Sierra Nevada Association of Paralegal March SNAP Shot

Transcription

1 SNAP Shot PRESIDENTIAL RAMBLINGS As my term as President starts winding down, I find myself contemplating what direction SNAP is heading in. During the course of my tenure, there were times I felt we are asking a lot of a volunteer, and I questioned if I was devoting enough time to make SNAP as successful as it can be. My biggest fear for this organization is that we become stagnant, and are no longer able to meet the needs of our members. However, in my experience, when the board goes to the members with questions on what we can do to improve our organization, we are met with crickets chirping. I hope that those of you who also have a vision for this organization have the strength to approach a board member (or better yet, BECOME a board member) to see about making your vision a reality. The ladies that serve on the board are incredible, and are continually looking for new ideas, fresh perspectives, and ways to grow our organization. Our organization can only be as successful as those who are willing to put effort into making it a success. (On a side note? elections are coming up. Please consider serving on the board.) Part of moving our organization forward, I believe, is creating more of a presence for SNAP on social media. If you have not already, please like us on Facebook. Our page is Sierra Nevada Association of Paralegals. We will be posting information on the general monthly meetings and seminar on our Facebook page. Additionally, we are in the process of revamping our website, to make it more user-friendly for the next person who volunteers to become our website editor (as a side note, a big thank you to Lynda Traves who managed the website in HTML for 6 years). Finally, I want to take this opportunity to formally thank Lisa Dee for all the hard work she put into our first fund raising effort. We raised $1,700 in sales: $1,020 for Step2 and $680 for SNAP. Considering This Issue: President's Note... 1 Executive Committee Minutes... 2 General Meeting Minutes... 3 Treasurer's Report... 5 Job Bank... 7 Raffle Winners... 8 Speakers... 8 General Meeting Flyer... 9 Annual Seminar Save the Date General Meeting SNAP Calendar 2014 SNAP General Meeting Every Third Tuesday at Noon (see flyer) Zozo's 3446 Lakeside Drive March 17, 2015 Speaker: Ardea Canepa Topic: The Law & Lawsuits Related to Marijuana Dispensary Licenses Officers and Chairpersons President: Amy Hodgson, ACP 1st VP/ Education: Sonita Harris 2nd VP/ Membership/ Job Bank: Jennifer Salisbury, CP Treasurer: Crystal Huss Secretary: Christine Lamia NALA Liaison: Erin Tieslau, CP Parliamentarian: Fay Miccile Student Liaison: Lisa Dee Activities/ Social Chair: Jessica Bradshaw Fund Raising Chair: Lisa Dee Newsletter Editor: Erin Tieslau, CP Website Editor: NEEDED!!! Promoting the Profession of the Legal Assistants Through Education and Camaraderie Page 1

2 this was our first attempt at fund raising, I think we did one heck of a job? and none of it would have been possible without Lisa. She researched non-profits in this area and supplied SNAP with a list for the members to vote on; she contacted local businesses in the area to see if they would be willing to donate anything toward the raffle; and she created the raffle tickets and created a database to track the tickets and the sales. In other words, she worked her butt off!! I cannot adequately express my appreciation for all her efforts. Respectfully submitted, Amy S. Hodgson, ACP President EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES OF THE SIERRA NEVADA ASSOCIATION OF PARALEGALS February 4, 2015 CALL MEETING TO ORDER: President, Amy Hodgson, called the meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. Those in attendance were: President: Amy Hodgson, ACP; Treasurer: Crystal Huss; NALA Liaison: Erin Tieslau, CP; Secretary: Christine Lamia; Fundraising Chair: Lisa Dee VERIFICATION OF QUORUM: Erin Tieslau confirmed a quorum was present. MINUTES Amy Hodgson made a motion to approve the January 7, 2015 Executive Committee Meeting Minutes, as revised. Erin Tieslau seconded the motion; discussion ensued, and MOTION CARRIED. Amy Hodgson made a motion that the General Meeting Minutes from January 20, 2015 be approved for publication in the newsletter. Erin Tieslau seconded the motion; discussion ensued, and MOTION CARRIED. Accordingly, the January 20, 2015 General Meeting Minutes will be published in the newsletter for review and approval by the SNAP general membership. OFFICER REPORTS: President: Amy Hodgson had no report. First Vice President: Sonita Harris was unable to attend today?s meeting, but Amy reported that Kim Surratt, Esq., is slated to talk to the membership about how and why laws change in Nevada. We tentatively have a speaker lined up for March that will speak to the membership about ethics issues. Second Vice President: Jessica Bradshaw was unable to attend today?s meeting, but Erin reported that as of February 4, 2015, SNAP has 43 active, 4 student, and no associate members for a total of 47 members. Treasurer: Crystal Huss reported that as of February 4, 2015 there is a balance of $7, in the general account and $4, in the scholarship account. Crystal also reported that we have collected approximately $ from the after-the-holiday party donations and raffle tickets, which will be split 60/ 40 with STEP 2. We will wait until after the March 4, 2015 raffle drawing to split all funds collected, 60% into the SNAP general account and a check for 40% to STEP 2. NALA Liaison: Erin Tieslau advised that June 15, 2015 is the deadline to submit our exhibit entry for the annual NALA convention. Many of the affiliate organizations of NALA host exhibit tables educating and promoting their organization. The key will be to brainstorm catchy ideas to promote SNAP at the annual NALA convention, while keeping in mind the cost for any such swag and the challenges of shipping such materials there and back. This matter will be tabled until our next meeting to discuss in greater detail. Erin will be contacting Sonita directly to discuss the upcoming Annual Seminar curriculum and the attorney and paralegal CLE forms. Secretary: Christine Lamia had no report. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Newsletter Editor: Erin Tieslau advised that long time SNAP member, Mona Zumwalt retired and that her last day was February 3, Mona is in possession of each hard copy of the newsletter from , which she has offered to provide to SNAP so that we can have the copies scanned and archived onto the website. The Board also discussed offering a $5.00 gift card for each newsletter contribution that is submitted and makes it into the newsletter. Please be advised that any newsletter submissions should be submitted to Erin Tieslau at her personal address of tieslaue@gmail.com. Website Editor: This position is currently vacant, and discussions transpired today about the possibility of shutting down the website Promoting the Profession of the Legal Assistants Through Education and Camaraderie Page 2

