Don`t Pick a Job with Great Vacation Time. Pick One That Doesn`t

Volume XLIII
No. 17
Spring 2013
Delaware Paralegal
Association
The First Stop for
Paralegals
in the First State
Visit
www.deparalegals.org
In This Issue:
President’s Message
2
Letter from the Editor
4
New Members
5
New DCP’s
6
Pro Bono Corner
7
10 Deadly Phrases
Guaranteed to Bust
Your Career
9
National Affairs News
11
Trust Merger
12
Making the Most of
Your Membership
15
Member Spotlight
16
Delaware Certified
Paralegal Program
17
DPA Walk of Fame
18
Don’t Pick a Job with Great Vacation
Time. Pick One That Doesn’t’ Need
Escaping From.
Courtesy of Laws of Modern Woman
Spring 2013, Page 2
Delaware Paralegal Association
When One Door Closes Another One Opens
By Alyson D. Poppiti, DCP
President, Delaware Paralegal Association
The beginning of summer not only brings with it better weather and more chances to spend outside,
but it is also the time for people to cross milestones with graduation from either high school or college. On a
personal note, I attended my nephew’s graduation from Rochester Institute of Technology (“RIT”) with a
B.A. in Computer Science in May. I also just returned from attending my twin nephews’ graduation from
Quakertown High School. This is the time in life in which one door closes and another one opens. Graduates
are most likely both happy and sad to leave the learning institution but also anxious to explore the new world
of opportunities before them. Although the economy is still slowly recovering from the downturn of 2008,
new jobs are being created. Finding a job after graduation is not as easy as it used to be ten years ago, depending on your field of study. However, the job market for the paralegal field is getting better by the day.
Many times, I’ve been asked what an individual needs to do to find a job as a paralegal in this tough
market. My recommendation would be to attend an ABA approved paralegal program while working in the
legal field. I have also been asked about whether it would be
better to attend an online paralegal program or a traditional
paralegal program. I would highly recommend attending a
traditional paralegal program. Yes, there are now many online
accredited paralegal programs, but, personally, I don’t believe
that the student receives the full college experience with an
online program. Yes, it is correct that online programs may
be tougher but they don’t provide the necessary, important
personal interaction between the student, the professor and
other students. Yes, many online programs may provide
“chat rooms” to discuss questions with the professor and
other students, but this is not the same as actually sitting in a
classroom and asking the question in the middle of the
discussion. I admit that I might be a little biased since I am
the daughter of a college professor.
Spring 2013, Page 3
Delaware Paralegal Association
Cont. from page 2
As a college professor, my father drilled into me how important the classroom experience is for
grasping and understanding the subject material. Employers in the paralegal field are looking for paralegals
not only with a paralegal degree but also with experience. Often, I receive the question, “I have a paralegal
certificate, but I don’t have the experience required to obtain a paralegal job.” For this dilemma, I would
suggest possibly looking into volunteering your time at organizations such as CLASI (Community Legal
Aide Society), DVLS (Delaware Volunteer Legal Services), the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) or
another legal based non-profit organization. These organizations are always looking for volunteers to answer
the phone, make copies and greet possible clients. While I was in college at Shepherd College, I would
volunteer a few afternoons a week at the local West Virginia Community Legal Aide Society. Although I
would often just answer the phone, make copies or greet clients, it was a valuable experience which only
increased my love of the legal field. Volunteering your time will show that you are seriously interested in
the legal field and can actually perform paralegal duties. Unfortunately, as of right now, most law firms do
not offer volunteer or internship opportunities but be sure to keep your eyes open for any openings in the
legal field. Your paralegal certificate can open many doors to you that you may not have had before.
It is hard for me to believe this will be the last article I write as President of the Delaware Paralegal
Association. It has been a great honor to serve you as the President. When I was elected as Programs
Director of this great organization eight years ago, I never anticipated that I would one day become
President. Although I may no longer be President after June 30, 2013, I will still be the Board Advisor. I
cannot stress enough how thankful I am to not only the members of the Delaware Paralegal Association but
to my fellow board members throughout the years.
