North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc. 37 th Annual Meeting March 24, 2017 Wrightsville Beach, NC. Annual Meeting Booklet

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1 North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc. 37 th Annual Meeting March 24, 2017 Wrightsville Beach, NC Annual Meeting Booklet The North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc. is an affiliate of the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc. The North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc. PO Box 1133 Holly Springs, NC Fax

2 North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc. 37th Annual Membership Meeting March 24, 2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS Officers, Committee Chairs and Board of Directors...3 Agenda...5 Notice of Annual Meeting...6 Rules of Annual Meeting...7 General Instructions on Voting Annual Meeting Minutes...9 NALA Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility...14 Annual Report of the Chairman of the Board...16 DISTRICT DIRECTOR REPORTS: District I...18 District II...19 District III..20 District V 21 District VI.. 22 District VIII...23 District IX...24 At Large Director (District VII)...25 OFFICER REPORTS: President...26 First Vice President (Education)...27 Second Vice President (Membership)

3 Treasurer Annual Treasurers Report (February 1, 2016-January 31, 2017)...30 Audit Committee Report...31 Proposed Budget...32 COMMITTEE REPORTS: Historian...35 NC State Bar Paralegal Certification Liaison...36 Nominations & Elections...37 Patron & Sustaining...38 Public Relations and Official Publications/Senior Editor...39 Pro Bono...40 Student/School Relations...41 NALA Liaison...42 NC Land Records Task Force Liaison 43 Convention Coordinator..47 *Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and are not necessarily the views of the North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc.* 2

4 NORTH CAROLINA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION, INC. P.O. Box 1133 Holly Springs, NC Facsimile: OFFICERS President... Beverly K. Moore, NCCP First Vice President...Lakisha A. Chichester, ACP, NCCP Second Vice President... Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP Secretary... Martha L. Blackman-Hughes, ACP, NCCP Treasurer... Cindy B. McGhee, NCCP Parliamentarian... Diane Tally, NCCP NALA Liaison... Charity L. Inglis, ACP, NCCP COMMITTEE CHAIRS Audit... Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP Associations Network Committee... open Education...Lakisha A. Chichester, ACP, NCCP Annual Seminar... Lakisha A. Chichester, ACP, NCCP... Kelly Collins Troy, NCCP... Crystal L. Robinson, NCCP CLA Review Course... Charity L. Inglis, ACP, NCCP Registration... Jennifer Eason, CP, NCCP Ethics... Eunice Wilkerson-Evans Historian...Martha L. Blackman-Hughes, ACP, NCCP Job Bank... Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP Long Range Planning... Belinda Thomas, ACP, NCCP Mentoring.open Membership... Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP NC State Bar Paralegal Certification Liaison... Yolanda N. Smith, ACP, NCCP Nominations and Elections... Denise K. Forbes Patron and Sustaining... Crystal L. Robinson, NCCP Pro Bono... Paulene Scott Kearney, NCCP Convention Coordinator.Michele A. Bryan, CLA, NCCP Public Relations and Official Publications: Senior Editor... Charity Inglis, ACP, NCCP Articles and Association News Editor... Crystal L. Robinson, NCCP Advertising Editor... open Student/School Relations... Charlotte A. Ward, NCCP Survey... open 3

5 Technology... Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP NCPA Coordinator... Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP SPECIAL COMMITTEES NC Land Records Joint Task Force Liaison... Victoria L. Scally, NCSB/CP BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman of the Board... Bonnie Ruffin, NCCP District I... Heather Padgett, NCCP District II... Sandra Strickland, NCCP District III... Michelle L. Troutman, NCCP District IV... Jane E. Goeke, NCCP District V... Ellen Thomas, NCCP District VI... Michele A. Bryan, CLA, NCCP District VII... open District VIII... Bonnie Ruffin, NCCP District IX... Beverly K. Moore, NCCP Immediate Past President... Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP President... Beverly K. Moore, NCCP NALA Liaison... Charity L. Inglis, ACP, NCCP Affiliate Director... open Bar Liaison... open Paralegal Educator Liaison... open Attorney Advisors... Joseph N. Tissue, Esq. 4

6 North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc. 37 th Annual Membership Meeting March 24, 2017 AGENDA Call to Order Introduction of Executive Committees, Board of Directors and Special Guests Notice of Annual Meeting Credentials Committee Report Rules of Annual Meeting General Instructions On Voting Beverly K Moore, NCCP Beverly K. Moore, NCCP Martha L. Blackman-Hughes, ACP, NCCP Denise Forbes Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP 2016 Annual Meeting Minutes Martha L. Blackman-Hughes, ACP, NCCP President s Report Report of the Board of Directors Student/School Relations Audit Committee Treasurer s Report/Vote of Proposed Budget Election of Officers Beverly K. Moore, NCCP Bonnie Ruffin, NCCP Beverly K. Moore, NCCP Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP Cindy McGee, ACP, NCCP Beverly K. Moore, NCCP Other Business Adjourn 5

7 NORTH CAROLINA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION, INC. P.O. Box 1133 Holly Springs, North Carolina (704) Reply to: Martha L. Blackman-Hughes, ACP, NCCP NCPA Secretary NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING TO: FROM: General Membership of the North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc. Martha L. Blackman-Hughes, ACP, NCCP NCPA Secretary DATE: January 23, 2017 In accordance with Article V, Section 3 of the North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc. s Bylaws, notice is hereby given of the Annual Meeting to be held on Friday, March 24, 2017, at 3:00 pm at the Holiday Inn at Sunspree, 1706 N. Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville, North Carolina Although Associate, Student, Patron, Sustaining, Affiliate and Paralegal Educational Program members may not vote, this notice is being sent to you for your information. 6

