This document provides information about an upcoming seminar and annual meeting for the Tennessee Paralegal Association (TPA). It includes the president's message welcoming members and discussing the success of the previous spring seminar on time management. Upcoming events mentioned are the NALA convention in July and the TPA fall seminar and annual meeting in November. Membership numbers are provided and efforts to expand in certain regions are noted. The remainder of the document lists information about TPA's history, officers, chapters and other organizational details.

1. TPA is an
affiliate of the
National Association
of Legal Assistants
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
♦ President’s Message
♦ “A Word from Our
Sponsor” - Article by
Chris Whaley
♦ Congrats New CP’s
♦ Upcoming CLA Exams
♦ NALA Campus Live
♦ TPA History: Officers &
Directors 1981 to 1990
♦ Upcoming Fall Seminar
& Annual Meeting
♦ Announcement/Reminder
♦ CLA Corner: Brain
Storm of Ideas for Studying
♦ Scholarship:
Lawassa B. Jones
♦ 2008 Officers/Board
♦ Local Chapters
Information & News
♦ Sustaining Members
♦ Publication’s Chair
Message
Tennessee Paralegal
Association
Post Office Box 21723
Chattanooga, TN 37424
www.tnparalegal.org
PUBLICATION OF THE TENNESSEE PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION
President’s Message
Winter and Spring have come and gone. Where did they go? As we approach the
summer months we all seem to think we are a little busier than normal. It always
seems something is going on; whether it is baseball games, backyard parties,
vacations or company visiting. During this busy time of year remember to stop
and look around you.
Last week my son was shooting bottle rockets in the backyard and wanted me to
watch. It was starting to get dusky dark and the lightning bugs were out. I was
amazed at the excitement I felt inside just looking at the lightning bugs. I realized
how long it had been since I had just stopped and looked at the simple things in
life--like lighting bugs--and remembered the days when I used to run around,
catching them in a glass jar and putting them in the freezer. I was going to
become rich selling them. Oh well, I had to grow up sometime.
Time management is something everyone can use a refresher course on every
once in a while. This leads me to our Spring Seminar this year, which was held at
the Hilton Garden Inn in Chattanooga on April 18 and 19. The Southeast Chapter
hosted the Seminar, which was led by Louise Mulderink and a host of helpers. I
want to personally thank each one of you who worked on the seminar. It was a
huge success with high attendance. Time management was one of the topics that
left me thinking about what I can do to make my life easier. The thing I get most
out of seminars is talking to others about how they handle different situations and
I always bring something back with me, other than the free goodies!!
The theme for the seminar was “Think, Prepare, Achieve: Surviving the Legal
Jungle” We must survive the legal jungle we all call a career and TPA helps us do
that. The survivor theme was highlighted with brown camouflage bandanas and
even a bag of bugs and worms to eat. Mark your calendar for the upcoming Fall
Seminar & Annual Membership Meeting on November 7 & 8, at the Brentwood
Hilton in Brentwood. Tammy Bradford is working hard to make this one another
huge success.
Our membership is now at approximately 110 members. We are continuing to
grow and match our past membership numbers as there is an expressed interest in
the Middle and Northeast regions. Louise Mulderink is working on the Middle
Region and Nita Gorman is working on the Northeast Region. If anyone has any
contacts or suggestions or wants to help, please let them know.
Our next big event is the NALA Convention July 30 to August 2 in Oklahoma
City. Laysha and I will be attending and look forward to reporting back about our
trip in the next issue.
Until next time, have a fantastic summer and remember to stop and smell the roses
or look at the lightning bugs. It just may bring an unexpected smile to your face.
Tracey Williams
TPA President
Spring/Summer 2008 Volume 26 Number 1

2. Brainstorming Study Ideas for the CLA Exam
CAVEAT:
SOME IDEAS MAY BE SUITABLE ONLY UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS AS INDIVIDUAL NEEDS VARY.
USE, ALTER AND REVISE AS FITS YOUR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS
Let’s go with three basic concepts. First, determine your best study method. Use all methods of
studying to reinforce a subject if possible, but implement your most effective form of studying
first. When reviewing subject matter previously covered, add a new method of studying which
complements your primary method of studying to reinforce your knowledge.