Spring 2013, Page 4
Delaware Paralegal Association
Short and Sweet!!!
By Susan Mayer Smith, DCP
My message is short and sweet.
Have a wonderful, enjoyable, and safe summer!
If you have any suggestion on how to make The Reporter even better, please feel free to contact me at 302-472-1777 or
sms@maronmarvel.com.
June 2013, Page 5
Delaware Paralegal Association
Welcome New Members
by Denise M. Chigges
Membership Director
The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that the below individuals have been newly
admitted to the Association.
Please join the Board in welcoming our newest members at the next luncheon, CLE program or
event! If you have a friend or colleague who is interested in joining the Association or you
received this newsletter from one of our members and would like more information about
membership, please visit http://www.deparalegals.org/memberships.php. You may also contact
me at dmchigges@mail.widener.edu or (302) 504-3232.
Full Members
April 2013
Tabitha Davis - Swartz Campbell, LLC
KiAn J. Harris - Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC
May 2013
Corey Green Doyle - Tunnell & Raysor, P.A. Sherry A. Jordon - The Norman Law Firm
LeeAnn Scavina - McCarter & English LLP
Student Members
Associate Members
April 2013
April 2013
Michelle McGee-Solomon - Paul,
Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton &
Garrison, LLP
Melissa Toomey
Lisa M. Huttman
Linda Tickle
May 2013
Danielle Fuerst
Steven Reinoehl
June2013
Meredith Moffett
Charnise Oleson
Elizabeth T. Ghione
Michael Kirylik
Christine M. Molino
May 2013
Janna L. Kirby - Eric G. Mooney,
P.A.
June 2013
Heather Ann McFarlan
Delaware Paralegal Association
Spring 2013, Page 6
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Delaware Paralegal Association Membership Totals
Charter …….…..……………………………………………………………….………………...……….1
Full ………..……………………………………...……………………….…………………….……...235
Associate …………………………………………………………………………………..…...………..18
Student ….…...…………….………………………………………………………….……....….……...31
Sustaining …………………………………………………………………………….….……..…....….10
——–-—————-—————————–———————
Total Membership …………………………………………....……......................…. 295
Just a reminder: Each member is responsible to retain their own CLE certificates, they can not be
replaced. The Delaware Paralegal Association does not retain copies.
Helpful hint: Make a notebook or folder and store your CLE’s there as soon as you receive them.
OUR MISSION
To promote and maintain high standards and ethics in the profession, to provide a forum
for the exchange of information about the profession, to enhance the role of paralegals in
the legal community and to encourage the continuing legal education of paralegals.
Delaware Paralegal Association
Spring 2013, Page 7
Pro-Bono Corner
By Steve Bridgett, DCP
Pro Bono Director
On Saturday, May 11, 2013, DPA members and friends were honored to have
the opportunity to cook “Breakfast for Dinner” for the guests at the Ronald
McDonald House in Wilmington, Delaware. The menu included fresh cut fruit,
Danishes, scrambled eggs (the real kind…no egg beaters for OUR guests),
sausage, bacon, potatoes, biscuits, orange juice, and passion mango (YES,
PASSION mango….and it was FABULOUS).
Mary Quinn and I spent a good portion of the morning shopping for food and then landed at the House
around 1:00 PM to start setting up. At 2:30, members began arriving and fun began in earnest. Eleven DPA
members and friends assisted in the whole event.
Just after finishing all of the prep work and prior to the actual cooking, we were all treated to a tour of the
facility. The House includes event and play rooms for children of all ages as well as a movie room for
families to view first run and favorite movies. While my personal favorite is the large screened porch with
the plush furniture and view of the grounds, I have to admit to a tear or two at the sight of the Treasure
Chest. Many parents staying at the house are often accompanied by all of their children. A child staying at
the house is allowed to pick out a new toy to keep from the Treasure Chest. As you all know, each year
DPA holds a toy drive to benefit the Treasure Chest every December. A particular need each year are toys
for older children staying at the House (something to keep in mind when you are shopping for the
December luncheon).
