Welcome to the Gate City Bar Paralegal Section. First and foremost, I am honored to be the chair of the paralegal section within this great organization. The paralegal section was established in 2005 by Clarence R. Johnson, Jr. As former Gate City Bar Association President, Clarence Johnson recognized that paralegals and legal assistants are not only an integral part of the legal practice, but we are the nuts and bolts that keep a law firm churning. It was those qualities and his passion that led to the formation of the Paralegal Section.

I have been a dedicated member of this organization for 5 years and I am elated to see where and how the section started and how far we have progressed today. Without paralegals, some law firms would be totally dysfunctional. A lot of hard work and dedication is needed to be a good paralegal; and this is the same dedication and hard work I will bring as Chair of the Section.

My goals for the 2011 Paralegal Section include:

• Boost our membership by 10% percent; I think it’s important for students and seasoned paralegals to be a part of a growing association such as this organization.

• Provide opportunities for paralegals to grow and develop professional skills; thereby becoming an integral partner with both the legal community and community at large;

• Promote the professional role of the paralegal through the implementation of ethical standards and responsibilities;

• Participate and assist in activities providing pro bono services to the community; be a contributing member of the Gate City Bar Association;

• Mentor those entering the paralegal profession; to support established paralegals through educational programs that enhance the profession; and

• Work closely with the Attorney Section to continue the rich traditions embodied by the Gate City Bar associations founders.

As former co-chair of the ProBono Committee, my primary goal is to increase community activities because I am a firm believer in giving back to the community. As your chair for 2011 this will allow me to implement creative ideas to pull the members together and introduce any future members to an organization that cares about each other and the community in which we serve.

I’d like to thank the Paralegal Executive Board as well as the entire General Body for your continued support and dedication. I’m confident that as a group, we can take this organization to the next level while at the same time continuing the legacy of our founders.

Sincerely,

Chair