Welcome to the Gate City Bar Association’s Paralegal Section (GCB Paralegal)! It is with great honor and humility that I serve as your 2010 paralegal chair. Thank you for choosing to become a part of our organization. We have an exciting year planned for 2010. We have MORE educational seminars and social outings in 2010.

 GCB has several programs that we are committed to enhancing and making more successful to benefit our paralegals. We are working very closely with the attorney section this year. Our organization is very strong and I feel we have made some positive changes that will lead us into a successful year.

I have 3 fibers that will interconnect everything the section will do this year. They are the 3 E’s, Educate, Encourage and Embrace.

EDUCATE: Collectively, we will educate our junior paralegals through leadership and guidance on the essential traits of being a successful paralegal. We will also educate by hosting continuing legal education seminars and community service events because we are mindful that paralegals make a difference in both the legal profession and our communities.

ENCOURAGE: I will encourage everyone, especially our senior paralegals, to partner with our junior paralegals through the Mentor/Mentee Program. I will also place more students with employers offering internships. This will allow paralegal students the opportunity to observe and interact with motivated, like-minded professionals. In order for everyone to be successful, we must encourage collectively. Showing an interest and acknowledging what is important to someone else yields validation and affirmation. Nothing builds confidence and self-esteem better than genuine interest from one’s peers.

EMBRACE: We will embrace all challenges and obstacles, with integrity, patience and intellect. We will prepare the paralegals to embark on the unknown, to stretch themselves beyond their comfort zones and to view life’s experiences as not only learning moments for ourselves, but also teaching moments for our peers.

Please keep in mind that all events are for you and collectively we will succeed and grow into a more powerful organization. Your 2010 executive board has a strong desire to see you and the organization excel.

We welcome feedback, suggestions and/or advice from you. So, I encourage you to come out and be an active member of GCB Paralegals and help us make 2010 an AWESOME year!

If you have not signed up for the yahoo group page, please do so. If you are a member who is unable to access the yahoo group page, please notify me immediately at rscales@forthepeople.com.

Our motto this year is: Ordinary people with commitment can make an extraordinary impact in their world.