Second, get organized and formulate a basic study plan. Keep it simple. Plan on studying on your
own; but if possible, work with a study buddy or someone to whom you will be accountable in
your studies. Choose the optimum study location for you. Utilize NALA’s recommended reading,
along with additional sources.
Third and most important, set your pace. Look at your goals and daily activities. You will need to
determine how much time you are able to invest each day to studying. If possible, plan on 20 to 30
minutes each day or 10 to 20 if your time is really constrained. Ideally, an hour of study time each
night or in other blocked increments during the week or month, if necessary, is preferred for
better/faster results. You can always schedule your exam when you are ready
Let’s take a step into the real world. We know larger study blocks of time do not always fit into our
schedule. Hopefully, you are lucky and have the ideal preferred amount of time to study. Either
way, once you have set your pace, maintain it to the best of your ability and do not be discouraged
if obligations in your life slow you down to a lesser pace. Keep on going.
More Brainstorming Study Ideas…
1. Choose a topic for each week or month and read any article you can find on the subject,
along with recommended reading;
2. Read and dictate study material – listen to your dictation later while doing other
activities;
3. Teach or share study material with someone else (a friend/family member/study partner);
4. Debate or discuss study material with someone;
5. Invest in legal reference books, subject law books, case law articles, etc. – buy them as
you need them in your studies and stretch out the costs for study materials & books;
6. Create games/puzzles out of vocabulary or word trivia for cases;
7. Exchange study notes and outlines with someone else studying for the exam;
8. Reinforce study topics and subjects by “over organizing” – such as implementing a self-
generated study guide notebook:
a. Create an index to chapters and sections with a referenced outline to each subject
b. Create reference notes (hand write and then type) to the outline of each sub-
heading
c. Color code tabs and/or highlight book(s)/article(s)
d. Create charts or diagrams when able (hand write and type, if able)
e. Insert your notes and any other relevant materials into each respective section of
your notebook as you study.
- Laysha M. McCullaugh

3. . . . And Now, a Word from Our Sponsor
Imagine a TV commercial wherein a fast-talking man in a lime green, polyester blazer and a tie that’s
too short jumps into camera view and says:
“Attention paralegals: Is your supervising attorney a micromanager? Do you feel that he/she
nit-picks each and every detail of the pleadings, wills and contracts that you draft? Do you feel
that the act of breathing in and out will be the next area of your life that your supervising attorney will try
to edit and comment on? If so, then you need to try new and improved Minutia-B-Gone! Yessiree,
just a few squirts of Minutia-B-Gone, strategically placed right between the eyeballs, is guaranteed to rid
you of all, unwanted micromanagers. Just send $69.95 to the following address . . .”
Hey, it’s just an idea . . . and don’t tell me that some of you haven’t endured days when you wished
for a magical way to shoo a micromanaging, supervising attorney from looking over your shoulder. It’s not
uncommon at all for paralegals (and lots of other professionals, for that matter) to feel as though their
supervising attorney doesn’t provide sufficient opportunities to work on projects independently. In fact, the
oppressed paralegal often begins to think “He/she just doesn’t trust me. If they want to have a say so in
every little detail, why don’t they just do this themselves? What am I even here for?”
According to CareerKnowHow.com, 4 of every 5 employees in the private sector are forced to endure
at least one supervisor with a penchant for providing staff with very little professional independence.
Conversations with paralegal alumni from Roane State’s program lead me to believe that many legal
assistants feel that micromanaging is alive and well in law firms. Many of them share that their supervising
attorneys obsess on inconsequential details. One alum shared (this is a paraphrase), “[The attorney] edits,
checks and re-does all of the work I do. It’s hard to imagine why he even needs a paralegal.”
Arrgghhh! Down with the micromanagers!! Free the supervisory-oppressed paralegals now!
There’s no place for micromanagement in law firms . . .
Or is there? Let’s not forget that, in the legal profession, attorney supervision of paralegals (and all
staff) is mandatory:
ABA Model Guidelines for the Utilization of Paralegal Services
Guideline #1: A lawyer is responsible for all of the professional actions of a paralegal performing
services at the lawyer’s direction and should take reasonable measures to ensure that the paralegal’s
conduct is consistent with the lawyer’s obligations under the rules of professional conduct of the jurisdiction
in which the lawyer practices.
