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CALDA PRESS RELEASES Please select from one of the following press releases or scroll down to read them all:
February 17, 2010 California Association of Legal Document Assistants (CALDA) spearheads efforts to help provide legal information to consumers and self-help litigants in California Courts HAYWARD, Calif.-(17 February 2010)-The Sacramento Family Law Self-Help Center is the latest to join the growing list of court facilities displaying and distributing informational brochures of the California Association of Legal Document Assistants (CALDA).
The CALDA "LDA Referral Service" brochure, provided free to the public, answers common questions about LDAs , such as "Who are Legal Document Assistants?" and "How can a Legal Document Assistant Help You?" The brochure also features CALDA's website, which lists registered and bonded LDAs by city, county, zip code, name, services and area code.
"The inclusion of the CALDA brochure as a referral from the courts is a milestone for CALDA and Legal Document Assistants," said Angie Walters, who chairs CALDA's Legislative Affairs Committee and was instrumental in placing the brochures at the Sacramento Family Law Self-Help Center. "We are extremely pleased that the court deems the CALDA brochure as a valuable tool of information for consumers and self-help litigants seeking affordable legal documents and forms preparation services."
Other counties
Another choice for self-litigants
If you would like to request copies of the brochure, email CALDA President Marcel Neumann. Include your name and/or business name, address, and your county. The brochure may also be downloaded from the CALDA website. For more information about the California Association of Legal Document Assistants, visit www.CALDA.org (this website) or call Lisa Dieteman, CALDA Public Relations Chair at 925-642-9335.
About Legal Document Assistants & CALDA
January 10, 2010 California Association of Legal Document Assistants (CALDA) Elects New President and Board of Directors HAYWARD, Calif----The California Association of Legal Document Assistants (CALDA) recently elected its new board of directors, with Marcel Neumann as incoming president for the 2010 - 2011 period. Marcel Neumann is a Legal Document Assistant (LDA) and owner of Affordable Document Preparation Services, a self-help Legal Document Assistant company established in March of 1991 with the purpose of providing legal document preparation services and affordable alternatives to gain access to the courts for consumers who choose to approach the legal system by representing themselves.
He has been a member of CALDA since 1998, and previously served as its Vice President prior to his election. "Given the continued economic climate, CALDA is committed more than ever to raising consumer awareness of the invaluable services of Legal Document Assistants," said Neumann. "We are also dedicated to providing our members with improved, top-quality educational tools and professional support that will help them grow their LDA businesses." According to Neumann, CALDA's additional main goals for 2010 include continuing to work with consumers to bridge the gap between the court system and Legal Document Assistants; monitor and take action on legislation that would affect the LDA profession; and reach out to other legal organizations to promote the LDA profession. The 2010 newly elected Board of Directors consists of the following members:
For more information about the California Association of Legal Document Assistants, visit www.CALDA.org (this website) or call Lisa Dieteman, CALDA Public Relations Chair at 925-642-9335.