This was our third year preparing a meal for the residents at the Ronald McDonald House and we hope to
be able to do so again in the next year.
Thank you to everyone that helped.
Spring 2013, Page 8
Delaware Paralegal Association
Spring 2013, Page 9
Delaware Paralegal Association
10 Deadly Phrases Guaranteed
to Bust Your Career
By Chere B. Estrin
A
s someone who teaches and gives seminars, I have met literally thousands of paralegals in all phases
of their careers. Those just entering the field, some in it for a few years, a strong component that are lifers,
others who are wannabees and those that are banging at the doors in a desperate attempt to get out.
Whenever someone wants to discuss their career, it’s generally because they have reached a stumbling
block. Whether it’s a job move, lack of promotion, more sophisticated work, higher level assignment,
more interesting and stimulating atmosphere or just indiscriminate complaints, the block is generally
coming from within the person and not as a result from the surrounding environment.
How you communicate gives others the key to your thoughts. Communication governs how you
behave, are perceived, and how you think. Convincing yourself of certain beliefs and conveying those
beliefs to others can dictate how you take the journey from average-garden-variety-paralegal to SuperStar.
Here are the 10 biggest career blockers:
1.
“I don’t know.” Deadly, deadly, deadly. The last thing an employer wants to hear is that you
don’t know. Law firms hire paralegals for knowledge. This phrase is particularly annoying to supervisors in
high-pressure positions who look to you as their number one assistant. You may not, in fact, know the answer. A better response might be, “I will find out” or “That’s not my area of expertise, however, I will
research it and get back to you” or “I’m not familiar with that, however, I will find someone who is and get
back to you by……” These answers 1) admit you don’t have a ready answer and 2) shows you will take an
extra step to find out. It won’t leave your supervisor hanging.
2.
“I’m not saying anything bad about them but….” Whenever you preface a statement about what
you’re not doing and then proceed to do it, you’re in for trouble. First of all, you make a liar out of yourself. Second of all, you’re setting yourself up for the gossip circuit. How can anyone trust you if you’re
known as someone who gossips? You may not think you’re participating in the rumor mill but believe me,
you’re already there. Never rock the trust boat. It will kill your career in about two seconds.
3.
“Paralegals don’t do this kind of assignment.” You might sometimes hear this remark perhaps
after a paralegal takes a workshop that causes them to reach beyond their comfort level. My comment to
that is: AREYOUSERIOUS????? Unless it is practicing law, giving advice or negotiating fees, paralegals
can tackle just about any assignment.
4.
“My firm doesn’t pay for seminars, so I can’t go.” In certain states, such as
California, there mandatory continuing legal education is required of paralegals. Either you ignore
Business & Professions Code 6450 and end up in violation of the Code or, in the case of firms not paying
for continuing legal education, you wind up paying for it yourself. The number of paralegals who ignore
continuing education altogether because their firm or organization does not reimburse them is, unfortunately, very high.
Spring 2013, Page 10
Delaware Paralegal Association
Cont. from page 9
5.
“I’m really not into technology.” Uh, huh. I suppose that you are still indexing documents on 3
x 5 cards, too. Everyone is into technology. True, some more than others and some, quite frankly, better
at it than the next person. This phrase is a guaranteed career buster. Even if history shows us that lawyers
were the last to get on the bandwagon in terms of advanced, modern technology, the fact is that law firms
now use technology to compete with other firms. You cannot exist in this world without knowing about
technology on some level. This phrase only tells people you are not planning on joining us in the 21st
century.
6.
“I’m too old.” I don’t know what this means. You’re too old to learn something new? Too
old to move to a new job? Too old to get a degree? Have you heard that the new 60 is the old
40?
