Introducing the Survey Committee: Shaping the Future of the NCBA Paralegal Division Community

Tina, a woman with brown hair, wears wire-rimmed glasses, a grey blouse and jacket and is smiling. By Tina Dadio Kimberly, a Black woman with black hair and clear glasses, wears a blue blouse and jacket with sparkles and a white beaded necklace.and Kimberly M. Johnson

The NCBA Paralegal Division is thrilled to announce the members of the Survey Committee, a dedicated team focused on gathering and analyzing feedback from our members across the state. This initiative aims to ensure our members’ needs and interests are at the forefront of our programs, events, and resources. We believe that by listening to our members, we can create a more vibrant and supportive environment for professional growth and development.

Meet the Survey Committee

Our Survey Committee is composed of experienced paralegals who are passionate about enhancing the paralegal profession. Each member brings unique insights and expertise to the table, ensuring a comprehensive approach to gathering and interpreting survey data.

Committee Members

  • Kimberly M. Johnson – Chair, Adult Services, DSS/Department of Health and Human Services
  • Tina Dadio – Co-Chair, Public Records Officer/Legal Specialist, UNC Charlotte Office of Legal Affairs

Our Mission

The Survey Committee’s mission is to identify key areas of interest and concern within the paralegal/member community. By doing so, we aim to develop targeted content, educational programs, and networking opportunities that address the real-world challenges and aspirations of our members.

Topics of Interest for Paralegals

To kickstart our efforts, we have identified several topics that we believe are of great interest to paralegals. These topics will be central to our upcoming surveys and will help guide the content for our blog, workshops and seminars.

1. Future Blog Posts

  • What topics would you like to read about in a blog post?
  • What content within those topics would you like to read in a blog post?
  • What are some challenges you face as a paralegal?

2. Continuing Legal Education (CLE)**

  • What areas of law do you want more training in?
  • Preferred formats for CLE (webinars, in-person seminars, online courses).
  • Feedback on past CLE programs and suggestions for improvement.

2. Ethics and Professional Responsibility

  • Common ethical dilemmas faced by paralegals.
  • Best practices for maintaining ethical standards.
  • The impact of technology on ethical responsibilities.

3. Career Development

  • Strategies for career advancement in the legal field.
  • Tips for effective networking and professional growth.
  • Balancing work and personal life as a paralegal.

4. Technology and Tools

  • The latest legal technology trends and tools.
  • Software and applications that improve productivity.
  • Training needs for new legal technologies.

5. Legal Research and Writing

  • Resources and tips for efficient legal research.
  • Improving legal writing skills.
  • Case law updates and significant legal developments.

6. Workplace Dynamics

  • Navigating workplace challenges and conflicts.
  • Strategies for effective communication and teamwork.
  • Mentorship and support systems within the legal community.

7. Specialized Areas of Law

  • Interest in niche areas such as environmental law, intellectual property, and immigration law.
  • Experiences and challenges in specialized legal fields.
  • Opportunities for specialization and certification.

8. Community Involvement

  • Pro bono work and volunteer opportunities.
  • Community outreach and legal education initiatives.
  • Impact of paralegal work on the broader community.

Get Involved

We invite all members of the NCBA Paralegal Division to participate in our surveys and share their thoughts. Your input is invaluable in helping us shape the future of our profession. Keep an eye out for our first survey, which will be distributed soon, and be sure to provide your honest and detailed feedback. Together, we can ensure that the NCBA Paralegal Division continues to be a dynamic and supportive community, offering resources and opportunities that truly matter to you.

Stay tuned for more updates from the Survey Committee and thank you for your continued support and engagement!

***

The Paralegal Division Blog is managed by the Division’s Communications Committee. Via the blog, the Communications Committee provides information written by attorneys, paralegals, and other experts designed specifically for paralegals in the areas of substantive law, ethics, technology, paralegal practice advice, and more. If you are interested in signing up to submit a blog post on a future date, you can do so here. When you are ready to submit a blog post, you can do so by using this form.

You may also wish to participate in the Division by using our virtual suggestion box to submit suggestions/ideas to the Division Council, nominating a paralegal for Paralegal Spotlight, or completing the Paralegal Spotlight Questionnaire if you are nominating yourself. If you are interested in volunteering with the Communications Committee, please contact the Communications Committee Chair at [email protected]. If you are interested in joining other division committees, you can review a list of committees and sign up here.

/by