About Legal Document Assistants & CALDA
October 5, 2009 CALDA Invited by CLEAR for historic meeting in Washington D.C. - October 15th CALDA Board members Angie Walters (ASAP LEGAL, LLC) and Carol Ludlow (Legal Document, Search & Signing Services) have been invited by CLEAR (the Center for Legal Empowerment, Accountability & Reform) to attend a planning meeting in Washington DC on October 15th- 16th to discuss ways to support Legal Document Assistants and other alternative legal services providers and to establish state legislative priorities. This will be the first time the alternative bar has come together under one roof. "CALDA has long been at the forefront of the alternative legal services sector," said Roger Gordon, executive director of CLEAR, the new name of HALT (Help Abolish Legal Tyranny) which was founded 30 years ago and has matured into the nation's largest nonprofit legal reform organization with more than 20,000 members nationwide. "CALDA's impressive leadership and their attentiveness to its members' as well as consumers' interests make it a necessary voice at this meeting." Walters serves as CALDA's Legislative Chair; Ludlow is CALDA's immediate past president and current Treasurer. "We are honored to represent CALDA at this historic meeting," said Walters. "We are committed to ensuring that the issues pertinent to our members and the self-help legal consumers we serve are appropriately addressed." They will be iving an update on the meeting during CALDA's 22nd annual membership conference in Sacramento on October 17, 2009 at the Doubletree Hotel. September 15, 2009 Award-winning entrepreneur and legal magazine publisher is new keynote speaker at CALDA's 22nd Annual Membership Conference - Los Angeles - September 19 LOS ANGELES, Calif.----(15 Sept. 2009)---Chere Estrin, CEO of Estrin Education and Editor-In-Chief of three magazines for the legal field: SUE, for Women Litigators, KNOW, The Magazine for Paralegals and Total Balance, is the new keynote speaker for the California Association of Legal Document Assistants’ (CALDA) 22nd Annual Membership Mini Conference in Los Angeles on Saturday, September 19. Estrin is stepping in for Kerry Spence Suenderman, who had to cancel her Los Angeles appearance due to a medical emergency. Suenderman will remain as the keynote speaker for CALDA’s second mini conference in Sacramento on October 17. Estrin is the a co-founder of The Organization of Legal Professionals and Chairperson of its Board of Directors. She is also the author of nine
career books including Hot Jobs & Amazing Careers: Smart Moves for
Paralegals; The Paralegal Career Guide Third Edition and The Successful
Paralegal’s Job Search Guide. She is a former executive with a Fortune 500
Corporation, an administrator in two major law firms and a successful
entrepreneur. She has been interviewed by Newsweek, The Los Angeles
Times, The Chicago Tribune, Working Woman, Latina, Maxim,
The Tennessean, Frontier, The Daily Journal, The New York Times and other
prestigious publications. A energetic seminar leader, Estrin has been a featured speaker for the Association of Legal Administrators, the California State Bar, the International Paralegal Management Association, the ABA, Women in Business, national and regional Paralegal Associations, UCLA, Ohio State Bar and Loyola University, to name a few. She has appeared on radio and TV as well as led many retreats and workshops in top law firms and corporations across the country. RELATED LINKS: www.suemagazine.com August 12, 2009 Legal Document Assistants Gearing Up to Let Their "Business Shine in 2009" California Association of Legal Document Assistants (CALDA) to host 22nd Annual Membership Conferences with Keynote Speaker, Kerry Spence Suendermann LOS ANGELES, Calif.---After 32 years in the legal profession as one of the first paralegals and Legal Document Assistants (LDA) certified by the state of California, Kerry Spence Suendermann has never been more excited about her industry than she is today. For one thing, this Great Recession might be just the silver lining that LDAs need to propel their profession into the public arena as never before, according to Suendermann, who is the daughter of Gerry Spence, one of America's most well known trial lawyers. "This is it-this is our time," said Suendermann. "This challenging economy and other factors merging together at the same time have created a unique environment for creating public awareness of the LDA. The LDA is trained to prepare legal documents, with or without an attorney, at a fraction of the cost of the old way of hiring only an attorney. The new adage will be, "call your LDA first". Legal Document Assistants were once commonly known as Independent Paralegals. However, unlike paralegals who must work directly for an attorney, LDA's can work with or without an attorney and are licensed and bonded legal professionals who are authorized to prepare legal documents and provide self-help services to the general public. To help Legal Document Assistants raise public awareness of their profession, and at the same time share her experiences operating a successful Paralegal/LDA business, Suendermann has been tapped by the California Association of Legal Document Assistants (CALDA) to be the keynote speaker at the organization's upcoming 22nd annual membership conferences. This year, in light of budget constraints for business travel, CALDA will be hosting two 1-day mini-conferences: the first one will be held in Los Angeles on September 19 at the Doubletree Hotel LAX. The second conference will be held in Sacramento on October 17 at the Doubletree Hotel Sacramento. Both conferences will feature Suendermann ("7 New Keys to Growing Your LDA Practice: Looking ahead through this economy and the next decade") and other top legal industry speakers focusing on increasing public awareness of the Legal Document Assistant profession, providing continuing legal education, as well as briefings on CALDA's ongoing advocacy efforts to revise the California legal system as it relates to LDAs.  