People are not as old at 60 as their parents were. It’s a new age. You’re not too old to go back to
school, to seek a better job, to learn a new specialty, to move up the ladder. The average age of paralegal
student is 36-38 years of age. The average age of paralegals responding to the NFPA (National Federation of Paralegal Associations) surveys is somewhere in their forties. This is a second and third career
choice for most paralegals. The only thing you’re too old for may be a mini-skirt. For that matter, I was
too “old” for that when I was 20.
7.
“I’m looking for a balance of lifestyle and career.” I should hope so! I never used to have
that balance. I was all about careers. Ninety-hour work weeks were the norm. I would go to a movie and
not hear half of it because my mind was racing about all the work I had to do. Now that I have put
balance into my life, I feel so much better about myself, my work and well, life in general.
I do guarantee you, however, that few employers, particularly in law firms mired in crisis management, want to actually hear that you are looking for “balance”. Try telling that to a haggard senior associate who just worked 425 hours, can’t remember what her kids look like or exactly the last time he saw his
house and it’s only the 15th of the month. This is one phrase that may be better left unsaid.
8.
“I want a raise like Susie’s.” Raises are not based on your colleague’s increase. Justifying an
increase in salary because your neighbor in the next cubical is earning more than you will not cause
employers to pony up. True, market rates play an important part in what you earn. However, employers
pay for performance and do not feel competitive about people in their own firm. Go back to your performance, kudos, billable hours, knowledge, surveys, and gung-ho attitude to justify an increase. You’ll do
much better.
9.
“It’s somewhere on my desk.” Oh, dear. I can’t even tackle this one, it’s so deadly.
10.
“I want to move to a corporation so I can work fewer hours, move up the corporate ladder and
have less stress.” Better check out that corporation first! In some companies, the pressure is on to keep
as much work in-house as they can rather than send it to outside counsel
I hear these phrases all the time and can only tell you that if you are telling yourself any of the above,
you might want to scrutinize your messages to the world and to yourself. You may find out why you’re
not “feeling the love”. Careers are fluid and attitude goes a long way in what happens on that
journey. Take the time to change your attitude and you’ll find that you’ve changed the way you think and
the way the world looks at you. Not a bad way to have a career!
Chere Estrin©
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Spring 2013, Page 11
Delaware Paralegal Association
Director of National Affairs
By: Stephanie McConaghy, DCP
On April 18, 2013, the President of the
National Federation of Paralegal Associations,
Robert Hrouda, RP, was the guest speaker at the
DPA National Affairs Luncheon held at the
Wilmington Sheraton Suites.
Mr. Hrouda provided the DPA members
with a brief history of the formation of the Limited
License Legal Technician (LLLT) Rule in the state
of Washington. The LLLT Rule was first proposed
in 2008 by the Practice of Law Board (POLB) and
was finally adopted on June 15, 2012 by the Washington Supreme Court. The LLLT Rule authorizes
non-attorneys who meet certain educational
requirements to advise clients on specific areas of
law. While the sticking point in getting this rule
adopted in additional states boils down to who will
remain responsible for monitoring the paralegals,
the LLLT Rule is pushing on. The state of New
York has asked a partnership of the ABA and the
National Legal Aid & Defender Association to
investigate the possibility of bringing the LLLT
Rule to their state. Mr. Hrouda stated that New
York has proposed to first utilize the LLLT Rule in
the pro bono field. In closing, Mr. Hrouda stressed
the importance of getting involved in the local legal
community and networking to enhance the profession.
Earlier this month it was published in the
California Bar Journal that the state of California
has been studying the idea of limited-practice
licensing. Following a bar retreat in January, the
California State Bar’s Board of Trustees have begun
looking for ways to increase consumer protection
and expand legal services to poor Californians. The
California Bar studied the idea of licensing in the
late 1980s and early 1990s while ABA did so in the
mid-1990s. While nothing came to fruition in the
state of California, all studies supported the concept.
If Washington State’s experience and California’s
history is any indication, it could be a long and
contentious road ahead
It’s clear that change and expansion are
happening in our field. Our profession is evolving
and education should be encouraged on a local level.