8 RULES OF ANNUAL MEETING The proposed rules of this Annual Meeting are in compliance with the NCPA Bylaws and Standing Rules and Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised. 1. Registration Badges must be worn for check-in and will indicate whether General or Associate Member and includes proxies. Members must check in and out of the meeting with Credentials. Members may leave the assembly only upon permission of the Credentials Chair. 2. Proxies 3. Ballot At any meeting of the membership of this Association, any General Member shall have the right to vote either in person or by individual proxy. Any proposition before a meeting of the membership may be taken by voice vote or by a show of hands. 4. Motions The Chair has the right to require any main motion, amendment or instructions in writing, and motions may only be made by General Members. 5. Privilege of the Floor Privilege of the floor is granted to all members but no speaker shall be permitted to speak more than twice at the request or permission of the Chair. 6. Debate The Chair may limit time for debate on any subject. 7

9 NORTH CAROLINA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION, INC. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON VOTING 1. Voting Rights Only General Members in good standing as of 8:30 a.m. on March 24, 2017 shall be qualified to vote at membership meetings or upon other matters coming to the members for action. 2. Proxies At any meeting of the membership of the Association, any General Member shall have the right to vote either in person or by individual proxy. Each member will be given a ballot sheet for his/her use and that of the proxies they hold. 8

10 MINUTES OF THE 36 TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE NORTH CAROLINA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION, INC. HOLIDAY INN RESORT WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA MARCH 18, 2016 The 36 th Annual Meeting of the Membership of the North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc. was called to order by President Beverly K. Moore, NCCP, at 3:22 p.m. on March 18, 2016 at the Holiday Inn Resort, Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. President Moore and Chairman Bonnie Ruffin, NCCP, recognized the Officers, Directors, and Committee Chairs for the year with a certificate of appreciation and a gift. President Moore recognized special guests NALA President Kelly LaGrave, ACP, and Joy Belk, Assistant Director for Paralegal Certification, NC State Bar. President Moore asked that all voting members be seated in the voting section and that all non-voting members be seated in the non-voting section. She then asked if all members checked in at the credentials desk. President Moore requested that anyone who leaves the room receive permission from the Credentials Chair. Secretary Martha L. Blackman-Hughes, ACP, NCCP, read the notice of the meeting. A copy of the Notice of the Annual Meeting and Proxy Designation to the membership was published on page 6 of the Annual Meeting Booklet. A copy of the Agenda for this meeting was printed on page 5 of the Annual Meeting Booklet. Heather Padgett, NCCP, made a motion to adopt the Agenda for this meeting as printed. The motion was seconded by Kaye Hare, ACP, NCCP, and approved by a vote of the membership. President Moore recognized Kaye Hare, ACP, NCCP, as Acting Credentials Chair in the absence of Cindy McGhee, NCCP. The Acting Credentials Chair reported that the credentials of 28 general members were in order and properly certified for the meeting; 19 in person and 9 by individual proxy. Fifteen constituted a quorum (simple majority) and was needed to adopt the rules of the meeting. Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP, as Acting Parliamentarian in the absence of Diane L. Tally, NCCP, presented the Rules of the Annual Meeting as printed on page 7 of the Annual Meeting Booklet. She made a motion that the Rules of the Annual Meeting be adopted as printed. The motion was seconded by Jamie Coll, NCCP, and approved by a vote of the membership. President Moore appointed Charity L. Inglis, ACP, NCCP as timekeeper. 9

11 The President then requested that all lengthy motions be in writing with a copy given to the Chair. Any NCPA general member may have the privilege of the floor to offer motions, second motions, enter into discussions, and vote. Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP, Acting Parliamentarian, then presented the General Instructions on Voting as printed on page 8 of the Annual Meeting Booklet. She made a motion that the General Instructions on Voting be approved as printed. The motion was seconded by Jane Goeke, NCCP, and approved by a vote of the membership. President Moore then appointed Heather Padgett, NCCP; Jane Goeke, NCCP; and Bonnie Ruffin, NCCP, to serve as tellers to tally the ballots for the election of officers. Secretary Blackman-Hughes presented the Minutes of the 2015 Annual Meeting as approved by Sandra Strickland, NCCP; Yolanda N. Smith, ACP, NCCP; and Bonnie Ruffin, NCCP. She then made a motion to waive the reading of the minutes and approve the minutes of the 2015 Annual Meeting as printed in the Annual Meeting Booklet beginning on page 9, for the permanent records of the Association. The motion was seconded by Bonnie Ruffin, NCCP, and carried upon a vote of the membership. President Moore then appointed Kaye Hare, ACP, NCCP; Kelly Troy, NCCP; and Michele Bryant, ACP, NCCP to approve the Minutes of the 2016 Annual Meeting. President Moore presented her report as printed on page 22 in the Annual Meeting Booklet. Chairman Bonnie Ruffin then read her Annual Report of the Board of Directors. Chairman Ruffin then made a motion to ratify the Board s actions during fiscal year The motion was seconded by Kelly Troy, NCCP, and carried upon a vote of the membership. Chairman Ruffin announced the following will represent their districts on the NCPA Board of Directors for the fiscal year, and will be appointed, as necessary, at the Board of Director s Meeting on March 19, 2016: DISTRICT I: Heather Padgett, NCCP DISTRICT II: Sandra Strickland, NCCP DISTRICT III: Shelly Trautman, NCCP DISTRICT IV: Jane Goeke, NCCP DISTRICT V: Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP DISTRICT VI: Michele Bryant, ACP, NCCP DISTRICT VII: Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP DISTRICT VIII: Bonnie Ruffin, NCCP DISTRICT IX: Beverly K. Moore, NCCP President Moore stated that the reading of Executive Committee reports would be dispensed of in order to allow time for elections, except for those of the Student/School 10

