The Official Record

The Official Record
Fall 2012 ▬ Page 1
The Official Record
Fall 2012
IN THIS ISSUE:
Volume 49
Issue 3
FROM OUR PRESIDENT
JANET R. VANDENBERG, ALS
From Our President - Page 1
President-Elect - Page 3
Executive Secretary - Page 4
Certification/Education Director Page 4
Marketing Director - Page 5
Membership Director - Page 6
Immediate Past President - Page 7
Parliamentarian - Page 8
Treasurer - Page 9
2012-2013 Calendar of Events Page 10
NALS 2012 Electronic Voting
Process - Page 12
MI Court of Appeals Notice
Regarding E-Filing Permission Page 14
NALS of Michigan 2012-13 Order
Form - Page 15
2012-2013 NALS of Michigan
Officers - Page 16
2012-2013 Committees - Page 17
Legal Recruiting News - Page 19
Engage 5 Application for Waiver of
Dues - Page 20
“How Can I Promote NALS Locally and Statewide?”
This is a topic that speaks for itself. How important is your NALS
membership to you? What have you gained from being a
member? And what are you willing to share with other potential or
former members? Today, our members come from all walks of life,
skills, work in various capacities in various areas of the law, bank
trust offices, title companies, process servers, the various court
systems, various county offices, etc. We also have to remember
that we have several student members who are attending classes
(part or full time) to become legal secretaries, legal assistants,
paralegals, law students, etc., and then finally our retired members
that round out our membership.
The majority of our members have gained a great deal from their
membership in NALS, a multi-level association. You will get out
of your membership what you are willing to put back into it.
Do you attend meetings on the local, state, regional, and national
levels? Do you participate in the various webinars or on-line
sessions that our national association offers regularly? Have you
earned your certification or are you studying for one of the
certifications (ALS, PLS, PP) that NALS offers?
Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone and share the
benefits of your NALS membership with a potential new member,
invite them to a local, state or regional meeting? Are you willing to
encourage them to study for one of the exams? Have you thought
about mentoring someone that is a potential or new member?
All of these areas take commitment, determination,
persistence, and the willingness to work side-by-side other
members to increase our membership. These goals can be
accomplished if you are willing to step forward and make that
commitment, encourage others to reap those benefits you have,
and be a part of this professional organization called NALS.
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Our multi-level association has a Code of Ethics
and Professional Responsibility that we are
bound by. Do you take these seriously? Your
attitude is of utmost importance and how we
present ourselves to our membership and
potential new members will show.
Helene Wood, PP, PLS-SC Corporate, TSC-RE,
our national president shared with her board
earlier this year “Attitude is Everything.” I shared
this with the current executive committee this
past May. One important aspect that she
touched on was while serving as executive
committee members we have additional
responsibilities that we are required to do in our
various capacities. She also mentioned that we
must consider ourselves “on stage” and we are
being watched by our members and others who
follow our every move, watch our every step,
listen to every word, review every article we
write, and read every post to the NALS
Community, Facebook, Twitter, etc. First and
foremost we are to act in a professional manner,
while keeping a positive attitude and being
enthusiastic.
Finally, I have found our members have shown
concern for each other in various capacities over
the years. Many members have lost a loved one,
had an accident, injury, or illness, etc. And
during these tragic times, all of these members
have been surrounded by a human bond that
brought our members closer together. When we
receive notice of these concerns, the Presidentelect notifies the Executive Committee and
Board of Directors who then notify the
membership via e-mail and the notification is
posted on the state website. Recently this
human bond was shared when one of our past
presidents lost her son who was serving his
country as a U.S. Marine. To me, it was simply
awesome, to see the members (including past
presidents, current and past executive
committee members, and chapter members
along with some spouses) who gave of their time
and drove distances to give support to a NALS
member during a very difficult time. I believe this
is what our association is all about. We are there
for each other, through the good times and the
Fall 2012 ▬ Page 2
bad, to support our members whether it is by
sending a card, phone call, visit, etc.
This is what membership in NALS – the
association for legal professionals is all
about … FRIENDSHIP, ENCOURAGEMENT,
PROFESSIONALISM, MENTORING, KEEPING
A POSITIVE ATTITUDE, PROMOTING NALS,
WILLINGNESS TO HELP EACH OTHER, and
being a member of a professional
organization that encompasses all of these.
Attitude Is Everything
Yes…..
It is exciting to have the support of the
members and be elected to the NALS of
Michigan Board of Directors
But…..
Along with the excitement come
responsibilities. Consider yourself “on
stage” and being watched by members and
others who will follow your every move,
watch your every step, listen to your
every word, review every article you
write, and read every post to the NALS
Community, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
You Are…
A consummate professional It is
imperative that you remain professional
at all times.
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NALS…..
An attitude that is always POSITIVE and
ENTHUSIASTIC
▲
PRESIDENT-ELECT
TERESA M. GARBER, PP, PLS
"How to Market NALS"
Many people think of marketing, and they only
think about advertising in a newspaper,
television, or radio. There is so much more to it.
NALS of Michigan has been blessed to have a
fantastic marketing committee for the past
couple of years. The committee works hard to
spread the word about NALS activities across
the state. The committee sends press releases,
creates beautiful banners and business cards,
and uses Constant Contact to send messages to
members. However, marketing should not stop
with the committee. As members of NALS, it is
our responsibility to assist with marketing
opportunities. It is not as daunting as you may
think.
