The Legal Easel - Springfield Area Legal Support Professionals

The Legal Easel
Newsletter of Springfield (MO) Area Legal Support Professionals
Affiliate of NALS...the association for Legal Professionals and NALS of Missouri
July 2008
Vol. 48
President’s Message
Issue 2
by Christy Wittmaier
IN THIS ISSUE:
I saw a man the other day who truly inspired
me. I did not know him. I did not speak to
him. I just observed him working.
SALSP Board Members................ 2
SALSP Committee Chairs ............ 3
Calendar of Events ..................... 3
Local News
Look Who’s 50?!! ............... 4
Baseball in the Village ........ 5
Village Meeting Report........ 6
Community Service Report.. 6
Governor’s Report.............. 7
Membership Report ............ 8
Courtesy Report ................ 8
Secretary Report ............... 9
Finance Report ................ 10
Website Report................ 10
Other News ............................. 11
State News.............................. 14
There were several utility workers that hot,
steamy June day, removing a portion of
sidewalk to allow them access to dig a trench
for a utility repair. Each would occasionally
take a break for a drink and review their
progress on the project. The workers were just
normal looking utility workers working together
to get the job done . . . except for one. He was
working, in the same hot, steamy weather, doing the same dirty
ditch-digging work as all the others, but with only one leg. He
used an old wooden crutch to support himself while he worked
throughout the day. His co-workers did not appear to give him any
special treatment, nor did he seem to need it. But what they did
do was work together to reach the common goal.
I can only imagine the difficulties this man may have had in doing
his job, or in accomplishing daily tasks. But on that day, it did not
appear he had any. Seeing this man work in spite of the difficulties
he faced gave me a renewed sense of inspiration that I can
persevere through difficult circumstances in my own life and career
that, perhaps before, I would have given up on.
Region 6 News......................... 15
National News ......................... 16
Advertising News ..................... 17
It is amazing what you can do with the support from colleagues
and in persevering to reach a common goal.
It does take “more than a village” and working together, no matter
the circumstances, is essential in reach the common goal.
DINNER IN THE VILLAGE
Date:
Tues., July 8, 2008 @ 5:30 p.m.
Location:
Mr. Yen’s
4117 S. National
Springfield, Missouri
Menu:
www.mryens.com
Speaker:
Brent Green, Esq.
Topic:
Collections and Foreclosures
SALSP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2008-09
From the Editor
I really dislike the phrase, “It’s a hoax.”
President
Christy Wittmaier
(417) 863-6400
[email protected]
Vice President/Membership
Melissa Sharples, PP, PLS
(417) 863-6400
[email protected]
Secretary
Paula Zerrer, PP, PLS
(417) 866-6503
[email protected]
Treasurer
Lori Everhart, PP, PLS
(417) 869-9999
[email protected]
Governor
Lori Rupar, PP, PLS
(417) 883-8200
[email protected]
Parliamentarian
Lisa Tanner, PP, PLS
(417) 831-8607
[email protected]
Executive Advisor
Janna Dampier, PP, PLS
(417) 883-8200
[email protected]
*****
Having received it by a friend or coworker from time to time
after forwarding a “true” email “whopper,” I began to
realize I was contributing to the pollution on the information
superhighway and decided to stop. As legal support
professionals, I believe we have a greater obligation to
reduce the “pollution” and promote the truth when possible.
For instance, who hasn’t received the hoax about the
business plan for FedEx receiving a failing grade in college?
Fact is, the FedEx founder’s term paper citing the need for a
speedier air freight system received a C at Yale University.
Some urban legends have circulated so widely that the
businesses involved have gone into damage control to set
the record straight. For instance, having battled rumors
about the occult for more than 20 years, Proctor & Gamble
has included on its website a detailed history of its
trademark and all the hoaxes surrounding it.
Neiman
Marcus doesn’t bother to retell the urban legend about a
cookie recipe attributed to it, but the company has posted
the infamous recipe at the end of its history and invites
visitors to go ahead and share it with others.
Before passing along that story or warning, consider the
source and the consequences. An email from your lifelong
friend isn’t automatically true, particularly if you can see
that she has forwarded a message from someone else. She
may not have taken the time to exercise good judgment
before sending it. Also, consider whether there is anything
to gain by retelling the item to others. Could it damage a
reputation if false?
The dangers of spreading false stories include unnecessary
panic, damage to reputations, and a loss of credibility. To
battle against the spread of urban legends, I recommend a
couple of great sites passed along to me in the past by
friends who had better judgment than I when forwarding
the
unknown:
F-Secure
located
at
http://www.fsecure.com/virus-info/hoax/
and
Snopes
located
at
www.snope.com.
Let’s keep America [and its email] clean!