12 Relations Committee, Audit Committee and Treasurer. She noted that the committee reports were included in the Annual Meeting Booklet. President Moore, in the absence of Charlotte A. Ward, NCCP, Student School Relations Chair, presented the recipients of the 2016 Student Scholarships: 1 st place: Emily Swaringen, Meredith College 2 nd place: Jill York, Western Piedmont Community College 3 rd place: Ashley Anderson, Western Piedmont Community College 4 th place: Brittany Honeycutt, Western Piedmont Community College. President Moore, in the absence of Treasurer Lakisha Chichester, ACP, NCCP, then presented the Treasurer's Report for fiscal year , as printed on pages of the Annual Meeting Booklet and noted that the report had been reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee. Kaye Hare, ACP, NCCP, then moved for approval of the report. The motion was seconded by Crystal L. Robinson, NCCP, and carried upon a vote of the membership. President Moore then presented the proposed budget for fiscal year Kaye Hare, ACP, NCCP, moved that the proposed budget be adopted as set forth on pages of the Annual Meeting Booklet. The motion was seconded by Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP, and passed by a vote of the membership. Acting Credentials Chair Kaye Hare, ACP, NCCP, presented the declared candidates for office. Beverly K. Moore, NCCP is the declared candidate for the office of President for the term. A voice vote was taken and Beverly K. Moore, NCCP was elected President of NCPA by acclamation for the term. Lakisha Chichester, ACP, NCCP is the declared candidate for the office of First Vice- President for the term. A voice vote was taken and Lakisha Chichester, ACP, NCCP was elected First Vice President of NCPA by acclamation for the term. Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP is the declared candidate for the office of Second Vice- President for the term. A voice vote was taken and Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP was elected as Second Vice-President of NCPA by acclamation for the term. Martha L. Blackman-Hughes, ACP, NCCP is the declared candidate for the office of Secretary for the term. A voice vote was taken and Martha L. Blackman- Hughes, ACP, NCCP was elected as Secretary of NCPA by acclamation for the term. 11

13 Cindy McGhee, NCCP is the declared candidate for the office of Treasurer for the term. A voice vote was taken and Cindy McGhee, NCCP was elected as Treasurer of NCPA by acclamation for the term. Diane Talley, NCCP is the declared candidate for the office of Parliamentarian for the term. A voice vote was taken and Diane Talley, NCCP was elected Parliamentarian by acclamation for the term. Charity L. Inglis, ACP, NCCP is the declared candidate for the office of NALA Liaison for the term. A voice vote was taken and Charity L. Inglis, ACP, NCCP was elected NALA Liaison by acclamation for the term. Officers for the fiscal year are: President: Beverly K. Moore, NCCP First Vice President: Lakisha Chichester, ACP, NCCP Second Vice President: Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP Secretary: Martha L. Blackman-Hughes, ACP, NCCP Treasurer: Cindy McGhee, NCCP Parliamentarian: Diane Talley, NCCP NALA Liaison: Charity L. Inglis, ACP, NCCP Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP moved that the ballots from these elections be destroyed. The motion was seconded by Kaye Hare, ACP, NCCP and approved by voice vote. With no further business, a motion to adjourn the 36 th Annual Meeting was made by President Moore and seconded by Jamie Coll, NCCP. Meeting adjourned at 3:59 p.m. APPROVED: /s/ Beverly K. Moore Beverly K. Moore, NCCP, President /s/ Bonnie Ruffin Bonnie Ruffin, NCCP, Chairman of the Board /s/ Martha L. Blackman-Hughes Martha L. Blackman-Hughes, ACP, NCCP, Secretary 12

14 /s/ Kaye Hare Kaye Hare, ACP, NCCP /s/ Kelly Troy Kelly Troy, NCCP /s/ Michele Bryant Michele Bryant, ACP, NCCP 13

15 NALA Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility Copyright 2007; Adopted 1975; Revised 1979, 1988; 1995; National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc. Each NALA member agrees to follow the canons of the NALA Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility Violations of the Code may result in cancellation of membership. First adopted by the NALA membership in May of 1975, the Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility is the foundation of ethical practices of paralegals in the legal community. A paralegal must adhere strictly to the accepted standards of legal ethics and to the general principles of proper conduct. The performance of the duties of the paralegal shall be governed by specific canons as defined herein so that justice will be served and goals of the profession attained. (See Model Standards and Guidelines for Utilization of Legal Assistants, Section II.) The canons of ethics set forth hereafter are adopted by the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc., as a general guide intended to aid paralegals and attorneys. The enumeration of these rules does not mean there are not others of equal importance although not specifically mentioned. Court rules, agency rules and statutes must be taken into consideration when interpreting the canons. Definition: Legal assistants, also known as paralegals, are a distinguishable group of persons who assist attorneys in the delivery of legal services. Through formal education, training and experience, legal assistants have knowledge and expertise regarding the legal system and substantive and procedural law which qualify them to do work of a legal nature under the supervision of an attorney. In 2001, NALA members also adopted the ABA definition of a legal assistant/paralegal, as follows: A legal assistant or paralegal is a person qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible. (Adopted by the ABA in 1997) Canon 1. A paralegal must not perform any of the duties that attorneys only may perform nor take any actions that attorneys may not take. Canon 2. A paralegal may perform any task which is properly delegated and supervised by an attorney, as long as the attorney is ultimately responsible to the client, maintains a direct relationship with the client, and assumes professional responsibility for the work product. Canon 3. A paralegal must not: (a) engage in, encourage, or contribute to any act which could constitute the unauthorized practice of law; and (b) establish attorney-client relationships, set fees, give legal opinions or advice or represent a client before a court or agency unless so authorized by that court or agency; and (c) engage in conduct or take any action which would assist or involve the attorney in a violation of professional ethics or give the appearance of professional impropriety. 14

