Summons Summer 2017 | Page 2

“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ’Let’s party!’” – Robin Williams

I know I am happy that Spring is finally here and I am ready to celebrate a few things!

The first, continuing paralegal education - the Spring Seminar will be held on May 3, 2017, at the Sleep Inn and Suites in Minot. Kudos to the Spring Seminar Planning Committee on organizing an informative seminar. Please see the First Vice President’s Report for further details.

The second – a new paralegal position. In the last issue of the Summons, I wrote that due to decreased revenue and budget cuts, my paralegal position with the ND Legal Self Help Center was eliminated. I am happy to announce that I am now employed as a paralegal in the Civil Litigation, Natural Resources, and Indian Affairs Division of the North Dakota Office of Attorney General. When I was in school, the last area of law I wanted to work in was litigation. I never thought I would like, no love, working in litigation. Every day is challenging, but I can say that it is never dull.

The third – the changing of the guard for WDALA. My term as WDALA President is coming to an end. I have enjoyed serving as President for the last year and a half and have learned so much. A new President will be elected from the current Officers and Directors. (See WDALA Bylaws Article VII.) I would like to encourage the current Officers and Directors to consider stepping into the President position or serve another term.

I would also like to ask WDALA members to consider serving as an Officer or Director. The listing of the duties of each office is included at the end of my column. Please take a look and see if there is an area that might interest you. There is a time commitment to serving, including three Board Meetings a year, one held at the Fall Seminar and Annual Meeting, one held at the Spring Seminar, and one telephonic meeting in January. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today professionally had I not stepped up to serve as an officer of WDALA.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact me. If you are interested in placing your name on the ballot for office, please contact Charlene Smith, ACP, Chair of the Nominations Committee. The full slate of officers will be presented to the membership 30 days prior to the Annual Meeting which will be held on September 20, 2017, at the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck.

Now, who is ready to celebrate with me?

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Melissa Hamilton, ACP

WDALA President