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Registration Brochure

2017 National Federation of Paralegal Associations Annual Convention and Policy Meeting

Proudly Hosted by the New Orleans Paralegal Association

NEW ORLEANS

National Paralegal Reporter, NFPA, PACE Registered Paralegal, RP, PACE, the PACE design logo, NFPA – The Leader of the Paralegal Profession and the NFPA design logo are all Registered Trademarks/Service Marks of NFPA; NFPA – Your partner in your profession, PACE – The Standard for Excellence, Paralegal CORE Competency Exam, PCCE, PCC Exam, CORE Registered Paralegal, CRP and PCCE design logo are Trademarks/Service Marks of NFPA.

NFPA® Annual Convention & Policy Meeting 2

REGISTER ONLINE TODAY | EARLY-BIRD DEADLINE IS AUGUST 11, 2017 | WWW.PARALEGALS.ORG

BENEFITS OF ATTENDINGPERSONAL CONTACTSA personal connection, resulting from face-to-face contact, generates a higher level of trust. Come build your business relationships with others in the profession.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIESA convention provides a great opportunity to expand your network and make valuable connections.

CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATIONThe educational sessions are designed specifically to provide paralegals with continuing legal education. Attending the educational sessions will enhance your knowledge in specific areas, which can often directly impact your professional status.

GET INSPIREDMany paralegals find that they have a significantly renewed passion for the profession and an increased level of confidence in building the paralegal profession after attending an NFPA convention.

NFPA CONVENTION CHARITY2017 National Convention CharitySOLACE stands for “Support of Lawyers/Legal Personnel—All Concern Encouraged.” SOLACE provides a way for the Federal Bar Association (“FBA”) legal community to reach out in small, but meaningful and compassionate ways, to FBA members and those related to them in the legal community who experience a death, or some catastrophic event, illness, sickness, injury, or other personal crisis. Judge Jay Zainey and Mark Surprenant, in connection with the Louisiana State Bar Association, originally developed the SOLACE program, and in 2016 FBA President Judge Michael Newman made the SOLACE program one of his national priorities for the FBA.

The SOLACE program has helped numerous individuals by handling a wide variety of requests. Examples of past requests and responsive help include securing a medical evacuation airlift from a foreign country, donating furniture to a solo practitioner whose office was consumed by a fire, contributing frequent flyer miles or hotel points for families who cannot afford the travel costs associated with medical treatment, volunteering to care for the dog of an individual who was away from home while receiving cancer treatment, providing a family with meals, lodging, assistance with grocery shopping or child care, or providing non-legal information—whatever the situation may warrant. SOLACE does not, however, handle requests for money.

The FBA’s SOLACE initiative is open to all FBA members and those related to them within the legal community— judges, lawyers, court personnel, paralegals, legal secretaries and their families—not just lawyers.

The New Orleans Paralegal Association has selected this organization as the Charity for the 2017 Convention. Attendees are encouraged to contribute during registration. Donors who give at least $5 are invited to wear jeans on the Friday of the convention.

Come see what NFPA’s Annual Convention & Policy Meeting are all about!!! Go home with amazing, infectious energy!!!

See you at the NFPA 2017 Annual Convention: October 12-15

https://www.paralegals.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageID=1



NFPA CONVENTION 2017Program At-A-GlanceTentative – Subject to Change

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12

7:30 am – 5:00 pm Registration

7:30 am – 7:00pm Exhibit Hall Open

8:30 am – 9:45 am Concurrent Education Sessions

9:45 am – 10:15 am Morning Break + Visit with Exhibitors

10:15 am – 11:30 am Concurrent Education Sessions

11:30 am – 1:00 pm Coordinator Appreciation / Networking Luncheon

1:00 pm – 2:15 pm Concurrent Education Sessions

2:15 pm – 2:45 pm Afternoon Break + Visit with Exhibitors

2:30 pm – 4:00 pm Student Workshop

2:45 pm – 4:00 pm Concurrent Education Sessions

4:15 pm – 5:30 pm NFPA Workshops

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Exhibitors’ Reception

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm Board of Directors’ Meeting