16 Canon 4. A paralegal must use discretion and professional judgment commensurate with knowledge and experience but must not render independent legal judgment in place of an attorney. The services of an attorney are essential in the public interest whenever such legal judgment is required. Canon 5. A paralegal must disclose his or her status as a paralegal at the outset of any professional relationship with a client, attorney, a court or administrative agency or personnel thereof, or a member of the general public. A paralegal must act prudently in determining the extent to which a client may be assisted without the presence of an attorney. Canon 6. A paralegal must strive to maintain integrity and a high degree of competency through education and training with respect to professional responsibility, local rules and practice, and through continuing education in substantive areas of law to better assist the legal profession in fulfilling its duty to provide legal service. Canon 7. A paralegal must protect the confidences of a client and must not violate any rule or statute now in effect or hereafter enacted controlling the doctrine of privileged communications between a client and an attorney. Canon 8. A paralegal must disclose to his or her employer or prospective employer any pre-existing client or personal relationship that may conflict with the interests of the employer or prospective employer and/or their clients. Canon 9. A paralegal must do all other things incidental, necessary, or expedient for the attainment of the ethics and responsibilities as defined by statute or rule of court. Canon 10. A paralegal's conduct is guided by bar associations' codes of professional responsibility and rules of professional conduct. 15

17 NORTH CAROLINA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION, INC ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Along with the Executive Committee, NCPA is governed by the Board of Directors ( Board ), which is responsible for establishing the policies and philosophies of the Association. The Board consists of nine (9) District Directors representing specific geographical areas of North Carolina; the President; NALA Liaison; Affiliate Director; Bar Liaison; Paralegal Educator Liaison; two (2) Attorney Advisors; At Large Director (Immediate Past President); and the Board Secretary. Annual meeting of the membership of the North Carolina Paralegal Association was held at the Holiday Inn Resort in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina on March 18, A joint meeting of the Board and Executive Committee, including the Directors, Officers and Committee Chairs was held on March 17, This was also held at the Holiday Inn Resort in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Joint meetings of the Board and Executive Committee, including the Directors, Officers and Committee Chairs, were held on the following dates at Wyatt Early Harris Wheeler, LLP, 1912 Eastchester Drive, Suite 400, High Point, NC, as follows: March 19, 2016, April 16, 2016, November 12, 2016, and January 21, Prior to the Annual Meeting, a joint meeting of the Board and the Executive Committee is scheduled for March 23 rd, 2017 at the Holiday Inn Resort, 1706 N. Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach, NC. District I Director, Heather Padgett, NCCP reported to have 50 district members. District II Director, Sandra Strickland, CLA/NCCP reported to have almost 200 members after welcoming 7 new members. District II held a 3-hour Meet-n-Greet and FREE Mini-Seminar on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at the downtown Raleigh campus of Campbell University s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law. The event was sponsored by Nova Office Strategies and CourtLogic and featured NCPA s own Patti Clapper and Raleigh attorney Haynes Dallas. Attendees earned 3 hours of CPE credit toward recertification. Donations were collected and later delivered to the Fuquay-Varina office of Military Missions in Action to benefit North Carolina s homeless veterans. District III Director Shelley Troutman, NCCP reported to have 39 members. District VI District Director Michele Bryant, CP, NCCP to have received and answered various questions from district members regarding NCPA, education, employment and miscellaneous topics. Distract V Director, Ellen Thomas, NCCP reported 39 members. District VII is in need of a director. It has 11 members. District VIII Director, Bonnie Ruffin, NCCP District VIII along with Wendy Grode of the Paralegal Technology program at Wilson Community College provided their first streamed paralegal presentation on August 29, We were able to share the benefits of joining the paralegal association and also share new technology with the students. Additional online live presentations were scheduled for February 2017 to also be held in connection with Wilson Community College. New members and current members were contacted via regarding NCPA. District IX District Director Beverly King Moore, NCCP reported to have 22 members. 16

18 The FORUM was sent to the members via transmissions in March, 2016, June 2016, September 2016, and December The Spring Forum was to be sent in March Thanks to everyone who submitted information. Our Association is well served by the dedicated individuals who have volunteered their time and efforts to serve as Directors, Officers and Committee Chairs. The Board is dependent upon the members of the Association to provide comments and suggestions as we look to the future of our profession and Association. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I respectfully request the NCPA membership ratify the Board s actions during Respectfully submitted, By: Bonnie T. Ruffin, NCCP Bonnie T. Ruffin, NCCP, Chairman of the Board 17

19 DISTRICT I REPORT As of March 1, 2017, District I has 50 members, consisting of: 5 General Members 4 Associate Members 40 Student Members 1 Education Program District I continues to see a large student membership and we look forward to what they ll bring to the organization and to the paralegal profession. I hope to schedule regular meet and greets over the next year, as well as looking at other opportunities to bring the members of District I together to support the goals of NCPA. We look forward to seeing everyone at the Annual Meeting and Seminar! Respectfully submitted, Heather Padgett District I Director 18

