Vol. 18, No. 4 - 1. Farewell Message.

• Author: by Tally Burke, Paralegal Division Chair

Utah Bar Journal

Volume 18.

Vol. 18, No. 4 - 1.

Farewell Message

Farewell Messageby Tally Burke, Paralegal Division ChairI know that many of you share a story similar to mine. In the Spring of 1996, I was eagerly anticipating the prospect of completing my Associate's Degree in Paralegal Studies from Salt Lake Community College. I was already working in a position at the law firm of Kruse Landa Maycock & Ricks, LLC, then known as Kruse Landa & Maycock, LLC ("KLM&R") as its receptionist. After graduation, I began working for the office manager where I learned how a law office really operates, how I could best be utilized, and how I should perform as a paralegal. Since then, I have continued my employment with KLM&R and was honored to become Mr. James R. Kruse's paralegal. I have now been working for Jim in the corporate and securities area for five years and have been with KLM&R a total of ten years.

It is amazing what I have learned from the attorneys, office manager and staff at my firm. Looking back at my experiences, I realize the skills they were teaching me were vital building blocks to my career. I cannot thank them enough for all they have contributed to my success as a paralegal. I love being a paralegal and look forward to many more years working in this profession.

Many of us who are veterans in the paralegal profession began working at a time when most attorneys were just starting to utilize paralegals. We are very fortunate that in early 1995 a small group of individuals recognized the need for a paralegal section of the Utah State Bar. These same individuals saw that the attributes of professionalism, expertise, and adaptability would be as important to the success of the paralegal section as they are to the individual members of the section and of this profession.

Throughout the Paralegal Division's nine-year history, the leadership of the Division has worked to anticipate the needs of the paralegal profession as the profession experiences dramatic growth. Throughout these years of...