The Legal Easel Editor
Lisa Tanner, PP, PLS
(417) 831-8607
[email protected]
Lisa
Lisa Tanner, PP, PLS
The Legal Easel Editor
_______________________________________________________________________________
The Legal Easel
Page 2
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
July
SALSP
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
2008-09
Bar Liaison
Nancy Ketron, PP, PLS
881-0332
1
SALSP Board of Directors Meeting
4
Independence Day
Jennifer Martin, PLS
863-6400
8
SALSP Membership Meeting
Boss of the Year
18-20 NALS Region 6 Meeting—Kansas City, Missouri
Bosses’ Night
Kristen Monrotus, ALS
883-8200
Sonya Collins
887-1155
Certification
18
DEADLINE FOR LEGAL EASEL ARTICLES
Paula Zerrer, PP, PLS
866-6503
30
Therapeutic Riding of the Ozarks Event
Community Service
Kristen Monrotus, ALS
883-8200
Court Observance
Marilyn Huffman, PLS
895-6822
August
1
SALSP Board of Directors Meeting
12
SALSP Membership Meeting
20
DEADLINE FOR LEGAL EASEL ARTICLES
Lori Everhart, PP, PLS
869-9999
Courtesy
Janna Dampier, PP, PLS
883-8200
Finance
Melissa Sharples, PP, PLS
863-6400
History Book
Kristen Monrotus, ALS
883-8200
Job Bank
Amy Owens, ALS
883-8200
Legal Secretary of the Year
Affiliate Websites
Lorie Rupar, PP, PLS
883-8200
Membership
Melissa Sharples, PP, PLS
863-6400
Nominations & Elections
Janet Higdon, PLS
883-2102
www.nalsofmissouri.org
www.nals.org
The Legal Easel is a publication of the Springfield Area Legal
Support Professionals, an affiliate of NALS of Missouri and 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 Legal Easel must
be obtained from the Editor. Articles express the authors’ views and
are not necessarily those of the Springfield Area Legal Support
Professionals. Membership dues to the multi-level association of
$135 include a subscription to The Legal Easel. For membership
information, contact Melissa Sharples at (417) 864-6300, or
[email protected].
Paula Zerrer, PP, PLS
866-6503
Program
Julieta Villines, ALS
864-1646
Scholarship
Linda Cowan, PLS
883-2102
Seminars
Lori Everhart, PP, PLS
869-9999
Website
Lisa Tanner, PP, PLS
831-8607
Lorie Rupar, PP, PLS
883-8200
Nancy Ketron, PP, PLS
881-0332
_______________________________________________________________________________
The Legal Easel
Page 3
LOCAL NEWS
SALSP Celebrates 50 Years of Legal Service in the Greene County, MO Area!
During this 50 Year Anniversary of SALSP,
we are revisiting meetings and events of the
past:
50 years ago
1958—Records unavailable.
40 years ago
1968—Records unavailable.
30 years ago
Highlights of the 1970’s
•
May 20, 1975--Members met at Gee’s
East Wind for its annual Installation of Officers
banquet for 1975-76.
•
Discussion was held that files older than
five years be destroyed.
•
Attorney Dee Wampler was a special guest
speaker at the July meeting, promoting his
new book, “The Missouri Criminal Law
Handbook.”
•
The annual Salad Supper was hosted at
the home of the President Sandra Clough. It
was noted that a “lovely buffet supper with
homemade ice cream was served.”
•
September 8, 1975—Sgt. Lee Thompson
of the Missouri State Highway Patrol presented
a program concerning the new “radar” gun
equipment being used by the MSHP.
•
At the October 13, 1975 meeting,
members joined the Community Service
League’s “Know Your Springfield” series for a
tour of the Medical Center for Federal
Prisoners.
20 years ago
Highlights of the 1980’s
•
Speaker for the evening was Greene
County Clerk Roy Blunt who discussed the
responsibilities of the clerk’s office. “Mr. Blunt
distributed sample punch cards and ballots to
show how they were used in elections, and
explained . . . how votes [were] counted by
computer, as opposed to the old method of
hand counting paper ballots.”
•
Members made preparations for the MALS
Annual Meeting to be held in April 1980. Each
member was responsible for providing three
door prizes; ceramic baskets were to be filled
with flowers for the Sunday brunch and also
given away as door prizes. Members decided
to wear pastel colors and place flowers in their
hair to identify themselves as the hostesses of
the meeting at the Friday night Welcome
Party.
•
The NALS President, Harriet Sharp,
attended the MALS Annual Meeting and
conducted the Installation of Officers with
Marty Schiff, past NALS President from St.
Louis. The SMSU College Union Jazz Group
played during the cocktail hour before the
Saturday night banquet at The Riverside.
Senator Bradshaw was the master of
ceremonies.
10 years ago
Highlights of the 1990’s
•
Members met at The Bamboo House on
June 12, 1995. The guest speaker was Jo
Thompson from CASA who spoke about the
Court Appointed Special Advocates program
for children.
•
Members approved hosting a mannedbooth with membership materials at the
Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar. MALS
President
Brenda
Schmelz,
PLS,
CLA
addressed The Missouri Bar at its luncheon.
•
A Leadership Conference was planned and
held with Lakes Area LSA, Jasper County LSA,
and Central Ozarks LSA chapters in Springfield
at the offices of Miller & Sanford (now Lathrop
& Gage)
•
The Legal Training Course was held and
18 students were registered; three took the
ALS exam and one became a member.
•
Court Observance Week in October was
postponed until after the first of the year when
the new courthouse would be finished.