There are many simple, quick things you can do
to market NALS. First, you can display any
NALS acknowledgements you have received
prominently at your desk at work (do not break
office policies regarding what you can have at
your desk, though). This includes anything from
a NALS certification to the gavel you used as
chapter president to a framed copy of the NALS
Code of Ethics. Second, make sure to inform
your supervisor about what you are doing in
NALS. All it takes is a quick e-mail to let that
person know if you are leading a section of a
local study group or if you received a NALS
recognition or if your chapter has a great
presentation coming up (do not forget to invite
that person to a NALS event). Third, you can
write an article for the NALS of Michigan
newsletter. It is as simple as writing a summary
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about a NALS presentation that you attended
(make sure to send a copy of your published
article to your supervisor). There are certainly
other things you can do as well, and some of
them can be a little bigger. The following is a
story for you to consider.
My taekwondo school recently held a bully
prevention presentation for children ages 5 to
12, free of charge, and open to students and
non-students. The school gave cards about the
event to its current students to hand out to
friends. On the day of the presentation, the
school had a large dry-erase board by the road
advertising the presentation and that it was free.
There were balloons all over the place, and
several of us instructor-trainees were outside in
full uniform greeting passers-by and welcoming
attendees. During the presentation, we showed
a video to the kids about "stranger danger" and
worked with the kids on simple, age-appropriate
self-defense techniques. The kids all got a donut
at the end, and non-students were presented
with a special taekwondo headband that the lead
instructor autographed. The school spent very
little money, used current students/instructortrainees (yours truly included) to help teach the
kids, and we presented information that we were
"experts" at to better the community at large.
There were benefits for the school, instructors,
and the kids. About forty children participated in
the event, and five new students signed up. The
instructor-trainees received valuable hours
needed toward attaining certification as a
taekwondo instructor. The kids learned how to
keep themselves safe.
This example can be applied to NALS. Work with
a local school to make a presentation to
paralegal students about what they do not teach
in school, or your local bar association to make a
presentation to new attorneys after they have
been sworn in on how to work effectively with
legal support staff, or put together a free seminar
on the basics of certain courts or other areas of
law. Have seasoned NALS members make
these presentations when possible. You do not
need a lot of flyers or a banner or fancy
equipment. Try to find a location that will not
charge you for the space (does your local
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courthouse have a jury assembly room you can
use?). Having seasoned NALS members make
the presentations means you have presenters
who already possess the knowledge needed to
pass on to others without too much preparation.
Not charging a fee shows you are committed to
providing vital information and knowledge to the
legal community. The benefits will be similar to
the ones my taekwondo school received: your
chapter can gain new members, the NALS
members making the presentations can earn recertification/CLE points, and you provide a
valuable service to the legal community.
Marketing does not have to take a lot of effort.
You do not need a lot of money or a group of 15
people to pull off one amazing advertisement. It
is the small things that catch people's attention
and make them want to learn more. It is
providing what people need. Marketing is
something that any NALS member can do with
some creativity and enthusiasm.
▲
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
WIL ANTONIDES, ALS
“How Can I Promote NALS Locally and
Statewide?”
One of the ways I promote my local NALS
chapter is through subtle hints. I use my ALS
certification in all of my correspondence, emails,
and anywhere else my name is used. This
inevitably raises a question by some, “What
does the ALS stand for?” This is a great entrée
to talk about the ALS, and NALS, and my local
chapter. Sometimes you just need a talking
starter.
Another way to promote NALS is through
student membership. There are some that think
student memberships are too much effort for too
little return. That is, students do not always
recognize the value of membership and so,
often, lapse their membership after a year or so.
I see this differently. While I do not deny some
student members do let their membership lapse–
even with our best efforts–I prefer to see them
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as potential permanent members. By that I mean
that while their membership may lapse now
(regrettably), down the road–after graduation
and maybe during their first years on the job–
they will hear about a NALS event or meeting
and think, “Hey, ya’–I remember them–maybe I
should get involved with them again.” It is held
that no one knows the true value of marketing–
ideas may germinate for years and only later
come to fruition– and you cannot quantify today
a result in the future.
That said, NALS is offering a new student
membership benefit. Any student registered in a
paralegal/legal studies program at any university
who has registered to take the ALS or PP
certification exam is eligible for a FREE student
membership. NALS sees this as a great way to
boost our visibility in local colleges and
universities as well as our total membership.
More information is available from Diana Price
(price@nals.org) or Diane Berry–our state-wide
membership director.
Many of you know that I came to the legal
support profession as a second career. As such,
as an (ahem) “older” student, I saw the value of
my student membership immediately. The
resources,
networking opportunities,
and
contacts made through my attendance of
meetings pays off every day.
So what can we do to promote NALS local and
state membership? By doing what we do best–
communication and outreach.
▲
CERTIFICATION/EDUCATION
DIRECTOR
RENEE M. STOUT, PP, PLS
“Ways You Can Promote NALS Locally and
Statewide”
As NALS of Michigan Certification and Education
Director, I have the easiest perspective for
promoting NALS.
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On the local level, attend your chapter’s legal
education and invite your friends to join you. I
believe the majority of new members join
because of the certification and education
opportunities NALS offers for the price. If you
invite one or two friends to a seminar, it will not
take long to know if they are NALS member
material; if they talk about joining because of the
great benefits NALS has to offer, they are
member material. Please don’t be offended if
your friend is not interested; it may not be the
right time in his or her life to make the
commitment–they just don’t know what they are
missing.
