Becoming a FINRA arbitrator is a great way to leverage your skill set and expand your professional career. If you are a paralegal or other legal professional working in securities litigation and/or arbitration, you have likely heard of FINRA.
What is FINRA?
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is an independent, nongovernmental organization that writes and enforces the rules governing registered brokers and broker-dealer firms in the United States. FINRA, overseen by the SEC, writes rules, examines brokerage firms, and enforces compliance with FINRA rules and federal securities laws.
FINRA is dedicated to investor protection and market integrity by regulating brokerage firms doing business with the public in the United States. If brokers break the rules, FINRA has the power to fine them, suspend them or bar them from the industry. In addition, FINRA monitors trading market activity in the U.S. equities, options and fixed-income markets.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00Paralegalshttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngParalegals2020-09-14 10:32:252020-09-14 10:32:25Exciting Opportunity for Paralegals: Become a FINRA Arbitrator
Welcome to the 2020-21 bar year! I am honored to serve as your Chair this year and look forward to working with you all to make this an impactful, fun and productive year for the YLD.
Our great YLD programs and initiatives are only made possible through the involvement and service of volunteers like you. I would like to invite each of you to sign up to serve on one of our 14 committees. The committees cover a broad array of networking, community service, pro bono and educational programs – there is something for everyone!
The YLD is divided into four Divisions – Bar Outreach, Community Outreach, Civic Engagement & Pro Bono and Law Student Outreach – each led by a Division Director. Our Division Directors have put together short videos highlighting the Committees in their Division and explaining the work those Committees do.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00NCBA YLDhttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngNCBA YLD2020-09-11 16:20:022023-06-20 12:56:36Get Involved with the YLD!
What You Need to Know About the New Community Platform
This year, the NCBA has switched to a new online community platform. This new community platform for Sections, Divisions and Councils offers many more features than the previous system. Below is a summary of the basics and what you need to know to utilize this platform and its features.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00FamilyLawhttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngFamilyLaw2020-09-10 09:19:532020-09-25 11:50:54Ketan Soni Presents "The New Community Platform"
My name is Melissa Owens Lassiter, and I am honored to serve as the Chair of our Administrative Law Section for the 2020-2021 year. It is my distinct pleasure to serve alongside Nahale Kalfas as Vice-Chair, Bain Jones as Secretary, and Fred Moreno as Treasurer.
The past few months have been quite dynamic and unpredictable given the COVID-19 pandemic. While some have demonstrated a desire for decreased governmental regulation, others have striven for more streamlined, yet less formal proceedings for resolving disputes between the citizenry and governmental entities. We appear to be at a crossroads of the future of the administrative process.
In the current environment, the courts have frequently afforded governmental agencies large latitude when acting “in the public interest.” Public policy has been at the forefront of recent court analysis in many cases. A movement toward greater deference to the state seems inevitable if the trend toward less formal and detailed proceedings continues.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00Administrativehttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngAdministrative2020-09-09 16:34:112020-09-09 17:09:00Administrative Law on and off-road – a Welcome from Chair Melissa Lassiter
Don’t miss the early bird discounted registration fee of $255 for the 2020 Basics of Business Law CLE to be held on Friday, October 2, 2020, from 8 a.m. to 4:20 p.m.
This year’s program will be held via live webcast, giving participants the ability to participate from anywhere.
Included Sessions
Legal Entity Choice
Organizing and Operating a Corporation
It’s Just Tax
Overview of Intellectual Property Law
The Deal Hike
Basics of a Private Placement
Employment Law
Conflicts, Claims and Common Concerns for Business Law Practitioners (Ethics)
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00Businesshttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngBusiness2020-09-09 11:07:152020-09-09 11:34:592020 Basics of Business Law Early Bird Registration Discount
As the U.S. general election draws near, here are a few tips for preparing for election day and volunteering if you want to work at the polls.
Important Dates
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020. The deadline to register online to vote is Friday, October 9, 2020. The deadline for registering by mail to vote is Friday, October 9, 2020 (registration must be postmarked by this date). The deadline to register in person to vote is Friday, October 9, 2020.