_______________________________________________________________________________
The Legal Easel
Page 4
LOCAL NEWS
A
Continued
Baseball in the Village!
Members, guests, and friends of SALSP met on
Wednesday, June 11, 2008, at Hammons Field
for an exciting night of Springfield Cardinals
baseball!
Fans watched as the Cards took on the Arkansas
Travelers and easily won with the assistance of
the Springfield Cardinal crew and St. Louis
Cardinal pitcher, Jason Isringhausen. There
was a terrific turnout by the SALSP group and
each attendee in the group received a special
Springfield Cardinal All-Star Game medallion, as
a keepsake.
Those Wittmaier men know how to enjoy a good
baseball game! Christy’s husband, Jonathan,
and sons, Alex and Jackson, root the Cardinals
on to a victory.
From the Greene County Circuit Clerk
President Christy Wittmaier visits with Janna
Dampier, PP, PLS, and her twin sister, Johnna.
Effective August 28, 2008, the Sheriff’s
service fee for service of any summons, writ,
subpoena, or other court order of the Greene
County Circuit Court in civil cases will be
increased by $10.00. This will raise the cost of
service in Greene County, Missouri, from
$25.00 to $35.00 per service.
This additional revenue will be used to create
the Deputy Sheriff Salary Supplementation
Fund to supplement the salaries of county
deputy sheriff’s in Missouri.
This increase was created by Missouri
legislature and signed into law on June 26,
2008.
***
The Zerrers stopped cheering long enough for
a family photo. From L to R: Paula, the Hon.
David Zerrer, and Judge Zerrer’s sister, Lois
(former Executive Director of the SMBA).
The newly created Greene County Circuit Court
website is now up and may be viewed at
http://www.greenecountymo.org/circuit_
clerk.
_______________________________________________________________________________
The Legal Easel
Page 5
LOCAL NEWS
Continued
VILLAGE
MEETING REPORT
Stephen Helms, the current Greene County
Circuit Court Clerk, spoke at the June meeting on
the automation progress of the Greene County
Circuit Court to Missouri’s CaseNet online system.
Mr. Helms was appointed March 1, 2008, by Gov.
Matt Blunt to serve as Circuit Court Clerk to
replace retiring Circuit Clerk Mike Carr. He is
married with three children, served in the United
States Army with the 101st Airborne Division
during the first Gulf War in Iraq, and is selfemployed in the insurance industry.
Mr. Helms reported the clerk’s office currently
has 44 staff members and, according to recent
state work study research, is in need of at least
10 more staff members to adequately meet the
needs of the Greene County legal community.
Lack of state funds is one of the reasons the
court is short-staffed. As less lawsuits actually
go to trial due to plea bargaining and settlement,
less funds are collected creating a shortfall in the
availability of clerk’s office to hire more staff.
Helms has been responsible for converting the
office’s records to the state’s CaseNet online
system since taking office. His goal is to assist
customers in adapting to the new procedures so
the process runs smoothly.
Other recent changes at the clerk’s office have
been made in an effort to assist pro se customers
as well as attorneys and legal support members,
and include:
the ability to file a document or request a
file be pulled at any window in the office
a new phone “tree” where callers can
select the information they want from a
directory
a fax-filing rule recently signed into effect
by Presiding Judge Dan Conklin, allowing
documents to be faxed to the court
without the necessity of mailing, and
hiring a Court Administrator who will serve
as an executive assistant to the Circuit Clerk
Helms would like to make emailing documents in
.pdf files a quick reality, as well as making
payments online by credit card.
Due to the
limited amount of space at the clerk’s office and
the overwhelming amount of paper that is being
generated, he believes the clerk’s office will
become paperless in the very near future.
Mr. Helms stated he is open to new suggestions
or to discuss issues at any time.
His email
address is [email protected].
COMMUNITY
SERVICE REPORT
by Kristen Monrotus, ALS
On Wednesday, July 23, 2008, throw on some
old walking shoes and join SALSP in assisting at
the Therapeutic Riding Center of the Ozarks.
The center is located at the Cheesman Farm in
Republic, Missouri.
This Center serves children with disabilities by
providing adult-assisted horseback riding. The
natural movement of the horse’s gait is a form of
therapy for these children and assists them by
strengthening muscles and improving balance. It
also increases confidence as the riders master a
skill and develop new social ties to peers and
volunteers. Each child-rider requires three
volunteers:
two side-walkers and one horse
handler.
The program provides help for children with
autism, muscular dystrophy, Downs syndrome,
cerebral palsy and other physical, emotional, and
developmental disabilities.
This hands-on volunteer experience offers the
opportunity
to
enhance
and
enjoy
the
achievements of the children. Don’t miss out!
If you would to participate, please contact
Kristen Monrotus at 883-8200. Directions to
the farm will be provided and a training session
will be scheduled for all volunteers prior to the
date.
_______________________________________________________________________________
The Legal Easel
Page 6
LOCAL NEWS
Continued
GOVERNOR
REPORT
by Lorie Rupar, PP, PLS
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your
Governor again this year. If you ever have any
questions about upcoming events please contact
me. Attendance of state, regional, and national
meetings are a great way to network with other
members in the legal profession. It’s not all about
seminars and meetings, as we have a wonderful
time at the social events and welcome parties.