On the state level, the story is the same. Attend
the quality legal education NALS of Michigan
has to offer and invite a friend or two. It helps to
have a travel buddy or two. Maybe your friend,
who has been a member for a long time, is
reluctant to travel to the seminars. Once you
invite her and she sees what we have to offer,
maybe you will have a lifetime NALS travel
buddy!
Certification speaks for itself. Certification draws
members to us simply because they want what
we have–a reputation for knowing what to do
when presented with just about anything in the
law office. If we don’t know what to do, we have
a book to look at or, better yet, we have another
certified member friend who knows the answer.
Certification is a gift to ourselves; once certified,
we have the added pride of possessing the
reputation that comes with being a PP, PLS, or
ALS.
A study buddy is a special person; it is someone
who knows your secrets and is always there
when you are ready to study again. This
relationship is priceless. If you are ready to make
the commitment, ask a friend or two to commit
with you. This is a truly wonderful experience if
you embrace it wholeheartedly and truly make
the commitment to attain certification.
Promoting NALS is easy… Ask an acquaintance.
Tell a friend. Tell your boss. NALS has a lot to
offer, and it is up to us as members to spread
the word!
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▲
MARKETING DIRECTOR
VICKI BALLINGER, PLS
“Innovative Marketing”
“Innovation is the creation of
better or more effective products,
processes,
services,
technologies, or ideas. Innovation
differs from invention in that
innovation refers to the use of a
better and, as a result, novel idea
or method, whereas invention
refers more directly to the
creation of the idea or method
itself. Innovation differs from
improvement in that innovation
refers to the notion of doing
something different rather than
doing the same thing better. In
the
organizational
context,
innovation may be linked to
positive changes in efficiency,
productivity,
quality,
competitiveness, etc.” - Wikipedia
For over fifty years, NALS has served the legal
industry in our state. Things have changed a lot
in that time, just look at the old Annual Meeting
photos. The future of our association depends
on our ability to attract a new generation of legal
support staff who will carry the association
forward. The younger generations respond to
things differently than those of us who were born
in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. We need to come up
with innovative ways to attract them and
innovative programs to keep them interested.
Think of it this way, if your 25-35 year old child or
other relative was in this career field, would they
be interested in NALS? Why or why not? What
might we need to do to get them interested?
INNOVATION is a new buzzword among NALS
members and staff. It is not only the latest
buzzword for NALS, but for associations across
the
country.
You
may
have
noticed
announcements from the NALS Foundation
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about funding “innovative” projects. I noted a
recent Facebook post by NALS Executive
Director Tammy Hailey. She tweeted a link to a
presentation about innovation while she was
attending an ASAE conference. The speaker
was Jeff De Cagna, former CEO of ASAE - The
Center for Association Leadership, and Tammy
posted a link to his presentation. I thought I
would try to look at marketing projects from that
perspective, and turn them into something we
can use for developing new marketing ideas.
The presentation is pretty interesting on its own,
but here are some basic thoughts on how to
come up with innovative marketing ideas.
1)
2)
What is the specific purpose of
membership? What need will membership
fulfill?
Use your imagination. What are the
possibilities that membership in NALS can
bring to new members and their
employers?
3)
Membership offers more opportunity than
they might think. Note the number and
types of benefits that membership has to
offer.
4)
Learn what the needs are in the legal
industry in your community. Listen to
members and non-members about their
successes and struggles. What can NALS
members do to help?
5)
6)
Expand the reach of NALS by participating
in other associations or clubs, church or
civic groups. Community service projects
are a favorite among NALS members. Do
one or two projects a year as a chapter, or
assist another group with their project. Get
that name recognition out there.
Be available. Do not be afraid to rearrange
your CLE schedule so the most people can
attend (members and non-members).
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Saturday seminars are very successful. If
possible, offer the same program at two
different times of the day to see how
attendance changes.
7)
Be clear in your marketing message. Do
not fill up the page with small print or lots of
fluff.
8)
Take small steps. Give new ideas a chance
on a trial basis, and not just once. Try your
new idea at least twice to be sure the
results are not a fluke.
9)
Do not be disappointed if you are not
successful the first time out. Give people a
little time to warm up to the idea.
10)
Identify the impact of your project on our
members and our association and make
adjustments as needed.
If you are looking for some inspiration, search
online for this article: 32 Innovations That Will
Change Your Tomorrow. You will never guess
what people are dreaming up these days.
▲
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
Diane Y. Berry, PLS
Ways You Can Promote NALS Locally -- and
State Wide
Start with your local chapter. Do you make
guests and new members feel welcome? Do
you have a mentor assigned to new members?
Get passionate about what attributes make
NALS unique and desirable and why people
should want what you have to offer.
Annual Reports. Provide your members with a
written recap of your year’s activities,
accomplishments, challenges, and financial
status. Give them something to get excited about
in the coming year.
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At work. Share your enthusiasm! Share what you
have learned at monthly chapter programs, local,
state, and national seminars with your coworkers and employer. If your employer pays
your fees, let them know what you have learned
and how their money is contributing to your
worth and that of the firm.
Have
you
obtained
your
Certification.
certification? Do you display it proudly?
Individuals who earn NALS Certificates strive to
be at the top of their rank in competitive law
environments. Lawyers who hire NALS members
benefit from the integrity and professionalism
they bring to their organization. Let them know
you are certified!
Continuing Legal Education. CLE Certificates
are not just for those who have certified. Collect
them to present to your employer at your Annual
Review. Law firms want legal support staff that is
deeply committed.