We had over 40 members attend the DPA National
Affairs Luncheon. Thank you to all who attended!
I will continue to monitor local, regional, and
national paralegal regulation and practice guidelines
and I look forward to working diligently to provide
current and relevant information to the DPA. If you
have any questions, or know of any regulatory
activity that is of importance, please feel free to
contact me at sam@maronmarvel.com.
Spring 2013, Page 12
Delaware Paralegal Association
TRUST MERGER:
WHAT’S GOOD FOR THE GOOSE IS GOOD FOR THE GANDER
The ability to merge trusts can be a very attractive strategy for migrating a trust from another state to
Delaware. Of course, in many circumstances it will be possible to simply remove a trustee and appoint a
successor in Delaware, and many trust instruments provide flexible provisions that allow for the change of
situs and governing law. However, in some instances, when a trust is migrated to Delaware, it may be
necessary to modify the choice of law or situs provisions of the trust instrument or make other modifications
to the trust, such as converting the trust to a directed trust. It is important to note that under the laws of
many states, these modifications can be accomplished before, or contemporaneous with, the migration of
the trust. These options include court orders, non-judicial modification and decanting. Those options are
available under the laws of many states. For example, twenty-four States plus the District of Columbia have
enacted the Uniform Trust Code which includes provisions for the judicial and non-judicial modification of
trusts. As of the date of this piece, those States are: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, District of Columbia,
Florida, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico,
North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont,
Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. In addition, the Uniform Trust Code was introduced in 2013 in
Montana and New Jersey. As of the date of this piece, eighteen states have enacted decanting legislation
and at least two other states have proposed statutes. The States that currently have decanting statutes are:
New York, Alaska, Delaware, Tennessee, Florida, South Dakota, New Hampshire, Nevada, Arizona, North
Carolina, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, Illinois, Rhode Island, and Michigan. The two states
where decanting statutes have been proposed are: South Carolina and Colorado.
Merger – A Well-Established Concept
The concept of trust merger is a well-established legal principal. Using merger to transfer an entity from
one state to another is also firmly embedded in the corporate and alternative entities laws as well as the tax
laws. Non-Delaware corporations routinely re-domesticate in Delaware by merging with and into a newlycreated Delaware corporation under Delaware General Corporation Laws Section 252. Indeed this has been
such a long-standing and well-settled process, that the Internal Revenue Service provided guidance on the
issue 40 years ago, determining that the surviving corporation is treated as the same corporation as the
transferor corporation for Federal income tax purposes. See Rev. Rul. 73-526, 1973-2 C.B. 404. Sections
263 and 264 of the Delaware General Corporation Laws allow a partnership or limited liability company to
merge with an into a Delaware corporation. There are similar statutes under the alternative entity laws. See
Delaware Revised Limited Partnership Act Section 17-211 and Delaware Limited Liability Company Act
Section 18-209. Those sections actually include common law trusts among the “entities” that can merge
with and into a Delaware limited partnership or limited liability company. These transactions are commonplace in the commercial setting.
Spring 2013, Page 13
Delaware Paralegal Association
Cont. from page 13
Delaware’s Trust Merger Law
Under Section 3325(29) of Title 12 of the Delaware Code, a trustee of a Delaware trust has the power to:
“Merge any 2 or more trusts, whether or not created by the same trustor, to be held and administered as a
single trust if such a merger would not result in a material change in the beneficial interests of the trust
beneficiaries, or any of them, in the trust.” This can be a very useful tool for combining substantially similar
trusts to achieve economies of scale. It can also be an effective strategy for migrating an existing
non-Delaware trust into Delaware, by merging the existing trust with and into a new Delaware trust. The
surviving Delaware trust could be administered under Delaware law and could include some administrative
differences from the original trust, such as including a directed trustee provision. This should be possible,
even if the original trust is exempt from generation skipping transfer tax because there is a safe harbor in the
Treasury Regulations for a trust merger. See Teas. Reg. § 26.2601-1(b)(4)(E) Example 6.