Since our chapter will be hosting the NALS of
Missouri
Fall
Membership
Meeting,
I
encourage each member to become actively
involved not only by attending the meeting, but
serving as a chairman or a committee member.
There is a lot of work to be done in preparation of
hosting this meeting, but I know we will have a
great time doing so!
UPCOMING STATE AND REGIONAL MEETINGS
September 11-14, 2008
The NALS 57th Annual Education Conference and
National Forum will take place in Norfolk, Virginia.
The registration for regular member registration is
July 15th ($249) and late member registration is
postmarked after July 15, 2008 ($279).
There will be no refunds given after August 1,
2008.
Hotel information is as follows:
Marriott Norfolk Waterside
235 East Main Street
Norfolk, Virginia 23510
phone: (757) 627-4200 fax: (757) 628-6452
$119 Single & Double Rate
For reservations call 1-800-874-0264.
Available dates for the NALS rate are September
5-19, 2008, based on availability. Make your
reservations now to ensure availability before the
block is full!
The hotel CUT OFF DATE for the NALS Rate is
August 10, 2008 or until the block is full.
July 18-20, 2008
The NALS Region 6 Meeting will be held in
Kansas City, Missouri, at the Quarterage Hotel in
historic Westport! Westport was built along the
Santa Fe Trail as an outfitting center for wagon
trains heading west and one of the oldest buildings
in the city is located there and is now a favorite
“watering hole” Come see which one! A free hot
breakfast and drinks each evening are included,
along with top-of-the-line accommodations!
“That’s Entertainment” is the theme and the
weekend is full of fun, educational and networking!
On Friday evening, an optional event will include a
visit to the beautiful Country Club Plaza, a 14square block outdoor shopping and entertainment
district, complete with a barbeque dinner.
Saturday will feature seminars and Saturday
evening, get Red Carpet Ready! Grab those old
prom and bridesmaid dresses and glam up for a
spectacular NALS Foundation & Auction Dinner!
Don’t forget the jewels!
The registration form is included in this issue.
October 10-12, 2008
The 2008 NALS of Missouri Fall Meeting will be
held in Branson, Missouri, at the Ramada Resort &
Conference Center on Highway 76. The theme is,
“Remember When . . .” and the meeting will be
hosted by our chapter.
This would be a great opportunity for new
members to get involved by volunteering to serve
on a committee.
We are still in the planning
stages, so there is plenty to do.
Friday night’s Welcome Party is sure to be a blast
from the past! The community service project will
be A Sporting Chance. Saturday, we will feature a
Déjà Vu Luncheon and much more.
A registration form is included in this issue.
_______________________________________________________________________________
The Legal Easel
Page 7
LOCAL NEWS
Continued
MEMBERSHIP
REPORT
VP
by Melissa Sharples, PP, PLS
“Gotta Have It...NALS” is the new NALS
Membership theme for the next two years.
What does NALS have to offer members?
Whether you’re a new member or a seasoned
one, do you know all that NALS has to offer?
Probably not, and I doubt that the following
covers everything, either!
Opportunities for professional and personal
development abound with NALS, NALS of
Missouri, and SALSP. We offer top-notch
professional growth through seminars, quality
publications and networking.
NALS of
Missouri provides legal education at each of its
three meetings. NALS also offers regional and
national
conferences
each
year
with
outstanding education and excellent speakers
from around the country.
You will also receive the valuable monthly legal
education newsletters, e-Learn, @NALS and
Leading the Way, delivered directly to your
computer through e-mail. The NALS quarterly
publication @Law, is packed with informative
articles and association information in an
award-winning format. At www.nals.org you
will find an abundance of information and upto-date
information
from
the
national
leadership on the daily blog, insideNALS.
NALS provides other benefits such as discounts
through:
Aflac, FedEx, Journey House
Travel, Premier Conferencing, Avis and
Hertz Car Rentals, Liberty Mutual, and
National Notary Association.
NALS also offers fantastic legal education online
through the NALS Online Learning Center.
Professional certifications such as ALS...the
basic certification for legal professionals, the
PLS...the advanced certification for legal
professionals, and the Professional Paralegal
certification demonstrate your proficiency in
administrative legal skills, and may even allow
you to earn college credits.
Looking for an online networking site for
professionals? NALS is now on LinkedIn. This
site gives people the opportunity to make
connections between other professionals in and
out of your own industry.
There are ways for people to recommend you
and also places to look for and post jobs. To
register
and
sign
in,
go
to:
http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/88334/315C7C5
A8A58.
Michelle
ON A LOCAL NOTE: WELCOME
Stover--our newest member!
Michelle is
employed at Lee Ann Walker, P.C. and attended
the June meeting as a guest of Kristen
Monrotus, ALS.
If you think of anyone who might be interested
in membership and would like me to provide
them with information, please contact me and
I’ll be happy to get them what they’ve GOTTA
HAVE!