Vendors, educators, consultants, suppliers, and
clients. A local copying service may be willing to
sponsor local events. NALS members are
exposed to the best vendors at conferences and
know who to call when someone needs outside
professional help, such as court reporters,
private investigators, expert witnesses, staffing
assistance, etc. The best marketing to your
employer takes place when you can say:
I have presentation materials on that!
I have a business card for someone who
does that!
I know someone who dealt with just that type
of issue!
I have a sister-in-law through NALS who
works in that town, or even state -- let me
give her a call and get that information for
you.
Ask the company that you use for firm business
to join. Remember, it never hurts to ask! All they
can do is to say no. Another benefit to offer to
these potential members is to invite them to a
luncheon and they can purchase a table for $25
to market their company. If your chapter has 10
members, that is 10 opportunities for that
Fall 2012 ▬ Page 7
company to have one-on-one contact without
them having to reach out to individuals
themselves. You could advertise that the
luncheon is FREE. You can use the $25/table
contributions to buy deli sandwiches or trays
from a local grocery store and bring in bags of
chips and cold drinks. A free lunch will get
people there, especially your own members!
Collaborate with other organizations. Identify at
least one representative from each major
professional organization in your area and invite
them to a meeting once a year.
Presentations. Offer short presentations at local
seminars, chamber of commerce meetings,
trade shows, conventions, schools, etc.
The Classifieds. Place a “Members Wanted” ad
in the classified ads of the local newspaper. In
this ever-changing economy, there are legal
professionals who read the classified ads in
search of a new job opportunity.
Other legal publications. Try offering a free ad
for them in return for a free ad for you. Swap
ads to help each other promote programs and
educational conferences.
Finally, Go to www.nals.org and download the
NALS.org Manual on Marketing!
▲
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
SANDY J. LAVENDER, CHRS
“Ways You Can Promote NALS Locally and
Statewide”
Each of us as members is the association’s
greatest marketer. You likely don’t even realize
just how much one single member does on any
given day to get NALS the recognition it needs
and deserves.
This morning, as I write this article, I see NALS
everywhere. When you walk into my office, my
walls are filled with framed artwork of ads that
my firm placed in Annual Meeting programs from
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years past as I ran for many different offices. My
marketing department was kind enough to have
them professionally matted and framed. In
addition, the signs that were used to direct
attendees of the Annual Meeting at Crystal
Mountain when I was installed as your president
are also framed. They catch the eye of many
who enter and it prompts conversation. Many
attorneys have asked more about NALS, and as
a result, some have chosen to have their
secretary join, and even take our certification
exams. Last Friday, when speaking to an
attorney in my office about something completely
different than the subject of NALS, he ended the
conversation by saying that he was so happy
that his assistant had joined the association and
he thought she had a spark ignited in her that he
hadn’t seen in some time. Yes, she has always
been an exceptional assistant for him and the
others she served, but challenging herself by
seeking certification has changed her. She is
now marketing our association as well – the
books on her desk, studying during lunch,
discussing the online study group session she
attended the night before, all have worked to get
her floor buzzing about what she’s doing for
herself and what the association might be able to
do for them.
I’ve noticed lately that even with social media, all
of us who are on Facebook usually always post
something about NALS after having just left an
event. Those of us who have “Friends” who are
not NALS members usually always ask about
what we’ve posted. It gets people talking. It gets
people asking questions. It prompts discussion.
It sparks excitement.
Recently I was watching my local public
television station during one of its fundraising
drives. I saw a group of volunteers from The
Renaissance Festival answering telephones for
pledges. They donned hats from the era and
numerous times the host made mention of who
they all were. It got me thinking. Perhaps that is
something that your local chapter could do on an
evening for community service. Volunteer to
answer phones for a telethon, public television
fund drive, or something along those lines. What
great exposure NALS would receive as we all
Fall 2012 ▬ Page 8
are dressed in our association apparel.
Sometimes the groups volunteering are even
interviewed. That’s when you can give them your
30 second elevator speech. It’s marketing at its
finest. It also leaves you feeling like you’ve
helped out your community. It doesn’t get any
better than that, does it?
▲
PARLIAMENTARIAN
ROXANN REPASY
“Just a Member? No Excuse!”
What better place to start an article about
"promoting" than with a Google search of
"promote ."
pro·mote [pruh-moht] verb (used with object)
pro·mot·ed, pro·mot·ing
To help or encourage to exist or flourish;
further:
Local chapters and NALS of Michigan are
struggling. NALS has recognized this issue, and
has proposed a Governance change that will
alter the structure of the association, yet ensure
we exist. As members, we must do what we can,
and have ample opportunities to "encourage or
further" this association. We can start by
attending meetings of other associations, and
observing the meeting and governance
structures. Request 10-15 minutes to discuss
how NALS can benefit them. Members should
never miss the opportunity to "help" by using a
NALS members or NALS resource. Above alldon't be shy--give yourself, your chapter, your
association credit for all we do (and are doing)
for the legal profession.
To advance in rank, dignity, position, etc:
You have been elected for a local and/or state
office- now what? Acceptance of the nomination
shows you are ready for more responsibility, and
being elected shows faith and trust of the
members. Take the time to discuss your election
with your co-workers and your employer.
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Address the possibility of needing additional time
off to attend meetings and stress how serving in
any capacity on any level of our association is a
benefit not only to you--but to them--and that
their support is important to your success.
Review the duties and responsibilities of your
office and explain how you will utilize your career
skills. Brainstorm about ways to accomplish
some of the duties or seek their guidance, input
and/or opinion; get them involved. Sharing the
NALS Code of Ethics and Professional
Responsibility will further enhance your
standards of conduct. The feeling of
accomplishment and pride of a "job well done"
will encourage you to continue "up the ladder"
not only in the association, but within your
employment.
