Hello RPA Community! Happy New Year!

By Danuta Syska

We’re more than half-way through the first month of 2015, can you believe it? I was fortunate to kick off the New Year with a cross-country road trip, and I’m feeling re-energized and ready to tackle whatever 2015 throws at me. The Board met earlier this month and I’m also eager to share a few details of what RPA has in store for Richmond’s paralegal community in 2015. But here’s the thing: We want you to become just as excited as we are for the many networking, educational and public service possibilities for Richmond paralegals in 2015. Will you join me as an active member of RPA and adopt the following professional “resolutions” for 2015?

Learn.

Do you know how tricky pet custody disputes are handled in Virginia? I do now, thanks to an entertaining and informative RPA brown bag lunch last year lead by a noted local family law attorney. The Education Committee’s monthly dinner meetings and brown bag lunches are fantastic opportunities to hear presentations by legal experts and leaders in our community who are passionate about their work. Freshen up your knowledge on electronic case filings at our first dinner meeting of the year this Tuesday, January 27^th at 6 pm at Williams Mullen, led by Jackie Quella, Systems User Training & Support Manager of the Fourth Circuit Court - US Court of Appeals. Dinner will be prepared by downtown favorite Apple Spice Junction. Hope to see you there!

Engage.

Do you have a friend who’s interested in joining Richmond’s thriving legal community and need to reach out to your network? Want to tell everyone how much you enjoyed an RPA event? Do you have a suggestion for a meeting topic, or have ideas for how we can increase our membership? Don’t keep it to yourself-speak up! Our Technology Committee is ready to facilitate discussions and respond to your questions and comments on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and now on my personal favorite, Instagram! It’s always “the more the merrier” with social media, so come connect with your colleagues, build relationships with other paralegals around town, and share your industry-related ideas. Find us @rpa_richmondva and encourage your legal-minded friends to follow us as well.

Move.

Last year’s October Month of Service was such a success that we’ve decided to focus again on serving our community during this month. Let’s not wait until October to make a positive change in our beloved River City though! If you or perhaps a group of your coworkers are eager to offer your professional skills to a local non-profit organization, reach out to the Pro Bono Committee and get matched with a volunteer opportunity. Do you already donate your time regularly for an organization that you’re passionate about? Tell us about it!

We have so much more planned for 2015 and additional details will be forthcoming in the coming weeks, so stay tuned. Wishing you a productive 2015 filled with new knowledge and fulfilling experiences.