Tennessee Rule of Professional Conduct 5.3: With respect to a nonlawyer employed, retained by,
or associated with a lawyer:
(a) a partner and a lawyer who individually or together with other lawyers possesses comparable
managerial authority in a law firm shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the firm has in effect
measures giving reasonable assurance that the nonlawyer’s conduct is compatible with these Rules;
(b) a lawyer having direct supervisory authority over a nonlawyer shall make reasonable efforts to
ensure that the person’s conduct is compatible with these Rules; and
(c) a lawyer shall be responsible for the conduct of a nonlawyer if the conduct would be a violation of
these Rules if engaged in by a lawyer, and if:
(1) the lawyer orders or, with knowledge of the specific conduct, ratifies the conduct involved; or
(2) the lawyer:
(i) is a partner or has comparable managerial authority in a law firm in which the person is
employed or has direct supervisory authority over the nonlawyer, and

4. (ii) knows of the nonlawyer’s conduct at a time when its consequences can be avoided or
mitigated, but fails to take reasonable remedial action.
In short, the applicable rules require detailed management (no, I didn’t say micromanagement) of
non-lawyer staff. As an attorney, I am ultimately responsible for the acts/omissions of paralegals in my law
office. Therefore, if I’m wise, I will err on the side of nit-picking the details versus being too hands-off.
Is this an article defending attorneys who take this to an extreme wherein they practice excessive
attention to detail in a meddlesome, heavy-handed way? Not at all; my only point is that, the next time your
supervising attorney seems to be micromanaging things, just remember that he/she probably has the best of
intentions – to practice the profession ethically. Then again, maybe they just need a squirt of Minutia-B-
Gone . . .
Chris Whaley serves as Dean of Social & Behavioral Sciences and Professor of Legal Studies at Roane State
Community College. He can be reached at whaleycl@roanestate.edu He doesn’t own a lime green,
polyester blazer but he did own some really snazzy Don Johnson-like blazers during the days of Miami Vice.
No – he won’t share photos of them. ☺
CONGRATULATIONS!
Cynthia L. Akin, CP of Memphis, Tennessee;
And
Lara J. McCullough, CP of Troy, Tennessee
FOR PASSING THE MARCH 2008 CLA EXAMINATION
2008 CLA/CP CERTIFICATION EXAMS
Filing: October 1, 2008 Exam: December 5 – 6, 2008
Filing: January 15, 2009 Exam: March 20 – 21, 2009
GO TO www.nala.org FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS
NALA CAMPUS LIVE!
Fall Program Online – Schedule of Presentations
August through November 2008
GO TO http://www.nalacampus.com FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS
SEVERAL INTERESTING TOPICS INCLUDED WITH SUBSTANTIVE SUBJECTS TOO!
FOR RECENT NEWS ON OUR PROFESSION FROM NALA
GO TO http://www.nala.org/News.htm

5. The Tennessee Paralegal Association History: Officers and Directors 1981 – 1990
In celebration of our 25+ years and as a tribute to our founding members, we printed the “First Five Years” in our
2006 Spring Issue. It was the first portion of our history prepared by founding member, Lawassa Jones. Then in
our 2006 Fall Issue the “Commentary” for the next five years (1986 – 1990) was printed; followed by “Chapter
Activities (1981 – 1990)” in our 2006 Winter Issue. The Spring/Summer Issue of 2007 included the “Education
(1981 – 1984)” section Lawassa wrote, followed by the Fall 2007 Issue including the “Education (1985 – 1990)”
section. Our history with NALA shared by Lawassa was printed in our Winter 2007 Issue. Below in the last
section Lawassa recognized the Offices and Directors who served and contributed their leadership and time our
association and our profession.
We lost Lawassa to cancer in 1995, but the history she prepared through 1990 will be with us forever. Historian
and co-founding member, Susan Westmoreland, has been updating Lawassa’s work to bring us through to 2005
and we will print her updates in future issues.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OFFICERS OF TPA
1981
President Lawassa B. Jones, CLA
Vice President Patrice I. Davis
Secretary Linda Rossmaier
Treasurer Susan Westmoreland
Parliamentarian Jeanie Farmer
Historian Evelyn W. Caylor
NALA Liaison Connie E. Hixson
1982
President Lawassa B. Jones, CLA
President Elect Linda Rossmaier
First Vice President Evelyn W. Caylor
Second Vice President Doris N. Peak
Secretary Elizabeth E. Garland
Treasurer Susan Westmoreland
Parliamentarian Cynthia C. Moore
NALA Liaison Connie E. Hixson
1983
President Linda Rossmaier
President Elect Evelyn W. Caylor
First Vice President Sherry Chew
Second Vice President Betty T. Morris
Secretary Patricia J. Hennessee
Treasurer Jane A. Dibb
Parliamentarian Doris N. Peak
NALA Liaison Mary B. Cooper*
Lawassa B. Jones, CLS
*Mary Cooper resigned in March and Lawassa Jones was
elected to the position at the spring seminar.
