The SCUPA Scoop: Renewal Discount Reminder!

Dear Members,

In an effort to continue providing benefits to our membership, the Board has voted to offer a membership renewal discount for 2012 membership dues. However, in lieu of offering the renewal discount on the day of our seminar, we have decided to accept early renewals at a reduced rate of $50.00 for current members. The discounted renewal period begins on September 1, 2011 and concludes November 30, 2011. The discount is valid for membership renewals only. You may download the renewal form from our website: http://www.scupa.org/ and send to our post office box with your renewal fee.
Thank you for your continued membership to SCUPA!

Sincerely,
Melissia
Melissia G. Ford, CP
President of SC Upstate Paralegal Association

The SCUPA Scoop: Vol. 4

Fall is officially here for SCUPA!  If you haven’t already, be sure to sign up for our 16^th Annual Seminar on October 7^th.  Visit our website, http://www.scupa.org/, for registration information and the option to pay via PalPal.  The seminar committee has been working hard all year and has lined up a great set of workshops, speakers, and exhibitors.  In addition, NALA has approved the seminar for 6.75 hours of CLE credits and the SC Bar recently approved it for 5 hours of credits for attorneys.  We look forward to seeing everyone there! 

Be sure to renew your membership for 2012 by November 30, 2011 to be eligible for the reduced rate of $50.00! 

SCUPA will be having its annual food drive for Harvest Hope.  More information will be forthcoming, but start checking out your cabinets at home to see what you can spare for the needy of the Upstate area and try to add a few extra items to your shopping cart.  Harvest Hope’s motto is, “Providing for the needs of hungry people by gathering and sharing quality food, with dignity, compassion, and education.”  They served over 2 million people across 20 counties in 2010 alone.  We can all contribute a little something.  Let’s do what we can so they serve even more people in 2011.  For more information about Harvest Hope and the good work they do across the state, visit their website at http://www.harvesthope.org/. 

The Social Committee is gearing up for the Holiday Party on December 10^th at Brick Street Café.  They distributed Save the Date flyers at the September luncheon.  Be sure to mark your calendars to enjoy some great food and the opportunity to socialize with your fellow members.  

At the September luncheon, Jada B. Charley, Esquire from South Carolina Legal Services  provided a great presentation entitled, “Serving LEP Clients Competently, Ethically, and Uniformly.”  In South Carolina alone, the Hispanic population increased by 147.9% since 2000.  Greenville’s population is 8.1% Hispanic.  South Carolina currently has the fastest growing Hispanic population in the nation.  The need to reach out to and assist these people is only going to increase. 

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 made it illegal to discriminate against someone based on their national origin.  This includes discriminating against someone who is limited in their ability to speak, read, or write English.  These Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals have a right to meaningful access to federally conducted and federally funded programs and activities. 

In light of this, there is an increasing need for bilingual legal professionals across the state.  As of right now, there are less than 20 Spanish speaking attorneys in South Carolina. 

Ms. Charley impressed the importance of both Bilingual staff and skilled interpreters/translators.  She advised that those who are completely bilingual are fluent in 2 languages and are able to conduct the business of the workplace in either language.  She indicated that there are many people who have some proficiency in a foreign language, but do not have enough knowledge of the language in order to be able to conduct meaningful business.  Quality bilingual staff can be used to ensure broad and meaningful LEP access to representation and federal programs. 

She advised that interpreters must be able to first comprehend 2 languages as they are spoken and written.  They must be able to speak both languages and must be able to choose an expression in the target language which fully conveys and best matches the meaning in the source language.  Translators convey meaning from written text to written text.  Interpreters and translators are subject to specific codes of conduct and should be trained in ethics and the subject matter of their interpretation. 

LEP individuals face increasing difficulties with housing, tax, public benefits, and family law issues.  Ms. Charley provided great insight into the need for quality, experienced bilingual staff and interpreters as the Hispanic population within South Carolina will only continue to grow.  For more information or if you have any questions, you may reach Ms. Charley at JadaCharley@SCLegal.org. 

As a reminder, there is no luncheon during October due to the seminar.  Be sure to check back here periodically for SCUPA updates.  See you at the seminar! 

The SCUPA Scoop: Seminar Update and CLE credits!

