Paralegal Division
| Publication year | 2014 |
| Pages | 66 |
| Citation | Vol. 27 No. 6 Pg. 66 |
November, 2014
What's Good for the Goose May Be Good for the Gander: Why Your Paralegal Should Be a Member of the Utah State Bar Paralegal Division
Heather J. Allen, J.
Most attorneys are not aware that there is a division of the Utah State Bar that is specifically put into place for their paralegals. The Paralegal Division was created in April 1996 by the Utah Supreme Court and has been a source of great continuing legal education, networking opportunities, and community involvement for paralegals. Paralegals who are not members of this division and, perhaps some who are, don't always know the benefit of membership.
Why did I become a member of this organization? I was encouraged to join by an attorney when I was in my first year working as a paralegal. My attorney told me that it was a great way to network with other paralegals in town. He made my joining the organization one of my goals for the year. You may wonder why that was such a big deal -1 know at the time I wondered just that. So here is one reason why it is a big deal: IT MAKES YOUR LIFE EASIER! That's right, paralegals who have the opportunity to network with other paralegals, whether it be at CLE, annual meetings, or community service events, will be able to build rapport with those they work opposite. In high-stress cases, it's important to have a paralegal who can get along with the other side. What better way to develop rapport than by being a member of an organization and getting to know other paralegals in a different setting other than a contentious lawsuit. I know for myself that having these relationships has worked in my favor going into a case. When the opposing paralegal and I know one another, we have common respect and we are able to be more efficient when dealing with the issues for our clients. As a result, membership in the Paralegal Division could be a great cost saver for clients. My attorney understood that value.
As with attorneys, the Paralegal Division collects dues every year to allow our members the same benefits that are afforded to the attorneys through the Bar. The cost is small, and the benefits are boundless.
I want to highlight a few of our great benefits that you, the attorney or current member of the Paralegal Division, can use in encouraging your paralegal or fellow paralegal to be part of our Division.
Continuing Legal Education
As you are aware, CLE is an...
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