1984
President Evelyn W. Caylor
President Elect Collette R. Jones
First Vice President Kay H. McPeake
Second Vice President Beth Dalton
Secretary Betty T. Morris, CLA
Treasurer Jane A. Dibb
Parliamentarian Harold (Bud) Rohen
NALA Liaison Carol D. Carer
1985
President Collette R. Jones*
Doris N. Peak
President Elect Bettie Taylor Puckett**
First Vice President Doris N. Peak
Second Vice President Carol D. Carter
Secretary Kay H. McPeake
Treasurer Ann S. Burns
Parliamentarian Deborah Sibbald Williamson
NALA Liaison Evelyn W. Caylor
*Collette Jones resigned in August to attend law school.
Under the provisions of the Rules of Procedure, Doris Peak,
the First Vice President, assumed her duties.
**Bettie Taylor Puckett resigned in June because of personal
obligations. The position remained vacant until annual
elections.
1986
President Kay H. McPeake
President Elect Doris N. Peak
First Vice President Elizabeth C. Green
Second Vice President Barbara C. Graves
Secretary Brenda Hundley Gibson
Treasurer Ann S. Burns
Parliamentarian Mary Goodman
NALA Liaison Lana H. Hamilton, CLA

6. 1987
President Doris N. Peak
President Elect Brenda Hundley Gibson
First Vice President Phyllis A. Carter
Second Vice President Susan Westmoreland, CEBS
Secretary Merle H. Koontz
Treasurer Deborah Sibbald-Williamson
Parliamentarian Elizabeth Green Mays
NALA Liaison Lana H. Hamilton, CLA
1988
President Brenda Hundley Gibson, CLA
President Elect Lana H. Hamilton, CLA
First Vice President Hal Richard Fewell
Second Vice President Susan Westmoreland, CEBS
Secretary Phyllis A. Carter
Treasurer Deborah Sibbald-Williamson
Parliamentarian Kay H. McPeake
NALA Liaison Merle H. Koontz
1989
President Lana H. Hamilton, CLA
President Elect Ann S. Burns, CLA
First Vice President Merle H. Koontz
Second Vice President Barbara D. Lee, CLA
Secretary Sherry S. Sorkness
Treasurer Phyllis A. Carter
Parliamentarian Mary C. Gibson, CLA
NALA Liaison Susan Westmoreland, CEBS
1990
President Ann S. Burns, CLA
First Vice President Susan Westmoreland, CEBS
Second Vice President Debbie Byers Devine
Secretary Kelly A. Batts*
Martha S. Wedgeworth, CLA
Treasurer Phyllis A. Carter
Parliamentarian Brenda Hundley Gibson, CLA
NALA Liaison Barbara Lee Masseey, CLA
*Kelly Batts resigned as secretary and Martha Wedgeworth was
elected to the position at the May 12 Board meeting.
DIRECTORS OF TPA
East Tennessee Region
Harold Rohen 1981
Gloria Knox 1981 – 82
Connie E. Hixson 1981 – 83
Susan Westmoreland, CEBS 1983 – 86
Lawassa B. Jones, CLA 1987 – 90
Middle Tennessee Region
Betty Redmond 1982
Mary B. Cooper 1982 – 83
Melinda Cole 1985 – 86
Peggy Pack 1987 – 88
Tammy S. Sutterfield 1989 – 90
West Tennessee Region
Bettie Taylor Puckett 1983 – 85
Ann S. Burns, CLA 1986 – 88
Judith A. Warren, CLA 1989 – 90
Student Director
Mary Gibson 1986
Sandra H. Hughes 1987
Tammie N. Dickson 1988
*Student Directors have been discontinued because
of so few student members.