COURTESY
REPORT
by Janna Dampier, PP, PLS
Let us have birthdays every day,
And with life, a slice of cake.
Let dancing candles bow with smiles
And wink as they awake.
Let wishes ring as they are sung
And friends be gifts worth giving,
And let us cherish with delight—
The birthday way of living.
--Lily Ottman
Happy Birthday to members with birthdays
in July:
Janna Dampier, PP, PLS—July 19
Jennifer Martin, PLS—July 21
Lorie Rupar, PP, PLS—July 25
Amy Owens, ALS—July 27
Tina Pierson—July 27
Lori Everhart, PP, PLS—July 31
_______________________________________________________________________________
The Legal Easel
Page 8
LOCAL NEWS
Continued
SECRETARY
REPORT
by Paula Zerrer, PP, PLS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
OF THE
SPRINGFIELD AREA LEGAL SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS
The regular monthly meeting of the Springfield Area Legal
Support Professionals was held on June 10, 2008, at Mr. Yen’s,
4117 S. National, Springfield, Missouri. President Christy
Wittmaier called the meeting to order at 6:20 p.m. and
appointed Janna Dampier, PP, PLS, as secretary pro tem for the
meeting. There was a quorum present.
President Christy introduced Melody Young as a new member
and announced that she would be initiated at the July meeting.
President Christy introduced the following guests: Wendy Gum
from Pratt, Fossard, Jensen & Masters, LLC; Ann Barrington
from Janis McCain’s office; Linda Payne from Catt, Cole &
Martin; and Michelle Stover from Lee Ann Walker’s office.
The minutes of the April 8, 2008, meeting were printed in the
May issue of the Legal Easel. President Christy Wittmaier noted
a correction on page 3 to remove the PLS initials after the
name of Sonya Collins. The minutes were then approved as
corrected.
Secretary Pro Tem, Janna Dampier, PP, PLS, read a thank you
letter from the Good Samaritan Boys Ranch.
President Christy Wittmaier presented the 2008-2009
Committee Roster for approval. Julie Keopke, ALS, moved that
the committee roster be approved. The motion was seconded
and approved.
In the absence of Treasurer, Lori Everhart, PP, PLS, President
Christy presented the treasurer’s report. A copy of the report
is filed for review.
announced that the current membership total was 30 and
she distributed a roster.
Governor Lorie Rupar, PP, PLS, stated that her report was in
the June issue of The Legal Easel. Lorie mentioned the
following upcoming meetings: NALS Region 6 Meeting in
Kansas City, Missouri, on July 18-20, 2008; NALS 57th Annual
Education Conference in Norfolk, Virginia on September 1114, 2008; and the NALS of Missouri Fall Membership Meeting
and Seminars in Branson, Missouri, on October 10-12, 2008.
The registration deadline for this meeting is September 26,
2008.
Community Service Chair, Kristen Monrotus, ALS, reported
that the Ozarks Literacy Council needs two to four volunteers
to read to children ages pre-Kindergarten to second grade on
Mondays at 4:00 p.m. in July. Kristen also stated that she
contacted the Therapeutic Riding of the Ozarks in Republic
and members can volunteer and do this on July 30, 2008.
Kristen also mentioned that everyone should continue to
collect pop tabs for donation to the Ronald McDonald House.
President Christy Wittmaier stated that Ozarks Public
Television needs pledge drive volunteers on June 22, 2008.
Anyone who plans to volunteer should let Christy know.
Nancy Ketron, PP, PLS, reminded members that the
Springfield Cardinals game is Wednesday, June 11, 2008,
and she still has tickets to sell.
Legal Easel Editor, Lisa Tanner, PP, PLS, announced that
officers and committee chairs should submit reports for each
issue. The submission deadline for the July issue is June 20,
2008. Lisa announced that members can join the booster
club for $5.00 and their name will be printed in each issue.
Lisa submitted a re-cap of the new advertisement
information and encouraged members to take this to their
employers and ask them to advertise in The Legal Easel.
Lisa Tanner, PP, PLS, announced that the Website Committee
met with Gary Rupar and the website is in the design stages.
The Website Committee recommended that the name of the
Springfield Area Legal Support Professionals website address
be www.SALSP.org. The motion was carried.
Lisa Tanner, PP, PLS, License for Crossword Weaver--29.95
Janna Dampier, PP, PLS, 2008 installation banquet--$311.02
Lisa Tanner, PP, PLS decorations installation banquet--$40.96
Jennifer Martin, PLS , local chapter president’s gift--$48.98
Classic Grafx, history book cover--$125.00
Discussion was held concerning seed money for the NALS of
Missouri 2008 Fall Membership Meeting. Melissa Sharples,
PP, PLS, moved that $300.00 of SALSP’s funds be transferred
to the NALS of Missouri FMM account as seed money for
hosting the meeting, and that the same be reimbursed to
SALSP prior to the division of any profit or loss at the end of
the Fall Membership Meeting. The motion was seconded and
approved.
Julie Keopke, ALS, moved the foregoing bills be paid or
reimbursed. The motion was seconded and approved.
President
Christy
Wittmaier
announcements and reminders:
The meeting was recessed for dinner at 6:59 p.m. and
reconvened at 7:45 p.m.