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13

7:00 am – 5:00 pm Registration

7:30 am – 2:00 pm Exhibit Hall Open

7:30 am – 8:30 am First Timer’s Meeting

8:30 am – 10:45 am NFPA Region Meetings

10:45 am – 11:15 an Morning Break + Exhibitor Door Prize Drawings

11:15 am – 12:00 pm Meet the Candidates Panel (Members Only)

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Keynote Luncheon

1:30 pm – 4:30 pm NFPA Region Meetings

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm NFPA Treasurer’s Meeting (Members Only)

7:00 pm – 11:00 pm Social Event at the Astor Crowne Plaza-French Quarter

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14

8:00 am – 9:00 am Registration

9:00 am – 5:30 pm Policy Meeting

10:30 am – 10:45 am Morning Break

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Awards Luncheon

3:15 pm – 3:30 pm Afternoon Break

8:00 pm – 12:00 am Caucus Meeting(s) (if necessary)

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15

9:00 am – 1:00 pm Policy Meeting

10:30 am – 10:45 am Morning Break

3:00 pm – 10:00 pm Board of Directors’ Meeting

MONDAY, OCTOBER 16

9:00 am – 12:00 pm Board of Directors’ Retreat (NFPA Board Members Only)




KEYNOTE SPEAKER – GOV. JOHN BEL EDWARDSFriday, October 13 | 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

The Governor grew up in Amite, Louisiana as one of eight children. With four Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs in his lineage, he learned the importance of public service at an early age. Governor Edwards graduated in 1988 from the United States Military Academy at West Point. The Governor served eight years as an Airborne Ranger on active duty with the United States Army and commanded a rifle company in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He went on to graduate Order of the Coif from Louisiana State University Law Center and set up a civil law practice in his home town of Amite.

In 2008, he was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives from District 72, where he served for eight years until the voters of Louisiana elected him Governor in November 2015. Governor Edwards and his wife, First Lady Donna Edwards, have three children: Samantha Bel, Sarah Ellen, and John Miller.

Governor John Bel Edwards

FRIDAY NIGHT SOCIAL – THE KREWE OF NFPAFriday, October 13, 2017 7:00-11:00 pmThe Astor Crowne Plaza-French Quarter

Laissez Le Bons Temp Rouler (pronounced “Lay-sey le bon tom roo-lay”) – Let the Good Times Roll!!!

The Friday Night Social will be held at the host hotel – The Astor Crowne Plaza-French Quarter on Friday, October 13, 2017 from 7:00 – 11:00 pm. This event will make you think that you are in the Big Easy for an actual Mardi Gras celebration. We will have a brass band, visits from the local krewe mascots, specialty drinks and, of course, Mardi Gras novelties!!

The 2017 Convention Committee has been working very hard to make sure that the attendees feel the Fat Tuesday experience. After the social, you do not have to travel too far to continue the momentum because the hotel is located on the most popular street in the city – Bourbon Street where you can show off your Krewe of NFPA swag! Come and enjoy the celebration with your NFPA family and friends and make sure you bring your appetite, your comfortable shoes, and be prepared to party with the Krewe of NFPA!!!

We’re Jazzed You’re Coming!!




CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATIONEducation Sessions – Thursday, October 12

8:30 am – 9:45 am

Session 1A – Digital Due DiligenceHow to Protect Yourself and Prosper in the Digital Age Daryl Pfeif, Digital ForensicsTechnology pervades every aspect of our lives both in the workplace and at home. In 2017, an average of 1 in 4 people will fall victim to cybercrime. Not only can digital carelessness seriously harm you and your devices - it can expose sensitive data or damage your employer, your co-workers, your friends and your family.

This presentation will offer insight into the need for legal professionals to champion personal security and digital due diligence and provide information about real security risks and how these can be turned into opportunities for professional development. Daryl Pfeif, the Founder of Digital Forensics Solutions and Digital Security Associates will provide useful tips, tools and techniques that attendees can utilize to transform themselves from technophobes into techno-champions.

Daryl Pfeif l has been actively engaged in the field of digital forensics and cyber security since 2004. She has extensive experience in eDiscovery, digital investigation, incident response, social engineering, penetration testing and application vulnerability assessment. She has served as a security and forensics consultant with an emphasis in the legal, financial, healthcare and technology industries. Daryl is a member of the International Association of Computer Investigation Specialists and the High Technology Crime Investigation Association. She Is founding member of the Digital Forensics Solutions, Digital Security Associates and DFRWS the first International

Conference in Digital Forensics Research. Digital Forensics Solutions is based in New Orleans and provides Early Case Assessment, Evidence Preservation, Data Recovery, Digital Investigation and Expert Witness Testimony.