CHAPTER CHAIRMEN 1984 – 1990
Knoxville
Suzanne J. Cathey 1987 – 88
Judy Eichorn 1989 – 90
Memphis
Barbara D. Lee, CLA 1988 – 89
Cynthia J. Ware 1990
Southeast
Collette R. Jones 1984
Carol D. Carter 1985
Merle H. Koontz 1986
Diane Rabun 1987 – 88
Caleeta Beagles 1989 – 90
Tri-Cities
Anita R. Greer, CLA 1987 – 88
Penny M. Salyer 1988 – 89
Jill Cookenour 1989 – 90
West Tennessee
Brenda Hundley Gibson, CLA 1986 – 87
Ann S. Burns, CLA 1987 -88
Hal Richard Fewell 1989 – 90

7. CHAPTER INFORMATION & NEWS
East Tennessee Chapter
Our monthly meetings are held the 3rd
Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. and alternate between
Knoxville and Oak Ridge. Please contact Penny Wilson at pwilson@bvblaw.com or Nita Gorman at
ngorman@enviroattorney.com for information regarding the meeting location and CLE topic.
Officers:
Nita Gorman, Chapter Chair, ngorman@enviroattorney.com
Penny Wilson, Vice Chairperson, pwilson@bvblaw.com
Pamela Leckey, Secretary
Tracey Williams, Treasurer, TWilliams@msw-law.com
Dawn L. Holt, Newsletter Editor, dholt@colemanedwardspc.com
West Tennessee Chapter
The West TN Chapter of the Tennessee Paralegal Association met on April 8, 2008, to make final plans for
our part in helping with the Madison County Bar Association's Law Day Celebration scheduled April 25th.
Our chapter has been responsible for table decorations and name tags, as well as presentation of the Ernie
Gray Paralegal Utilization Award. The recipient of this year's award was presented to Ms. Jane Jarvis,
Attorney with West Tennessee Legal Services. Ms. Jarvis' nomination was submitted by LaFran Plunk, who
was also recognized.
On June 10th, our Chapter met at the Old Hickory Steakhouse in Jackson, and was joined by a new
paralegal to the area, Susan Banks. Discussion included the possibility of revamping our questions for the
Ernie Gray Paralegal Utilization Award and having a "town hall" type local seminar in September
highlighting the latest changes in the exemption laws in the state of Tennessee. Our next meeting is
scheduled for August 12th at the Red Lobster in Jackson.
Officers:
Jennifer Petty, Chapter Chair, jlhp@bellsouth.net
Amy Cummings, Vice President, acummings@hillboren.com
Courtney Snydor, Secretary, court3275@bellsouth.net
Barbara Salinas, Treasurer, bsalinas@pictsweet.com
Southeast Tennessee Chapter
Our monthly Learn at Lunch meetings are held the 3rd
Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the United
Way Building of down town Chattanooga. Our speakers provide information on timely topics in the legal field
and CLE credit is provided through NALA.
Officers:
Melissa Gerber Ledbetter, Chapter Chair, mledbetter@chattanooga-law.com
Melinda Killian, Secretary, Melinda@tombiblelaw.com
Lynn Hager, Treasurer, hager@chattanoogainjurylaw.com
Heather Pierce, Program Chairperson, hpierce@chattanooga-law.com
We had the pleasure of hosting the Spring Seminar on April 18 & 19th
at the Hilton Garden Inn
(Chattanooga) with the theme “Surviving the Legal Jungle – Think Prepare Achieve.” Our great lineup of
speakers for this seminar was the Honorable Jerry Smith on “Criminal Appellate Procedure,” David F. Ross,
PhD on “Jury Selection,” Michael Galligan, Esq. on “Civil Rights & Employment Law,” James Henderson,
Esq. on “How the Mall Works,” Thomas Ray, Esq. on “Bankruptcy Practice,” John Barber, CEO of Records
Acquisition Services, Inc. on “Records Discovery Made Simple,” and Kimberly S. Graves, CLA on “Time
Management for the Busy Paralegal." We extend our appreciation to each speaker, as they contributed to
the exceptional outcome of our Spring Seminar. Thank You Very Much!