20 North Carolina Paralegal Association District II - Annual Report March 7, 2017 District II welcomed 7 members during the fiscal year, bringing its membership to nearly two hundred. District II held a 3-hour Meet-n-Greet and FREE Mini-Seminar on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at the downtown Raleigh campus of Campbell University s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law. The event was sponsored by Nova Office Strategies and CourtLogic and featured NCPA s own Patti Clapper and Raleigh attorney Haynes Dallas. Attendees earned 3 hours of CPE credit toward recertification. Donations were collected and later delivered to the Fuquay-Varina office of Military Missions in Action to benefit North Carolina s homeless veterans. A similar FREE event is planned at the same location on Saturday, May 20, Featured speakers will be Raleigh attorney Robert Parrott, paralegal Victoria Scally, and Patti Clapper. Application for approval of 3 hours CPE credit for NC Certified Paralegals is pending. Further details will be posted via Facebook and NCPA s website ( as they become available. I have enjoyed working in District II for the past two years and look forward to continued growth and more exciting events for District II. District II extends its heartfelt thanks to both Nova Office Strategies and CourtLogic for their generous sponsorship of District II events during the fiscal year. Special thanks also go to Linda Davenport and Campbell Law School for their assistance in making the May 21, 2016 CPE event a success! If you re a member of District II and would like to be involved in planning events for our district, please feel free to contact me. Respectfully submitted, Sandra R. Strickland, CLA/NCCP District II Director 19

21 DISTRICT III REPORT As of March 2, 2017, District III has 39 members, consisting of: 15 General Members 2 Associate Members 21 Student Members 1 Affiliate Member District III goals include an increase in meet and greets to 1) increase our membership; and 2) to explore opportunities which will focus on retention with our general membership in the North Carolina Paralegal Association. Respectfully submitted, Michelle Shelley Troutman, NCCP District III Director 20

22 DISTRICT V REPORT NCPA District V Annual Report As of February 3, 2017, District V has 39 members: 8 General and Associate Members 31 - Student Members 1 - Gold Member As of March 1, 2017, 2017 NCPA Membership dues are due and payable upon receipt. I am hoping to see a good General and Associate General Membership for District V. In 2016, District V was in the process of being rebuilt and still continues to be as well. In July 2016, I placed a message in the NCPA Forum and sent out mass to District V members inviting them to contact me regarding their interest in meeting, having district activities, etc. As of August 1, 2016 only two members out of fifty-nine responded to my . On August 13, 2016 a Meet and Greet was scheduled between 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Panera Bread in the Concord Mills Area in Concord, North Carolina. No one attended the gathering. In the last quarter of 2016, I have made a variety of contacts to try to encourage membership and communication within the District. For instance, I met with a local paralegal student out of Gastonia, NC in order to help him with a student project. I made contact with a local paralegal that is interested in helping arrange social activities in District V but after further inquiry, I discovered that she not in my District. I did encourage her to participate in her District s activities. I am pleased to see that Student Membership appears to be growing. The younger generation is the future of our profession. Once seasoned paralegals advance in their respective fields and retire, their knowledge and experience can be relayed to new paralegals. Students are joining District V for a variety of reasons, but the driving force may very well be the desire to make contacts with seasoned paralegals in order to find gainful employment upon graduation. At this point in District V, the student memberships outnumber the general and associate memberships. District V needs more seasoned paralegals, not only for mentoring our students and new paralegals, but for financial reasons as well. In 2016, I did not come to the annual seminar with a plan; I did not know it was possible for me to participate in a leadership position in NCPA. I have enjoyed serving as District V Director in 2016, but I realize more work is needed. In February 2017, I respectfully submitted my name to the North Carolina Paralegal Association Membership as a candidate for District V Director for the North Carolina Paralegal Association. I look forward to looking for new avenues to encourage activity in District V. 21

23 Report of the District VI Director year. Thank you for allowing me to serve as the District VI Director for the past I have received and answered various questions from our District members regarding NCPA, education, employment and miscellaneous topics and I have had a lot of great conversations sharing information with other paralegals around the District. I urge you all to get to know other members in your District, and invite nonmembers to get involved. NCPA is a great place to network. I know everyone is looking forward to Annual! Have a beautiful Spring! Michele Michele A. Bryant, CP, NCCP District VI Director 22

24 District VIII Report As of March 10, 2017, District VIII has 16 current members. That consists of: 5 student members 8 general members 2 associate member 1 gold member District VIII is gradually increasing in numbers. We are thrilled to have existing members renew and the addition of new members. District VIII along with Wendy Grode of the Paralegal Technology program at Wilson Community College provided their first streamed paralegal presentation on August 29, We were able to share the benefits of joining the paralegal association and also share new technology with the students. Additional online live presentations were scheduled for February 2017 to also be held in connection with Wilson Community College. New members and current members were contacted via regarding NCPA. We hope to make 2017 a successful year with continued leadership with regular meetings and reaching out to members as well as non-members. Thank you for the opportunity to serve the NCPA. Respectfully, Bonnie T. Ruffin, NCCP, CLVS District VIII Director 23

25 DISTRICT IX REPORT As of March 1, 2017, District IX has 23 members, consisting of: 10 General Members 4 Associate Members 9 Student Members District IX continues to grow. We hope to hold a meet and greet in 2017 in a central location for District IX members. Respectfully submitted, Beverly K. Moore District IX Director 24

26 NORTH CAROLINA PARALEGALASSOCIATION INC. AT-LARGE DIRECTOR ANNUAL REPORT February 28, 2017 The At-Large Director is the Immediate Past President and serves as district director for NCPA districts that do not have a director. District VII did not have a director for This district has 11 members: 8 general and 3 student. Given the distance from my home and this district, it was not easy to physically be in the district often to hold meet and greets. Sincerely, Patti Clapper Patti Clapper, ACP, NCCP At Large Director 25

