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spring 2003 vol. 8 no. 4
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President’s Message
Rhonda J. Brashears, CLA

Striving for excellence

Excellent is defined as very good of its kind, and excellence is the quality of being excellent. Very early in our lives we learn what it means to strive for excellence. As a child we are told (and we tell our own children) that “a job worth doing is worth doing right.” When we start school we are encouraged by parents and grandparents to make the best grades we can and to behave properly. When involved in extracurricular events, clubs, or sports we quickly figure out that the harder we try the better accepted we were by our peers in those groups.

After high school we go in many different directions. Some of us go directly to work, others start a family, and still others are off to college. Do we get to take a deep breath and relax now? No! The work environment is once again a competitive world. Family life though enjoyable, requires a lot of hard work. If college was your choice, then you came to know that it was high school on a grander scheme. All three directions trigger our old teachings and learning experiences. Once again, to stay afloat you must to do the best job that you can possibly do. You strive for excellence.

I know that I am preaching to the choir. How do I know this? I know because if you are reading this article you are either a member of the Legal Assistants Division (“LAD”) or you are interested in this profession and possibly thinking about joining, which means that you strive for excellence in your chosen profession. It is with this in mind that I accepted the position I currently hold for the LAD. I knew that I would expect the LAD to continue to help you maintain a level of professionalism as a legal assistant.
LAD already provides you so many opportunities to do just that, with:

• Exceptional CLE events with scholarship opportunities;
• The TPJ;
• A wonderful website;
• Access to the Texas Bar Journal;
• Net-working;
• Online contact with other legal assistants statewide with the LAD e-group; and
• Recognition for serving your communities through the Exceptional Pro Bono Award and Pro Bono Partners Award.


However, the 2002/2003 Board of Directors determined that they had to try to expand the opportunities and worked hard toward this goal. The Board performed extensive research, communication, and just flat hard work to ensure that LAD will continue to help you reach your goals.


The LAD On-Line CLE Ad Hoc Committee’s research has found that on-line CLE can be obtained at a reasonable cost and implementation of this benefit will soon be realized. We think this will be a welcomed benefit by individuals in need of CLE at a reasonable cost without leaving their home or office.
The LAD Mandatory CLE Committee compiled the needed information to assist the Board of Directors in voting in a mandatory CLE requirement, which will be effective with membership renewals in May 2004. Please take the time to read the article entitled “The Beginning of a New Chapter In The Future Of LAD” on page 26, which will give detailed information regarding these exciting changes.


It is my personal opinion that these new enhancements will definitely assist you in continuing to do the best job you can possibly do in your chosen profession, to strive for excellence.
As always I encourage to you to contact me with any comments or suggestions that you may have.


Rhonda J. Brashears, President

Texas Paralegal Journal © Copyright 2003 by the Legal Assistants Division, State Bar of Texas.

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