3 Sierra Nevada Association of Paralegal February March 2015 altogether unless we can find someone willing and able to monitor and update the website. Ideas were also discussed about focusing more attention on the social networking aspect of SNAP to reach existing and potential new members, and utilizing the website as more of a static form bank of sorts. The Board would be greatly appreciative if anyone from the membership is technically capable of volunteering to monitor and update the website, or if any member knows anyone who would donate time to this project. Parliamentarian: Jennifer Salisbury had no report. Public Relations: This is position is currently open. Activities/ Social: Jessica Bradshaw was unable to attend today?s meeting. Fundraising Chair: Lisa Dee advised that she ordered approximately 500 raffle tickets, and that after comparing prices locally she was able to order the raffle tickets online for $ The membership is being asked to sell at least ten tickets each, the proceeds of which will be split 60/ 40 with SNAP?s charitable partner STEP 2. There have been some great prizes donated, which are listed on the back of each ticket, and the drawing will take place on March 4, The after the holiday party is set to commence at 6 p.m. on January 22, 2015 at the Silver Peak on Wonder Street. The current estimate is approximately $18.88 per guest for a total of $ Silver Peak wants a final count RSVP at least seven days prior to the event. Amy Hodgson made a motion that SNAP reimburse Lisa Dee in the amount of $57.65 for ordering and pre-payment of the raffle tickets. Erin Tieslau seconded the motion; discussion ensued; MOTION CARRIED. Student Liaison: Lisa Dee had no report. NEW BUSINESS: Resignation of Anna Buchner as Public Relations Chair: Anna Buchner submitted her resignation letter on December 1, 2014, citing both personal and work related reasons as to why she cannot continue as the Public Relations Chair at this time. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 12:50 p.m. Christine Lamia, Secretary GENERAL MEETING MINUTES OF THE SIERRA NEVADA ASSOCIATION OF PARALEGALS February 17, 2015 CALL MEETING TO ORDER: President, Amy Hodgson, called the meeting to order at p.m. Parliamentarian, Jennifer Salisbury, verified a quorum was present. OFFICER REPORTS: President: Amy Hodgson made a motion to approve the January 20, 2015 General Meeting Minutes as published. Erin Tieslau seconded the motion, and the MOTION CARRIED. Amy Hodgson reported that the website is under construction as we continue to better understand and utilize the current HTML system, and/ or preferably find someone with the knowledge and experience to convert our current HTML to a Word Press. Please feel free to contact Amy with any ideas or information with respect to our ongoing website issues. In the meantime we are hoping to utilize social media, i.e. Facebook, to additionally promote our professional association. First Vice President: Sonita Harris had no report. Second Vice President: Jessica Bradshaw has resigned her position for professional and personal reasons. Erin Tieslau nominated Jennifer Salisbury as First Vice President. Other nominations for the position were requested, and with no other nominations forthcoming from the membership, Anna Buchner seconded the nomination of Jennifer Salisbury. The nomination was put to a vote; and the membership attending unanimously voted Jennifer Salisbury as SNAP First Vice President in the place and stead of Jessica Bradshaw. Treasurer: Crystal Huss reported that as of February 17, 2015 SNAP has $7, in the general account and $4, in the scholarship account. Crystal further reported that to-date SNAP has made $ from the after-the-holiday party, and approximately $ from the raffle fundraiser to-date. The raffle winners will be drawn on March 3, 2015 so those members with ticket stubs and monies please turn both in by no later than February 27, NALA Liaison: Promoting the Profession of the Legal Assistants Through Education and Camaraderie Page 3

