Paralegal Division’s New Diversity and Inclusion Committee

By Stephanie Durham-Rivera, Chair

On November 23, 2020, the Paralegal Division Council voted to form a Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

The Paralegal Division recognizes that diversity and inclusion are more than just policies, programs, or head counts. They are about respecting the unique needs, perspectives and potential of all our division members.

The responsibilities of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee would include, but are not limited to:

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Paralegal Spotlight: Teri Rodriguez

Teresa (“Teri”) Rodriguez

By the Communications Committee

Paralegal Spotlight is the Division’s monthly publication designed to share Division members’ stories with colleagues, inspire present and future paralegal professionals, and strengthen awareness of the profession and association.

Each month we select one amazing paralegal from among our membership and ask them to share a little about their personal and professional life. Join Paralegal Spotlight as we learn more about member talents, skills, personal and professional goals, technology tips, accomplishments, volunteer work, and more.

This month’s Paralegal Spotlight is on Teresa (“Teri”) Rodriguez.

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The Year of the Mask

By Rachel Royal

I love when the new year rolls around. I know that time really has no boundaries, and December 31 rolls effortlessly into January 1 with no fireworks of its own accord. But the thought of starting anew is exhilarating to many people, and the New Year’s resolutions that everyone talks about are a result of this excitement. It is as if we are shedding off the old and physically stepping into a new year. In January of 2020, I was enrolled in a Bachelor of Science program at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, looking to buy a house, and had sworn off wine and any kind of unhealthy food. I had such high hopes for the coming year.

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Giving Thanks This Thanksgiving

By Yazmeen Gadalla

On November 26, the United States will come together to celebrate Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a time to look back at the year prior and to give thanks. It is also a time to look forward and be thankful for what is to come. Thanksgiving is the pinnacle of the fall season, transitioning the American people into numerous holidays and ultimately, the New Year. In these times, the prospect of a new beginning is one that many of us eagerly await. In 2020, this Thanksgiving holiday will look and feel different from many other Thanksgivings in the past. There might not be a large, lavish meal with family. There might not be a trip across states to see old friends. But in a year where so much has happened, it is important to remember what we are thankful for.
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Paralegal Spotlight: Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP

Wendy Kimbel

By the Communications Committee

Paralegal Spotlight is the Division’s monthly publication designed to share Division members’ stories with colleagues, inspire present and future paralegal professionals, and strengthen awareness of the profession and association.

Each month we select one amazing paralegal from among our membership and ask them to share a little about their personal and professional life. Join Paralegal Spotlight as we learn more about member talents, skills, personal and professional goals, technology tips, accomplishments, volunteer work, and more.

This month’s Paralegal Spotlight is on Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP.

Position Title: Paralegal/President

Major Duties: I provide contract support services for attorneys, primarily in the areas of real estate, wills, trusts and probate.
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Important Tips for Conducting a Remote Deposition During the COVID-19 Pandemic

By Huseby Inc. Litigation Services

Note from the Paralegal Division Technology Committee: Remote depositions have become increasingly common during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many paralegals and attorneys are still trying to find their way through this new remote frontier. As Chair of the Technology Committee, I recently reached out to Huseby Inc. to get their take on best practices for taking a remote deposition. Huseby Inc. is a global leader in court reporting, trial support services, interactive real-time technology and mobile litigation support services.

Huseby responded to our inquiry with best practices for acknowledging remote technology, exhibit presentation, witness coaching, and external communication. This is information you will definitely want to share with your attorney before your next deposition! – Technology Committee
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Paralegal Spotlight: Joan Sprinkle, NCCP

By the Communications Committee

Joan Sprinkle

Paralegal Spotlight is the Division’s monthly publication designed to share Division members’ stories with colleagues, inspire present and future paralegal professionals, and strengthen awareness of the profession and association.

Each month, we select one amazing paralegal from among our membership and ask them to share about their personal and professional life. Join Paralegal Spotlight as we learn more about member talents, skills, personal and professional goals, technology tips, accomplishments, volunteer work, and more.

This month’s Paralegal Spotlight is on Joan Sprinkle, NCCP.
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Gov. Roy Cooper Proclaims October 23, 2020, North Carolina Paralegal Day

By Pamela Hollern, Esq.

Gov. Roy Cooper has proclaimed Friday, October 23, 2020, North Carolina Paralegal Day! A proclamation is an official document issued by the governor to commemorate a specific time period (for example, a day, week, or month). It brings recognition, awareness, or appreciation to an issue, cause, milestone, or noteworthy event that is relevant and important to North Carolina.

North Carolina Paralegal Day is a day to celebrate the contributions of paralegals and paralegal students throughout the state. If you employ a paralegal or you are a paralegal, then you already know the indispensable role they play in the practice of law.
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New! – A Call for Paralegal Spotlight Nominations and Blog Post Submissions

The Communications Committee has just made it easier for members to submit nominations for Paralegal Spotlight and proposed blog posts. Here’s the scoop.

Nominate a Paralegal for Paralegal Spotlight

Paralegal Spotlight is a monthly blog publication designed to inspire virtual networking by showcasing paralegal division members on the Paralegal Division blog. This is a great opportunity for members to share more about their personal and professional goals, technology tips, interests, great accomplishments, volunteer work, and the like. Our paralegal members have a wonderful variety of talents, skills, and interests, and we look forward to learning more about you!

To make the process easy, we’ve created two forms: a Paralegal Spotlight Nominations Form and a Paralegal Spotlight Questionnaire. Complete the nomination form if you are nominating another paralegal in the Division. In that case, the paralegal you nominate will be contacted to complete the questionnaire. Complete the Paralegal Spotlight Questionnaire if you are nominating yourself.

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Best Practices for Working with a Process Server

By Tracker Legal Services 

What Do Process Servers Do?

Process servers are an important part of the legal process. Hiring an experienced process server can mean the difference between having your matter heard or having your matter continued or dismissed.

In some situations, process servers provide defendants with notice of a pending lawsuit and uphold due process of law. Other times process servers serve amended pleadings, orders, hearing notices, subpoenas and other tools of discovery, or “other papers.”

Many times process servers are hired to meet a procedural requirement. Other times they are hired in an abundance of caution to make sure the opposing party receives a demand letter, pre-litigation notice, or even motions and orders.

Don’t We Have Sheriff’s Deputies for That?

When procedural rules allow the use of process servers, they can work closely with an attorney or paralegal to plan a course of action that increases the chance of a favorable outcome. Process servers have much more flexibility than a sheriff’s deputy or delivery service. A sheriff’s deputy or delivery service will have other duties and are usually unable to serve your target at the precise time needed, especially if there is a narrow window of opportunity. Process servers also have the ability to wait for targets to show up at designated locations if the target is not immediately available.

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