Session 1B – Effective Business Plans for Companies in the 21st Century

Will Rachal, Dream Builders Network, LLCBusiness plans are not just for start-up companies or initial investments; they are useful for anyone considering the future and overall management strategy of an enterprise, including a law practice. A business plan is frequently called “a road map” as it provides much-needed focus and direction for business owners. Having a business plan will help you view yourself as an entrepreneur, attract more clients, and achieve business goals.

Paralegals can assist attorneys in understanding their goals and be able to effectively discuss their services, operations, target market, and marketing strategies. You can assist attorneys to identify their outstanding needs in order to determine what future plans will be needed. Business plans differ for each type of industry and even the individual business, but all plans answer the same key questions. This course will help identify the unique goals and audience your business plan will accomplish.

CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION

Will Rachal has always be a person that has chased information and after serving as a Military Trainer in the United States Navy, embarked on a journey of personal growth that took him through the halls of the University of Maryland and Serving as Director of the Juvenile Court. Will came to live in Slidell, Louisiana in 1994 while serving in the United States Navy. Originally a native of Alexandria, Louisiana. Will served as a Civil Judge and currently operates in private Business as Owner of “Dream Builders Network” Professional Office Suites.




Session 1C – Ethics in Evolving Compliance Requirements

Garth Jacobson Recent international and national developments of laws related to anti-terrorism, anti money laundering and efforts to stop abusive tax shelters have created traps for the unwary attorney. This seminar will: • provide an overview of the laws that impose penalties for conducting business with office

of Foreign asset Control (OFAC) specifically designated nationals (SDN) and persons from blocked nations.

• survey recent developments that would impose new requirements for business entities and the attorneys acting as business formations agents.

• review the Financial action Task Force FATF and ABA gatekeeper recommendations for client• due diligence best practices and the ethical implications associated with client due diligence

and business formation. • Discusses the ethics rules that related to these matters. • help attorneys avoid potential federal fines while meeting state bar ethics rules.

Garth B. Jacobson serves as a Senior Government Relations Attorney for CT Corporation. Prior to this position, he worked at Preston Gates and Ellis LLP. Previously, he held the position of Chief Legal Counsel to the Montana Secretary of State where he successfully litigated election law cases before the state trial and appellant courts and federal courts. During that tenure, he served on the state bar committees that drafted business entity legislation including profit and nonprofit corporate acts, revisions to the partnership laws and the limited liability company act. Additionally, he developed and administered alternative dispute resolution of business name infringements. He served on the Montana Ethics Advisory Commission.

He also served on the Board of Trustees of the State Bar of Montana and was also the president of the First Judicial District Bar Association. He served as an observer/advisor to various Uniform Laws Commission business entity drafting committees. Currently he participates as an “observer” on the Series LLC drafting committee and the ABA advisor to the Wage Garnishment Drafting Committee. He is the chair of the Committee on LLCs, Partnerships and Unincorporated Entities, Section of Business Law of the American Bar Association. Garth is also the Budget Officer of the ABA Science and Technology sections and serves as co-chair of the E-filing committee. He co-authored an article, “Electronic Service of Process” published in the spring 2008 SciTech Lawyer. He is a member the bar in Washington and Montana.

Garth received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Philosophy, a Juris Doctorate and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Montana. Additionally, he holds an LLM in Taxation from the University of Washington. The Counsel of State Governments named him a Toll Fellow. This prestigious national award recognizes outstanding leadership and service in state government. Garth has many years’ experience with legal education, as a presenter, organizer or moderator of numerous continuing legal education (CLE) programs. He conducted programs on a variety of topics, including: tax law, corporations, LLCs, UCC, service of process, and legal ethics. He also taught, as an adjunct professor, business law classes at Carroll College, Helena Montana.





10:15 am – 11:30 amSession 2A– Road to a Green Card through an Employer

Sabrina D. Henry We will discuss the immigration journey for foreign nationals to a green card through employment sponsorship. What are the steps? What does the employer and employee need to do? How long is this process? What benefits are available while going through the process? Why are there such long back logs, more than 10 years, for some foreign nationals? What’s next?