After the regular voter registration deadline of Friday, October 9, 2020, you can register and vote in person at one-stop sites during the early voting period, which runs from Thursday, October 15, 2020 to Saturday, October 31, 2020. Read more
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00Paralegalshttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngParalegals2020-09-08 14:16:342020-09-08 16:55:27Important Voting Information: View a Sample Ballot Lookup Tool and Volunteer at the Polls
As many of you are aware, the Business Law Section maintains a blog that allows members of the Section, as well as other contributors, to post articles that might be relevant to the members of the Business Law Section. As we move through the early stages of the 2020-2021 bar year, I would like to encourage all members of the Section to consider contributing content to the Business Law Section blog. The Section’s blog has been very successful, and we hope to continue that success through this bar year.
I would also like to encourage members of the Business Law Section to consider serving on the board of editors for the Section blog. Members of the board of editors are responsible for generating new content and articles for the blog on a rotating basis. Serving on the board of editors is a great opportunity to provide meaningful content to fellow members of the Business Law Section and help further the success of the blog. Please reach out to me directly if you are interested in contributing content to the Business Law Section blog, or if you are interested in serving on the board of editors.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00Businesshttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngBusiness2020-09-08 10:49:092020-09-08 10:49:09A Message from the Communications Chair of the NCBA Business Law Section
The NCBA Construction Law Section is hosting a day-and-a-half long CLE on September 24 and 25, 2020. Not immune to the effects of the ongoing public health crisis, this year’s CLE will take place virtually from the comfort of your office, your home, your backyard, or even a beach. Just in case you are wondering, yes, the dress code for this year’s event is “casual.”
All joking aside, this year’s CLE is a sticks-and-bricks presentation, focusing on developing a thorough understanding of the basis for the claims we, as construction attorneys, deal with on a daily basis. Segments include zoning and land use regulations, project scheduling, building envelopes, the design process, structural engineering and civil engineering. Attendees will also hear about legislative updates impacting the construction industry and learn about current trends and hot topics in the industry. Finally, for those still in need of ethics hours, this year’s CLE has been approved for 1.0 hour of Ethics/Professional Responsibility Credit.
As if attending a CLE in your pajamas or on a beach wasn’t incentive enough, the Construction Law Section is offering a $50.00 discount to the first 75 registrants. We still have several discounts left, but you better hurry.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00Constructionhttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngConstruction2020-09-04 15:27:512020-09-04 15:27:51Upcoming Virtual Sticks-and-Bricks CLE Program Hosted by the Construction Law Section
As Chair of the North Carolina Bar Association Real Property Section, I am reaching out to you on behalf of the North Carolina Department of Secretary of State’s Electronic Mortgage Closing Advisory Committee (the “E-closing Committee”) to seek your help and participation in the below survey. The purpose and intent is to seek feedback from you on your perception of the current state of adoption of electronic mortgage closings and what you feel may be barriers to adoption.
This survey, of course, is completely voluntary, and we have been assured that it will be kept completely blind, anonymous and confidential. We have also been assured that they will not collect any contact or email information.
With COVID-19 and temporary stay at home mandates, the E-closing Committee feels that, now more than ever, people are looking for alternatives to closings that promote as limited contact as possible. But many are still hesitant to implement a solution. The E-closing Committee hopes you will share your understanding, opinions and concerns through this survey so that the E-closing Committee may better address them. Your participation and input is invaluable as the E-closing Committee is working to ensure that we have appropriate tools in place to enable loans to be closed securely and safely during this pandemic and afterwards.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00RealPropertyhttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngRealProperty2020-09-04 14:56:222020-09-04 14:56:22Secretary of State's E-Closings Survey: Provide Your Feedback Today
The North Carolina Court System has launched a free, online document preparation tool that is available for self-represented litigants, paralegals, and attorneys.
The North Carolina Judicial Branch has announced the launch of eCourts Guide & File, a new service that allows attorneys and the public to prepare court documents online in just a few easy steps. With free, 24/7 online access and easy-to-understand interview questions, Guide & File will eliminate barriers and simplify the legal process, particularly for the hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians who come to court without an attorney every year.
