74248-Jan-Mar 2011NL

Mission Statement of
PANH
To promote and
define the paralegal
profession within the
legal community
and general public
through leadership,
education, and
networking.
January - March 2011 Paralegal Association of New Hampshire www.panh.org
The New Hampshire Paralegals Go To Source
Stay Active
President’s Message
This Edition
A Lifetime
As A Paralegal . . . . . . . 2
Proclamation . . . . . . . 3
7 Ways for Paralegals to
Become Indespensable to
Employers . . . . . . . . 3-4
The Importance of Being a
Member of PANH . . . . 5
We are well into the winter season and the New Year. As many of you
already know, 2011 marks the last year of my service as Chairman of the
Board of Directors and President of the Paralegal Association of New
Hampshire (PANH).
To start the New Year, I would like to thank you all for the support and
encouragement given to me. I am especially proud of PANH’s Board
of Directors, who are willing to step up to assist me in fulfilling our
Association’s mission: Catherine Allard, Vice President & Treasurer;
Deborah Jensen, Secretary; Meghan Brady and Stacey Peters, Directors at
Large. Also, I would like to thank our Committee Chairs Jennifer Emery
and Mary Lee Valenti. Their tireless efforts made our Association a better
organization and the place to be. On this note, I would like to welcome
Lori Routhier and Stephanie Edwards, paralegals at the McLane law firm,
and Karin Feltus, paralegal student at Nashua Community College.
Recently, my second grader completed a science project about animals
in winter. Some animals survive winter by migrating to warmer climates,
some hibernate, some are winter sleepers, and finally, some stay active
during the winter season.
What do you do?
Please join us at one of our Board meetings scheduled for the first
Thursday of each month, and “stay active” by getting involved in your
legal community and your state paralegal association.
Have you considered your New Year’s resolutions yet?
Anikó Bouley, ACP
President, PANH

2 Paralegal Association of New Hampshire January - March 2011
By Mary Lee Valenti
On January 27th I had the pleasure of
interviewing Lee Durgin over the tele-
phone. She began working for a newspa-
per and then an insurance company prior
to obtaining the position of Paralegal at
Cleveland Waters & Bass in 1967. She
started her career in the area of Real Es-
tate and Corporate Law before specializ-
ing in Estate and Trusts Administration.
Lee taught Paralegal Studies, Probate
Estates and Trusts classes at NHTI for
five to six years, as well as presented
lectures on Federal Estate Tax Returns at
Rivier College. A majority of her profes-
sionalism stemmed from hands-on expe-
rience and asking questions to the Attor-
neys who recognized that the more she
was able to do within the firm, the more
of an asset she becomes. At a surprised
luncheon in her honor, Lee Durgin was
presented with the Paralegal of the Year
Award by the Merrimack County Pro-
bate Court in November 2010.
Lee mentioned the reason she became
a member of the Paralegal Association
was that it offered a wonderful opportu-
nity to connect with others in the profes-
sion. She stated, “When we have people
we can reach out and ask general ques-
tions to, others who have experienced
similar situations or can make recom-
mendations it makes our jobs easier. The
Association offers more than individual
recognition for paralegals it gives more
of a standing with the public and attor-
neys. It is an easy way to bring together
Paralegals from all areas of law within
the State and the Country.”
It can be said easily that Lee keeps
herself extremely busy. Not only is she a
paralegal, mother of three, and a PANH
member, she is the only paralegal on the
Probate Forms Committee at this time.
The committee meets every two to three
months to review and revise probate
forms. “There are a lot more forms now
than there were in previous years and
they are much more detailed.” said Lee.
She works often with the Merrimack
County Probate Court and spoke very
highly of all the staff.
Since I am currently a paralegal stud-
ies student, I asked her what she consid-
ers are important qualities of success in
the field represented. “Dedication, con-
fidentiality, and not giving legal advice
are the first most important.” said Lee.
She expressed, having the ability to work
with individuals such as legal secretar-
ies and attorneys are also imperative.
Within the area of Probate and Trusts
she expressed it was necessary to inter-
act sensitively with families at difficult
times since they are still mourning; keep
the clients informed to what work has
been done and return their calls prompt-
ly. She went on to say that it is great that
people both young and old are interested
in this profession since using a paralegal
is very valuable, and we are most cost ef-
fective for clients in this economic state.
The profession is never dull, but can be
stressful regardless of what area is ones
expertise.
As I read my notes over, and over
again, trying to write this article while
spending the day pondering on the con-
versation I had with the most experienced
paralegal I could ever meet, it is very
inspiring to envision a career as a para-
legal. It is my opinion that Lee is proof
that drive, determination and experience
are well recognized in this profession.
