at 410-777-7370 or
kcook@aacc.edu.
Mock Trial
“Battle of the Classes”
Join us for this
spring’s Mock Trial,
Battle of the
Classes, which will
take place on the
evening of
Monday, April 23 at
the Circuit Court
for Anne Arundel
Mock Trial 2011
County, Courtroom
1, in Annapolis. Taking center stage in the event will be
two Civil Procedure classes—one taught during the
Page 4
Pictured above: Will Whitaker, Vice President, Richard Byrne,
Treasurer; Megan Ruley, Breauna Murphy; and Jessica Hahn, President
day by Professor Michael O’Rourke and the other
taught in the evening by Professor Timothy Talbot.
Professor O’Rourke’s class will represent the Plaintiff
and Professor Talbot’s class will represent the
Defendant in Dixon v. Providential Life Ins. Co., a
fictitious case in which a widow claims life insurance
benefits as the result of her husband’s “accidental”
death, but the insurance company refuses to pay on the
ground that the death was allegedly a suicide. The
Honorable John McKenna, administrative judge on the
District Court of Maryland and an LSI adjunct, will
preside over the trial. Students who wish to get
involved can serve as witnesses, jurors, or simply
attend the mock trial as a spectator and watch fellow
LSI students.
Spring 2012
CLE CORNER
The Expansion of LSI’s CLE Program
LSI’s Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program is
entering its second full year of providing top-notch
seminars for attorneys, mediators, and practicing
paralegals and has seen tremendous growth. In the
fall, LSI became the official CLE provider for the
Anne Arundel Bar Association. With the success of
this partnership, LSI has been actively developing
and exploring other opportunities with legal
associations and organizations throughout the state.
As for mediators, LSI has developed a series of
seven courses to meet the ethical requirements
imposed by Maryland Annotated Code, Title 17 and
the Maryland Program for Mediator Excellence. The
courses have received high praise and continue to be
well attended.
LSI has entered the world of social media by the
creation of a Facebook fan page entitled “Legal
Studies Institute at Anne Arundel Community
College.” All of the LSI programs, including all of
the CLE courses, are listed in the “events page” and
we regularly post information on legal current
events. We have expanded our reach beyond Anne
Arundel County by listing CLE course information
in the bar associations newsletters for Baltimore
County, Prince George’s County and Howard
County.
The year started off with the unveiling of a new LSI
CLE website which has been expanded to have Web
pages dedicated to CLEs for attorneys, mediators
and paralegals. The new site also includes Web
pages for information on registration and a calendar
of events.
Looking at this spring and beyond, we have a very
robust CLE schedule, including programs on the
new debt collection rules, basic and advanced
training in collaborative law, a new series on issues
associated with federal contracting and a paralegal
course on new advancements with online legal
research.
Page 5
Graduates, please keep abreast of CLE courses being
offered through LSI on the website: www.aacc.edu/
legalstudies/cle. Courses marked with an asterisk (*)
were designed specifically for practicing paralegals,
but all courses are open to all legal professionals.
For information regarding the CLE program, please
contact Erin Gable, Esq. at 410-777-2839 or
edgable@aacc.edu.
SPRING 2012 CLE COURSES
Introduction to Conflict Coaching as an ADR Process
April 10, 2012
Ed Modell, J.D. & Merle Rockwell
Complex Issues for Best Interest Attorneys
April 17, 2012
Master Tim Thurtle, Michael Malone, Esq.,
Richard Trunnell, Esq., & Jennifer Merrill, Esq.
Federal Contracting: Compliance
April 27, 2012
Shomari B. Wade, Esq. & George Booker, Esq.
Troutman & Sanders LLP
New Trends and Developments in Legal Research*
TBD
Catherine McGuire
Mediator Ethics: Quality of Process
May 16, 2012
James Sauer, Esq.
Interdisciplinary Collaborative Law: 2-Day Basic Training
May 17-18, 2012
Interdisciplinary Collaborative Law: Advanced Training
May 19, 2012
Timothy Mummert, Esq. & Ann M. Balcerzak, Esq.
Federal Contracting: Standards of Conduct
June 8, 2012
Shomari B. Wade, Esq. & George Booker, Esq.
Troutman & Sanders LLP
Spring 2012
What the Tutor will NOT do
Legal Studies Institute
Tutoring Program
 The tutor will not provide personal legal advice.
 The tutor will not proofread any work product
(i.e. grammar, punctuation, capitalization, etc.).
 The tutor will not suggest substantive answers
to students.
 The tutor will not handle complaints about
In keeping with Student Success 2020 initiatives, LSI
is fortunate to be able to offer students a free tutoring
service. The purpose of the program is to provide
tutoring services to students who are enrolled in any
LGS course that may lead to an A.A.S. degree or
certificate. The program started in the fall and has
seen an increase in participation since the beginning
of the year.