To move ahead to the next higher stage or
grade of a course or series of classes:
NALS offers several certifications, and most
recently added the "specialty certification."
Discuss the different criteria and requirements
with your co-workers or your employer. Share
your study materials and mock exams, and seek
their help with a "cram." Your dedication to
obtaining certification as well as the knowledge
gleaned from studying is the greatest
"promotion" of all.
To aid in organizing (business undertakings):
Everyone needs a little help sometimes, so take
the opportunity to "partner" with your local bar
association or another organization. Seek out
local charitable organizations and "volunteer."
The more we are seen--the more NALS is heard.
To encourage the sales, acceptance, etc.,
especially through advertising or other
publicity, to expand:
There is something going on, in one way, shape
or form, on some level of our association at any
given time. Members need to "get the word out."
Post flyers in your break room for up-coming
events that pertain to your area of law. Access
the NALS website print the CLE schedule, and
distribute or post. Discuss upcoming events
Fall 2012 ▬ Page 9
and/or CLE opportunities with your employer and
highlight those you will be attending. Distribute
copies of the handouts from seminars, and take
the opportunity to comment on something you
learned at the event, or that you know will spark
their interest. Invite co-workers to meetings
and/or seminars (because no one likes to go
alone). Use your connections with other area
firms and distribute the information to them as
well. Volunteer to be the "car pool mom" and
make it FUN. One sure way to get everyone's
attention--be EXCITED about giving up an
evening or a weekend to attend a NALS event--I
guarantee that will get them talking!
Just by being a member, we "promote" NALS by:
Helping and encouraging to ensure our
growth;
Advancing with dignity while adhering to a
standard of conduct;
Challenging ourselves to the next step
through certification;
Aiding the local bar association and other
organizations;
Encouraging membership.
No Excuses!
▲
TREASURER
PATRICIA A. CONOR, PP, PLS
“How Can I Promote NALS Locally and
Statewide?”
Promotion of NALS on all levels local, state, and
national can be reflected in all of us by showing
others the positive benefits of our association.
We can be a reflection of what we want to show
others, and we can mirror others to emulate the
best in our association.
I spoke to all of you in my nomination speech at
this year’s annual meeting that membership
means different things to different people and
also means different things to the same people
at different times. We need to think of NALS as
that reflection to others, but first we must look in
The Official Record
the mirror to decide what it is you want from any
organization. Until you look in that mirror and
decide what you want and what your reflection
means, you will not be able to articulate that to
others. Our mirrors may be a career choice or
may be what we have come to know. If you are
satisfied with what you see in the mirror, you can
then successfully show that to others in our
organization.
My NALS membership has been a means to
meet and work with all members of our
association. Do you remember the first time you
attended a meeting; what did you think? Did you
meet new people; did you feel welcomed; did
you learn a little? I thought what a great
opportunity to network with others and maybe
gain a little knowledge along the way. Wow was I
ever right and wrong. Right because I gained
knowledge, but wrong because I never thought I
would gain this much knowledge and friendship
from those around me in our organization.
Promotion of NALS on all levels is a reflection of
every member. What will you gain; what can you
show to others that will inspire them to achieve
their goals? You can be an inspiration to others.
You have the knowledge to promote NALS, just
be a reflection in the NALS mirror.
▲
NALS OF MICHIGAN
2012-2013 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
August 28-September 26, 2012
NALS Online Study Group Free to
Members
Visit www.nals.org Online Learning
Center for Information re: each session
September 1, 2012
Foundation Grant application
Deadline
Fall 2012 ▬ Page 10
September 2, 2012
Certification Exam Registration
Deadline
September 6, 2012
NALS WebEd
Picking the Right Estate and Life Plan For
You and Your Family
By Michael J. Faehner, Esq. of M. Faehner,
Esq. LLC (FL)
September 13, 2012
NALS WebEd
Ethics
By Joshua D. Sheffer of Bode & Grenier,
LLP
September 14, 2012
NALS Portland Conference Room
Block Deadline
September 17, 2012
NALS Ballots Sent via e-mail to all
Members
September 19, 2012 (FREE to
Members)
NALS WebEd
Leading Effective Meetings (Next
Generation Leadership)
By Patricia E. Infanti, PP, PLS (PA)
September 27, 2012
NALS WebEd
I-9 Dos and Don’ts in the Workplace
By Nelsy C. Gómez, Esq. of Cozen
O’Conner (TX)
The Official Record
Fall 2012 ▬ Page 11
September 28, 2012
October 25, 2012
NALS Board of Directors Election
Period Ends –
NALS WebEd
September 29, 2012
Certification Exams
October 4, 2012
NALS WebEd
Trial Notebooks
By Vicki Voisen
October 6, 2012
NALS of Michigan Fall Seminar and
Directors' Meeting
State Bar of Michigan Building,
Lansing
October 8-12, 2012
Court Observance Week
“No Courts, No Justice, No Freedom”
October 11, 2012
NALS WebEd
Arbitration
By Scott Brown of Blake & Uhlig (MO)
November 13, 2012
NALS WebEd
Community Involvement: Next
Generation Leadership (free to
members!)
November 15, 2012
Deadline to submit articles for
Winter Issue of The Official Record
December 1, 2012
Early Bird Registration Deadline for
NALS 2013 Professional Development
& Education Conference
www.nals.org/conferences
December 18, 2012
NALS WebEd
To be announced
Succession Planning: Next Generation
Leadership (free to members!)
