The Briefcase - NALS of Missouri

The Briefcase
Affiliated with NALS
…the association for legal
Volume 58, Issue 4,
Spring 2015
President’s Message
“Stepping Forward” with Christy Wittmaier
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WILL YOU MISS IT?
President’s Message …….. 1
Official Call to Annual
Meeting ………………….2
Ann. Mtg. Invitation …..... 3
Ann. Mtg. Registration ..... 3
Ann. Mtg. Agenda….….…4
Official Program Advertising Rates……………….....5
NALS of Mo Officers…....6
NALS of Mo Committee
Chairs………………….....6
Rules of Membership
Meetings ………………....7
Chapter Reporting
Form………….……….…8
Legal Quiz……………9, 10
Briefcase Hikers….…..…10
Local Chapter Meeting
Information/Contacts…..10
Coming Events……..…...11
Other NALS News &
Events …………….…....12
Quiz Answers …………..13
Law & Order
Conference. . . . . . . . . .13-15
Mission Statement …….. 16
Code of Ethics…….…... 16
NALS of Missouri has been instrumental in
providing legal support staff with education, networking
and resources from which its members have benefitted
from since 1956. When attending meetings, I always hear
stories about “the good ole days,” and think how inspiring those events must have been. Although the current
membership is considerably less than the good ole days,
members of NALS of Missouri are still creating memories, connections, and offering priceless education. However, in order for NALS of
Missouri to withstand the difficult times, its members must sit up and pay attention to
the association. We must continue to provide events which create memories, connections and provide valuable education to legal support staff.
We all have a duty to ourselves to progress and develop, and the duty we have
as members of NALS of Missouri is no different. Every organization has strengths
and weaknesses and will experience ups and downs, but it is those organizations who
take the blinders off, join together and focus on the future of the organization that
mends the weaknesses, and turns the downs up. This is true survival.
I encourage every member to join in the commitment to come together with
fellow members and be proactive in the survival of NALS of Missouri. We must do
this together!
Christy
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Volume 58, Issue 4, Spring 2015
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Volume 58, Issue 4, Spring 2015
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2014-2015 NALS of Missouri Officers!
President: Christy Wittmaier
[email protected]
President Elect: Melissa D. Sharples, PP
[email protected]
Secretary: Charniece Rollie
[email protected]
Treasurer: Debbie L. Jackson, PP, PLS
[email protected]
Education: Delores M. Champ, PP, PLS
[email protected]
2014-2015 Committee Chairs
Award of Excellence:
Briefcase Editor: Cheryl M. Sutton, PLS
[email protected]
Briefcase Advertising: Joyce A. Bassett, PP, PLS
[email protected]
Michelle C. Greubel, PLS
[email protected]
Historian: Lori Muetzel, PP, PLS
[email protected]
Legal Training Course: Michelle Haughey, PP, PLS
[email protected]
MO Bar Liaison: Janet L. Higdon, PLS
[email protected]
Nominations and Elections:
Georganne Hallemeier, PP
[email protected]
Past President: Karen Kubiak, PP, PLS
[email protected]
Scholarship: Jorja M. Hasbrouck, PP, PLS
[email protected]
T
Fall Membership Sherri L. Krawitz, PP, PLS
Meeting: [email protected]
Winter Membership Sherri L. Krawitz, PP, PLS
Meeting: [email protected]
Annual Meeting: Lisa D. Tanner, PP, PLS
[email protected]
Certification: Cheryl A. Naylor, PLS
[email protected]
Chapter Achievement: Peggy Sullivan, PP, PLS
[email protected]
Court Observance: Delores M. Champs, PP, PLS
[email protected]
Credentials: Kelly Angle-Markley
[email protected]
Finance: Sherri L. Krawitz, PP, PLS
[email protected]
2014 Financial Review Julie A. Pointer, PLS
[email protected]
Strategic Planning: Melissa D. Sharples, PP
[email protected]
Website: Shelly M. Kunz, PLS
[email protected]
hank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!