Other States’ Statutes
Section 417 of the Uniform Trust Code provides trustees with the power to merge and combine trusts. It
states: “After notice to the qualified beneficiaries, a trustee may combine two or more trusts into a single
trust or divide a trust into two or more separate trusts, if the result does not impair rights of any beneficiary
or adversely affect achievement of the purposes of the trust.”
Including Delaware, there are 36 states plus the District of Columbia that authorize trust mergers by statute
without court approval. Those states are:
AlabamaArizona
AlabamaArizona
Arkansas
Arkansas
Delaware
District
District of
of Columbia
Columbia
Florida
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kansas
Louisiana
Louisiana
Maine
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
Michigan
Minnesota
Minnesota
Mississippi
Mississippi
Missouri
Missouri
Nebraska
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Mexico
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wyoming
Additionally, there are 6 other states that allow mergers with some level of court intervention. Those states
are California, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Montana, Rhode Island.
Spring 2013, Page 14
Delaware Paralegal Association
Cont. from page 14
Generally, the statutes allow a merger with another trust so long as there is no material change in the beneficial interests of the trust beneficiaries. Many trust instruments include express merger provisions and this is
also generally true of such provisions. Consequently, it should be possible to merge an existing trust into a
new Delaware trust, the administration of which is governed by Delaware law and which includes changes to
various administrative provisions, to take advantage of beneficial Delaware laws.
Three states (Connecticut, New York, New Jersey) allow a trustee to hold two or more trusts as a single trust
(essentially to merge) in the case of trusts created under the same governing instrument. Those statutes are
not helpful with respect to migrating trusts to Delaware. The remaining states (Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho,
Kentucky, Louisiana, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin) appear to have no statutory merger power
available to trustees.
The Process
The process for a trust merger involves several steps. First, one must ensure that the existing trust
instrument or current governing law of the original trust enable the trustee to merge the trust. If this can be
accomplished, then the trustee of the original trust will need to perform a risk assessment and determine
whether it can become comfortable with exercising the discretion to merge the original trust with and into
the new Delaware trust. The exercise of discretion will likely be analyzed under an abuse of discretion
standard. The trustee of the original trust will also need to consider whether it will require releases from the
beneficiaries and how virtual representation may bind the minor and unborn beneficiaries. All of this will
generally be analyzed under the laws governing the original trust and will pertain to the non-Delaware
trustee. There will also need to be a new valid and existing Delaware trust, governed by Delaware law,
which will be the survivor of the merger. The parties will need to consider whether the trust instrument for
this new trust will be a declaration of trust or a trust agreement, and who (if anyone) will be the nominal
grantor of the new trust). The parties should also consider all income and transfer tax issues. Once each of
these steps has been accomplished, the trustee of the original trust will need to merge that trust with and into
the new Delaware trust pursuant to some written instrument memorializing the exercise of discretion to
merge. The new Delaware trust could be a Delaware directed trust, the administration of which is governed
by Delaware law or could take advantage of any of the other advantages of Delaware trust law and the
Delaware jurisdiction.
Spring 2013, Page 15
Delaware Paralegal Association
Making the Most of Your Membership
by Denise M. Chigges, DCP
Membership Director
We wish you the very best of summer and look forward to your participation in
DPA events throughout the coming 2013-2014 year. If you are interested in participating on the Continuing Legal Education, Kent County, National Affairs, Pro Bono, Programs (Luncheons), Special Events (i.e., Paralegal-Attorney events in all
counties, Annual Meeting, Law Day, etc.), Sussex County, Newsletter and Mentoring Committee or have any questions regarding upcoming events and opportunities to volunteer, feel free to reach out
to let the Board of Directors know of your interest. Their contact information may be found at http://
www.deparalegals.org/board-of-directors.php.