October 18-20, 2012
December 20, 2012
NALS 61st Education Conference &
National Forum
Portland, Oregon
NALS WebEd
October 23, 2012
NALS WebEd
Work Life Balance: Next Generation
Leadership (free to members!)
Iqbal Decision
This session will discuss the recent
updates to the Iqbal Decision; how it
relates to staff, federal briefing
requirements, and motions to dismiss in
federal court
The Official Record
Fall 2012 ▬ Page 12
NALS 2012 Electronic Voting Process
Valid Email Address Registered with NALS
In order to receive a ballot, each NALS member must have a valid email address registered with
NALS.
How do you know if NALS has your correct email address? Log on to the Members Only section of
the NALS website and review and update your contact information by following these easy steps:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Log on to www.nals.org.
Select “Log In” under the Welcome tab.
Click on “Click here to log in.”
Follow the instructions for logging in.
Select “My Profile.”
Review the information listed and correct as needed.
Press “submit.”
If this is your first time logging into the Members Only section, clear instructions are available on
the login page.
Any member who does not have a personal computer can visit his or her local library or community
center to use available free computers. It is easy to sign up for a free email account and there are
several companies that offer free email such as Google, Yahoo, or Hotmail.
Do not forget to calendar a reminder to check your email account after September 17 to find your
electronic ballot in your Inbox.
Remember, you must register a valid email address with NALS prior to September 17. No paper
ballots will be mailed.
Electronic Ballots—How It Works
Notice of candidates’ web pages will be noted in e-News. All NALS members should view the
candidates’ web pages in advance of opening the electronic ballot (that is, prior to September 17).
Viewing a candidate’s web page allows you to learn about the candidate and make an informed
decision when voting.
Beginning September 17, each NALS member will receive (in the designated valid email account
inbox) an email from NALS providing a hyperlink and voting instructions. The hyperlink will take
you to your electronic ballot. Once you click on the hyperlink, you must complete the voting
process. You cannot click on the hyperlink, close out of your incomplete ballot, and then try to click
on the hyperlink again because the hyperlink will be disabled. This procedure is necessary to
prevent possible double voting.
Completing the ballot is very simple, easy to do, and should take less than a minute. Contested
positions will list candidates in alphabetical order, but members should vote for their candidate in
order of preference. (i.e., mark you first choice, second choice, third choice, and fourth choice. Do
not just put a check number next to one name.)
The Official Record
Fall 2012 ▬ Page 13
This year for the first time you will also be voting on two bylaw amendments. These
proposals will be part of your ballot and it is extremely important to NALS that you read the
material that has been published online and vote on these important amendments.
The ballot will eventually time out if it remains open and idle on your computer. Members should
plan to click on the hyperlink and immediately complete the ballot in its entirety. Once you are
timed out, you will not be able to get back in a second time.
Once your electronic ballot is completed and you cast your vote, your ballot will be sent to an
outside source for the counting of the ballots after September 28, 2012. No NALS member, staff
member, or Nominations and Elections Committee member can view or count the votes.
The elected officers will be announced at the NALS 61st Annual Education Conference & National
Forum in Portland, Oregon after all candidates have been notified of the election results.
Once voting opens, if you do not see your ballot in your email inbox, please check your
spam filter (particularly at work).
How Can YOU Help?
The NALS Nominations and Elections Committee asks all NALS members to review their own
email address on the NALS Directory (available through the NALS website) and to reach out and
make direct contact with those members who do not have an email account and assist them with
the sign-on process. This opportunity provides a wonderful reason for members to come together
and have a “sign-on/log-in/get connected” party. Further, it would be a great excuse for reestablishing contact with members who have not been in attendance recently.
Electronic voting is fun, easy, and exciting! This change from the mailing of paper ballots to
electronic voting is a positive, proactive response that is in line with members’ requests that NALS
“Go Green.”
Any questions should be directed to Nominations and Elections Chair Kathleen R. Amirante, PP,
PLS, at kathiepls@comcast.net or k.amirante@kitch.com or 517-381-7187; or Staff Liaison April
Collins at collins@NALS.org or 918-582-5188.
Kathleen R. Amirante, PP, PLS
NALS Nominations and Elections Chair
The Official Record
Fall 2012 ▬ Page 14
============================================
--- MI Court of Appeals Notice ---
Effective immediately, Court of Appeals filers who use the File & Serve e-service option must
have the prior permission of the recipient to serve filings by e-service rather than by first class
mail or by hand delivery. (The fourth method for service, via a filer’s use of self-generated email sent to a recipient pursuant to a stipulation governed by Page 2 MCR 2.107(C)(4), will
continue to be handled as directed in that court rule.) A filer can establish the recipient’s
permission to use File & Serve e-service by including with the filing a brief statement that the
recipients have agreed to e-service in that case either (1) through newly received case-specific
permission or (2) because each recipient is included in the List of Approved E-mail Addresses
for E-Service. Prior permission is required only once per case, not for each filing in a case.
Further, if a party makes an electronic filing in a case, that act constitutes that party’s
agreement to be e-served with filings from other parties in the same Court of Appeals file.
