Texas Paralegal Division Blog

February 7, 2019 (Thursday)

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (CST) 

“Divorce through the Collaborative Law Process”

Credits:  1 Hour TBLS CLE Credit – Family Law or Civil Trial Law

 Speakers:  David S. Bouschor II, Attorney at the Law Office of David S. Bouschor II PC, and Camille Milner, Attorney at the Law Office of Camille Milner

 Summary: The Collaborative process in Divorce provides parties the options to restructure their relationships in a way that benefits everyone involved.  Collaborative professionals, in conjunction with the parties and their respective attorneys, facilitate a transition through divorce in a positive, communicative manner, without ravaging their relationships, children, or estate while minimizing the stress of moving forward through this difficult time in their lives.  Because this process is guided by the parties, attorneys and the Collaborative professionals rather than the Courts, the parties have the benefit of determining the timeline and direction of the case at their own pace.

 (click HERE to register)

Established in 1981 by the Supreme Court of Texas, the College is the only organization of its kind in the United States and is dedicated to recognizing and encouraging lawyers and paralegals who maintain and enhance their professional skills and the quality of their service to the public by significant voluntary participation in legal education.

Join forces with the elite group of lawyers, paralegals and judges who lead our profession.

Create an opportunity to adjust your compensation as a paralegal, commensurate with your special status as a member of The College.

Paralegal membership in the Texas Bar College is $35 per year and benefits include:

• a distinctive certificate suitable for display in your office and a portfolio with the Texas Bar College logo
• unlimited free access to the Online Library of TexasBarCLE.com that includes thousands of CLE articles from State Bar courses, all keyword searchable and case-linked (regular price $295 annually)
• newsletter sent three times a year
• distinction of attaining a higher level of professional membership and use of the Texas Bar College logo on letterhead, business cards, websites and professional notices
• qualify for discounts when attending TexasBarCLE live or video replay courses
• Receive a discount on the registration fee for the College’s annual “Summer School Course,” presented by TexasBarCLE, which provides updates in all major areas of practice.
• Paralegals are permitted to set up and present “Custom CLE” programs in your community sponsored by The College. These are anytime, anywhere video replays of Texas Bar CLE advanced courses and topical programs, with full written materials, at a 61% discount from the retail price. Membership information and benefits can be found at: http://texasbarcollege.com/MembershipParalegal.html

Paralegals need to complete 12 CLE hours per calendar year (including 2 ethics hours).  Two of the 12 hours, including 1 hour ethics, may be earned through non-accredited CLE and submitting the necessary information for each.

Membership information and benefits can be found at: http://texasbarcollege.com/MembershipParalegal.html

This edition includes:
2019-2020 President-Elect Nominations notice
2018 TAPS recap and sponsors
Exceptional Pro Bono Award nominations
Odd-Numbered District Director Elections notice

 January 10, 2019 (Thursday)

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (CST)

“Governmental Immunity”

Credits:  1 Hour TBLS CLE Credit – Civil Trial Law

Speaker:  Daniel Ortiz, Assistant General Counsel, El Paso Water

Summary: Suing or defending a governmental entity, like a City, is unlike suing a private Defendant in many ways including the reality that many types of lawsuit are even barred from being filed against a government.  The Texas Tort Claims Act is worth understanding in order to properly advise your client as to the limitations of recovering against a government.  This presentation will provide you with an overview of governmental immunity and help you become more familiar with the most common type of tort claims, damages, duties, exclusions and exceptions.

(click HERE to register)

“Preparation for Mediation”

Speaker:  Harper Estes of Lynch, Chappell & Alsup

Topic Summary: Mediation is a tool used in all fields of law, and the growing use of mediation to solve disputes and settle differences can be highly effective with the right preparation. A paralegal is often a key member of the team in preparing for mediation, and this presentation will concentrate on successfully maximizing the paralegal’s role for a win-win situation. Hear from a mediator and attorney on how to best prepare your team.

 Time:   12:00 noon CT

 Cost:   $40.00 for PD Members / $50.00 for Non-Members

 TBLS approved: 1.0-hour CLE in Civil Trial Law; Estate Planning and Probate Law; Family Law; Oil, Gas and Mineral Law; Personal Injury Trial Law

 For more information and to register, click HERE

“Helping Your Clients Navigate the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)”

Presented by James E. Griffis, Attorney at Harris, Finely & Bogle, PC

Event Description: Are your client’s employees truly exempt from overtime?  What are some common pitfalls employers make?  The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and overtime laws, if not appropriately followed, can get your clients in trouble and cost them thousands of dollars.  This presentation will provide you with an overview of the FLSA, common mistakes employers make, the penalties for such violations, and tips to remain in compliance.  Recent legislation and case law will also be discussed.

Time:  12:00 noon CT

Cost:  $40.00 for PD Members / $50.00 for Non-Members

TBLS approved: 1.0-hour CLE in Civil Trial Law

 For more information and to register, click HERE

“Pre-Trial Party Due Diligence”

Presented by Johnathan W. Charnitski, Attorney at The Brown Firm, PLLC

Event Description: A little preliminary research can go a long way to save your firm time and your client money. In this webinar, Mr. Charnitski will explore simple, but frequently overlooked research methods that will help your office ensure parties to suit are named correctly the first time, identify not-so-obvious additional parties to suit, and leverage statutory cost-shifting provisions.

Time:  12:00 noon CT

Cost:  $40.00 for PD Members / $50.00 for Non-Members

1.0 hour of CLE Credit (TBLS approved for Civil Trial Law)

For more information and to register, click HERE