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RULES OF MEMBERSHIP MEETING
NALS OF MISSOURI
The Rules of Procedure for the Association’s Membership Meetings shall be in compliance with the Association Bylaws, Standing
Rules, and the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised.
1.
Meetings. The Membership Meetings of this Association shall begin and close as noticed.
2.
Quorum. A majority of the voting members present and in good standing at the meeting shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business.
3.
Voting Power.
A. All eligible voting members shall report to the Credentials Chairman upon their arrival to the assembly room no later than
fifteen (15) minutes prior to each meeting session.
B.
The voting power of the Membership Meetings shall be based upon the total number of voting members present and in
good standing at each Membership Meeting.
C.
Voting members shall be seated together in the same room during all Membership Meetings. The Board of Directors shall
be seated at the rostrum.
D. Each member shall be entitled to one (1) vote as a member in good standing on each question submitted to the meeting.
E.
4.
No proxy voting will be allowed. Write-in votes are allowed.
Voting Procedures. Voting shall be by ballot except for those matters which properly may be approved by a general consent or
voice vote.
A.
Majority. Majority vote by the members is necessary for approval of main motions and amendments.
B.
Two-Thirds Majority. A two-thirds majority vote by the members is required for approval of Bylaw and Standing Rule
amendments. A two-thirds majority vote shall be taken by a rising vote
C.
Tie Vote. In the event of a tie vote, the members shall immediately proceed to vote by ballot to dissolve the tie. A clear
majority shall be required to break a tie. In the event any ballot cast does not show a majority for any candidate, the
nominee having the lowest number of votes on the first ballot shall be dropped, and the same procedure shall be followed
until one (1) candidate has received a majority of all votes cast. In case of a tie vote after two (2) ballots have been taken,
the election shall be governed by lot.
5.
Privilege of Floor. Except at closed meetings, the privilege of the floor is granted to all members.
6.
Motions.
A. Introduction of business, motions, and seconds to motions may be made by any member. In so doing, the name and local
chapter [or Member-at-Large] of said member shall first be given.
B.
7.
8.
All main motions shall be written, signed by the proponent and given to the President and Secretary before the close of the
session at which they are offered.
C. Any motion arising from a committee of two or more persons does not require a second to the motion.
Debate. No speaker shall be permitted to speak more than twice on any one subject and not more than three (3) minutes each
time, except on order or request of the Chair. A timekeeper shall be appointed by the President to enforce the rule. No
member may speak the second time on the pending question so long as any member who has not spoken on that question
claims the floor.
Caucus. Should any member desire to confer with other members for counsel in casting votes, said member should rise and
request an intermission of the meeting of the President, not to exceed ten (10) minutes, before a final vote on any one matter.
Volume 58, Issue 4, Spring 2015
NALS of MISSOURI
CHAPTER REPORTING FORM
Chapter
Chapter President
This report covers:
○
○
○
Fall Membership Meeting and Seminars (May, June, July, August,)
Winter Membership Meeting and Seminars (September, October, November, December)
Annual Meeting (January, February, March, April)
Please describe an activity or an event your chapter sponsored or participated in for this
reporting period that increased the chapter's membership, finances, or community recognition.
1.
Please list the monthly meeting education topics your chapter offered for this reporting
period by providing the topic.
2.
Please list any chapter events (other than monthly meetings) that your chapter held for this
reporting period (i.e., seminars, training, Court Observance, Bosses Night, etc.).
3.
4.
Please list any of your chapter's suggestions or concerns:
[Please return the requested number of copies of this form to the NALS of Missouri President-Elect
at least 20 days prior to the meeting. Thank you!]