--submitted by Vicki Ballinger, PLS, NALS of Lansing
============================================
The Official Record
Fall 2012 ▬ Page 15
2012-13 Order Form for Finance Items
Name: ___________________________
Delivery Address: _________________________
_________________________________
Phone: ___________________________
E-mail: ___________________________
Size
Product*
Color
Price
DuraHyde Padfolio (NEW ITEM)
$25.00
8 GB USB Flash Drives (NEW ITEM)
NALS of Michigan Pins
50th Anniversary Commemorative T-shirts
(S/M/L/XL)
Golf/Pique Shirts (L/XL) – red, mint green,
salmon, light blue
NALS of Michigan Cardigan (L) - red
NALS Oxford Shirts (M/XL/XXL) – coral,
blue
50th Anniversary Hoodie (XXL) – brown
$12.00
$ 3.00
NALS of Michigan Navy Blue Hoodies
(S/M/L)
(XL/XXL)
Insulated Recyclable Bag w: 2 Regular
Recyclable Bags
NALS of Michigan Aluminum Can Holders
Quantity
$ 2.50
$ 5.00
$ 5.00
$ 5.00
$12.50
$20.00
$22.50
$10.00
$ 5.00
ORDER TOTAL:
Shipping (price is per item):
$ 3.00
FINAL ORDER TOTAL w/Shipping:
Make checks payable to:
NALS of Michigan
Return this form to:
Beverly A. Bishop, PLS
NALS of Michigan Finance Committee
4001 Sierra Heights
Holt, MI 48842
517-881-8061
bishoppls@gmail.com
*Be sure to call ahead to confirm size and color availability
Total
The Official Record
Fall 2012 ▬ Page 16
2012-2013 NALS of Michigan Officers
President
Marketing Director
Janet R. VandenBerg, ALS
8060 M-68, P.O. Box 57
Alanson, MI 49706-0057
(231) 330-7210
jrvandenberg@ymail.com
Vicki L. Ballinger, PLS
Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC
313 South Washington Square
Lansing, MI 48933
(517) 371-8232
vballinger@fosterswift.com
President-Elect
Teresa M. Garber, PP, PLS
Varnum LLP
333 Bridge Street, NW, Suite 1700
P.O. Box 352
Grand Rapids, MI 49501-0352
(616) 336-6673
tmgarber@varnumlaw.com
Membership Director
Diane Y. Berry, PLS
Plunkett Cooney
950 Trade Centre Way
Ste 310
Portage, MI 49002-0493
(269) 226-8860
diberry@plunkettcooney.com
Executive Secretary
Wil Antonides, ALS
3914 Courtyard Place SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 307-0177
wil.antonides@gmail.com
Treasurer
Patricia A. Conor, PP, PLS
29440 Heritage Lane
Paw Paw, MI 49079-5272
(269) 377-2794
daveandpat76@comcast.net
Certification/Education Director
Renee M. Stout, PP, PLS
Jay Zelenock Law Firm PLC
160 East State St., Suite #203
Traverse City, MI 49685
(231) 929-9529
info@zelenocklaw.com
Immediate Past President
Sandy J. Lavender, CHRS
Clark Hill PLC
500 Woodward Avenue, Suite 3500
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 965-8316
slavender@clarkhill.com
Parliamentarian
Roxann Repasy
3107 Primrose Lane
Ypsilanti, MI 48197-3214
(734) 930-2406
rrepasy@comerica.com
The Official Record
Fall 2012 ▬ Page 17
2012-2013 COMMITTEES
2013 Annual Meeting
Vicki Ballinger, PLS, NALS of Lansing (Chair)
2014 Annual Meeting
Grand Traverse Area LP (Chair)
Certification
Director, Renee Stout, PP, PLS, Grand Traverse Area LP
Laura L. Jousma, PP, PLS, NALS of West Michigan (Chair)
Credentials
Beverly Bishop, PLS, NALS of Lansing (Chair)
Finance
Beverly Bishop, PLS, NALS of Lansing (Co-chair)
NALS of Lansing (Committee)
Financial Review
Kay Neumann, PLS, Mid-Michigan ALSP (Chair)
Legal Education
Director, Renee Stout, PP, PLS, Grand Traverse Area LP
Vacant (Co-chair)
Legal Professional of the Year
Cynthia A. Taylor, PP, PLS, NALS of Northern Michigan (Chair)
NALS of Northern Michigan (Committee)
Marketing/Public Relations
Director, Vicki Ballinger, PLS, NALS of Lansing
Janette M. Olexa, PP, PLS, CPS, NALS of West Michigan (Member)
Jeanette Ransom, PLS, NALS of Lansing (Member)
Membership
Director, Diane Y. Berry, PLS, NALS of Greater Kalamazoo
Nominations
Heidi Hopper, PLS, NALS of Lansing (Chair)
Cheryl Zorn, PLS, NALS of West Michigan
Janette S. Carras, NALS of Jackson County
The Official Record
Fall 2012 ▬ Page 18
Past Presidents’ Council
Dolores Oliver, PLS, NALS of Lansing (Chair)
Permanent History
Marion R. Stone, PP, PLS, NALS of Jackson County (Chair)
Scholarship
Gloria Gonzales, Mid-Michigan ALSP (Chair)
Scholarship Endowment Fund (tentative)
Ruth M. Schaub, PP, PLS, Grand Traverse Area LP (Chair)
State Bar Liaison
Sharon E. Bradley, PLS, CER, NALS of Calhoun County (Chair)
State Publication
Lucinda M. Broecker, NALS of Greater Kalamazoo (Editor & Circulation)
Kathleen R. Amirante, PP, PLS, NALS of Lansing (Articles)
Strategic Plan
Teresa M. Garber, PP, PLS, NALS of West Michigan (Chair)
Other members of the EC
Website
Patricia Emerson, PP, PLS, NALS of West Michigan (Chair)
Legal Recruiting News | Legal Search & Management, Inc.