Sabrina D. Henry is a Senior Immigration Specialist/Paralegal at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP. She has over 15 years of progressively responsible experience as an immigration paralegal. She was awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Business Education from Bernard M. Baruch College, City University of New York. In addition, she participated in a student-exchange program at the University of Ghana at Legon, where she studied Women’s Involvement in Economic Development. She is also pursuing a Master’s degree in Instructional Technology.

Throughout her paralegal career, Sabrina has managed a heavy case-load of immigration matters for multinational companies, including several Fortune 500 and 100 companies. Her experience includes the preparation of various types of nonimmigrant and immigrant visa cases for business executives, managers, and skilled/professional workers, as well as the preparation of family-based immigration cases. She also manages and trains new immigration team members.

Sabrina currently serves as President of the Georgia Association of Paralegals, Inc. (“GAP”) and the Georgia Delegate for the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (“NFPA”). She has served on GAP’s Board since 2011. She is also an instructor in the Paralegal Program at the College of Professional and Continuing Education at Kennesaw State University, where she facilitates the Fundamentals of Immigration Law for Paralegals online course, which she designed and developed. Sabrina has presented at seminars and conferences on the paralegal’s role in immigration law, the advancement of the paralegal profession, and leadership. Sabrina is an incessant educator and she enjoys knowledge sharing with her colleagues and clients.

Prior to her paralegal career, Sabrina was a High School Business Technology Teacher with the New York City Board of Education and was integrally involved in efforts to incorporate technology throughout the core curriculum. Sabrina is happily married and has two teenage sons.





Session 2B– Avoiding Unauthorized Practice of Law

Ebony Morris, Esq. This presentation will provide an overview of the legal and ethical use of non-attorneys in the legal profession. The presentation will also cover the current American Bar Association and jurisdiction-specific guidelines regarding the unauthorized practice of law and recent cases interpreting and applying those guidelines. This presentation will also provide useful tips and suggestions for attorney and non-attorneys on how to avoid the unauthorized practice of law.

Ebony S. Morris is a practicing litigation defense attorney in the Greater New Orleans area. She practices in the areas of mass tort litigation and insurance defense litigation. She has experience in defending premises owners in a variety of chemical exposure cases, asbestos-related cases, and other types of personal injury claims. Prior to becoming an attorney, Ebony worked as a judicial clerk for The Honorable Laura Prosser at Baton Rouge City Court, and she interned with Chief Judge Brian A. Jackson of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana.

Ebony graduated cum laude from both Southeastern Louisiana University in 2011 and from Southern University Law Center in 2014 where she served as Articles Editor for Southern University Law Review. She is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, the New Orleans Bar Association, the New Orleans Pro Bono Project, the Defense Research Institute, the Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Society, and the Young Leadership Council. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Session 2C– International Relations: Understanding Apostilles & Legalizations

Brian JohnsonThe Hague Apostille Convention (1961) changed the way in which public documents are legalized or authenticated for use in other countries. This presentation details the distinctions between Apostille Certificates and the Legalization process by outlining key differences such as when each is required and the steps to obtain the proper authentication.

Brian Johnson is currently a Senior Account Executive for Registered Agent Solutions, Inc. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Management from the University of Texas at Austin. Brian has spent the last 20 years working in the legal and corporate services industry. His expertise includes registered agent services, corporate filings, business compliance, and UCC filings.





1:00 pm – 2:15 pmSession 3A – Trial Preparation from Start to Finish

Regina ValentiYou’ve worked your case for months, maybe even years, and now it is time to go to trial. Are you ready? Are you really ready?

This seminar will teach how to start from Day 1 to be on top of your trial game. You will learn what steps are crucial to take at the very start of your case. You will learn the important questions to ask every step along the way. And you will learn what answers are key to a paralegal’s survival and success at trial. This seminar emphasizes the skills necessary to learning your case, organizing your materials, and being an invaluable part of a your trial team.

For those of you who have never been to trial before, this seminar is an absolute MUST. For those of you who have, you will learn some new shortcuts and tricks that will make your next trial much less stressful.