Out of the several aspects I learned by
talking with her, most of which I shared
in this article, there is one point I cannot
share. The only way for you, the reader,
to learn this is by having an opportunity
to speak with someone like Lee who has
a lifetime of experience in the paralegal
profession or living it as she has for 44
years as of January 30, 2011. Congratu-
lations and thank you again Lee for your
time and wisdom.
Mary Lee Valenti is the Editor of The
Annotator, the quarterly newsletter of
the Paralegal Association of New Hamp-
shire, and serves as Annual Meeting
Committee Co-Chair. Ms. Valenti is a
paralegal student at Nashua Community
College.
A Lifetime As A Paralegal
Got News?
It’s easy to contribute to your
Paralegal Association. Send us
newsworthy information about
you, your area of specialty, or your
personal or professional
achievements to
“The Annotator”
c/o mvalenti503@hotmail.com
We’d love to hear from you!
What’s to Come
At this time the Association is in the beginning stages of plan-
ning a Spring CLE with a focus on Ethics for April. If your firm or
company would like to be a sponsor, speaker or assist us in any
way please contact Catherine Allard callard@sulloway.com

January - March 2011 Paralegal Association of New Hampshire 3
By Seth Davis, ServeNow.com
The paralegal profession is bucking the roller-coaster trend
of the rest of the labor market and heading sharply upward.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employ-
ment of paralegals and legal assistants will grow 28 percent
between 2008 and 2018. The good news for paralegals is that
the profession is booming. The less-obvious downside is that
more people joining the paralegal ranks means more competi-
tion for open jobs.
If you’re a paralegal, now is the time to bring out your com-
petitive side; you need to separate yourself from the pack and
make yourself indispensable to employers. We have gathered
a list of ways that you can increase your value as a paralegal,
with some great advice from former National Federation of
Paralegal Associations President, Georgette Lovelace, RP.
1. Take Your Education Higher
College degrees have become more important than ever be-
fore in employers’ eyes. Paralegals once were able to jump
right into jobs without having associate’s degrees or bachelor’s
degrees, but modern employers have begun to ask that parale-
gals furnish a degree as a prerequisite of employment.
“When I became a paralegal, I went to school to earn a
bachelor’s degree and that was 30 years ago,” Lovelace said.
“At the time the paralegal profession was new and not many
people went to school for legal studies. Nowadays it’s almost
required.”
Lovelace explained that there aren’t many places in the
country where paralegals can get by without higher education,
and that some states are creating regulations that require it.
“We’re approaching the time when employers won’t hire a
paralegal without formal education,” she said.
2. Don’t Rest on Your Laurels After Earning Your Degree
Employers like to see that paralegals are on a constant quest
for self-improvement through learning. Paralegals have access
to many continuing education courses and can work toward
various voluntary certifications, and pursuing these options
can be the extra step that boosts your resume above another.
When discussing voluntary certifications, Lovelace said, “I
think it’s important because individually it gives you a sense of
accomplishment. And employers in some areas are starting to
require it and list it as a preferred component. It demonstrates
the importance of paralegals in the industry, demonstrates pro-
fessional and personal growth, and demonstrates commitment
to your chosen profession.”
Voluntary certifications can take the form of NFPA’s PACE
program that leads to the status of Registered Paralegal, Na-
tional Association of Legal Assistants’ certification program
that leads to Certified Legal Assistant/Certified Paralegal sta-
tus, and National Association of Legal Secretaries’ three levels
of certification. Many or all of these programs require para-
legals and legal assistants to maintain certification by taking
continuing education courses.
If you’re new to the paralegal industry, Lovelace shared that
NFPA is developing an entry-level exam for paralegals called
the Paralegal CORE Competency (PCC) Exam. CORE stands
for Competent, Organized, Responsible and Ethical, four ele-
ments that NFPA has identified as essential qualities of a good
paralegal.
3. Become a Well-Rounded Paralegal
The Bureau of Labor Statistics asserts in its 2010-11 Oc-
cupational Outlook Handbook that, “Employers are trying to
reduce costs and increase the availability and efficiency of le-
gal services by hiring paralegals to perform tasks once done by
lawyers. Paralegals are performing a wider variety of duties,
The Proclamation
Governor John Lynch presented the
Proclamation commemorating Paralegal
Week to Anikó Bouley, President and
Chairman of the Paralegal Association
of New Hampshire (PANH). Ms. Bouley
works as anAdvanced Certified Paralegal
in the corporate department of McLane,
Graf, Raulerson & Middleton, Profes-
sional Association.