SCUPA'S 16^TH ANNUAL SEMINAR FOR LEGAL PROFESSIONALS

Friday, October 7, 2011

at the Embassy Suites located at 670 Verdae Boulevard in Greenville.

SCUPA's Seminar has been approved for 6.75 hours of continuing education by NALA

and has been approved for 5 CLE credits by the SC Bar

The seminar features a great line-up of workshops, speakers and exhibitors. Join us for a great day of legal education and networking with legal professionals!

To download a registration form, pay online using PayPal and for more information about the seminar program, speakers, exhibitors, fee schedule, the President's Reception and the evening's entertainment, please see attached registration information or visit us at our web site, http://www.scupa.org/.

We look forward to seeing you at the seminar!

The SCUPA Scoop: Officer Nominations Update from President Melissia G. Ford, CP

Dear Members,

Fall is just around the corner and it is time to begin preparing for 2012. SCUPA's Nomination form for our 2012 Executive Officers was distributed via email to the membership today. Those members who serve on the Board for SCUPA are a vital part of our organization. Each officer should strive to uphold and contribute to SCUPA's mission as an organization. Please take a few moments to nominate any active member(s) for the following officers:

A. PRESIDENT

The President shall preside over all Executive Committee meetings and Membership meetings. The President shall appoint a Parliamentarian, an Accountant, and special and standing committee chairmen as provided in these By-Laws. The President shall pass files to his or her successor immediately upon installation and shall cause all other officer and chairmen files to be passed to respective successors. The President shall be an ex-officio (non-voting) member of all committees except the committee on nominations and elections.

B. FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

The First Vice President shall preside and shall assume all duties assigned to the President in the President's absence. This officer shall automatically be chairman of the committee on education. These duties shall include planning seminars, workshops, and working with NALA in the event of co-sponsorship of any programs. The First Vice President shall also be responsible for fulfilling the educational requirements under Article VIII of these By-Laws and shall report such educational meetings to the NALA Liaison.

C. SECOND VICE PRESIDENT - MEMBERSHIP

The Second Vice President - Membership shall automatically be chairman of the Membership Committee and shall be charged with the responsibility of developing programs to encourage Membership in SCUPA. This officer shall notify applicants of SCUPA meetings until they are approved for Membership. Upon approval of his or her Membership application and payment of dues, this officer shall forward verification of approval and dues to the Treasurer. This officer shall also forward verification of approval to the Secretary. The Second Vice President - Membership shall work with the national counterpart (NALA Second Vice President) to encourage Membership in NALA.

D. SECOND VICE PRESIDENT - PUBLICATIONS

The Second Vice President - Publications shall automatically be chairman of the Publications Committee and shall be charged with the responsibility of producing SCUPA's Publication. This publication shall include, but is not limited to, committee reports and educational articles. The Executive Committee shall determine the number of publications each year.

E. SECRETARY

The Secretary shall be responsible for minutes for all meetings and safekeeping of permanent minutes. This officer shall assist the President in any way including giving notice of meetings. SCUPA minutes of any meeting shall be available to the President and NALA Liaison upon request. The Secretary shall ensure the Treasurer is bonded each year.

F. TREASURER

The Treasurer shall deposit all funds and make all disbursements, subject to approval of the Executive Committee and as provided in the budget. Any extraordinary expenses must be approved by the Membership before obligation to pay. The Treasurer shall be chairman of the finance committee which committee shall prepare a budget for the ensuing fiscal year which shall be adopted by the Membership. (Budget shall be submitted to the Executive Committee prior to presentation to the Membership.) The Treasurer shall be bonded (premium paid by SCUPA). All disbursements of SCUPA funds must be by SCUPA check, signed by the Treasurer or the President. This office shall submit a written financial report at least quarterly to be attached to the official minutes as part of the permanent record. The Treasurer shall report the Membership annually to NALA with the renewal fee for continued affiliation with NALA.