Regina L. Valenti is a senior trial paralegal with the law firm of Herman, Herman & Katz, LLC, in New Orleans, LA. Ms. Valenti handles all aspects of file management, client contact and trials in multi-district litigation, mass torts, personal injury cases and products liability cases. She conducts medical research, legal and factual research, fact investigations, and client interviews. She also supervises all the paralegals in the firm, and is responsible for training staff and associates on various topics.

During her employment with Herman, Herman & Katz, she has been the lead paralegal in several major cases including three phases of the trial in

MDL No. 2179, In re: Deepwater Horizon litigation, arising out of the 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Ms. Valenti handled all courthouse logistics for the entire trial team, and also came to be depended upon by all counsel and the Court as a point person for the tracking and marshaling of all exhibits admitted during the trial. Additionally, as lead paralegal in the Scott tobacco trial (Louisiana tobacco class action), Ms. Valenti was asked by the Court to take on the same responsibilities for a trial that spanned a three-year period.

Ms. Valenti received her degree from Nicholls State University. She has spoken for the American Association for Justice on “Preparing a Powerful Trial Notebook” and for the Institute for Paralegal Education on “Using the Internet in Discovery Efforts” and “Trial Presentation from Start to Finish.” Additionally, she has previously spoken to members of the New Orleans Paralegal Association on Class Actions and Trial Preparation. Ms. Valenti is a member of the New Orleans Paralegal Association and was recently re-appointed for a third term as the Chair of the Louisiana Association for Justice Paralegal Section. She is also the Chair of Paralegal Section of the American Association for Justice. Ms. Valenti was named the American Association for Justice Paralegal of the Year for 2014.





Session 3B – Marketing your Paralegal Skillset to your Employer

Gayle GreenHow often have we heard the idea of “marketing” your skillset and experience to your employer to ensure you continue to be a viable member of the legal team? Today, we often learn from our peers their jobs may be in jeopardy due to the downturn in the economy, a merger, or restructuring of their organization. In these instances, one’s mindset is not on their career but focuses on the mere thought of how to pay monthly bills and continue to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

In today’s business world and job market, we can no longer assume we will remain with the same employer until retirement. So, how can you increase the marketability of your paralegal experience and skills? 1) Volunteer to take on projects within your own company, law firm or governmental agency that will complement and enhance your current skillset and ultimately lead you outside of your comfort zone, and 2) get to know how other team members tackle and organize projects.

Take some risks and you may be pleasantly surprised at the support your employer will give to help you become a more proactive employee and team player! The next time you receive an email about preparing a self-evaluation in conjunction with your job performance review, be sure to include the projects you were involved with outside your assigned practice area. A gentle reminder about your accomplishments will refresh the memories of those who instill the most confidence in your abilities and are your best advocates!

Gayle Y. Green is a paralegal with over 30 years of experience and a grant writer, her enthusiasm for learning new things keeps her up-to-date on the newly enacted local rules and the ever changing court procedures. Gayle received her bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication and her master’s degree in Organizational Management from Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa; and, is currently attending Capella University’s doctoral program majoring in public administration. A strong advocate for education, Gayle is currently an adjunct professor at Delgado Community College and Ashford University and utilizes this platform to be a mentor to the younger

generation of professionals. Gayle’s extensive career began in Gary, Indiana at the tender young age of 13 and she has continually worked in the legal profession in diverse capacities from the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office IV-D Child Support Division in Hammond, Indiana; legal assistant to the local counsel for Sears Roebuck in Chicago, Illinois; and, one of the top real estate and entertainment law firms in Chicago, Illinois.

Gayle is an active member of the National Federation of Paralegal Association – Primary Representative, New Orleans Paralegal Association, Northshore Legal Secretaries Association, District F Representative of the City of Slidell Planning and Zoning Commission, and, an alumni of Leadership Northshore’s Class of 2017. Gayle is the president of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. – Tau Kappa Zeta Graduate Chapter and works closely with other organizations and their respective community service directors on service initiatives that benefit the community. She enjoys traveling, gardening and spending time with her family and friends.





Session 3C– Delaware Updates

Alan Stachura Delaware is the most important entity Formation State in the country. Just over 1,000,000 entities call Delaware home. It is also the “corporate capital of the world,” with more than 270,000 domestic corporations. Among those are the most important companies in the nation, including over 65% of the Fortune 500 and more than half of the corporations listed on the NewYork Stock Exchange. The session will discuss trends in Delaware before touching on both legislative and administrative updates.