8. LAWASSA B. JONES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP COMING UP AT FALL SEMINAR!
The Tennessee Paralegal Association (TPA) will announce its annual Lawassa B. Jones Memorial
Scholarship recipient at their Annual Meeting in November. The Lawassa B. Jones Memorial Scholarship is
a $750 scholarship that is awarded annually to a student pursuing a degree in paralegal/legal assistant
studies. All current paralegal/legal assistant students are eligible and are encouraged to apply. Many of our
scholarship applicants have gone on to become successful paralegals!!
The criteria that the TPA Board members review in awarding the scholarship include financial need,
scholastic ability, leadership and extracurricular activities. The application along with a letter of personal
recommendation; a letter of scholastic recommendation (including an official copy of the student’s
transcript); and a short statement explaining the student’s reasons for applying for the scholarship and why
he/she chose to become a paralegal must be sent to the TPA Scholarship Committee Chairperson at the
address listed on the application by October 1st
of each year. Please do not send your completed
application to the TPA Post Office Box as that could delay the processing of the application.
After the winner of the scholarship is announced by the Board, the recipient is immediately notified by mail
and a check in the amount of $750.00 is forwarded to the recipient’s school to be credited to the recipient’s
account for future use for tuition, books and any other school related items and expenses.
For further information concerning the Lawassa B. Jones Memorial Scholarship, please contact:
Caleeta Beagles at Caleeta_Beagles@BCBST.com
Or go to our website @ tnparalegal.org/scholarship.html and download an application.
2008 TPA Officers and Board Members
(Contact the officers/board members via our website: www.tnparalegal.org)
President: Tracey A. Williams, CBA, Mostoller, Stulberg & Whitfield, Oak Ridge
First Vice President: Tammy R. Bradford, Hill Boren PC, Jackson
Second Vice President: Louise C. Mulderink, CP, Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP, Chattanooga
NALA Liaison: Laysha M. McCullaugh, Fleissner, Davis and Johnson, Chattanooga
Secretary: Melissa Gerber Ledbetter, Horton, Maddox & Anderson, Chattanooga
Treasurer: Phyllis A. Carter, CTFA, SunTrust Bank (Retired), Chattanooga
East Region Director: Alisa C. Pruett, Powell, Tennessee
West Region Director: LaFran Plunk, West Tennessee Legal Services, Jackson
East TN Chapter Chair: Nita Gorman, Gary A. Davis and Associates, North Carolina
S.E. TN Chapter Chair: Melissa Ledbetter, Horton, Maddox & Anderson, Chattanooga
West TN Chapter Chair: Jennifer Petty, Trenton
Historian: Susan Westmoreland, CEBS, Horton, Maddox & Anderson, Chattanooga
Publication Chairs: Laysha M. McCullaugh, Fleissner, Davis and Johnson, Chattanooga &
Susan E. Veal, Miller & Martin PLLC, Chattanooga

9. Publications Chair Message
Do you appreciate all the benefits TPA offers you as a member? The benefits of networking, continuing legal
education and leadership opportunities can be found in almost any paralegal association, but TPA offers more. As I
become more active in our association, I discover our benefits include more than these basic advantages.
Membership in TPA provides several personal and professional rewards. Among them are:
• opportunities to sharpen skills or learn new skills at Spring and Fall Seminars and chapter meetings
• the ability to form bonds and share goals with fellow professionals at seminars and local chapter meetings
• opportunities to share knowledge with students in local paralegal programs (and simultaneously renew your
enthusiasm for your chosen profession)
• access to a statewide job bank and a network of fellow members across the state (a great way to find a good
court reporter or process server on the other side of the state)
• opportunities to participate as a group in civic events or fundraisers sponsored by our local chapters
• the latest information on developments in the profession, both locally and nationally
• recognition from your employer that you are committed to your profession, and most importantly,
• lasting friendships.
Our network is multi-tiered as our membership spans the state of Tennessee, with Chapters in the West, Southeast and
East regions. In addition, we have growing interest expressed by paralegals in the Middle Tennessee and Northeast
Tennessee regions to be a part of our association. Furthermore, as an affiliate of NALA, we benefit at a national level
by having those networking opportunities too.
Our professional continuing education requirements are easily accessible through several avenues. Our local chapters
offer meetings that include presentations on substantive legal topics as well as pointers we all need, such as time
management tips. At the state level, we have Spring and Fall seminars that provide us with additional legal knowledge.
These sessions not only offer CLE credits, but provide an opportunity for active networking.