The program provides tutoring services by an
experienced attorney who is available on campus
throughout the week. Erin Gable, Esq., LSI’s CLE
coordinator, is the tutor. Gable currently teaches LGS
111, Introduction to Paralegal Studies. She has 14
years of experience as an attorney including 10 years
as a litigator and three years as a staff attorney with
the Administrative Office of the Courts.
Gable assists students with difficult legal concepts,
provides direction and guidance on written
assignments, and offers helpful study hints. In
addition to meeting with Gable in her office, students
have the option to email her for assistance.
Tutoring Hours
Tutoring services are available through May 11, 2012.
Gable is located in CRSC 232C.
Mondays
8:30—11 a.m. — every week
2—4:p.m. — April 17, May 1
Tuesdays
11 a.m.--1:30 p.m. — every week
3:30—5:30 p.m. — April 24, May 8
Wednesdays
8:30—11 a.m. — every week
Fridays
8:30—11 a.m. — every week
Gable will also provide tutoring services via email.
Students may submit questions to edgable@aacc.edu.
Page 6
professors or course work or provide advice
about course selection, job seeking, or career
paths. (For these matters, contact Karen Cook,
LSI director, or Robyn Brown, LSI program
coordinator.)
Student Responsibilities
 The student will come prepared to the tutoring
session. This means the student must have all
of the following applicable items at the time of
the tutoring session:
 A typed, hard copy of the written work
product the student wishes to be reviewed
(handwritten drafts will not be reviewed);
 A hard copy of the assignment provided by
the instructor;
 Specific questions related to the area in
which the student is having difficulty and
the textbook for the course;
 A writing implement and paper for notes;
and
 Prior graded assignments or tests, if
applicable.
 Student sessions are limited to twenty (20)
minutes, if another student is waiting, but no
longer than thirty (30) minutes per student.
 Students will be seen on a walk-in, first-come,
first-served basis.
 Students must exhibit professionalism and
respect at all times during the tutoring session
or the session will be immediately terminated.
The tutor gives students an opportunity
to have one-on-one time and helps to
build confidence in the subject matter.
Spring 2012
Summer 2012 Schedule
Class
Section
Days
Start Date End Date
Time
Room
Introduction to the Law
LGS 100 411
M/W
5/21/2012
6/28/2012
6 - 10 p.m.
CRSC 212
Introduction to Paralegal Studies
LGS 111 411
T/TH
5/21/2012
6/28/2012
6 - 9:45 p.m.
CRSC 215
Introduction to Paralegal Studies
LGS 111 550
M/W
7/2/2012
8/9/2012
6 - 10 p.m.
AMIL 308
Introduction to Paralegal Studies
LGS 111 840*
W
6/6/2012
6/20/2012
6- 9 p.m.
CRSC 344
Law Office Practice & Technology
LGS 112 421
M/W
6/11/2012
8/2/2012
6 - 9 p.m.
CRSC 231
Organized Crime
LGS 135 875
Online
5/21/2012
6/28/2012
History of Homicide
LGS 136 875/876
Online
5/21/2012
6/28/2012
Legal Research & Writing
LGS 143 511
T/TH
5/21/2012
7/12/2012
5:15 - 9 p.m.
State Law Library
Advanced Legal Research & Writing
LGS 144 411
T/TH
5/21/2012
8/6/2012
6- 8:40 p.m.
CRSC 231
Domestic Relations
LGS 160 431
M/W
7/2/2012
8/9/2012
6 - 10 p.m.
CRSC 212
Civil Procedure
LGS 170 411
M/W
5/21/2012
6/28/2012
6 - 9:45 p.m.
CRSC 215
Tort Law
LGS 171 431
M/W
7/2/2012
8/9/2012
6- 10 p.m.
CRSC 258
Tort Law
LGS 171 875
Online
5/21/2012
6/28/2012
Real Estate Law for Paralegals
LGS 200 840*
T
5/21/2012
6/28/2012
6 - 9 p.m.
FLRS 222
Cyberlaw
LGS 205 875
Online
5/21/2012
6/28/2012
Criminal Law
LGS 215 011
M/T/W/TH 5/21/2012
6/28/2012
9 - 10:55 a.m.
CRSC 215
Criminal Law
LGS 215 411
T/TH
5/21/2012
6/28/2012
6 - 9:45 p.m.
CRSC 258
Criminal Law
LGS 215 875/876
Online
7/2/2012
8/9/2012
Criminal Evidence & Procedure
LGS 216 011
M/T/W/TH 5/21/2012
6/28/2012
11 a.m. - 12:55 p.m.
CRSC 217
Criminal Evidence & Procedure
LGS 216 411
M/W
5/21/2012
6/28/2012
6 - 10 p.m.