27 NORTH CAROLINA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION, INC. President s Annual Report This Annual Meeting Booklet contains reports from the Officers, Directors and Committee Chairs. Those reports essentially make up the President s report. Without minimizing the importance of your reading those reports on NCPA s activities this past year, I would like to summarize the important events from the past year. With the continued support of Ruffin Consulting, Inc., we are now able to offer our videos on demand at a very inexpensive cost for members and non-members. These replays have been a huge success and we are grateful to Ruffin for coming to video and hosting these videos through their website. We have received another generous grant from the NC State Bar s Paralegal Certification Program that has made it possible for NCPA to once again record the sessions from our annual seminar. These will be added to our list of on demand videos. Our student membership continues to grow and we appreciate the support NCPA receives from the paralegal educators in North Carolina. The students are the future of NCPA. NCPA continues to be one of the leading paralegal programs in North Carolina. We have a great group of volunteers serving as Directors, Officers and Committee Members and we have the best members in the State. Respectfully Submitted, Beverly Beverly K. Moore, NCCP 26

28 Annual Report of the First Vice President and Education Committee I am pleased to report on my first year as First Vice President and Chair of the Education Committee. The Committee is charged with planning the annual seminar and overseeing the planning and coordination of high-quality educational options for members and nonmembers. This past year has certainly been a learning experience for me. I m delighted to have had the opportunity to learn as much as I have about the North Carolina Paralegal Association. Year in Review: In May 2016, nine sessions from the 2016 Annual Seminar were added to the impressive list of on-demand CPE options available online. Video replays of sessions from the 2014, 2015 and 2016 Annual Seminars are available members and non-members. Each session qualifies for one hour of credit from the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification. The complete list of ondemand video replays is as follows: Trial from Start to Finish for Paralegals 2. Successfully Handling Workers Compensation Claims 3. Recognizing Legal Issues for Same Sex Clients and Giving Appropriate Advice 4. Assisting with the Probate Process 5. No Working, No Talking, No Fun! Oh My! 6. The Hole in Superman s Cape (Gen. Ethics) Contracts 101 (Part 1) 8. Contracts 102 (Part 2) 9. Ten Things a Superior Court Judge Wants You to Know 10. Business Court 11. Dealing with Emotional Impact of Crimes in Victims 12. Integrated Disclosure: Know Before You Show 13. Are you doing your Ethical Due Diligence? Service of Process & Human Trafficking 15. Lien & Bond Issues 16. Top Ten Real Estate Complaints 27

29 17. Successfully Navigating Current Issues in Animal Law 18. County Government 19. Legal Updates in Family Law 20. Common Title Searching Pitfalls & Dealing with the AOC 21. Liens & Subrogation in Personal Injury Cases A Survival Guide 22. Ripped from the Headlines (Gen. Ethics) On May 21, 2016, District II held a mini seminar at Campbell Law School in Raleigh, NC. Members and nonmembers were welcome for the free program, which qualified for three hours of CPE from the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification. September 17, 2016, the CLA/CP Review Course was held in Durham, NC. The program qualified for six hours of CPE credit from the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification. March 23-25, 2017, the 37th Annual Meeting & Seminar will be in full swing. For months, Kelly Troy, NCCP, and Crystal Robinson, NCCP, have been working diligently to coordinate speakers, exhibitors and sponsors for the program. The North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification and NALA approved the program for six hours of CPE credit. Special thanks to Kelly Troy, NCCP; Crystal Robinson, NCCP; Beverly Moore, NCCP; Patti Clapper, ACP, NCCP; Bonnie Ruffin, NCCP; Michele Bryant, CP, NCCP; Charity Inglis, ACP, NCCP; Sandra Strickland, CLA, NCCP; and a host of other hardworking and knowledgeable paralegals who made this past year a huge success. The Committee will soon be hard at work planning and organizing NCPA s 38th Annual Meeting & Seminar. Your participation and suggestions are welcome; please contact education@ncparalegal.org. Respectfully submitted, Lakisha Chichester, ACP, NCCP Lakisha Chichester, ACP, NCCP First Vice President Chair, Education Committee 28

30 NORTH CAROLINA PARALEGALASSOCIATION INC. SECOND VICE PRESIDENT ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP REPORT February 28, 2017 We ended the membership year with the official membership count as follows: General members: 210 Associate members: 45 Student members: 252 Sustaining Members: 10 Affiliate members: 3 Educational Program members: 1 Total 521 NCPA is most grateful for the support of our Sustaining Members. These members show their support for us in various ways throughout the year. As of February 28, 2013, these are: Courtlogic, CaseWorks, Eagle Eye Investigations Group, Noteworthy Court Reporting, Lawyers Mutual Liability Insurance of NC, Registered Agent Solutions, Inc., Rogers Realty & Auction, Ruffin Consulting, Triad Land Surveying and NCAPPS. Please remember that Sustaining Members make possible many of the benefits that NCPA provides to our individual members. Whenever possible, please patronize or refer others to our Sustaining Members we appreciate their support! We are also proud to recognize our Affiliate Members, Alamance County Paralegal Association, Cumberland County Paralegal Association, and Guilford Paralegal Association, as well as our Educational Program Member, Carteret Community College Paralegal Technology Program. Sincerely, Patti Clapper Patti Clapper, ACP, NCCP Second Vice President / Membership Chair 29