“North Carolina’s courts must be available to everyone who needs them. No one should feel locked out by complicated forms and processes that are difficult to understand, particularly when one cannot afford an attorney,” said Chief Justice Cheri Beasley. “Guide & File is another way that we are making our court system more efficient, more equitable and more accessible.”
Exciting Opportunity for Paralegals: Become a FINRA Arbitrator
Paralegal DivisionBy Alicia Mitchell-Mercer
Becoming a FINRA arbitrator is a great way to leverage your skill set and expand your professional career. If you are a paralegal or other legal professional working in securities litigation and/or arbitration, you have likely heard of FINRA.
What is FINRA?
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is an independent, nongovernmental organization that writes and enforces the rules governing registered brokers and broker-dealer firms in the United States. FINRA, overseen by the SEC, writes rules, examines brokerage firms, and enforces compliance with FINRA rules and federal securities laws.
FINRA is dedicated to investor protection and market integrity by regulating brokerage firms doing business with the public in the United States. If brokers break the rules, FINRA has the power to fine them, suspend them or bar them from the industry. In addition, FINRA monitors trading market activity in the U.S. equities, options and fixed-income markets.
Read more
Get Involved with the YLD!
Young Lawyers DivisionBy Kristen Kirby, YLD Chair
Welcome to the 2020-21 bar year! I am honored to serve as your Chair this year and look forward to working with you all to make this an impactful, fun and productive year for the YLD.
Our great YLD programs and initiatives are only made possible through the involvement and service of volunteers like you. I would like to invite each of you to sign up to serve on one of our 14 committees. The committees cover a broad array of networking, community service, pro bono and educational programs – there is something for everyone!
The YLD is divided into four Divisions – Bar Outreach, Community Outreach, Civic Engagement & Pro Bono and Law Student Outreach – each led by a Division Director. Our Division Directors have put together short videos highlighting the Committees in their Division and explaining the work those Committees do.
Read more
Ketan Soni Presents “The New Community Platform”
Family Law Section, Featured PostsWhat You Need to Know About the New Community Platform
This year, the NCBA has switched to a new online community platform. This new community platform for Sections, Divisions and Councils offers many more features than the previous system. Below is a summary of the basics and what you need to know to utilize this platform and its features.
Read more
Administrative Law on and off-road – a Welcome from Chair Melissa Lassiter
Administrative LawBy Melissa Owens Lassiter
My name is Melissa Owens Lassiter, and I am honored to serve as the Chair of our Administrative Law Section for the 2020-2021 year. It is my distinct pleasure to serve alongside Nahale Kalfas as Vice-Chair, Bain Jones as Secretary, and Fred Moreno as Treasurer.
The past few months have been quite dynamic and unpredictable given the COVID-19 pandemic. While some have demonstrated a desire for decreased governmental regulation, others have striven for more streamlined, yet less formal proceedings for resolving disputes between the citizenry and governmental entities. We appear to be at a crossroads of the future of the administrative process.
In the current environment, the courts have frequently afforded governmental agencies large latitude when acting “in the public interest.” Public policy has been at the forefront of recent court analysis in many cases. A movement toward greater deference to the state seems inevitable if the trend toward less formal and detailed proceedings continues.
Read more
2020 Basics of Business Law Early Bird Registration Discount
Business LawDon’t miss the early bird discounted registration fee of $255 for the 2020 Basics of Business Law CLE to be held on Friday, October 2, 2020, from 8 a.m. to 4:20 p.m.
This year’s program will be held via live webcast, giving participants the ability to participate from anywhere.
Included Sessions
For the full agenda and registration information, please visit https://cle.ncbar.org/courses/23446.
Important Voting Information: View a Sample Ballot Lookup Tool and Volunteer at the Polls
Paralegal DivisionBy Alicia Mitchell-Mercer
As the U.S. general election draws near, here are a few tips for preparing for election day and volunteering if you want to work at the polls.
Important Dates
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020. The deadline to register online to vote is Friday, October 9, 2020. The deadline for registering by mail to vote is Friday, October 9, 2020 (registration must be postmarked by this date). The deadline to register in person to vote is Friday, October 9, 2020.