In 2010, PANH celebrated Paralegal
Week with its 27th Annual Meeting. The
keynote address was delivered by Retired
Chief Justice John Broderick, Jr. Among
7 Ways for Paralegals to Become Indispensable to Employers
7 Ways for Paralegals to Become Indispensable
to Employers — Continued on page 4
the speakers were Dr. Thomas Andrew,
Chief Medical Examiner for the State
of New Hampshire, Attorneys Adam
Hamel, Mark Wright, and Scott Rand of
the McLane law firm, and Attorney Sarah
Murdough of Sulloway & Hollis.
PANH takes pride not only in its gubernato-
rial proclamation, but also in fulfilling its mis-
sion: “To promote and define the paralegal
profession within the legal community and
general public through leadership, education,
and networking.” In 2011, the focus of PANH
will be to gain support for the regulation of
the paralegal profession.
PANH is one of the oldest paralegal associ-
ations in the nation. For more information, or
to become a sponsor or member, please visit
www.panh.org.

making them more useful to businesses.”
Because today’s paralegals are expected to possess compre-
hensive skill sets, the catch phrase of any paralegal when as-
signed a new task should be, “Yes, I can.” Through a mixture
of volunteering for new responsibilities at work and participat-
ing in continuing education, you can fill in any gaps in your ar-
ray of skills and become any employer’s dream staff member.
According to Lovelace, paralegals should be able to handle
any task that lawyers perform, with the exception of represent-
ing a client in court and giving legal advice.
“I think the role of most paralegals is to perform ‘substan-
tive’ legal work, which includes duties that are typically per-
formed by attorneys,” she said. “Substantive legal work con-
sists of responsibilities such as legal research, drafting legal
documents, interviewing clients and witnesses, analyzing and
summarizing documents in a legal matter, etc. Paralegals can’t
go to court or give legal advice, but they should be able to do
anything else if adequately trained.”
4. Save Time and Improve Processes
Whether it’s finding ways to reduce paperwork or streamlin-
ing the phone system in the office, you can impress employers
by implementing changes that produce noticeable improve-
ments. Lovelace used ServeNow.com - an online trusted net-
work of local, pre-screened process servers - as an example of
something that frees up time for other important duties.
“Learning how to do anything including services available
on the Internet such as ServeNow.com helps to get things done
much more quickly. If you’re looking for a process server in
another state, you can get on the Internet and plug in informa-
tion and find a process server in minutes instead of making six
phone calls. Employers are always looking at the bottom line,
and with this you’re saving them time and money,” Lovelace
said.
5. Decide Whether to Specialize or Generalize
The Bureau of Labor Statistics also mentions that many
paralegals are beginning to specialize in niche practice areas
such as real estate, bankruptcy, medical malpractice and prod-
uct liability because they are growing quickly. This strategy
can lead to increased employment opportunities, so you may
want to research the benefits of becoming specialized, but
Lovelace cautions that specializing in one area can limit you
professionally.
“I think specializing in certain areas is fairly common now. It
gives an applicant an advantage over a paralegal who only has
minimal experience in the same area,” she said. “On the other
hand, I think it’s important to have diverse experience. It can
limit you if you’re too specialized.”
Lovelace said she made it a point to gain experience in sev-
eral different practice areas so if she was applying for a real es-
tate position, she could emphasize to the prospective employer
her relevant experience in that sector.
“I would encourage paralegals to become more generally ex-
perienced because it can help you find the practice you’d like
to spend the next five to 10 years in,” she said.
6. Become the Office’s Technology Guru
Staying on top of new software programs and learning to use
them will elevate you quickly in employers’ eyes. Lovelace
shared that she took the initiative to learn Adobe Pro and soon
became the go-to person in her litigation department whenever
someone needed to manipulate PDF files. Many software com-
panies also allow you to download free trial versions of their
products and participate in their educational tutorials or free
webinars.
If you’re looking to bring your firm up to speed with the
latest programs and technology, consider technology such as:
• ServeManager - Web-based application that enables you to
assign, track and manage your service of process all in one
place.
• Google Docs - A free web-based word processing tool that
enables people to collaborate on documents, spreadsheets,
presentations and more.
• Online hourly billing software - You can use these secure,
web-based programs for invoicing, time tracking and billing.
• Imaging software - Paralegals can use this software to scan
images into databases.
Becoming proficient in the latest technology is wise because
as Lovelace points out, “Attorneys are far more interested in
law than learning mechanics and making something work on
the computer.”