4 Erin Tieslau reminded anyone that is planning on taking the CP exam in May 2015 that the deadline to turn in your application is April 1, Again, anyone interested in being part of a study group in preparation for the CP exam please contact Erin to make arrangements. The annual NALA convention will be held in Oklahoma this year, and celebrates NALA?s 40th anniversary. The NALA convention will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada in Secretary: Christine Lamia had no report at this time. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Parliamentarian: Jennifer Salisbury had no report. Newsletter/ Website Editor: Erin Tieslau asked that the membership submit hot topic items, jokes, recipes, articles, etc., that we want to share or see in our newsletter. Erin advised that anyone contributing an article, joke, recipe that is used in the newsletter will be receiving a gift certificate so please, please send your submissions to Erin to place in our newsletter. Activities/ Social Chair: Jessica Bradshaw has resigned for personal and professional reasons, and as such, this position is now open. Public Relations Chair: This position is currently open. Fundraising Chair: Lisa Dee was unable to attend today?s meeting. Amy took this time to report to the membership on what an amazing job Lisa has done with coordinating all the fundraising events, prizes, etc., with little or no help whatsoever. Student Liaison: Lisa Dee was unable to attend today?s meeting. SPEAKER INTRODUCTION: Sonita Harris introduced our speaker, Melissa Exline, Esq., of the Surratt Law Practice who spoke to the membership about the legislative process of making and tracking a law through the legislature. There was no further business, and the meeting was adjourned at 1:00 p.m. Christine Lamia Secretary Washoe County Law Library 75 Court STreet, Room 101, Reno, NV (775) Nevada Legal Resources Class at Washoe County Law Library / index/ display_ outreach.html~details=8895 Washoe Legal Services 299 South Arlington Avenue Reno, NV Telephone: (775) Fax: (775) Free Legal services in Washoe County, Nevada / washoelegalservices.com / State of Nevada Bar US Bankruptcy Court / downloads/ bugle-newsletters/ 2013/ pdf. Promoting the Profession of the Legal Assistants Through Education and Camaraderie Page 4

5 SIERRA NEVADA ASSOCIATION OF PARALEGALS TREASURY REPORT February 1, 2015 to February 28, 2015 NEVADA STATE BANK Checking: Beginning Balance $6, Income 2/ 4/ 14 Deposit (January Lunch) / 4/ 15 Deposit (After the Holidays Party) / 4/ 15 Deposit (Raffle Ticket / Step 2 Fundraiser) / 27/ 15 Deposit (Raffle Ticket / Step 2 Fundraiser) Total Deposits $1, Expenses 2/ 4/ 15 Transfer to Scholarship (1/ 2 Profit December Lunch) / 4/ 15 Transfer to Scholarship (1/ 2 Profit January Lunch) / 11/ 15 La Cucina (Continued Website Meeting) / 25/ 15 Check # 1223 (Written 2/ 17/ 15) (Zozo's - February Lunch Meeting) Total Expenses $ Ending Balance $8, Promoting the Profession of the Legal Assistants Through Education and Camaraderie Page 5

6 Scholarship (Money Market): Beginning Balance $4, Income 2/ 4/ 15 Transfer from General (1/ 2 Profit December Lunch) / 4/ 15 Transfer from General (1/ 2 Profit January Lunch) / 25/ 15 Interest 0.10 Total Deposits $ Expenses No expenses Total Expense s $0.00 Ending Balance $4, SIERRA NEVADA ASSOCIATION OF PARALEGALS TREASURY REPORT Step 2 Fundraiser / After the Holidays Party Donation March 11, 2015 Income 2/ 4/ 15 Deposit from After Holidays Party / 4/ 15 Deposit from Raffle Tickets / 27/ 15 Deposit from Raffle Tickets / 11/ 15 Deposit from Raffle Tickets Total Deposits $1, TOTAL FUNDRAISER INCOME $1, TOTAL TO STEP 2 (60% ) $1, TOTAL TO SNAP (40% ) $ Expenses 12/ 16/ 14 Postage and Envelopes / 7/ 15 Raffle Tickets Total Expenses $ Promoting the Profession of the Legal Assistants Through Education and Camaraderie Page 6

