Thank you for your interest in the Gate City Bar Association’s Paralegal Section. Our organization is committed to motivating, teaching and uplifting all Paralegals. Although we are a young organization (four years old), we have accomplished a lot in a short time, because our organization is comprised of Paralegals, Paralegal students and legal professionals who are committed to that cause. We understand the great value in being a part of an organization full of people who understand your unique concerns and challenges. Being a Paralegal is one of the most important positions anyone can hold in the legal industry. It is often thankless and full anonymity, but fame and fortune is not why we do it anyway.

Our Committee Chairs all have a unique passion for the committees they lead. Please feel free to reach out to them or me with your questions, comments or concerns. We value input from all of our members, as membership is the largest factor in our success.

I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to serve as the 2009 Section Chair. I have been committed to the goals and purpose of this organization for four years and have seen the phenomenal growth experienced. I get excited every time I think about the potential we have yet to experience.

As a result of the tremendous growth we have experienced with our incredible programs and events, geared towards enriching the lives of Paralegals, in 2009 I want to focus on creating synergy between our committees, perfecting the programs that we have in place and creating an easier transition for those who are to come after us. The future and continued success of our organization is dependent on ensuring the structure and stability of our organization is solid. In 2009, we will continue with the following programs:

• New Member Mixer: This is the largest social event we hold each year. This is an opportunity for current and prospective members to network with Paralegals, attorneys, judges and industry professionals in a relaxed environment. This year’s Mixer will be held on March 18, 2009 at 595 North.

• Paralegal Awards Luncheon: After the success of the first Luncheon last year, we recognized that our desire to reward Paralegals for their contribution to the legal industry was not misplaced. This Luncheon recognizes and rewards Paralegals in three areas: Community Service (Community Leader Award), on the job performance (Outstanding Paralegal Award) and commitment to our organization (Clarence R. Johnson, Jr. Founder’s Award). Paralegals are nominated by their peers, supervisors and attorneys.

• Paralegal Training Symposium: This is a half day advanced skills seminar for experienced Paralegals who wish to continue their education in their chosen area of law. This seminar provides industry updates, changes and trends in many different areas of law.

• Annual Skills Seminar: We recognize that there are things a Paralegal needs to know that isn’t necessarily taught in the classroom, or learned on the job. We are committed to the success of every Paralegal, so we offer a full day seminar for entry-level Paralegals and Paralegal students who wish to increase their knowledge base and prepare for their career as a Paralegal.

Although we have committed to perfecting our current programs, events and practices, in a spirit of growth and development we recognize a few new programs for 2009 that we hope to develop for the betterment of all Paralegals. They are:

• Job Fair: We hope to partner with Paralegal schools, other Paralegal Organizations and Staffing agencies to provide job opportunities for Paralegals throughout Metro-Atlanta. We also hope to offer panel discussions related to the legal industry throughout the day.

• Paralegal Week: Each year, the Georgia Association of Paralegal requests that the Governor of the state of Georgia decree one day as Paralegal Day. In an effort to capitalize off of this opportunity and bring more recognition to the significance of the day, we have partnered with GAP to co-host a week long of activities geared towards recognizing the efforts of Paralegals. The Paralegal Awards Luncheon will kick off Paralegal Week.

• Regulation Focus Group: In this world of change, people recognize the necessity of having restrictions, defined requirements and standards. While there are currently no guidelines by which a Paralegal should govern him or herself within the legal industry (outside of any layperson’s responsibilities), we understand the tremendous talent of Paralegals, and have formed a focus group to research the pros and cons of regulation within the paralegal industry.

• Campus Tour: We have partnered with Paralegal schools throughout Metro-Atlanta to visit with Paralegal students and share our knowledge and experience in an effort to help the students become more prepared as they enter the job market.

2009 Section CHAIR