PLS
Study Group (PLS...advanced
certification for legal professionals)
Any person who has had three years'
experience in the legal field may take the examination. A partial
waiver of the three-year legal experience requirement may be granted
for post-secondary degrees, successful completion of the ALS exam,
or other certifications. The maximum waiver is one year. Classes will
held on Mondays from 5:30-8 p.m. and will be held at the law
firm of Cozen O'Connor. The first class will begin on Monday, September
13, 2004.
For additional information, please contact Doreen Ziccardi, PP, PLS
at 215-981-7847 or doreen_ziccardi@comcast.com.
PLSA Fall Fundraiser
PLSA
is publishing a cookbook filled with the best recipes from the best
cooks in the association -- and we need your recipe! Please
help support your organization by submitting your recipe and purchasing
a cookbook or two for you, a friend, family, or just as a special
gift.
In
and Around PLSA
- Every year PLSA helps Philadelphia's
homeless children. This year was another success as Chair Debra
Coulbourn, PLS, collected presents for the children. Thanks to
all who gave. The children are much happier for your generosity.
PLSA also thanks those who donated new linens, towels, etc., to
the homeless. Your donations were really appreciated.
- The Mentor-a-Member Program
is in place. Kim Schrack, president of Capital City LPA in Harrisburg,
is heading the program and looking for seasoned members to mentor
others. Please contact Kim at KAS308@mal.widener.edu to volunteer.
You can help a "maybe" become an "are" just
like you! Kim will team you up with another member near you with
whom you can mentor and "show the ropes."
- The NALS Board of Directors
adopted the American Bar Association's definition of a "paralegal"
as its own. The current definition is as follows:
A legal assistant/paralegal is a person, qualified by education,
training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer,
law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and
who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for
which a lawyer is responsible.
Although a broad definition, here is a list of duties which a
paralegal (regardless of title) might perform: conduct client
interview/maintain general contact with clients; locate and interview
witnesses; conduct legal investigations; calendar and track deadlines;
organize and maintain client files; conduct legal research; draft
legal documents; summarize witness testimony; attend legal proceedings;
use computers and technology
As PLSs we consider ourselves to be professional support staff,
and the duties we perform on a daily basis might be considered
paralegal work in some offices. So keep in mind that the duties
of a paralegal are very blurred when set next to the duties of
a seasoned legal secretary.
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