*The Board of Directors approved the expenditure of $25.00
for a quarter page ad in the NALS Region 6 Education
Conference program.
*Planning session for 2008 NALS of Missouri Fall Membership
Meeting will be held at Fredrick, Rogers and Vaughn on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008, at 5:30 p.m.
The following bills were submitted for reimbursement:
In the absence of Treasurer, Lori Everhart, PP, PLS, Christy
Wittmaier presented the 2008-2009 proposed budget. Lisa
Tanner, PP, PLS, moved that the membership approve the
budget for 2008-2009.
The motion was seconded and
approved.
Vice President/Membership Chair, Melissa Sharples, PP, PLS,
made
the
following
Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at
8:15 p.m.
_______________________________________________________________________________
The Legal Easel
Page 9
LOCAL NEWS
Continued
FINANCE
your fingers crossed that we will have the site up
and running by the end of July!
REPORT
by Melissa Sharples, PP, PLS
We will be raffling a crafting/scrapbooking
organizer filled with scrapbook supplies and
other craft items such as paper, page kits,
scissors, embellishments, punches, etc. for the
NALS of Missouri Fall Membership raffle.
If you would like to contribute to this raffle,
please bring the items to the membership
meeting, Fall Membership Meeting planning
meeting, or contact me at [email protected].
If you are not sure what to donate for the raffle
and would like to donate cash for the purchase
of these items, please make a check to me at
the following address:
Melissa Sharples, PP, PLS
Fredrick Rogers & Vaughn
1518 E. Bradford Pkwy.
Springfield, MO 65804
All contributions
deductible!
are
welcome
and
tax
WEBSITE
REPORT
by Lisa Tanner, PP, PLS
What an exciting time for SALSP! Step by step
we are laying the groundwork for the new
SALSP website, thanks to a grant from the
NALS Foundation.
Members approved the website address of
www.SALSP.org at the June membership
meeting and that will be the location for the
new website.
An initial outlay of the home page has been
prepared and will be sent to the webmaster
within the next week. Hopefully, he will be able
to prepare the page without a glitch and we will
continue adding pages thereafter.
We hope www.SALSP.org will be another benefit
to your membership and a good location to direct
potential members who would like more
information on the education, certification, and
great networking opportunities offered by our
multi-level association.
Movie Myths Meet
Financial Reality
NOTARY
NOTES
Contrary to their hightech spy movie image,
Swiss banks are bastions
of document security
Despite what Jason Bourne or 007 might try to
tell you, Swiss banks rely far more on a client’s
personal appearance and traditional identification
documents to verify their credentials, than
Hollywood would have you believe. A client
expecting X-ray scanners or DNA analyzers is
likely to be disappointed.
Although the public still holds the media-inspired
image of an anonymous stranger walking into a
Swiss bank with a suitcase stuffed with cash and
opening an account without any questions asked,
nothing could be farther from the truth, says
James
Nason,
head
of
international
communications
for
the
Swiss
Bankers
Association.
While there are such things as
“numbered accounts,” Nason emphasized they
are not anonymous. Banks in Switzerland are
obliged by law to verify the identity of potential
clients and establish the legitimacy of any assets
deposited with the bank. The same holds true
for safe-deposit boxes.
While celebrities, from rock stars and actors to
athletes and industrialists, open numbered
accounts for the additional privacy they provide,
any adult can open an account at a bank in
Switzerland, although a bank might turn away a
prospective client if it fears the money to be
deposited stems from a crime.
Watch for the official announcement and keep
See Notary on p. 11.
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The Legal Easel
Page 10
OTHER NEWS
Notary, from p. 10.
The strict rules for opening accounts mean that Notaries play an important part in verifying the
identity of potential clients. Clients who cannot open their accounts in person must be identified
through a certified copy of an official identification document such as a passport or driver’s
license. This copy certification may be provided by a Notary Public, a branch or representative of
the Swiss bank, or by a financial intermediary appointed by the Swiss bank.
However, for U.S. Notaries, it is important to note that the ability to certify copies of identification
documents varies widely from state to state. For example, New York does not authorize its
Notaries to perform copy certifications, so a New York resident would have to contact the Swiss
bank to obtain the copy certification by other means.
Regardless of the persistence of their glamorous depiction, Swiss banks continue to embrace the
best practices they share with Notaries, including privacy protection and positive identification.
As a result, it’s no surprise that in the real world prospective clients are far more likely to visit a
Notary than a spy when seeking to open an account.
The National Notary, July 2008
Migraines—Treatments for the Pounding Pain
If you’ve ever had migraines, you know they’re more than just a bad headache. Migraine pain
affects up to 19 percent of women and 6 percent of men—nearly 30 million people in the United
States alone.
What makes it a migraine?
Most headache pain is primary, which means it’s not related to an
underlying condition. Migraine is one of the three most common types of primary headaches. Different
types of headaches typically cause different types of pain. Tension-type headaches usually involve a dull,
squeezing pain that builds slowly and may encompass the forehead, scalp, back of the neck, and both sides of
the head. Cluster headaches are much less common than are migraines, usually occurring on one side of the
head as a stabbing sensation in the eye. During a migraine headache, throbbing (pulsatile) pain may occur
on one side of the head and gradually spread, but it’s not uncommon to have pain on both sides of the head.