Keynote Speaker: Kerry Spence Suendermann "We are very excited to have such a pioneer and leader in the paralegal and LDA profession like Ms. Suendermann as our keynote speaker," said Tina Sandoval, president of CALDA. "This conference will provide our members with fresh ideas and techniques that they can immediately put to use to revitalize and refresh their businesses, and make them more valuable to their clients than ever before." February 2009 Local Social Security Disability Advocate Qualifies as Accredited Disability Representative Lake Isabella, CA - Diana P. Wade, a disability advocate was notified by the National Association of Disability Representatives that effective February 13, 2009 she is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR). Ms Wade had to pass a stringent examination which tested her knowledge of the Social Security Administration's rules and regulations concerning their Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Disability benefit programs, as well as the most recent developments in Social Security Administration and court decisions. Prior to taking the examination she was required to possess specifically delineated professional qualifications (experience and education), pass a criminal background check, and submit proof of current liability insurance. The ADR designation also requires participation in continuing education about Social Security Administration claimant representation, rules, regulations and policies. Affirmation of acceptance of the Code of Ethics and acceptance of NADR's contacting the SSA OIG should questionable practices arise. Ms Wade is a charter member of The National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR - www.nadr.org). NADR is a national not-for-profit professional organization that serves both the needs of its members as well as disabled persons in the community by providing ongoing education and communication amongst its members so they can provide the highest quality of disability representation. NADR also provides a referral service where persons with disabilities can be connected with knowledgeable representatives. NADR was founded in St. Louis, MO in March of 2000 by a group of about 30 non-attorney representatives from throughout the United States who felt that such a group could provide superior representation to persons with significant impairments. Members of NADR include retired Social Security employees, Nurses, Lawyers, Paralegals, Vocational Experts, Social Workers, Physical Therapists, Insurance Company Claims people, and other professionals. Looking to the future, NADR is continuing to work directly with the Social Security Administration in the improvement of the disability process for impaired persons as well as to encourage its members to attain the highest standards. Ms Wade has been providing advocacy services since 1995. Located in Lake Isabella, CA she offers Social Security assistance throughout Kern County, Inyo and Mono Counties, and the Central Coast and prides herself in providing caring assistance for people with significant physical or mental impairments. Fees for her services are regulated and approved by the Social Security Administration. As a Disability Advocate with more than 14 years experience who has now qualified to call herself an Accredited Disability Representative, Ms Wade believes her clientele can be comfortable knowing that she has met the standards set by the Social Security Administration and the National Association of Disability Representatives. To contact Ms Wade call 760-379-8138 or visit her on the web at www.CaliforniaDisability.net.  October 2007 Thomas Connelly elected as Technology Chair for CALDA - Santa Rosa Press Democrat View Press Release by opening the PDF File. (92 kb) September 27, 2007 Tina Sandoval heads legal document organization View Press Release by opening the PDF File. (940 kb) September 20, 2007 Tina Sandoval Elected President of California Association of Legal Document Assistants REEDLEY, Calif----Tina Sandoval, president of the Central Valley Chapter of the California Association of Legal Document Assistants (CALDA) and owner of Sandoval Affordable Business Services, was elected President of the California Association of Legal Document Assistants (CALDA) at the organization's annual conference held last September 14-16 at the Sacramento Convention Center. Sandoval has been a member of CALDA since 2004. Prior to her appointment as President, Sandoval served on the board as Education Chair. "I am very excited to be the new leader of an organization whose members continue to provide personalized and affordable alternatives to attorneys," said Sandoval. "I am grateful for the tremendous support from the board and our members, and I am looking forward to continuing to implement CALDA's goals and objectives during my term as president." Sandoval said CALDA's main goals for the coming year include continuing to bridge the gap between the court system and Legal Document Assistants (LDA). Plans are also already under way for the next annual conference, set for October 17-19, 2008 in Fresno.
