2015 General Assembly = 30, 45, 1918, 17 and 1 + 1

By Jillian Sherman, ACP

30, 45: This was a short session for the General Assembly, which happens every odd-numbered year.  Short sessions are 30 days long and nominally are only to deal, but frequently the first order of business in a short session is to extend the session.  The 2015 session was 45 days long, adjourning Sine Die on the 46^th day. 

The Paralegal's Role at Trial

By Stephanie Meharg, CP

As a litigation paralegal there’s nothing quite as exciting as preparing a case to go to trial.  This is it, “The Show” the culmination of your many months (or even years) of hard work. The paralegal role at trial is pretty simple, make sure everything goes smoothly, so you and your attorney(s) look efficent, prepared, and confident in front of the client,  judge, jury, and the other side.

Importance of Networking

By Beth Cheatham

I have been actively working as a paralegal since 1979 (almost since the profession was invented).  Last summer, for the first time in my working life, I found myself laid off from a job that I loved due to loss of business.  I had worked for the same attorney for 29 years.  The last time I looked for a job I used the telephone book!  Needless to say things have changed significantly…or have they?  Sure, most applications are submitted on-line.  Resumes are still used, but the format and tone are completely different than they were in the past.  Now, it is all about action verbs and highlighting results and accomplishments.  I had to learn to think differently about my skill-set and how to translate them into the buzzwords and thought-processes used in the current job market.  

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?

Happy Holidays from RPA!

By Donna Strauss, ACP

RPA has had another successful year offering continuing legal education and other benefits to its members.  As 2014 comes to a close, we would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and happiness in celebrating the holiday you observe.  Also, for some holiday fun, I would like to wish everyone a Happy Festivus (for the rest of us) on December 23^rd, Happy National Chocolate Day on December 24^th (my favorite!), Happy National Flashlight Day and Happy (Bah) Humbug Day on December 21^st! 

Oh, and Happy New Year!  Here's to an educational 2015!

Click here: http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/december.htm for other Bizarre and Unique Holidays

Corn Bread Hospitalitly

By Teresa Clark, ACP

October was a month of Successful Service for members of the Richmond Paralegal Association ("RPA"). The scheduled events on October 7 and October 11 were well attended and as promised, afforded immeasurable personal reward! 

On October 7th, members prepared and served a feast of Chili, corn bread, salad and desserts to patients and their families at the Hospital Hospitality House (HHH), and led a game of Bingo afterward.  The food, all excellently prepared and served, was gratefully consumed by all.  Several patients and their families stayed afterward to play bingo. 

Be a Volunteer – Participate!

By Lee Ann Wilson and Linda Richards

It is said that “to do things for others” affords immeasurable personal reward.  This is one philosophy of the Richmond Paralegal Association (“RPA”), and during the month of October, its membership is scheduled to “participate!”  Two group volunteer activities have been scheduled by RPA for its “Month of Service.”