31 North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc. For Month End January 2017 REVENUES: Current Year-To-Date Budget Difference Advertising: NCPA FORUM $ - $ - $ $ (500.00) Membership Dues: Affiliate $ - $ $ $ Associate $ $ 2, $ 3, $ (878.36) General $ $ 16, $ 17, $ (737.63) Student $ - $ - $ - $ - Sustaining $ - $ 6, $ 8, $ (2,200.00) Paralegal Education Program $ - $ $ $ (100.00) Miscellaneous Receipts (Jewelry, Sweatshirts, Labels) $ - $ $ $ Online revenue $ - $ 1, $ 1, $ Seminars: All Others $ - $ 2, $ 5, $ (2,932.09) Annual $ - $ 11, $ 13, $ (1,447.84) CLA Review Course $ - $ $ - $ NCCP Review $ - $ - $ $ (500.00) TOTAL REVENUES: $ $ 41, $ 49, $ (8,100.56) EXPENDITURES: Accounting Services: Expenses $ - $ - $ - $ - Fees $ - $ $ 1, $ 1, Administrative Services: Fee $ $ 9, $ 9, $ - Phone $ $ $ $ Postage $ - $ $ $ Supplies $ - $ $ $ 7.72 Annual Meeting $ - $ - $ $ Awards $ - $ $ $ (281.67) Board of Directors Bar Liaison $ - $ - $ - $ - Chairman of the Board $ - $ - $ $ Districts, At Large, Affil, Atty Adv, AMICUS $ $ $ $ Secretary to Board $ - $ - $ $ Committees: Audit $ - $ - $ $ Convention Coordinator $ - $ - $ $ Ethics $ - $ - $ $ Historian $ - $ - $ $ Job Bank $ - $ - $ - $ - Long-Range Planning $ $ $ - $ (18.90) Mentoring $ - $ - $ $ NC Land Records Task Force $ - $ - $ $ NC State Bar Certification Liaison $ - $ - $ $ Nominations and Elections $ - $ - $ $ Sustaining Membership $ - $ - $ $ Public Relations/Official Publications $ - $ - $ $ Student/School Relations $ - $ - $ $ Technology $ - $ - $ - $ - CPE Approval Fee $ $ $ $ - Document Retention/Storage $ $ $ $ - Executive Committee and Board Meetings $ - $ $ $ FORUM Printing and Mailing $ $ 1, $ 2, $ General Expenses (Stationery, Jewelry, Sweatshirts, etc.) $ - $ - $ $ Miscellaneous (Post Office Box Rental, Bank-Related, etc.) $ - $ $ $ NALA Annual Meeting (Delegate Attendance) $ - $ 1, $ 1, $ (142.11) NALA Affiliated Association Dues $ - $ $ $ - 30

32 Officers: Scholarships: Seminars: Technology: First Vice President $ - $ - $ - NALA Liaison $ - $ - $ $ Parliamentarian $ - $ - $ $ President $ - $ - $ $ Local $ - $ - $ $ NALA Annual Meeting $ - $ 1, $ 1, $ Second Vice President $ - $ - $ $ Secretary $ - $ - $ $ Treasurer $ - $ - $ $ Student $ - $ 1, $ 1, $ (125.00) Meredith R. Pollette CLA Fund $ - $ - $ $ All Others $ - $ 3, $ 2, $ (1,107.50) Annual $ - $ 26, $ 22, $ (4,104.86) CLA Review Course $ - $ $ $ Mid-Year $ - $ - $ - $ - PayPal Fees $ 7.58 $ $ 1, $ MemberClicks Web Hosting and OneDrive $ $ 3, $ 3, $ (104.10) TOTAL EXPENDITURES $ 1, $ 51, $ 49, $ (1,941.37) OTHER ASSETS: Education CD - Acct # 6393 (12 mo term) as of 3/29/16 $ 5, (Matures ) Education CD - Acct # (24 mo term) as of 3/29/16 $ 6, (Matures ) MRP CD - Acct # (36 mo term) as of 3/29/16 $ 28, (Matures ) 2011 Review Course Proceeds CD - Acct # (12 mo term) Closed & transferred to savings to hold for maturity of $ - (Matured ) Transferred $5900 (fr -0751) Savings Acct # to MRP CD on $ EXCESS/(DEFICIT) REVENUES OVER EXPENDITURES: $ (10,041.93) GENERAL FUND CASH RECONCILIATION 31

33 NORTH CAROLINA PARALEGALASSOCIATION INC. AUDIT CHAIR ANNUAL REPORT I have audited the Treasurer s book and report from February 1, 2016 through and including January 31, 2017 and all financial records are in order and the transactions reported therein are correct and ready to be approved by the Board. Patti Clapper Patti Clapper, ACP, NCCP Audit Chair 32

34 North Carolina Paralegal Association, Inc Proposed Budget REVENUES: Year-To-Date 12/ Budget Budget Advertising: NCPA FORUM $ - $ $ Membership Dues: Affiliate $ $ $ Associate $2, $ 3, $ 3, General $16, $ 17, $ 17, Student $ - $ - Sustaining $6, $ 8, $ 8, Paralegal Education Program $ $ $ Miscellaneous Receipts (Jewelry, Sweatshirts, Labels) $ $ $ Online revenue $1, $ 1, $ 1, Seminars: All Others $2, $ 5, $ 4, Annual $11, $ 13, $ 13, CLA Review Course $ $ - $ NCCP Review $ - $ $ Bar Grant $ 5, $ - TOTAL REVENUES: $ 46, $ 49, $ 49, EXPENDITURES: Accounting Services: Expenses $ - Fees $ $ 1, $ Administrative Services: Fee $8, $ 9, $ 9, Phone $ $ $ Postage $ $ $ Supplies $ $ $ Annual Meeting $ - $ $ Awards $ $ $ Board of Directors Bar Liaison $ - $ - $ - Chairman of the Board $ - $ $ Districts, At Large, Affil, Atty Adv, AMICUS $30.51 $ $ Secretary to Board $ - $ $ Committees: Audit $ - $ $ Convention Coordinator $ - $ $ Ethics $ - $ $ Historian $ - $ $ Job Bank $ - $ - $ - Long-Range Planning $ - $ - $ Mentoring $ - $ $ NC Land Records Task Force $ - $ $ NC State Bar Certification Liaison $ - $ $ Nominations and Elections $ - $ $ Sustaining Membership $ - $ $ Public Relations/Official Publications $ - $ $ Student/School Relations $ - $ $ Technology $ - $ - $ - CPE Approval Fee $ $ $ Document Retention/Storage $ $ $ Executive Committee and Board Meetings $ $ $ FORUM Printing and Mailing $1, $ 2, $ 2, General Expenses (Stationery, Jewelry, Sweatshirts, etc.) $ - $ $ Miscellaneous (Post Office Box Rental, Bank-Related, etc.) $ $ $ NALA Annual Meeting (Delegate Attendance) $1, $ 1, $ 1, NALA Affiliated Association Dues $ $ $