Nausea with or without vomiting may occur. A migraine may last anywhere from a few hours to several days.
The pain of a migraine may be aggravated by light, sounds, odors, exercise and even routine physical activities.
Some people experience a visual distortion (aura)—such as blurred vision, sparkling flashes or jagged lines—or
localized numbness just before migraine pain. Sometimes, an aura occurs during a migraine, and occasionally
auras may occur without headache pain.
The cause of migraines isn’t fully understood. However, migraines often run in families, so it’s generally
thought that genetic predisposition likely plays a big role. Women are three times more likely to have
migraines than are men.
Determining a treatment route depends on the characteristics and frequency of migraines. Medications for
migraine generally fall into two classes. There are drugs to prevent migraines, and drugs for pain relief. Pain
relief drugs are to be taken as soon as symptoms appear. A mild migraine may respond to ibuprofen or aspirin.
A moderate migraine may respond better to a combination of nonprescription drugs such as caffeine, an
antihistamine, and aspirin. For severe cases, a prescription is required. Additionally, alternative therapies such
as acupuncture, massage, vitamin b-2 and riboflavin may help prevent migraines. Always consult a doctor
before any treatment.
Mayo Clinic Health Letter, Vol. 25, #9, Sept. 2007
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The Legal Easel
Page 11
OTHER NEWS
Continued
Tribute to An
American Hero
evidence . . . .
To your candor and justice I
submit the prisoners and their cause.”
John Quincy Adams
The jury responds to Adams’ plea with seven acquittals
and two convictions—convictions not for murder, but
for manslaughter.
I see a hero working in
his law office in Boston
on March 6, 1770. A Boston
merchant has come to visit the thirty-four-year old
lawyer and patriot.
In his best-selling biography of Adams, David
McCollough calls him America’s most underrated
founding father. A renewed sense of introduction of
Adams is underway. Congress now is considering
authorizing funds for an Adams Memorial in
Washington, D.C.
Both the merchant and the young lawyer are well
aware of the shocking event that took place in their
city the previous night. British soldiers had opened
fire on a mob of Americans in a cobbled square. Five
of the Americans had been mortally wounded. The
merchant, James Forest, asks our hero to defend the
soldiers and their captain. The soldiers fired in selfdefense, Forest says. Thugs threw stones, bricks, and
oyster-shells at the soldiers. A club-wielding
man knocked down one of the soldiers.
Adams did many great things. If Jefferson wrote
the words of Declaration of Independence, the
words were in the voice of Adams. During the
Revolutionary War, while Washington’s ragtag army
fought the British, Adams undertook a dangerous
Winter sea crossing to secure the aid essential to
victory.
As our second President, Adams kept the United
States out of a potentially disastrous war and
appointed the great Chief Justice,
taking the
John Marshall.
The lawyer knows that the cause of
“The lawyer knows
the British soldiers will not be a
case will not only subject him
popular one in a city with a
It is striking that a man of such
thousand legitimate grievances
to criticism, but might also
tremendous accomplishments
against the occupying troops.
would,
in his later years, point to
jeopardize his legal practice or
The lawyer understands that
his representation of British
even risk the safety of his
taking the case will not only
soldiers in 1770 as perhaps the
subject him to criticism, but might
proudest achievement of his life.
family.”
also jeopardize his legal practice--or
even risk the safety of himself and his
Adams wrote: “The part I took in
family. But he believes deeply that every
defense of Captain Preston and the soldiers,
person deserves a defense. He takes on the case
procured me anxiety and obloquy enough. It was,
without hesitation. For his efforts, he will receive the
however, one of the most gallant, generous, manly,
modest sum of eighteen guineas.
and disinterested actions of my whole life, and one of
the best pieces of service I ever rendered my country.
You know the name of our young lawyer-hero: John
Judgment of death against those soldiers would have
Quincy Adams. Adams defends the British soldiers of
been as foul a stain upon this country as the
the Boston Massacre that fall of 1770. As Adams
executions of the Quakers or witches, anciently. As
had anticipated, the public mood favors conviction and
the evidence was, the verdict of the jury was exactly
execution for the soldiers. His law practice has
right."
dwindled to practically nothing. Yet Adams gives the
defense his all. He gathers and offers to the jury
“Gallant,” “Generous,” “One of the best pieces of
witnesses who tell of the snowballs, stones, and
service I ever rendered my country.” What do
oyster-shells hurled by a taunting mob at the soldiers
Adams’s words tell you about the value this man
before the shooting began.
placed on justice? Injustices are “a foul stain upon a
country.” What does that tell you about what Adams
In his summation, Adams reminds the jury:
saw as one of the central values of our emerging
“Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be
nation?
our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of
our passions, they cannot alter the state of
Searching for Law’s Heroes; Linder, Doug (2001)
www.law.umkc.edu
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The Legal Easel
Page 12
OTHER NEWS
Continued
Freedom is Ringing Still
Drafted by
Thomas Jefferson
between June 11
and June 28,
1776, the
Declaration of
Independence
is at once the
nation's most
cherished symbol
of liberty and
Jefferson's most
enduring
monument.