After the regular voter registration deadline of Friday, October 9, 2020, you can register and vote in person at one-stop sites during the early voting period, which runs from Thursday, October 15, 2020 to Saturday, October 31, 2020. Read more
A Message from the Communications Chair of the NCBA Business Law Section
Business LawDear Members of the Business Law Section:
As many of you are aware, the Business Law Section maintains a blog that allows members of the Section, as well as other contributors, to post articles that might be relevant to the members of the Business Law Section. As we move through the early stages of the 2020-2021 bar year, I would like to encourage all members of the Section to consider contributing content to the Business Law Section blog. The Section’s blog has been very successful, and we hope to continue that success through this bar year.
I would also like to encourage members of the Business Law Section to consider serving on the board of editors for the Section blog. Members of the board of editors are responsible for generating new content and articles for the blog on a rotating basis. Serving on the board of editors is a great opportunity to provide meaningful content to fellow members of the Business Law Section and help further the success of the blog. Please reach out to me directly if you are interested in contributing content to the Business Law Section blog, or if you are interested in serving on the board of editors.
Upcoming Virtual Sticks-and-Bricks CLE Program Hosted by the Construction Law Section
Construction Law SectionB
y Daniel J. Knight
Dear Section Members,
The NCBA Construction Law Section is hosting a day-and-a-half long CLE on September 24 and 25, 2020. Not immune to the effects of the ongoing public health crisis, this year’s CLE will take place virtually from the comfort of your office, your home, your backyard, or even a beach. Just in case you are wondering, yes, the dress code for this year’s event is “casual.”
All joking aside, this year’s CLE is a sticks-and-bricks presentation, focusing on developing a thorough understanding of the basis for the claims we, as construction attorneys, deal with on a daily basis. Segments include zoning and land use regulations, project scheduling, building envelopes, the design process, structural engineering and civil engineering. Attendees will also hear about legislative updates impacting the construction industry and learn about current trends and hot topics in the industry. Finally, for those still in need of ethics hours, this year’s CLE has been approved for 1.0 hour of Ethics/Professional Responsibility Credit.
As if attending a CLE in your pajamas or on a beach wasn’t incentive enough, the Construction Law Section is offering a $50.00 discount to the first 75 registrants. We still have several discounts left, but you better hurry.
For more information and to register, visit the North Carolina Bar Association’s website. On behalf of the Construction Law Council, we look forward to seeing you there.
Secretary of State’s E-Closings Survey: Provide Your Feedback Today
Real PropertyAs Chair of the North Carolina Bar Association Real Property Section, I am reaching out to you on behalf of the North Carolina Department of Secretary of State’s Electronic Mortgage Closing Advisory Committee (the “E-closing Committee”) to seek your help and participation in the below survey. The purpose and intent is to seek feedback from you on your perception of the current state of adoption of electronic mortgage closings and what you feel may be barriers to adoption.
This survey, of course, is completely voluntary, and we have been assured that it will be kept completely blind, anonymous and confidential. We have also been assured that they will not collect any contact or email information.
With COVID-19 and temporary stay at home mandates, the E-closing Committee feels that, now more than ever, people are looking for alternatives to closings that promote as limited contact as possible. But many are still hesitant to implement a solution. The E-closing Committee hopes you will share your understanding, opinions and concerns through this survey so that the E-closing Committee may better address them. Your participation and input is invaluable as the E-closing Committee is working to ensure that we have appropriate tools in place to enable loans to be closed securely and safely during this pandemic and afterwards.
Read more
North Carolina Court System Launches Free, Online Document Preparation Tool
Featured Posts, Paralegal DivisionBy Alicia Mitchell-Mercer
The North Carolina Court System has launched a free, online document preparation tool that is available for self-represented litigants, paralegals, and attorneys.
The North Carolina Judicial Branch has announced the launch of eCourts Guide & File, a new service that allows attorneys and the public to prepare court documents online in just a few easy steps. With free, 24/7 online access and easy-to-understand interview questions, Guide & File will eliminate barriers and simplify the legal process, particularly for the hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians who come to court without an attorney every year.
“North Carolina’s courts must be available to everyone who needs them. No one should feel locked out by complicated forms and processes that are difficult to understand, particularly when one cannot afford an attorney,” said Chief Justice Cheri Beasley. “Guide & File is another way that we are making our court system more efficient, more equitable and more accessible.”
Read more