ABOUT TINA SANDOVAL "I worked for Fresno attorneys for over 14 years," said Sandoval. "I knew that I eventually wanted to own my own business and after seeing all the people that could not afford to hire an attorney, I decided to open my Legal Document Assistant office in Reedley. I believe that the service I provide to my customers is an affordable alternative to hiring attorney." For more information about the California Association of Legal Document Assistants, contact Tina Sandoval at (559) 643-8470; email: SandovalABS@verizon.net. September 18, 2007 California Association of Legal Document Assistants Elect New President, Board Members "Bridging the Gap Between Courts and LDA's is Priority for New Board in 2008" SACRAMENTO, Calif----The California Association of Legal Document Assistants (CALDA) elected Tina Sandoval as its new president for 2008 at their 20th Annual Conference held last September 14-16 at the Sacramento Convention Center. Sandoval, president of CALDA'S Central Valley Chapter and owner of Sandoval Affordable Business Services, has been a member of CALDA since 2004. Prior to her appointment as President, Sandoval served on the board as Education Chair. "I am very excited to be the new leader of an organization whose members continue to provide personalized and affordable alternatives to attorneys," said Sandoval. "I am grateful for the tremendous support from the board and our members, and I am looking forward to continuing to implement CALDA's goals and objectives during my term as president." Sandoval said CALDA's main goals for the coming year include continuing to bridge the gap between the court system and Legal Document Assistants (LDA). Plans are also already under way for the next annual conference, set for October 17-19, 2008 in Fresno. The 2008 newly elected Board of Directors consists of the following members:
For more information about the California Association of Legal Document Assistants, contact Tina Sandoval at (559) 643-8470; email: SandovalABS@verizon.net. July 26, 2007 Judge Roderic Duncan to Keynote 20th Annual CALDA Conference Divorce-court veteran and best-selling author promises "uncommon advice" for LDAs SACRAMENTO, Calif----Roderic Duncan, veteran divorce-court judge and author of "A Judge's Guide to Divorce: Uncommon Advice from the Bench" (Nolo) will be the keynote speaker at the California Association of Legal Document Assistants (CALDA) 20th annual conference to be held on September 14 to September 16 at the Sacramento Convention Center, 1400 J Street. Judge Duncan spent 20 years on the bench, first with the California Municipal Court and later with the California Superior Court. He is the author of Win Your Lawsuit: A Judge's Guide to Representing Yourself in California Superior Court and A Judge's Guide to Divorce: Uncommon Advice from the Bench. "The divorce court system is too slow, too expensive and frequently presided over by a judge who thoroughly dislikes the assignment and can't wait until he or she has enough seniority to transfer to some other assignment within the court," said Duncan, who has seen thousands of cases in his courtroom and whose book offers plenty of sage advice on how couples can reach their own agreements. "Working with a mediator or a Legal Document Assistant can frequently result in the parties being able to present an agreement to the judge, who rubberstamps it and declares them divorced." "Judge Duncan's position on keeping divorces and other legal matters out of the court system is on par with CALDA's mission and goals of helping the self-help legal client," said Carol Ludlow, president of the 300-member nonprofit organization. "We are honored and excited to have an esteemed member of the court recognize the important role of LDAs in the legal system." Judge Duncan's presentation will kick off the conference on Friday, September 14 at 7:00 pm. This year's conference theme, "The State of the Legal Document Assistant: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" will focus on increasing public awareness of the Legal Document Assistant (LDA) profession, providing continuing educational legal education, as well as briefings on CALDA's ongoing advocacy efforts to revise the California legal system as it relates to LDAs. About CALDA The California Association of Legal Document Assistants (CALDA, formerly known as the California Association of Independent