Alan Stachura is with CT Corporation as Senior Manager of Government Relations. He is a key liaison for CT vis-à-vis the State governments of Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Indiana. Among his many projects at CT, Mr. Stachura has developed a new training curriculum to help educate customers on the process of incorporating in Delaware.

Previously, Mr. Stachura has held a number of important positions at CT, including Senior Manager of the Delaware Fulfillment office, and Team Leader for Wilmington Fulfillment Team Two, where he supervised the completion of Delaware orders for nine service teams around the country.

He also has been responsible for leading CT’s Delaware Service of Process Team, the Delaware Night Shift and the Delaware Administrative Group.

Prior to joining CT, Mr. Stachura was a Branch Manager for Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB. He has also worked in management roles for two market research firms in Philadelphia. He also recently completed Six Sigma Green Belt training. Mr. Stachura majored in Psychology and Business at the University of Delaware.





2:45 pm – 4:00 pm

Session 4A – The Catch-22 of Cannabis Legalization

Maren Joyce Schroeder Maren will discuss the status of cannabis law throughout the country, including industrial, medical, and adult uses permitted throughout the fifty states. Her presentation will cover the various layers of laws and regulations related to cannabis law, including the federal Controlled Substances Act, and how the different laws, rules, and regulations interprlay with one another for those cultivating, distributing, and possessing cannabis.

Maren Schroeder, MBA, RP®, MnCP, is a paralegal and Qualified Rule 114 Neutral for Borgos Law, PLLC, a virtual firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota that focuses on providing affordable legal services in the areas of family law and criminal defense. She also has extensive experience in bankruptcy, working on complex filings and litigation for panel trustees, debtors, and creditors.

She has a B.S. in Paralegal Studies and an M.B.A. in Legal Administration. Maren is a PACE Registered Paralegal and a Minnesota Certified Paralegal. She serves as the Regulation Review Coordinator for the NFPA and the Director of Marketing and NFPA Secondary for the Minnesota Paralegal Association. As

the chair of MPA’s Regulation Committee, she worked in 2014 to develop the Minnesota Certified Paralegal program. A member of the Minnesota State Bar Association, she was appointed to and served on the MSBA’s Task Force on Alternative Legal Services Models. Also, active in the community, Maren is chairperson of her city’s Planning & Zoning Commission, a volunteer crisis advocate for victims of sexual assault, a volunteer family and school mediator, and Co-Founder & President of Sensible Minnesota where she works to further policies that allow patients access to medical cannabis.

Session 4B – Effective Handling of Conflict in the WorkplaceKeys are: Leadership, Communication and Control of Emotions

Charles G. Blaize Jr., Mayhall Fondren Blaize Parameters: Define Acceptable Behavior, Hit Conflict Head-on (have a management strategy), Understand the WIIFM (What’s in it for me factor), Importance of roles of parties to conflict to the core business, Always view conflict as an opportunity to grow, Be cognizant of workplace retaliation tactics, and understanding if reconciliation is an option.

Charles G. Blaize, Jr. was born in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. He grew up in Houma, Louisiana and settled in Baton Rouge, Louisiana after becoming an attorney. Mr. Blaize is a founding and the managing partner of the firm of Mayhall Fondren Blaize in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Mr. Blaize primarily practices in oil and gas title examination. Mr. Blaize also practices complex property ownership and right-of-way litigation, royalty/leasehold and working interest disputes. Throughout his career, Mr. Blaize has also assisted clients in the negotiation of Oil, Gas and Mineral Leases, Joint Operating Agreements, Seismic Options, as well as other oilfield agreements and negotiations.

Mr. Blaize has argued cases in a multitude of Louisiana District Courts, several of the Louisiana Appellate Courts, the Louisiana Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Blaize received the annual President’s Award from the Baton Rouge Bar Association in 2001. Mr. Blaize is also an LSU Law School Adjunct Faculty member, as a part of the Trial Advocacy Program.




Session 4C – Legals Holds

Allyson K. Howie Ms. Howie will be discussing best practices for a legal holds process in a corporate in-house environment. Included in this presentations will be recognizing the triggering event; determining the scope of preservation; implementation and managing the legal hold. The presentation will discuss legal holds and related data preservation activities.