7. Maintain a Smoothly Running Schedule
“Setting deadlines for yourself and tracking deadlines for
your boss is essential, not only because missing a deadline
could result in a malpractice suit, but also because it helps
everybody stay on task. You become very valuable to your
employer when you can keep track of all those deadlines,”
Lovelace said.
Some of your free and paid options for tracking deadlines
include Google Calendar, ScheduFlow Online and VueMind-
er Calendar Lite. Lovelace uses her Outlook calendar as her
scheduling system, but you can explore other programs and
methods to figure out which is most effective for you and your
employer.
Conclusion
You can position yourself to ride the wave of increased em-
ployment opportunities in the paralegal profession all the way
to the top. Use the above tips to get you started and always be
looking for new ways to increase and showcase your value to
current and potential employers. And remember: The end goal
is to be able to say, “Yes, I can!”
Seth Davis is the content manager for ServeNow.com, which
is a trusted network of local, pre-screened process servers.
Visit www.ServeNow.com for more information.
7 Ways for Paralegals to Become Indispensable
to Employers — Continued from page 3

January - March 2011 Paralegal Association of New Hampshire 5
By Chris Heffernan
Making connections is an important aspect of paralegal stud-
ies. From the connections we make from the facts of a case to
the laws that are being applied, to the connections from case
to case throughout history which help us navigate through the
present day situations we work on, connections permeate the
entire paralegal profession. With that said, it’s clear why being
a student member of the Paralegal Association of New Hamp-
shire (PANH) is so important. The connections we students
make both from the organization itself as well as the informa-
tion that we are connected with through the organization is
invaluable to our future careers in the field of legal assistance.
PANH has been extremely generous in extending its benefits
to students pursuing a career in the field of law, as all of us
have been graciously awarded the opportunity to see firsthand
the ins-and-outs of the profession we anticipate to be part of
in the future. From the monthly meetings, to the newsletter,
and annual meetings, every ounce of the information is ab-
sorbed, just like the constant barrage of laws and statutes we
learn as part of our Paralegal Studies at Nashua Community
College. This profession is based on gathering and applying
information therefore, to be a PANH student member it grants
us the privilege to access even more information about the
profession itself. Also, it provides us opportunities to see how
working paralegals apply all this knowledge in practice, while
being part of an extraordinary association.
Student members are very lucky to have this organization
taking a genuine interest in those of us, who will one day be
working in the field. It shows the association’s dedication to
future paralegals, while allowing us students to show our dedi-
cation to the profession. We are here, because we are passion-
ate about the study of law and are enthusiastic about learning
as much as we can. PANH’s support not only gives us more
motivation to work harder, but lets us know that once we are
out working in the field, we will have a support system in the
form of an organization that truly cares for its student mem-
bers as well as its voting members.
Chris Heffernan is a paralegal studies student at Nashua
Community College, member of the school’s Paralegal Club,
and he is a student member of PANH. Chris is interested in
working in Criminal Law after graduating in 2012
The Importance of Being a Member of PANH
from a Students Perspective
The Paralegal Association of New Hampshire is dedicated to providing its members with valuable member benefits from popular
legal products and service providers. We are pleased to partner with Lorman Education Services to offer these continuing legal
education seminars and materials at a substantial discount.
Members receive a 25% discount on all orders. You may register online or call Lorman at 866-352-9539.
Please use Priority Code 16003 and Discount Code D3103196 when registering.
Here is a list of upcoming courses:
Teleconferences: Ethical Considerations in
Utilizing Social Media—March 4, 2011
Essential Discovery Skills
for Paralegals—March 8, 2011
Current Issues in Real Estate Title
and Title Insurance—March 10, 2011
Ethics for Paralegals— March 15, 2011
Essential Discovery Skills
for Paralegals—March 23, 2011
Top 10 Drafting Issues in LPs
and LLCs for Land Owners
and Developers—March 24, 2011
IRS Form 941 Reporting
Update—April 6, 2011
UCC Article 9 Update–April 11, 2011
Covenants Not to Compete and Trade
Secrets—April 12, 2011
E-Discovery: Subpoenas and Non-Party
Production Issues—April 14, 2011
Legal Writing: Editing and Proofreading
Essentials—April 19, 2011
Pro Bono Practice: Ethical and Loss
Prevention Concerns—April 20, 2011
Intentionally Defective
Grantor Trusts—April 20, 2011
Is the Price Really Right? A Look at Unit
Price Contracts—April 27, 2011
Legal Writing: Editing and Proofreading
Essentials—April 27, 2011
UCC Article 9 Update—April 27, 2011
Covenants Not to Compete
and Trade Secrets—April 28, 2011
Identity Theft: Data Security
for Employers—April 29, 2011
Construction Industry Under Fire: Avoiding
Civil and Criminal Penalties for Worker
Misclassifications—April 29, 2011
Please visit http://www.lorman.com/training/panh for a complete listing of courses.