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LEGAL QUIZ: LAWYER ETHICS
(borrowed from KCLSA’s April 2015 The Brief on Appeal)
created by ifhaines
1. Lawyers must report past crimes committed by their clients that they learn about through
conversations with that client.
a. True
b. False
2. Out of the following responses, which one is a lawyer not?
a. The holder of a license
b. An officer of the court
c. A member of the judiciary
d. A professional
3. Which of the following terms describe a lawyer who represents a client against one of the
lawyer’s former clients?
a. Bad business
b. Conflict of interest
c. An illegal act
d. Malpractice
4. What term is used to describe an improper fee taken by a lawyer?
a. Overreaching
b. Unconscionable
c. Criminal
d. Improper
5. Does the attorney client privilege keep a lawyer from producing a weapon that a client asks the
lawyer to hold?
a. Yes
b. No
6. Which of the following would be a reason for investigating the ethics of a lawyer?
a. The lawyer being related to opposing counsel
b. The lawyer convicted for receiving a speeding ticket
c. The lawyer driving without a current drivers license
d. The lawyer standing for election as a judge at the same time the lawyer actively practices law
7. If a lawyer’s client comes into the office and tells him or her that he is about to go to his
estranged wife’s home to kill her, is the lawyer prohibited from reporting the imminent crime?
a. Yes
b. No
8. Jane was convicted of murder as a juvenile. In some U.S. states, is Jane eligible to receive a
license as a lawyer during her lifetime?
Volume 58, Issue 4, Spring 2015
LEGAL ETHICS QUIZ (continued from previous page)
9. What transgression was former President Bill Clinton disbarred for by the State of Arkansas?
a. Lying to the public
b. Perjury
c. Having sex with Monica
d. Not catching Osama bin Laden
10. Which of the following acts are most disbarred lawyers found to have committed?
a. Failing to communicate with clients
b. Malpractice
c. Abandoning clients
d. Misuse of a client trust fund
Answers on page 13
Briefcase Hikers
Just $5 will get your name in print in this publication for the 2014-15 year.
You can send it to Cheryl Sutton at 2009 E. Mimosa St., Springfield, MO 65804.
Here is the current list of “Hikers”:
Dee Champ
Meagan Cheong
Christy Wittmaier
Lori Rupar
Georganne Hallemeier
Linda Kirby
Janna Dampier
Cheryl Sutton
Janice Rider
Local Chapter Meetings
NALS of Missouri local chapters usually host monthly meetings, providing opportunities for continuing legal
education, leadership, networking, and local community service. The following is the contact information for
each chapter in order to obtain the dates for the local chapter meetings:
East Central Missouri Legal Professionals-3rd Tuesday of the Month (f/k/a Franklin County Association of
Legal Support Professionals) Contact: Sherri Krawitz, PP, PLS ([email protected])
Heart
of America Legal Professionals Association-3rd Thursday of the Month Contact: Charniece Rollie
([email protected])
KCLSA...the
association for legal professionals-2nd Wednesday of the Month Contact: Peggy Sullivan,
PP, PLS ([email protected])
Lakes
Area Legal Support Association-3rd Monday of the Month Contact: Cindy Combs, PLS
([email protected])
NALS
of Greater St. Louis-3rd Tuesday of the Month Contact: Brandi Brown Ingram, PLS
([email protected])
Springfield
Area Legal Support Professionals-2nd Tuesday of the Month Contact: Kelly Angle-Markley
([email protected])
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COMING EVENTS
NALS of Missouri Summer Executive Committee Meeting, May 30, Springfield
The Fall NALS of Missouri Membership Meeting will be state hosted; watch for more details later.
NALS 64th Annual Education Conference and National Forum
October 8-10, 2015, Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino
3000 Paradise Rd., Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
Please note: From NALS.org: Following the news that the Riviera Hotel and Casino would be closing, we
have been quickly working on a replacement venue. We are currently in the contract process with
the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. As soon as contracts are finalized, we will publish room rates and
links to reserve.
Editor’s note: I previously read that if you made your reservation with the Riviera already, don’t cancel it just
yet. I cannot find that now, but don’t panic, there is still plenty of time to transfer your reservation.
OTHER NALS NEWS AND EVENTS
NALS has hired new Certification/Education Manager, Melissa Wells. Please make her feel welcome when
you have the opportunity.