While we continue to provide information on upcoming events through regular mailings and/or email
notice, you can also log onto DPA's website at http://www.deparalegals.org/calendar.php for up-tothe-minute information. You will also find valuable information on the Member's Only page of the
website http://www.deparalegals.org/member-login.php, including the DPA Bylaws, the Job Bank
with current vacancies, process for joining the Blood Bank, current and past newsletters and a
membership directory. Check out our DPA Sponsors on our website at the advertising page http://
www.deparalegals.org/advertising.php.
Should you misplace your user name and password, or if you encounter any difficulties accessing the
Member’s Only page, please contact Sandra Rothermel, IT Director, at sarothermel@yahoo.com.
Did you know that your membership in the Delaware Paralegal Association is
portable? If you move out of town, out of state or just down the street, simply
provide updated contact information to your Membership Director, Denise
Chigges, at dchigges@elzufon.com or (302) 504-3232 to ensure continued receipt
of newsletters and email updates.
Thank you for your membership, support and participation in the DPA during the 2012-2013 membership year. Our
current fiscal year ended on June 30th and our 2013-2014 season is here. Congratulations to Jacqueline Brown, DCP
of Cooch & Taylor, P.A. who won FREE membership for one year at the Annual Meeting on June 20.
A BIG thanks to all members who have already renewed. You will be receiving your confirmation of renewed membership shortly!
We look forward to everyone’s continued participation. So if you missed the renewal deadline, if your status has
changed or you have any questions regarding your eligibility for renewal or any other questions/concerns, please contact me at dchigges@elzufon.com or (302) 504-3232.
Lastly, thank you for re-electing me to serve as your Membership Director. I enjoyed meeting you at our Annual
Meeting and look forward to meeting each of you in person. I am always available should you have any questions
regarding your membership.
Spring 2013, Page 16
Delaware Paralegal Association
The Delaware Paralegal Association will be featuring individuals in our profession who have
been nominated as the “Spotlight Member” of the month. The Spotlight Member is an individual who is devoted to the paralegal profession, has continued to strive for excellence in
our field and one who is dedicated to their specific area of the law.
Congratulations !!!
Insert Member Here
Terry Sack
How did you get started in your legal career?
I knew since I was in 7th grade that I wanted to be a legal secretary-at the time I wasn't sure I could be an attorney!! I attended
Wesley College when it was still a two year college and graduated with my legal secretary degree and paralegal certificate.
What is your current specialty and how did you get started in that field?
I work for Hudson, Jones, Jaywork & Fisher. I started when the firm was relatively small and was the receptionist, runner,
secretary, did the franchise tax reports and many other duties. I’m now a real estate paralegal and persona secretary and I handle
settlements for the firm. I have worked in this office since September of 1979, which will be 34 years!!
What are some of the responsibilities that give you the most satisfaction? Least satisfaction?
The firms practice has changed over the years from criminal work and then estates, wills and estate planning, representing the Lake
Forest School District, etc. As secretaries came and went from the firm my role changed from a personal secretary to handling real
estate closings. This type of work doesn’t allow for me to explore other kinds of area’s of law. I concentrate on closings. The days
go by very fast and everything is time sensitive. Sometimes this pace gets to be a lot but I work with really nice people.
What could you tell a prospective DPA member about the benefits of joining this organization?
I really enjoy attending our DPA meetings here in Kent County to experience different areas of the law and to be able to put faces
with those we deal with over the phone and via email I hope the profession continues to grow and I can see the invaluable asset
paralegals are to their bosses. Being a member of the organization is very rewarding, helps keep you up to date and to be introduced
to the changing times of profession.
If you would like to nominate a fellow colleague who has an interesting story, feel free to send the individual’s name and contact
information to Susan Mayer Smith at sms@maronmarvel.com. The nominee must be a member of DPA.
Spring 2013, Page 17
Delaware Paralegal Association
use
the designation “Delaware Certified Paralegal” or “DCP.”