Register online or call Lorman at 866-352-9539.

AnikÓ Bouley, ACP
President, Bar Liaison,
Regulations, and Web Site
McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton,
Professional Association
aniko.bouley@mclane.com
Catherine Allard
Director, Vice President, Treasurer,
NFPA Liaison, Fundraising, Publicity
& Sponsorship Committee Chair
Sulloway & Hollis, P.L.L.C.
callard@sulloway.com
Deborah Jensen, CP
Director, Secretary, Communications,
Annual Meeting, Bar Liaison, and
Regulations Committee Chair
deborah.jensen@mclane.com
Meghan Brady, CP
Director at Large, Bylaws, and NALA Liaison
St. Joseph Community Services Inc.
meghan.a.brady@gmail.com
Stacey Peters
Director at Large, Communications,
Continuing Legal Education & Scholarship,
and Job Board Committee Chair
Paralegal Studies Department Head at NHTI,
New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission
speters@ccsnh.edu
Lori Routhier, CP
Membership & Salary Survey Committee Chair
lori.routhier@mclane.com
Jennifer Emery
Co-Chair of Membership & Salary Survey
Committee Nelson, Kinder, Mosseau & Satur-
ley, P.C.
emeryjen@yahoo.com
Stephanie Edwards, RP
Co-Chair of Continuing Legal Education
& Scholarship Committee
stephanie.edwards@mclane.com
Mary Lee Valenti
Editor of The Annotator, and Co-Chair
of Annual Meeting Committee
Nashua Community College Paralegal Club
Member and Full-time Student
mvalenti503@hotmail.com
Karin Feltus
Co-Chair of Fundraising, Publicity
& Sponsorship Committee
Nashua Community College Paralegal Club
Member and Full-time Student
kfeltus844@students.ccsnh.edu
2010—2011
PANH Board of Directors
By Meghan Brady
Applications for the May Certified Paralegal Exam are due April 1, 2011
April 1 is the deadline date for applications for the Certified Paralegal
examination, May 2011 testing! Application forms may be found o
n the NALA web site, http://www.nala.org/examinee.aspx.
New APC Course is ALMOST Ready!
Another new course from the Advanced Paralegal Certification Board is
nearing completion. Criminal Litigation is in its final production stages
and should be available within the next 30 days. This new course covers
constitutional rights, offenses and defenses, proceedings, trial, post conviction
proceedings, appeals, juveniles, and technology. Watch the NALA web site
for more details!
Important Change to NALA Login Information.
Members, who have edited their user names and passwords in the past,
take note! Previously, NALA allowed members to change user names and
passwords but this will not continue. Members should keep their NALA user
name and member number as the login information for the NALA Net login.
If you do not know your login, contact NALA Headquarters, or e-mail
nalanet@nala.org for this information.
Meghan Brady, CP of Nashua is the Director at Large for PANH, serves as the
Association’s Bylaws and NALA Liaison. She a nationally Certified Paralegal
and is President of St. Joseph Community Services Inc.
NALA News Notes:
By Catherine Allard
As you all may be aware, a new Board of Directors was
nominated at NFPA’s Annual Convention that took place
October 7-10, 2010 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. I am very
pleased to introduce Beth Bialis as our new NFPA Regional
Director. Beth is currently employed as a paralegal and as
the paralegal coordination for the litigation practice group, at
Hodgson Russ, LLP in Buffalo, New York. She has been a
paralegal for 15 years specializing in Bankruptcy and Busi-
ness Litigations and has several analytical skills that provide
We have a new NFPA Regional Director!
support for both hearings and trials.
Beth has been a member of the Western New York Paralegal Association since
1996. She has held several positions on the Board, including liaison to the Bar As-
sociation of Erie County, Secondary Representative to the Empire Alliance of Para-
legal Association. Most recently she holds the position of Vice President, Director
of Programming and NFPA Primary.
I had the pleasure of meeting Beth at the Regional Meeting this past April in Clif-
ton Park, New York and again at the Annual Convention. I look forward to working
with her this coming year.
Catherine D. Allard is Vice President, Director, and Treasurer of PANH, and serves
as NFPA Liaison. Cathy works as a Paralegal at Sulloway & Hollis, P.L.L.C. in
Concord
Beth Bialis

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