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2002 . . . . hard to believe that a new year is underway! As with each new year, many of us make resolutions to try and improve ourselves, within and without. As resolutions are made let's
not forget to include our careers. It is time to start out with a fresh, new perspective and to set realistic career goals. Some suggested career resolutions are:
- Be on time
- Organize your work area to make yourself more efficient
- Create checklists for routine procedures
- Get CLE in an area in which you do work
Whether you are starting new employment, or continuing with a long-time employment relationship, there is always something that can be done to make you, your surroundings, and your
attitude, more positive.
I also want to update you on Legal Assistant Division ("LAD") matters that are currently pending:
Membership Directory
I am hopeful that by the time you read this you will have received your 2001-2002 Utah State Bar Legal Assistant Division Membership Directory. This
Directory is an invaluable source of information on LAD Members and includes general information, together with specific practices areas. The Directory can be a valuable tool when looking
for information in a specific area of the law. When you have specific questions, pick up your directory and contact a member who has expertise in that area. It is also beneficial when
trying to do work in a different area of the State. Being from St. George I have been contacted numerous times by individuals from the Wasatch Front area who are looking for information
on legal publications, service of process, court personnel, etc. in St. George. Use the Directory as a network tool to help save you time and effort.
Utah State Bar Mid-Year Meetings
Mark your calendars now and plan to attend the Bar mid-year meetings that will be held in St. George on March 21-23, 2001. The LAD will again be
sponsoring a full-track of CLE that will be beneficial to legal assistants and attorneys alike. The CLE will be geared toward "practical application" of your skills. With the
adoption of the revised Article 9 of the UCC and changes to the LLC and Corporation statutes, you may want to attend the session where a representative of the Utah Department of Commerce
will be available to address questions regarding these and other issues you may have relating to the Department of Commerce. The LAD will also have tracks dealing with collaborative
lawyering, and laying the foundation of a construction law case.
The LAD and the Legal Assistant Association of Utah will be co-sponsoring a luncheon on Friday the 22nd, following the morning CLE sessions. The luncheon will include an additional hour of
CLE credit. This luncheon has been well attended in the past and is a great opportunity to network and get to know other individuals in the legal assistant field.
Bar Committee Work
The LAD will have representatives on the Bar's Governmental Relations Committee. This Committee is active during the time the Utah Legislature is in
session. In accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Utah Supreme Court, this Committee studies and provides assistance on public policy issues, reviews and analyzes pending
legislation, provides technical assistance to the legislature, the Governor, the Judicial Council and other public bodies relating to proposed legislation put forth each session. The
Committee will examine proposed legislation for its effect on the practice of law and on the Bar, and will provide assistance to legislators in trying to bring proposed legislation into
conformity with the Constitution and existing law.
The LAD has requested to be included as part of the Supreme Court Study Committee on the Delivery of Legal Services. This Committee will study five main issues (described in H.B.
2003):
1. increasing the availability of standardized legal forms for use in filing legal matters;
2. increasing the use of technology to make legal services available to the public;
3. allowing non-lawyers to provide charitable legal help;
4. allowing duly-authorized officers to represent their business entities; and
5. allowing independent lay professionals to perform certain functions now requiring an attorney.
This committee work will obviously have an impact on the legal assistant profession. We will keep you informed as work progresses.
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