Our association has a multitude of volunteer and leadership opportunities. Depending on your preferences, you can
choose to participate at your local chapter level or on the state level. You can choose to be part of a committee, a board
member or a volunteer for a specific activity.
You are TPA’s greatest asset. Your input guides our association in its goals to provide opportunities and benefits to
each member. Your participation, no matter how small, is extremely important. Your thoughts, opinions, advice, ideas
and positive criticism are welcomed by TPA’s board members and necessary in achieving its objectives. Without your
voice, our leadership cannot meet your goals.
TPA’s greatest strength is its people. We have dedicated members in each region of the state who support our goals
through leadership and participation. As a member, you share the benefit of being part of our great network. Your
participation, whether it be a leadership role on the board, as a volunteer on a committee, attendance at local or state
educational seminars and meetings, or through suggestions or feedback, is what makes this organization stronger.
Time is a valuable asset that each of us manage in our professional and personal lives. Your time invested in our
association is priceless. It leads us toward a common goal and establishes professional and personal friendships. These
friendships are irreplaceable.
We all face time constraints with our professional and personal lives. Take a challenge that will benefit you. Give
yourself a boost to lighten your soul from the daily hectic schedule you manage. Create a small amount of time each
week or month that allows you to actively participate in TPA. Even if it is a few minutes to check into the activities of
your local chapter or touch base with one of the officers, it will add a new perspective to your daily activities and keep
you on the road to professional excellence. I hope you share and discover additional benefits by being part of our
association now and in the future.
- Laysha M. McCullaugh

10. Remember the Sustaining Members That
Support Us!!!!!
Tracy Imaging Roane State Community College National Networks Reporting, Co.
http://www.tracyimaging.com http://www.rscc.cc.tn.us/ http://www.nnrc.com/
Gibson Court Reporting The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga London & Amburn, P.C.
http://gibsonreporters.com/ http://www.utc.edu/ http://www.latlaw.com/
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville Miller & Martin, PLLC Records Acquisition Services,
Inc.
http://www.outreach.utk.edu/ http://www.millermartin.com/
https://www.rastn.com/
University of Tennessee also offers this site for paralegals: www.utparalegal.com or call: (865)974-0150
Truesdel & Rusk Registered Professional Reporters Precise Reporting, Inc.
http://www.truesdelrusk.com/ http://precisereporting.net/
The Norcross Group
http://www.norcrossgroup.com/

11. FALL SEMINAR & ANNUAL MEETING
HILTON SUITES BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE
NOVEMBER 7 & 8, 2008
SPEAKERS AND TOPICS
Matt Massarelli, Esq. – Legal Transaction Documents
Kathy Ferrell RN, BS, CLNC – Legal Nurse Consulting
Gail Ashworth, Esq. – Personal Injury
Lisa Collins, Esq. – Adoption
Marietta Shipley, Esq. – Mediation
ANNOUNCEMENT AND REMINDER!
Membership Contest:
Recruit – Recruit – Recruit
As an incentive to recruit new members, we have our annual Membership Contest. Each time your
name appears on the referral line on an application received for a new member, your name will be
put in the hat for a drawing at our Annual Meeting. First, second and third place prizes will be
awarded. Watch future issues of The Paralegal Advocate for announcements on the prizes to be
awarded.

12. Message From
The Paralegal Advocate Team
We would appreciate your contribution to
The Paralegal Advocate by submitting
articles of interest to you to be published.
Please note the deadlines for each issue
and feel free to provide any information
you would like published prior to the
deadline.
If you would like to have articles published
on specific topics in the Advocate, please
contact us.
- The Paralegal Advocate Team
THE PARALEGAL ADVOCATE
is published quarterly by the Tennessee
Paralegal Association, an affiliate of the
National Association of Legal Assistants,
Inc. Articles and other information for the
newsletter should be sent to the Advocate
Team at the below address. Please title
subject heading “For TPA Advocate:
Tennessee Paralegal Association
Attention: Advocate Team
Post Office Box 21723
Chattanooga, TN 37424
or lmccullaugh@comcast.net
DEADLINES FOR UPCOMING ISSUES:
FALL: SEPTEMBER 30, 2008
WINTER: DECEMBER 31, 2008
SPRING: MARCH 31, 2009
SUMMER: JUNE 30, 2009