On May 12, 2005, the Board of Directors approved the Delaware Certified Paralegal (DCP)
Program in an effort to continue to promote a high level of education and professionalism, and to
encourage continuing legal education for Delaware paralegals. Paralegals seeking the DCP certification
must be Full members of DPA, and meet certain education and work experience requirements to
submit an application. This is a voluntary certification program.
The DCP Committee will examine the qualifications of each applicant for certification and
determine whether the applicant meets the necessary requirements. Approved applicants will be issued
a certificate indicating certification by the DPA. The paralegal can then use the designation “Delaware
Certified Paralegal” or “DCP.”
Paralegals who are approved for DCP certification must follow DPA’s Code of Ethics and renew
their certification status every two years. The renewal process consists of completing at least eight
hours of continuing legal education with at least one of the eight hours covering ethics. DCP CLE
credits will be offered at various monthly DPA lecture luncheons, lunch & learns and other CLE events
throughout the year. In addition, there are many other avenues for DCPs to pursue to obtain
applicable CLE credit.
Please see www.delawareparalegals.com for more information and for an application. C
Board Directory
Website:
E-mail:
www.deparalegals.org
info@deparalegals.org
OFFICERS
Alyson D. Poppiti, DCP
Shannon J. Hamlin, DCP
Kristine Neuhauser, DCP
Adam Kuhn, DCP
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
351-9320
984-6243
657-8237
215-963-4492
apoppiti@mnat.com
shamlin@Potteranderson.com
Kristine.neuhauser@ubs.com
akuhn@morganlewis.com
Membership
Programs
CLE
Job Bank
Newsletter
Pro Bono
Public Relations
Information Technology
Special Projects
National Affairs
Kent County
Sussex County
Director-at-Large
Board Advisor
504-3232
472-1773
467-4246
984-3882
472-1777
984-3915
326-5823
856-7755
429-4260
472-1761
744-9290
856-7161
dmchigges@mail.widener.edu
ajw@maronmarvel.com
Mahassein.Johnson@dbr.com
shallman@coochtaylor.com
sms@maronmarvel.com
sbridgett@coochtaylor.com
patricia.magee@state.de.us
sarothermel@yahoo.com
tmatthews@bayardlaw.com
sam@maronmarvel.com
Susanne@johnrgarey.com
dawnc_law@verizon.net
203-229-5069
ANT1@aol.com
DIRECTORS
Denise Chigges, DCP
Amanda Willey
Mahassein Johnson
Sharyn Hallman, DCP
Susan Mayer Smith, DCP
Steve Bridgett, DCP
Patricia Finn Magee, DCP
Sandra A. Rothermel, DCP
Tiffany Matthews, DCP
Stephanie A. McConaghy, DCP
Susanne Whitney, DCP
Dawn M. Carey, DCP
Available
Anthony Iannini, AACP, DCP,
PaCP, NJCP
Spring 2013, Page 18
Delaware Paralegal Association
The DPA Wall of...Fame
Spring 2013, Page 19
Cont. from Page 20
Delaware Paralegal Association
…Wall of Fun…
Spring 2013, Page 20
Delaware Paralegal Association
Advertise in
The Reporter
1/4 page
Per Issue
$80
Full Year
$280
1/2 page
$100
$360
Full page
$120
$400
The Reporter is published four times per year.
Acceptance of advertising does not constitute DPA endorsement.
Those interested in advertising should contact
SUSAN MAYER SMITH, DCP, Newsletter Editor.
The Reporter is the official publication of the Delaware Paralegal Association. The subscription rate is included in the membership dues. Non-members may also
subscribe for $50 per year. Articles published in The Reporter reflect the views and opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of DPA, its editors or
officers. The information published is based solely on submitted written material, and DPA assumes no responsibility for verification of the information submitted.
Articles may not be reprinted without the consent of DPA and the author. DPA does not endorse the opinions, services or products appearing in published articles
or advertisements. Letters to the Editor are encouraged, but they must be signed in order to be published. The Editor reserves the right to edit material for clarity
and space.