Friday, April 03, 2015
NALS Resource Center Closed For Holiday
Monday, September 28, 2015
NALS September Certification Exams
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Application Deadline for June ALP Exams
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Application Deadline for December ALP Exams
Friday, May 01, 2015
Award of Excellence Nomination Deadline
Friday, January 15, 2016
Application Deadline for March Certification Exams
Monday, May 25, 2015
NALS Resource Center Closed for Holiday
Saturday, March 26, 2016
NALS March Certification Exams
Monday, June 01, 2015
NALS Foundation Grant Deadline
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Application Deadline for September Certification Exams
Tuesday, September 01, 2015
NALS Foundation Grant Deadline
Monday, September 07, 2015
NALS Resource Center Closed for Holiday
Volume 58, Issue 4, Spring 2015
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Quiz Answers
1. B Because the attorney client privilege is held by the client, lawyers are specifically prohibited from telling anyone
about any confidential information divulged by their clients.
2. C Members of judiciary are judges, magistrates, commissioners and referees. In most states, one must be a lawyer in
order to qualify to hold one of these offices.
3. B No lawyer may represent a client against the interests of any other client, former or current. Although it may be
bad business, it is not malpractice or illegal.
4. B A lawyer must charge a fee which is fair and reasonably related to the work done.
5. B The attorney client privilege only protects conversations or communications between a lawyer and his/her client
meant to be confidential.
6. A There is an actual or perceived conflict of interest when a lawyer has a personal relationship to a lawyer representing the other side. This is generally prohibited.
7. B In most states, the lawyer is free to report the imminent crime to protect the potential victim. Generally, this is
only allowed if the crime is one which would cause death or great bodily harm. Not every state
however, requires the lawyer to report the imminent crime.
8. A Believe it or not, some states will allow convicted felons to become lawyers on a case by case basis.
9. B Bill Clinton’s law license was lifted by Arkansas (and later by the United States Supreme Court) for
committing perjury at a deposition in a civil suit and in front of a grand jury.
10. D Lawyers have pretty much exclusive control over thousands of dollars not belonging to them in “client rust accounts”. Many disbarred lawyers dip into those funds improperly.
YES! THEY PASSED!
Individuals passing the ALP Exam in our area in December were:
Cherie Leiker, ALP (KS) (KCLSA supporter)
Lisa Loveless, ALP (KS) (KCLSA member)
The Briefcase is a publication of NALS of Missouri, a chartered state association of NALS…the association for legal professionals. The materials contained herein are provided for general education purposes; they are not intended to, and do not constitute, legal advice. Permission to reproduce material appearing in The Briefcase must be obtained from the Editor. NALS of Missouri assumes no responsibility for the opinions and/or point of view
expressed by contributors, and endorses no item or service other than those under the auspices of the Association. Association membership dues
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NALS of Missouri
The Briefcase
Interim Editor
Delores Champ, PP, PLS
Stewart, Cook, Constance & Minton,
501 West Lexington Avenue
Independence, MO 64050
Phone: 816-833-1800 x. 19
Fax: 816-833-1805
E-mail:
[email protected]
We’re on the Web!
http://www.nalsofmissouri.org/
Mission Statement
NALS is dedicated to enhancing the competencies and contributions of members i n t h e l e g a l s e r v i c e p r o f e s s i o n . I t accomplishes its
mission and supports the public interest through:
 Continuing legal education and resource materials;
 Networking opportunities at the local, state, and
national levels;
 Commitment to a Code of Ethics & Professional
Responsibility; and
 Professional certification programs and designations.
“Like” us on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/
groups/191869625721/
Code of Ethics
Members of NALS are bound by the objectives of this association and
the standards of conduct required of the legal profession. Every member shall:
 Encourage respect for the law and the administration of justice;
 Observe rules governing privileged communications and confidential information;
 Promote and exemplify high standards of loyalty, cooperation an courtesy;
 Perform all duties of the profession with integrity and competence; and
 Pursue a high order of professional attainment.
Interim Editor’s note: Due to circumstances beyond her control, Editor Cheryl Sutton was
unable to publish this issue of The Briefcase, so I was called upon to assist. Having not much
time to assemble it, this issue is not as comprehensive as some, but I hope will suffice.
Thank you for your understanding.
Dee Champ
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