CRSC 258
Criminal Evidence & Procedure
LGS 216 875/876
Online
5/21/2012
6/28/2012
Constitutional Law
LGS 217 875
Online
5/21/2012
6/28/2012
Administrative Law
LGS 220 411
T/TH
5/21/2012
6/28/2012
6 - 9:45 p.m.
CRSC 245
Intellectual Property Law
LGS 236 431
M/W
7/2/2012
8/9/2012
6 - 10 p.m.
CRSC 260
Business Law 1
LGS 253 411
M/W
5/21/2012
6/28/2012
6 - 10 p.m.
CRSC 243
Business Law 1
LGS 253 431
T/TH
7/2/2012
8/9/2012
6 - 9:45 p.m.
CRSC 241
Business Law 1
LGS 253 550
T/TH
5/21/2012
6/28/2012
6 - 10 p.m.
AMIL 413
Business Law 1
LGS 253 875/876
Online
5/21/2012
7/12/2012
Business Law 1
LGS 253 877/ 878
Online
7/2/2012
8/9/2012
Business Law 2
LGS 254 431
M/W
7/2/2012
8/9/2012
6 - 10 p.m.
CRSC 210
Business Law 2
LGS 254 875
Online
7/2/2012
8/9/2012
Bankruptcy Law
LGS 260 411
M/W
5/21/2012
6/28/2012
6 - 9:45 p.m.
TBA
Gender and the Law
LGS 270 875
Online
7/2/2012
8/9/2012
Paralegal Internship
LGS 275 411
T
5/21/2012
8/9/2012
4:30 - 5:45 p.m.
CRSC 258
* Hybrid Courses contain both classroom and online components.
Page 7
Spring 2012
National Paralegal Honor Society Members
Inducted
In December, LSI proudly inducted four new
members to Lambda Epsilon Chi ("LEX"), the
National Paralegal Honor Society, for 2011-2012.
They are Mary Peake, Cynthia Robichaud, Daniel
Semick and Amy Wernecke. Congratulations to
these students.
Membership in LEX signifies to the legal community
outstanding achievement in paralegal studies as well
as impeccable ethics and professionalism.
During a ceremony at which inductees were
presented with pins and certificates, attorney Maria
McKenna spoke to the inductees, faculty, and guests
about the value of setting oneself apart from others
in the legal field. Following the ceremony
refreshments were served, and the inductees had an
opportunity to share with the group their
experiences in the paralegal program.
Pictured above with Business, Computing, and Technical Studies
Dean Kelly A. Koermer, J.D., are LEX inductees, Daniel Semick and
Cynthia Robichaud. (not pictured: Mary Peake and Amy Wernecke)
LEX is a national honor society established by the
American Association for Paralegal Education
("AAfPE"). LSI has been a chapter of LEX since 2009.
In order to be eligible for induction into LEX,
students must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 both in
their LSI classes and overall courses, and they must
have completed two thirds of their degree or
certificate program requirements. Applications are
accepted each fall term. Both paralegal degree and
certificate students are welcome to apply.
For further information, please contact Robyn
Brown, LEX faculty adviser, at 410-777-7214 or
rsbrown@aacc.edu.
Pictured above left to right: Professor Evelyn Pisegna-Cook; Professor
Monna Clark; Legal Studies Institute Director Karen Cook; Program
Coordinator, Robyn Brown; LEX Inductees Cynthia Robichaud and
Daniel Semick; and Professor Peter Wirig.
LSI Faculty and Staff
Karen Cook, J.D.
Director
410-777-7370/kcook@aacc.edu
Erin Gable, J.D.
Instructional specialist/LSI Tutor
410-777-2839/edgable@aacc.edu
Monna Clark, J.D.
Professor
410-777-7270/mgclark@aacc.edu
CRSC 232A
CRSC 232C
CRSC 305
Robyn Brown, J.D.
Program coordinator
410-777-7214/rsbrown@aacc.edu
Michael O’Rourke, J.D.
Associate professor
410-777-7397/mjorourke@aacc.edu
Peter Wirig, J.D.
Associate professor
410-777-1158/pmwirig@aacc.edu
CRSC 232B
CRSC 307
CRSC 307
Beth Surgenor, Paralegal/Office Manager
410-777-7323/bsurgenor@aacc.edu
CRSC 232
Notice of Nondiscrimination – AACC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, Title IX, ADA Title 504 compliant institution. Call Disability Support Services, 410-777-2306
or Maryland Relay 711, 72 hours in advance to request most accommodations. Requests for sign language interpreters, alternative format books or assistive technology
require 30-day notice. For information on AACC’s compliance and complaints concerning discrimination or harassment, contact Karen L. Cook, Esq., federal compliance
officer, at 410-777-7370 or Maryland Relay 711.
Page 8
Spring 2012