7 JOB OPPORTUNITIES This section is designated for those job opportunities in the legal field. SNAP welcomes all firms and businesses employing paralegals to list their opening(s) in the SNAPShot or on our Web site ( free of charge. Advertisements will run for one month on the Web site and appear in a single issue of the newsletter, or until the position is filled. if you would like the ad to continue for an additional month, or position has been filled, please let us know. If you are interested in receiving notification of Job Bank opportunities, please Jessica Bradshaw (see Officers page on the Web site: POSITION: LEGAL ASSISTANT - CIVIL LITIGATION Experienced legal secretary wanted for busy civil litigation firm. Initially part time but may become a full time position. Duties include general secretarial functions such as document preparation, filing, calendaring, scheduling and back-up phone duties. Excellent spelling, grammar and proofreading skills a must. Some light bookkeeping may be required. Knowledge of Word Perfect, Word and TABS required. Must be familiar with electronic filing in both State and Federal Court. The ability to work well under pressure and attention to detail is a plus. Please send resumes to daguirre@etsreno.com; fax (775) or call Debbie at Sierra Nevada Association of Paralegals is on Facebook! Like us on Facebook and keep up-to-date with what is going on with SNAP, from general meetings, upcoming events, and photos. / groups/ / Promoting the Profession of the Legal Assistants Through Education and Camaraderie Page 7

8 RAFFLE WINNERS As many of you know, this was the first year SNAP has done a fundraiser, and it was successful! SNAP sold 170 tickets, raising $1,700 for Step 2 and SNAP! Congratulations to the following winners: 1st Prize: Sara Almo 2nd Prize: Lauren Renda 3rd Prize: Steve Novacheck Thank you to everyone who participated in SNAP's first fundraising event! A special thank you to Melissa Paschal who sold the most tickets at 40 tickets! Speaker: Ardea Canepa Topic: SPEAKER OF THE MONTH The Laws & Lawsuits Related to Marijuana Dispensary Linceses Ardea Canepa is a partner with the firm Maddox, Segerblom & Canepa. She is a native Nevadan, born and raised in Reno. Ardea graduated from California Western School of Law in San Diego, California and then returned to her home town. She is licensed in both Nevada and California and is currently practicing in both states. Along with representing clients in the up and coming medical marijuana arena, she and her firm also represent homeowners in construction defect cases, act as general counsel for a number of local homeowners?associations, and handle personal injury and civil litigation matters. Today she is here to discuss the history and construction behind Nevada?s medical marijuana laws and to discuss some of the problems with the process that are at issue currently in litigation against the County and State. Promoting the Profession of the Legal Assistants Through Education and Camaraderie Page 8

9 SNAP General Meeting Luncheon Tuesday, March 17 at Noon SPEAKER: TOPIC: Ardea Canepa The Laws & Lawsuits Related to Marijuana Dispensary Licenses PLACE: ZoZo's 3446 Lakeside Drive Reno, NV COST: $ Members & Guest $ Student Members Name: Office: Phone/ Member Student Guest Menu - Italian Family Style Please mail your reservation form and payment to: SNAP, P.O. Box 2832, Reno, NV ALL RESERVATIONS WITH PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED BY FRIDAY, March 13, 2015 *Payments provided the day of the meeting must be in the form of a check or exact change. RSVP via to meeting@snapreno.com OR Evite If you make a reservation, you are responsible for the payment, even if you do not show. Promoting the Profession of the Legal Assistants Through Education and Camaraderie Page 9

10 SA VE THE DA TE SNA P A nnual Seminar M ay 15, 2015 Location: State Bar of Nevada 9456 Double R Blvd. Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Speakers: * Any Perwein & Grace Butler of ACS Business Insurance Services will be speaking on the new health care laws; * Kim Surratt, Esq. will be speaking on the new surrogacy laws; * Justice Chris Wilson will be speaking on ethics; * Chief Judge Michael Gibbons will be speaking on the new Court of Appeals; and * Ira Victor of Data Clone Labs will be speaking on Nevada?s new rule on e-discovery Registration Deadline: May 6, 2015 Registration Fees: $99.00 member $89.00 student members $ non-members A flyer with all the details and registration information will be provided in the April SNAPshot. We look forward to seeing you on May 15, 2015! Promoting the Profession of the Legal Assistants Through Education and Camaraderie Page 10