35 Officers: Scholarships: Seminars: Technology: First Vice President $ - $ NALA Liaison $ - $ $ Parliamentarian $ - $ $ President $ - $ $ Local $ - $ $ NALA Annual Meeting $1, $ 1, $ 1, Second Vice President $ - $ $ Secretary $ - $ $ Treasurer $ - $ $ Student $1, $ 1, $ 1, Meredith R. Pollette CLA Fund $ - $ $ Mary F. Haggerty CLA NCCP Scholarship $ - $ - $ All Others $3, $ 2, $ 2, Annual $26, $ 22, $ 22, CLA/NCCP Review Course $ $ $ Mid-Year $ - $ - $ - PayPal Fees $ $ 1, $ 1, MemberClicks Web Hosting & Open Drive $2, $ 3, $ 3, TOTAL EXPENDITURES $ 50, $ 49, $ 49, EXCESS/(DEFICIT) REVENUES OVER EXPENDITURES: GENERAL FUND CASH RECONCILIATION $ - 34

36 2016 Historian s Report The North Carolina Paralegal Association held its 36 th Annual Meeting and Seminar March 17-19, 2016, at the beautiful Holiday Inn Resort in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Attendees enjoyed good food, fellowship, and superior continuing education programming. Officers for the term were elected or appointed at the Annual Meeting on March 18, 2016: President Beverly K. Moore, NCCP First Vice President Lakisha Chichester, ACP, NCCP Second Vice President Patricia F. Clapper, ACP, NCCP Secretary Martha L. Blackman-Hughes, ACP, NCCP Treasurer Cindy McGhee, NCCP Parliamentarian Diane Talley, NCCP NALA Liaison Charity L. Inglis, ACP, NCCP Also recognized at the Annual Meeting were the recipients of the 2016 Student Scholarships: 1 st place Emily Swaringen, Meredith College 2 nd place Jill York, Western Piedmont Community College 3 rd place Ashley Anderson, Western Piedmont Community College 4 th place Brittany Honeycutt, Western Piedmont Community College During 2016, the NCPA continued its tradition of holding local Meet and Greet sessions in various districts across the state, many of which were well attended. On the national level, a contingent of NCPA members, including NALA Liaison Charity Inglis and President Beverly K, Moore, attended NALA s 41 st Conference and Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 13-15, Respectfully submitted: Martha L. Blackman-Hughes, ACP, NCCP Historian 35

37 NORTH CAROLINA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION, INC. NC STATE BAR BOARD OF PARALEGAL CERTIFICATION YEAR END REPORT In July 2016, NCPA presented the Mary F. Haggerty, CLA Scholarship Award. This scholarship will be given every year to students taking the Fall NCCP exam. Each recipient received $125 to cover the cost of the NCCP application fee. The year s scholarship winner was Kim Campbell. Ms. Campbell passed the exam and is now a North Carolina Certified Paralegal. Paralegal certification examinations were held in April and October For the April exam, 122 applicants took the exam and 87 passed. For the October exam, 121 applicants took the exam and 86 passed. Beginning with the Fall 2016 exam, examinees now have the option of taking the North Carolina Certified Paralegal exam either using their electronic device (laptop or tablet) or paper. To date, there are 4,124 certified paralegals in North Carolina. The paralegal profession in North Carolina continues to grow and NCPA continues to play a huge role in that growth. Respectfully submitted, Yolanda N. Smith Yolanda N. Smith, ACP, NCCP 36

38 REPORT OF NOMINATIONS & ELECTIONS COMMITTEE As of March 13, 2017, no one has submitted to the committee a Declaration for Candidacy or Nomination for Director. Respectfully submitted, Denise Forbes, Nominations and Elections Chair 37

39 Patron/Sustaining Membership Chair Report Crystal L. Robinson, NCCP As of March 1, 2017, we have two (2) Gold sustaining members that have renewed: NCID Ruffin Consulting And we have two (2) Bronze sustaining members that have renewed: Lawyers Mutual Noteworthy Reporting I am sending out follow up s shortly. 38

40 NORTH CAROLINA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION, INC. P.O. Box 1133 Holly Springs, North Carolina (704) (phone/fax) Web: (your reply info goes here) TO: EC/Board of Directors From: Charity L. Inglis, ACP, NCCP Re: Public Relations / Senior Editor Report March 21, 2017 As some of you know over a year and a half ago I left the paralegal field and joined the human resources department at my current employer after completing my masters in Human Resource Management. I have become aware that I have too many volunteer responsibilities on my plate with various organizations as well as working full time, family responsibilities and with me not working as a paralegal anymore, the NCPA volunteer work is the first to go. I want to thank Lakisha Chicester for her guidance in helping me become acclimated to being the Senior Editor and I also want to thank Bev Moore for being a great NCPA President and listening ear when trying to make a decision on the Forum. As a reminder, below is the publishing calendar for the FORUM: June 1 st (Summer) September (Fall) December (Winter) March 1 st (Spring) As always, everyone s help over this past year s issues has been greatly appreciated and the tireless efforts of the members of NCPA result in a FORUM that continues to grow and elicit positive responses. A big Thank you to everyone! Thanks to all contributors to the FORUM - you make it happen! 39