Allyson K. Howie is a graduate of Louisiana State University and received a Juris Doctor degree in 1990 from the Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert Law Center. She is admitted to practice law in the State of Louisiana. She has worked for Entergy Corporation and its former non-regulated affiliate, Entergy Integrated Solutions, Inc., since 1997. She joined the Legal Department’s Commercial and General Litigation Section in 1998. Since that time she has worked in Retail Operations and on the Entergy/FPL Merger Team. Until 2014 she was part of the Litigation Section and supported the Company in the areas of records management, litigation management, right of way, commercial and casualty litigation, eDiscovery, and was responsible for the corporate data rooms and the Legal Department website. Today she is Managing Counsel over Information Governance and continues to be responsible for records management and eDiscovery, as well as coordinates preservation, collection, processing and production protocols with the in-house IT Department and external service providers.




Student and NFPA WorkshopsThursday, October 12 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Student WorkshopNOPA has created the student event with HR professionals and professors from the New Orleans’ Central Business District (CBD). The event will focus on resume writing – how to land your dream job; interview techniques – what not to share; use of social media by employers; and accessing public records through free and lost-cost databases.

4:15 – 5:30 pm

NFPA WorkshopsNFPA Workshop A – The Modern Practice: Challenges and Strategies for a Successful Small Law Firm

Amy LarsonAs a Paralegal, you’re expertise is critical to the success of your law firm. And, you have responsibilities not only to the attorneys and how the firm is run, but to meeting client expectations and demands. But there are some things that make this exceedingly difficult such as shifting client expectations, increased competitive pressures and challenges with too much administrative time. And, it is everyone’s responsibility to nurture client loyalty and drive referrals. In this session, we’ll share insights and best practices on ways to succeed as a modern practice. At the core of the discussion is the Thomson Reuters 2016 State of the U.S. Small Law Firms Study which uncovered and identified challenges faced in small law firms and what successful firms are doing to overcome those challenges.

NFPA Workshop B – Developing a Strong Mentoring Program

Yvonne DeAntoneoA Mentoring Program can be a strong marketing tool and member benefit to your paralegal association. Join Yvonne DeAntoneo, Vice President & Director of Membership to discuss developing your Mentor Program and tips for developing a solid Mentoring Program Toolkit. This workshop will include developing the mentoring program for both paralegal students and junior paralegals; identifying mentors; appropriately matching mentors and mentees; implementing your program; and scheduling guidelines to support a successful mentoring relationship.



SAVE THE DATES!2018 Annual Convention &

Policy MeetingOctober 25-28, 2018Hilton Seattle AirportSeattle, Washington

2019 Annual Convention & Policy Meeting

October 10-13, 2019Hyatt Regency Rochester

Rochester, New York

2020 Annual Convention & Policy Meeting

Dates TBDMinneapolis, Minnesota

REGISTRATION, ACCOMMODATIONS & TRAVELAll NPFA 2017 Annual Convention events will be held at the Astor Crowne Plaza-French Quarter New Orleans in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Contact information for the Astor Crowne Plaza-French Quarter is: 877-408-9661

Physical Address: 739 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

Room reservations can be made online.

Convention Rate: $195/nightTax Rate: 14.75% + $2

Reservations must be made by September 17, 2017 to receive the NFPA rate and to ensure availability!

Wireless Internet is included in the daily room rates.


https://aws.passkey.com/event/49073963/owner/10756/home




• Online from NFPA’s Web Site at www.paralegals.org using your credit card.• Fax your completed form with credit card payment to (847) 686-2251. Our fax line is open 24 hours a day.• Mail your completed form with check or credit card payment to: NFPA, One Parkview Plaza, Suite 800, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

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CHECK WHERE APPLICABLE ❑ This is my first NFPA Convention ❑ This is my first NFPA Convention as a Delegate❑ I am attending the First Timers’ meeting ❑ I am attending the Region Meetings❑ I am attending the Student Workshop ❑ I am attending the NFPA Workshops❑ I am attending the Treasurer’s Meeting (members only)

2017 DEMOGRAPHICS SURVEYPlease take a moment to let us know a little about the work you do. This information will be used anonymously and in the aggregate, and will help our future Conventions be more relevant for those attending. You may select more than one area of law, if applicable.