G. NALA LIAISON

This officer shall be a NALA member, shall be familiar with the NALA By-Laws and Standing Rules, shall receive minutes of all NALA meetings, and shall represent SCUPA at the NALA annual meeting of affiliated associations. This officer shall report quarterly on SCUPA activities to the NALA Affiliated Associations Director on forms provided by NALA headquarters, and shall report all officers' names to NALA headquarters and the NALA Affiliated Associations Director.
This officer may submit items SCUPA wishes discussed to the NALA Affiliated Associations Director and shall participate in discussion sessions at NALA annual meetings. The NALA Liaison shall submit a report to SCUPA Members on the NALA annual meeting.
This officer shall, within sixty days of passage, notify the NALA Parliamentarian and Affiliated Associations Director of any changes in SCUPA's By-Laws. This officer shall be the main contact between NALA and SCUPA. This officer shall be a member of the governing body of SCUPA.

Sincerely,
Melissia
Melissia G. Ford, CP
President of the SC Upstate Paralegal Association

The SCUPA Scoop: Vol. 3

SCUPA’s annual seminar is getting closer and closer!  It’s not too late to register if you haven’t already.  Go to our website at http://www.scupa.org/ for registration information and the option to pay via PayPal.  Plus the first 50 members get a FREE Paralegals: The Real Power of Attorney shirt.  The seminar has also been approved for 6.75 CLE credits by NALA.  The SC Bar just came through and approved it for 5 CLE credits for attorneys so let your bosses know! 

In addition, remember that SCUPA’s “Paralegals: The Real Power of Attorney” shirts will be on sale at the September luncheon for $10.00.  There are a variety of colors and sizes still available!

Save the date for our annual holiday party at the Brick Street Café on December 10, 2011!   Additional details will be provided by the Social Committee at the September luncheon.  It will be a great opportunity to get to know your fellow members with the added bonus of some awesome food.  Let’s have a great turn out! 

The Social Committee is always looking for new ideas for events.  If anyone has any suggestions, contact Karen Hall or any member of the committee.  Also, feel free to leave comments and suggestions here on the blog and they will be routed to the proper contact.  Any input is greatly appreciated! 

The year is rolling right along and it is about time to start thinking about officer nominations for 2012!  The nomination form will be distributed at the luncheon on September 8, 2011.  If you know someone who would be a great addition to the leadership of SCUPA or if you would like to get more involved, be sure to fill out the nomination form. 

It’s also time for membership renewals!  Existing members who renew between September 1, 2011 and November 30, 2011 are eligible for the reduced rate of $50.00. 

We had another great speaker at the August luncheon.  Corp. Mike Burgess of the South Carolina Highway Patrol’s MAIT division spoke about the program. 

When there is a serious accident in South Carolina, especially involving a fatality, they are often brought in to reconstruct the incident and determine all the facts.  They conduct interviews, prepare forensic maps with survey equipment, interrogate witnesses, and video the accident area.  They also use photogammetry to determine impact speeds and distances and use CAD software to give an accurate representation of a scene. 

Their investigations consist of what occurred immediately prior to the event, what occurred during the event, and what occurred following the event.  They examine both the motor vehicle as well as the environment.  They analyze the vehicles for mechanical failures versus driver error.  If there is a defect with the tires, lights, brakes, or any other major vehicle component, they will find it.  Corp. Burgess advised that approximately 90 percent of serious collisions are the result of driver error or the driver’s failure to maintain equipment.  He advised that many new vehicles come equipped with a ‘black box’ which is proving to be a useful tool.  This box can record speed, whether a seat belt was used, throttle position, braking, and even the position of the driver’s seat pre- and post-collision. 

MAIT officers never stop perfecting their craft.  75 percent of the MAIT team members are certified by The Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction (ACTAR).  They undergo extensive on-going training to be the most effective investigators possible. 

Any law enforcement agency can request a MAIT investigation of a serious collision.  MAIT can provide either a full report of all accident factors or a limited report that examines a few key issues.  The limited report is typically used in civil investigations.  For those of us who handle car accident litigation, a MAIT report could make or break a case. 

At our September luncheon, we are looking forward to hearing from Jada B. Charley, Esquire of South Carolina Legal Services as she discusses “Crossing the Language Barriers.”  Be sure to RSVP to Whitney Horn at HornW@JacksonLewis.com by noon on September 6, 2011.  Our meal choices include Trout Amandine, Traditional Cranberry Chicken Salad with fruit, or Vegetable Spaghetti.  Hope to see everyone there!