President's Message
Kim J. Cantu , CLA
This is my final message as the 2004-2005 President, Paralegal Division, State Bar of Texas (PD).
It has been a great year, and I am closing with the final comparison of Division benefits to Dorothy
and her travels down the "Yellow Brick Road." As you will recall during the 2004-2005
year, I have compared the "scarecrow's need for a brain" to the Texas paralegal's need for
CLE; I have compared the "lion's need for courage" to PD's courage and commitment to
helping its members and the Texas paralegal. This article brings us to the "tin man's need for
a heart" as com-pared to the Division's care, concern and dedication to its members. The heart
of the Division is exhibited through its success during the 2004-2005 year. Here is a list of what
the Division has accomplished for its members during the year:
- Online CLE initiated in January 2005
- SBOT approved "paralegal" definition change April 2005; pending membership approval
- SBOT approved "paralegal" definition change April 2005; membership approved May 2005
- Unveiling of new website at txpd.org
- SBOT approved LAD's membership listing for publication in Texas Legal Directory
- TBLS approved listing of Board Certified Legal Assistants for publication in Texas Legal
Directory
- Initiation of LAD Ambassador Program -- a plan to keep our past presidents active and involved
- LAD went to London April 24-30, 2005; met with Court Justices; attended trial in Royal Inns of
Court; dined with barristers in Great Hall of Middle Temple; met with Lexis Nexis Butterworths'
representatives; attended solicitor-presented CLE on the comparison of the practice of law in
the UK vs. US; saw the Queen of England
- Texas House passed House Resolution No. 865 declaring October 23 Paralegal Day
- State Bar College amended its bylaws to permit PD representative to hold 3-year Board position
- PD's President-Elect, Ellen Lockwood, CLAS, RP, appointed to serve a 1-year term on Texas
Access to Justice Task Force
- PD Directors planned and hosted 30 statewide events of participatory CLE
- PD Newsletter now posted on PD website
- PD serving as statewide depository of CLE events offered in PD's 16 districts and
approximately 32 local Texas paralegal organizations
The Division leaders have been working very hard for the members during the 2004-2005 year. The
"heart" is the life organ of the body, just as the officers and directors are the
"heart" of the Paralegal Division. PD's leadership has enriched the lifeblood of all the
members through their incredible work during the 2004-2005 year which has enabled our organization
to sore with success. I would like to thank the Division's officers and directors for all their hard
work and dedication during my term in office, and for showing care and concern for the professional
needs of Division members.
It has been an honor to serve as the Division's 2004-2005 President. Thank you.
2005 Bylaws and Election Results
Bylaw Amendment #1 passes - relates to revision of Director term
Bylaw Amendment #2 passes - relates to named change of LAD to Paralegal Division, State Bar of Texas
Bylaw Amendment #3 passes - relates to a change in definition of "Ballot Date" to
"Ballot Notification Date"
Congratulations to following Directors who were elected in the odd-numbered districts:
District 1: Debbie Skolaski, CP
District 3: Debbie House, CLA
District 5: Patricia J. Giuliano
District 7: Page L. McCoy, PLS, CLA
District 11: Cecile Wiginton, CLA
District 13: Deborah Hathaway
District 15: Virginia Gil, Board Certified Legal Assistants-Civil Trial Law, Texas Board of
Legal Specialization
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