Areas of Law Employer Type❑ Bankruptcy ❑ Intellectual Property ❑ Corporate❑ Corporate/Business ❑ Labor/Employment ❑ Government/Military❑ Criminal ❑ Personal Injury ❑ Law Firm❑ Domestic Relations/Family Law ❑ Real Property ❑ Freelance/Contract❑ Environmental ❑ Litigation ❑ Other____________________________❑ Estate

Registration Fees Early Bird Regular Totals By 8/11 By 9/11 (After 9/11 add $20)Thursday Education SeminarsMember All-Day Rate (includes lunch) $230 $250 $__________Non-Member All-Day Rate (includes lunch) $265 $285 $__________Students All-Day Rate (includes lunch) $160 $180 $__________Member Half-Day Rate (seminars only) $145 $155 $__________Non-Member Half-Day Rate (seminars only) $175 $185 $__________Student Half-Day Rate (morning seminars only) $95 $105 $__________Member Individual Sessions $77.50 X___ (quantity) $__________Non-Member Individual Sessions $92.50 X___ (quantity) $__________

Policy MeetingLocal Association Delegates (Primary & Secondary only) $265 $280 $__________Local Association Officers (Permission of Local Association Required) $255 $270 $__________Policy Meeting Observer (Member) $ 80 $ 85 $__________Policy Meeting Observer (Non-Member) $200 $220 $__________Policy Meeting Observer (Student) $ 25 $ 45 $__________Policy Meeting Observer (NOPA Non Delegate Member/NFPA Non Delegate Coordinators/NFPA Past Presidents) No Charge

2017 NFPA ANNUAL CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORM



Lunch & Events❑ Member $45 ❑ Thursday x _____ ❑ Friday x _____ ❑ Saturday x _____ $________________

❑ Non-Member $55 ❑ Thursday x _____ ❑ Friday x _____ ❑ Saturday x _____ $________________

❑ Student Lunch $45 ❑ Thursday x _____ ❑ Friday x _____ ❑ Saturday x _____ $________________

❑ Friday Social Event $75.00 Adult x _______ $________________

❑ I will participate in SOLACE FRIDAY! (Minimum $5 donation) $________________

Dietary RestrictionsWhat do the caterers need to be aware of? E.g. “Vegetarian, no peanuts, gluten free, diabetic, low sodium”

Dietary Restrictions (if applicable)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Education Seminars (please choose your educational sessions, listed in this brochure) (Thursday – 8:30 am – 9:45 am): ❑ 1A ❑ 1B ❑ 1C

(Thursday – 10:15 am – 11:30 am): ❑ 2A ❑ 2B ❑ 2C

(Thursday – 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm): ❑ 3A ❑ 3B ❑ 3C

(Thursday – 2:45 pm – 4:00 pm): ❑ 4A ❑ 4B ❑ 4C

NFPA Workshops (free to all attendees) ❑ Workshop A ❑ Workshop B(Thursday – 4:15 pm – 5:30pm)

Student Workshop (free to all students) ❑

(Thursday – 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm)

Payment Information (There are additional fees for registrations received after September 11, 2017 as stated above)❑ Enclosed is my check -OR-Charge the specific amount to my ❑ VISA ❑ MasterCard ❑ American Express Total $__________

Card # Exp Date CVV

Billing Zip Code

Signature

Substitutions, Cancellations & RefundsIf you cannot attend you may send a substitute. Requests for substitution must be submitted in writing by e-mail, fax, or regular mail. If you must cancel, requests must be made in writing by e-mail, fax, or regular mail. Cancellations received on or before Monday, September 11, 2017 are subject to a $50.00 fee. Cancellations received after Monday, September 11, 2017 will forfeit all fees.

NFPA reserves the right to photograph and/or videotape the proceedings at the 2017 Annual Convention & Policy Meeting and to use the images for educational and promotional activities without compensation.

2017 NFPA ANNUAL CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORM (CONTINUED)



Documents

Registration Brochure - Home - National Federation of ... 17 Registration Brochure_FNL3... · Registration Brochure 2017 National Federation of Paralegal Associations ... NFPA, PACE