Paralegals) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the use of Legal Document Assistant services to the public, and to encourage high standards of ethical and professional conduct within the Legal Document Assistants profession. About Legal Document Assistants (LDA) Legal Document Assistants were once commonly known as Independent Paralegals. However, as of January 1, 2000 only those Paralegals working directly for attorneys may now be referred to as Paralegals. Those formerly known as Independent Paralegals are referred to as Legal Document Assistants (LDAs). LDAs have the same educational background as a paralegal, but are required by law to be registered and bonded in the county in which they have their principal place of business. An LDA is an experienced professional who is authorized to prepare legal documents for a client, but only at the direction of the client. In other words, the LDA is there to assist the "self-help" client handle their own legal matters without the cost of an attorney. A Legal Document Assistant is NOT a lawyer. By law, they cannot give legal advice or represent you in he courts in any manner. May 8, 2007 CALDA 2007 Conference in Sacramento View Press Release by opening the PDF File (64 kb). October 5, 2006 Commissioner Richard Vogl to be Keynote Speaker at 20th Anniversary and Annual Conference of California Association of Legal Document Assistants ORANGE, Calif---- Commissioner Richard Vogl of the Superior Court of Orange County will be the keynote speaker at the 20th anniversary and annual conference of the California Association of Legal Document Assistants (CALDA) on Saturday, October 28, 2006 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario. Vogl will speak on "Money and Family Law - Support Collection." Prior to his appointment to the Superior Court, Commissioner Vogl was in private practice in Orange County from 1970 to 1987. A Certified Family Law Specialist since 1981, he also served as Deputy City Attorney for the City of Santa Ana from 1969 to 1970. His awards include Distinguished Jurist Award of 2005 ("Judge of the Year") from the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Southern California Chapter. In February, Commissioner Vogl began hosting weekly seminars in his courtroom for Legal Document Assistants in Orange County who wish to learn more about this profession, and also to discuss concerns of professionals who incorrectly prepare legal documents and those who falsely represent themselves as Legal Document Assistants. October 4, 2006 "How to Do Your Own Divorce in California" Author and founder of Nolo Press to speak at 20th anniversary & conference of California Association of Legal Document Assistants. SANTA CRUZ, Calif----Ed Sherman, Esq., award-winning author of the landmark bestseller "How to Do Your Own Divorce in California," and founder of Nolo Press, will be among the featured speakers at the 20th Anniversary and Annual conference of the California Association of Legal Document Assistants (CALDA) on October 27-29 at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California. Sherman, who is also credited with founding the independent paralegal industry, founded Nolo Press in 1971 with the landmark bestseller, How to Do Your Own Divorce in California, and has been an innovator in the field of law ever since. In addition to authoring 18 books, videos and software, Sherman created independent paralegal services in 1973, which grew into an industry and transformed the face of legal services. He co-founded Divorce Helpline and Couples Helpline, 1990 and 2004 respectively, operated by the law and mediation firm of Sherman Williams Lober & Thompson, which declines to represent anyone or go to court. Sherman's most recent innovation is the Couples Contract, featured in his latest books, "Legal Essentials for California Couples," and "The Couples Contract for a Lasting Relationship." Sherman is currently owner of Nolo Occidental based in Santa Cruz. NEW SOFTWARE UNVEILING At the conference, Sherman will be unveiling his company's newest software, "DealMaker Settlement Agreement." "I am excited about introducing our new "DealMaker Settlement Agreement" Software as the idea originally came from CALDA's discussion forum and the specific goal is to help LDAs broaden the reach of their practices and deliver a more sophisticated agreement to more people than was previously possible," said