Here, in exalted
and unforgettable
phrases, Jefferson expressed the convictions in
the minds and hearts of the American people.
The political philosophy of the Declaration was
not new; its ideals of individual liberty had
already been expressed by the Continental
philosophers. What Jefferson did was to
summarize this philosophy in "self-evident
truths" and set forth a list of grievances against
the King in order to justify before the world the
breaking of ties between the colonies and the
mother country.
The Declaration
IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united
States of America,
“When in the Course of human events, it
becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the
political bands which have connected them with
another, and to assume among the powers of the
earth, the separate and equal station to which
the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle
them, a decent respect to the opinions of
mankind requires that they should declare the
causes which impel them to the separation.”
The Rights
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all
men are created equal, that they are endowed by
their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that
among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of
Happiness.”
The Independence
“We, therefore, the Representatives of the united
States of America, in General Congress,
Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of
the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do,
in the Name, and by Authority of the good People
of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare,
That these United Colonies are, and of Right
ought to be Free and Independent States; that
they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the
British Crown, and that all political connection
between them and the State of Great Britain, is
and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as
Free and Independent States, they have full
Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract
Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all
other Acts and Things which Independent States
may of right do. And for the support of this
Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection
of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each
other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred
Honor.”
Fifty-six
signatures
appeared
thereafter
representing fifteen states, and those who signed
knew with Jefferson’s words, the world would
forever be changed.
The writing on the back of the Declaration of
Independence reads: "Original Declaration of
Independence dated 4th July 1776," upside
down. While no one knows for certain who wrote
that notation, it is known that early in its life, the
large parchment document (it measures 29¾”
by 24½”) was rolled up for storage. So, it is
likely that the notation was added simply as a
label.
Housed in the Rotunda of the Charters for
Freedom
at
the
National
Achieves
in
Washington, D.C., the original, but deeply faded,
Declaration will bring a ringing reminder of the
courage, pride, and fortitude of our founding
fathers on the Fourth of July, 2008, the 232nd
Birthday of the United States!
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The Legal Easel
Page 13
STATE NEWS
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The Legal Easel
Page 14
REGION 6 NEWS
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The Legal Easel
Page 15
NATIONAL NEWS
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The Legal Easel
Page 16
NATIONAL NEWS
Continued
NALS is making Aflac's accident, cancer, and dental insurance policies available for association members.
Aflac offers a distinct type of protection. Unlike traditional major medical health insurance, we pay you
(unless otherwise assigned) not the doctor or hospital. You control the cash benefits and spend them as you
like to help with any financial challenges an accident or illness could have to your standard of living.
Over 40 million people worldwide have chosen Aflac because of our commitment to providing customers
with the confidence that comes from knowing they have assistance in being prepared for whatever life may
bring.
These insurance policies are offered to members of NALS. You may contact your Aflac agent, Patrick
Sullivan at (702) 456-7520 or email him at [email protected]. See the NALS.org website to learn more
about these insurance policies for Association members.
_______________________________________________________________________________
The Legal Easel
Page 17
ADVERTISING
NEWS
Advertising Rates for The Legal Easel
The Legal Easel is distributed on a monthly basis to SALSP members, comprised of legal secretaries,
paralegals, legal assistants, and other legal support professionals.
Non-member Print Rate
w/ Website Link
Member Print Rate w/
Website Link
$100.00
$75.00
1/2 Page
7” w x 4.75” h
$75.00
$50.00
1/4 Page
3.5” x 4.75” h
$50.00
$35.00
1/8 Page
3.5” W x 2.375” h
$35.00
$20.00
Advertising Rates
Full Page
7” w x 9.5” h
Advertisements will be run in 12 monthly issues of The Legal Easel. Advertisements should be in color,
camera-ready, or available in .jpg or .pdf form. A link to advertiser’s webpage from SALSP’s website
will be added on the SALSP “Links” page. Advertisers will receive a complementary electronic version
of The Legal Easel for each issue the ad is published.
For an advertising contract or more information, please contact Lisa Tanner, at 831-8607, or
by email at [email protected].
Have You Changed Jobs or Moved?
To make sure you receive your newsletter each month and special announcements from SALSP, you must let
us know when your contact information changes. So, if you have changed jobs, moved, have an new phone
number or email address, please take a minute and fill out the form below so we can update our records as
well as the Membership Directory. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Name
_______________________________________________
Employer
_________________________________________
Mailing Address_________________________________________
City _______________________
State _____
Zip_______
Telephone ___________________
Fax ___________________
Email Address _________________________________________
Is mailing address a [ ] business or [ ] home. (check one)
Clip and Mail to:
SALSP
c/o Melissa Sharples, PP, PLS
1518 E. Bradford Pkwy.
Springfield, MO 65804
or email the information to:
[email protected]
Thank you for keeping the
membership directory current and
up to date!
_______________________________________________________________________________
The Legal Easel
Page 18