Page 1 of 1
This article is a reprint from the Legal Recruiting News, published by
Legal Search & Management, Inc. May 2012. www.legalsearchonline.net
Search
Linda S. Jevahirian, President
Global Career Development Facilitator
LEGAL
SEARCH &
MANAGEMENT, INC.
Recruiting
Placement
Career Planning
Home | Recruiting | Placement | Career Planning | News | Events | About Us | Contact
Home > Recruiting > Recruiting News
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Legal Recruiting News
LEGAL SEARCH & MANAGEMENT, INC.
WWw.legalsearchonline.net
Individuals who earn
NALS certificates
strive to be at the top
of their rank in
competitive law
environments.
Attorneys Benefit When Hiring
Certified Legal Support Staff
Linda S. Jevahirian
I was honored to speak at the NALS Certification Luncheon that took place in April
2012 at the Detroit Greektown Casino Hotel. NALS is a national organization that
supports legal secretaries, legal assistants and paralegals. The luncheon recognized
the newest Michigan recipients of the ALS (Accredited Legal Secretary), the PLS
(Professional Legal Secretary) and the PP (Professional Paralegal).
The pursuit of a NALS certificate is a voluntary, studious and time consuming
commitment. Each certificate focuses on an increasingly higher level of knowledge in
the areas of responsibility, discipline, ethics, human interaction, initiative, judgment,
legal terminology, office and legal procedures, substantive legal documentation, and
written and oral communication.
The lawyers who hire
them benefit from the
integrity and
professionalism they
bring to their
organization.
Individuals who earn NALS certificates meet challenging personal and professional
goals, and strive to be at the top of their rank in competitive law environments. They
are distinguished by their motivation for career success and advancement. The
lawyers who hire them benefit from the integrity and professionalism they bring to the
practice of law.
Law firms and corporate legal departments interested in hiring legal support staff who
are as deeply committed, and as exceptional as the professionals I encountered at
the NALS Certification Luncheon can call Legal Search & Management, Inc. for more
information (248) 471-3443.
© 2012 Legal Search & Management, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
LEGAL SEARCH & MANAGEMENT, INC.
A legal search firm and employment agency based in Detroit, Michigan offering recruiting,
permanent placement, temporary staffing and career coaching since 1990
Attorneys · Partners · Law Firm Mergers · Corporate Counsel · Paralegals · Legal Secretaries · Paralegal Managers
Legal Administrators · Contract Administrators · IT Managers and Support · Litigation Support Managers
Policy Statement
(248) 471-3443 | linda@legalsearchonline.net | www.legalsearchonline.net
27600 Farmington Road, Suite 203C | Farmington, MI 48334
© 2012 Legal Search & Management, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.legalsearchonline.net/legal_recruiting_news.html
5/25/2012
This year’s campaign begins
March 1, 2012 through January
31, 2013.
This campaign rewards the individual member that
recruits 5 new members within the same membership
classification, in other words, if you are a regular
member who pays $98 national dues then you must
sign up five new members in that same classification.
The new members must report you as their sponsor when they submit their application to NALS. Once all five new members have been
recruited, the member must complete a form, available online, listing all the new members and submit to the NALS Resource Center. After
the form is received and new members confirmed, the recruiter will be notified and their national dues waived for the year. The member
will still be responsible to pay their state/local dues where applicable.
If you are a Life Member or if the individual member’s firm pays their dues, then NALS will give the member a $98 credit voucher which
can be used for conference registrations, store purchases, certification fees or WebEd seminars. The full face value of the voucher must be
redeemed at the same time when submitted. No credit for unused amounts will be accepted.
All RD’s, state and local membership chairs will be kept in the loop and recognition of the members signing up new members or “super
stars” as we will call them will be at a high level in communications and conferences on all levels.
ENGAGE 5 APPLICATION FOR WAIVER OF NALS ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES
FOR RECRUITING FIVE NEW MEMBERS
Any NALS member that completes this form and recruits five NEW members from March 1, 2012 through January 31, 2013 will get
their national dues waived for the year(this excludes state/local dues). The five new memberships must be in the same classification of
membership as the waived membership, for example if you are a regular member who pays $98 national dues then you must sign up five
new member in that same classification. The new member must report you as their sponsor when they submit their application to NALS.
You must complete the pdf waiver form that will be available on line and submit to the Resource Center. You will indicate all five NEW
members by name that you sponsored. As long as everything matches up and all five new members have been acquired within the time
frame, the national dues will be waived for the year and you will only be required to pay state and local dues.
Five New Members Listed Below and Member # if known.
1.
Member #____________ Name__________________________________________
2.
Member #____________ Name__________________________________________
3.
Member #____________ Name__________________________________________
4.
Member #____________ Name__________________________________________
5.
Member #____________ Name__________________________________________
By signature upon this form, I am stating truthfully, my dues are currently due and I have recruited five new members which meet the
qualifications for waiver of dues. Also, included is my payment of state and local dues where applicable.
_______________________________________________________________________
Applicant’s signature
OR
I am a Life Member OR my firm currently pays my national dues and I am stating truthfully, my dues are currently due and I have recruited
five new members. I am applying for a credit voucher of $98 to be used all at one time for conference registration, store purchases,
certification fees or WebEd seminars. No credits for unused amounts will be accepted. Also, included is payment of state and local dues
where applicable.
_______________________________________________________________________
Applicant’s Signature