Sherman. "I am depending on feedback from CALDA members to make sure this software has everything they want and need." Carol Ludlow, president of CALDA, says, "Mr. Sherman has helped shape and guide this profession to what it is today, and we are honored to share CALDA's accomplishments with him on this auspicious occasion." The 2006 CALDA conference will offer a wide variety of information, MCLE (Mandatory Continuing Legal Education) Approved educational classes (CALDA is a State Bar of California MCLE Provider), and chances to network with legal document assistants from across the state as well as vendors offering their latest products and demonstrations. PUBLIC INVITED On Saturday, October 28, between 10 am to 2 pm, free legal self-help brochures and other information on Legal Document Assistants and the California Association of Legal Document Assistants will be available to the public in the hotel lobby. ABOUT LDA's Legal Document Assistants were once commonly known as Independent Paralegals. However, as of January 1st, 2000, only those Paralegals working directly for attorneys may now be referred to as Paralegals. Those formerly known as Independent Paralegals are now officially known as Legal Document Assistants (LDAs). LDA's have the same educational background as a paralegal and are REQUIRED by law to be registered and bonded in the county in which they have their principal place of business. An LDA is an experienced professional who is authorized to prepare legal documents for a client, but only at the direction of the client. In other words, an LDA is there to assist the "self-help" client handle their own legal matters without the cost of an attorney. A Legal Document Assistant is not a lawyer. By law, they cannot give you legal advice or represent you in the courts in any matter. September 19, 2006 California Association of Legal Document Assistants (CALDA) Celebrates 20th Anniversary at Annual Conference Nonprofit organization aims to promote new California professionals as cost-effective alternative to attorneys in no-contest legal matters. ONTARIO, Calif----19 September 2006--- The California Association of Legal Document Assistants (CALDA), the only association in California for Legal Document Assistants (LDA) which assist the "self-help" client handle their own legal matters without the cost of an attorney, will be celebrating their 20th anniversary during the Annual Membership Conference on October 26-29, 2006 at the Double Tree Hotel in Ontario. The 2006 conference will offer a wide variety of information, MCLE (Mandatory Continuing Legal Education) Approved educational classes (CALDA is a State Bar of California MCLE Provider), and chances to network with legal document assistants from across the state as well as vendors offering their latest products and demonstrations. PUBLIC INVITED On Saturday, October 28, between 10 am to 2 pm, free legal self-help brochures and other information on Legal Document Assistants and the California Association of Legal Document Assistants will be available to the public in the hotel lobby. ABOUT LDA's Legal Document Assistants were once commonly known as Independent Paralegals. However, as of January 1st, 2000, only those Paralegals working directly for attorneys may now be referred to as Paralegals. Those formerly known as Independent Paralegals are now officially known as Legal Document Assistants (LDAs). LDA's have the same educational background as a paralegal and are REQUIRED by law to be registered and bonded in the county in which they have their principal place of business. An LDA is an experienced professional who is authorized to prepare legal documents for a client, but only at the direction of the client. In other words, an LDA is there to assist the "self-help" client handle their own legal matters without the cost of an attorney. A Legal Document Assistant is not a lawyer. By law, they cannot give you legal advice or represent you in the courts in any matter. The California Association of Legal Document Assistants is a nonprofit 501c3 organization registered in the state of California. Telephone: (714) 998-8259; Email: PublicRelations@CALDA.org. December 2, 2005 Commissioner Richard Vogl of the Superior Court of California, County of Orange sent all registered Legal Document Assistants in Orange County a letter inviting them to upcoming seminars in his courtroom. The first meeting will be held on February 8, 2006 at noon, in department C-66, on the third floor at the Central Court, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, California. Our first seminar will be a "brainstorm" session to discuss various topics, such as:
It is very exciting to have CALDA acknowledged in Orange County as legitimate professionals with the Orange County Superior Court. These meetings will give CALDA members the chance to solicit other LDA's to join our Organization. February 8, 2004 NEW CALDA CHAPTER The recently-formed South Bay Chapter of the California Association of Legal Document Assistants ("CALDA") will hold its first meeting at noon on Thursday, February 26, 2004, at 19925 Stevens Creek Blvd., in Cupertino. Carol Ludlow, owner of Legal Document, Search & Signing Services in Cupertino and acting president of the new chapter, said future meetings will be held monthly on the fourth Thursday. Ludlow, a CALDA member since 2002, announced the February 26th agenda will include:
CALDA is a non-profit corporation that provides continuing education for its members who perform legal self-help services to the public. Those who attend the South Bay Chapter meetings are reminded that one hour of continuing education credit will be given for each Chapter meeting attended. For additional information, contact Carol Ludlow at (408) 973-7861. Her e-mail address is legaldocs4u@comcast.net. November 5, 2003 2003 CALDA Conference The California Association of Legal Document Assistants ("CALDA") held its 17th Annual Conference at the Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove, California, October 17 – 19, 2003. CALDA is a non-profit corporation that provides continuing education for its members who perform legal self-help services to the public. Participants were offered a variety of workshop choices that included basic instruction and changes in family law, adoption procedures, probate guidelines, instructions on social security disability, guardianship, wills and trusts, and introduction to the new Domestic Partner Act. The workshops were conducted by court commissioners, attorneys, legal document assistants, and paralegals. Karen Graf, Vice President of Personalized Info-media in Fresno, delivered the keynote address on "Public Relations – the Critical Ingredient for Business Success." During the conference, CALDA members elected two new officers and three new board members. Anita Parga, owner of Madera-based Parga and Associates was elected 2003-2004 president of the state-wide legal self-help organization. Jeri Blatt, owner of Legal Documents Plus of Foster City is the new vice president. Returning to their positions on the Executive Board are Cara Gould, Secretary, of Fresno, and Cindy Elwell, Treasurer, of Alameda. Immediate Past President Diana Wade of Lake Isabella will head the Nominations and Elections Committee. She will also serve as Executive Advisor to the board. Directors returning to their positions are China Long, Newsletter Chair, of Temecula; Robin Schumacher, Membership Chair, of Fresno; Marcia Burke, Professional Standards Chair, of Fremont; Hinda Lucas, Conference Chair, of Littlerock; and Robin Wilson, Education Chair, of Pleasant Hill. Newcomers to the board are Al McLeod, owner of Hayward-based Legal Document Services, Public Relations Chair; Sandra McCarthy, owner of People’s Choice in Port Hueneme, Fund Raising Chair; and Peter Kroeber, owner of Vallejo-based Associated Document Preparers, Legislative Chair. The new Board of Directors was installed on October 19th. By attending the conference, participants earned Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) credits. Earlier this year, the State Bar of California approved CALDA as an MCLE provider. All conferences and workshops will now provide attorneys, legal document assistants, and paralegals with the mandatory continuing legal education requirements. Next year's CALDA Conference will also be held at Asilomar in November. Conference dates will be announced later. June 5, 2003 CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF LEGAL DOCUMENT ASSISTANTS IS NOW MCLE APPROVED ON APRIL 15, 2003, THE CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF LEGAL DOCUMENT ASSISTANTS WAS APRROVED BY THE STATE BAR OF CALIFORNIA FOR MANDATORY CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION (MCLE). ALL CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS WILL NOW PROVIDE ATTORNEYS, PARALEGALS, LEGAL DOCUMENT ASSISTANTS, AND OTHER LEGAL PROFESSIONALS WITH THE MANDATAORY REQUIRMENTS PLACED ON THEM. CALDA WILL BE HAVING THEIR SIXTEENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE THIS YEAR IN MONTEREY COUNTY AT THE ASILOMAR CONFERENCE CENTER FROM OCTOBER 17-19, 2003. THIS YEAR'S CONFERENCE PROMISES TO OFFER A WIDE VARITY OF INFORMATION AND A CHANCE TO NETWORK WITH OTHER ATTORNEYS, PARALEGALS, LEGAL DOCUMENT ASSISTANTS, AND OTHER LEGAL PROFESSIONALS FROM ACROSS THE STATE AS WELL AS VENDORS OFFERING THEIR LATEST PRODUCTS AND DEMONSTRATIONS. TO REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE PLEASE VISIT OUR CONFERENCE PAGE. February 7, 2003 CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF LEGAL DOCUMENTS ASSISTANTS IN AGREEMENT WITH THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION THE PROPOSAL BY THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION THAT WOULD PROHIBIT ANYONE BUT LAWYERS FROM GIVING ADVICE ABOUT THE LAW IS DRAWING OPPOSITION FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. IT INTENDS TO STIFLE COMPETITION AND COULD SUBJECT REAL ESTATE AGENTS, INCOME TAX PREPARERS, CREDIT COUNSELORS, AND OTHER LAYPEOPLE TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES. THE PROPOSAL WOULD ALSO PROHIBIT NONLAWYERS FROM NEGOTIATION ON BEHALF OF OTHERS AND "SELECTING, DRAFTING OR COMPLETING LEGAL DOCUMENTS." THE ABA WILL VOTE ON IT IN AUGUST. BUT, THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE SCOPE OF THE PROPOSAL AND SUBMITTED OBJECTIONS IN A LETTER TO THE BAR ASSOCIATION IN DECEMBER. THE PROPOSED DEFINTION IS WIDELY CONSIDEREDTO BE EXPANSIVE WHEN COMPARED TO THE EXISTING PROHIBITIONS ON THE UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE OF LAW IN ALMOST EVERY STATE. PROFESSOR LUBET AT NORTHWESTERN UNIVERISTY STATES, "THE PROPOSAL IS ANTIDEMOCRATIC. IN A DEMOCRACY, EVERYONE HAS AN INTEREST IN DISCUSSING THE LAW. THE CONTENT OF THE LAW, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES, IS MEANT TO BE PART OF THE PUBLIC DISCOURSE." EIGHTY PERCENT OF THE PUBLIC USE NONLAWYERS. THIS PROPOSAL WOULD GREATLY REDUCE THE ADVANTAGE FOR ALL PEOPLE TO HAVE ACCESS TO THE COURT SYTEM AND GAIN KNOWLEDGE OF THE LAW. FOR INFORMATION ABOUT CALDA CONTACT ANITA D. PARGA AT PARGA & ASSOCIATES (559) 673-6006. October 21, 2000 ALTA LOMA PARALEGAL NAMED RECIPIENT OF JACKIE HOSMER COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD BY THE CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF LEGAL DOCUMENT ASSISTANTS
This award is sponsored annually by the CALDA board to recognize a voting member of our Association that has show outstanding dedication to service in his/her community. The purpose of the award is to honor one of our members, Jackie Hosmer. Jackie Hosmer, was killed in January 1999. She worked endless hours at the House of Ruth, without fanfare or other praise. The CALDA Board wanted to preserve her memory by honoring a member that possessed the same dedication to serving his/her community. This candidate must possess the following qualities:
Mr. Peltz has been a paralegal for over 20 years. He covers most areas of civil law and 90% of his work is acquired by referrals and repeat customers. He does pro bono work for several local battered women's shelters in addition to guardianships for the County of San Bernardino. "I am grateful for the Jackie Hosmer Community Service Award. Jackie was one of my closest friends and we talked on a daily basis. I could always depend on her to assist me in areas of the law I was unsure of. I would also do my best to assist her with her questions. I truly miss Jackie. I still go to my speed dial to call her. That number will never be removed from my phone," said Peltz. The second annual Jackie Hosmer Community Service Award was presented to Robert H. Peltz in absentia by CALDA's president, Kathy Ricci at the annual conference held in Sacramento, CA. October 20, 2000 KERN COUNTY PARALEGAL NAMED PARALEGAL OF THE YEAR BY THE CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF LEGAL DOCUMENT ASSISTANTS
Ms. Wade received her B.A. and Paralegal Certificate from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 1980. After working many years in the Los Angeles area and working in the traditional law firm setting, she moved to Lake Isabella, CA where she has worked as an Independent Paralegal since 1990. |
