President's Message
Ellen Lockwood , CLAS, RP
CLE AND THE COLLEGE OF THE STATE BAR
As a continuation of this year’s focus on ethics, we should consider the importance of continuing legal education. Canon 9 of the Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility of the Paralegal Division states:
A paralegal shall maintain a high degree of competency to better assist the legal profession in fulfilling its duty to provide quality legal services to the public.
In order to maintain competency, we must stay abreast of changes in the law and technology. Self study is a wonderful way to get the latest information. Everyone should read the Texas Bar Journal, Texas Paralegal Journal, advance sheets, and legal periodicals. You should also review the rules, including the local rules, codes, and statutes in your practice area on a regular basis. And staying current on technology is definitely a requirement. Know the best and most efficient ways to find information, and the cost comparison of each method, or at least know how to get this information quickly when required. Many legal periodicals now devote at least a small space in each issue to listings of helpful web sites. Keep up to date on new software and updated versions of programs you already use.
Although self study is convenient, nothing replaces attending a CLE presentation, whether in person or online. The Division offers many CLE opportunities:
Texas Advanced Paralegal Seminar – this year it will be in Dallas, September 20 – 22. This is an opportunity to earn up to 14 hours of CLE, network with other paralegals, attend two great socials, and visit our vendors in the exhibit hall
CLE in each District – Division Directors offer at least three hours of CLE each year between June 1st and May 31st
Online CLE through the Division’s website – for a small fee per hour, you can access CLE at your computer whenever it is convenient for you.
CLE is also available from the State Bar, local paralegal and bar associations, and private companies. The Division maintains a state-wide CLE calendar on our website that is searchable by city and topic.
The College of the State Bar of Texas is an honorary society established by the Supreme Court of Texas that recognizes and represents attorneys and paralegals who make an extraordinary commitment to professional education. The College now welcomes qualified paralegals as associate members. Membership in the College does mean that you will need to attain more than the average amount of CLE per year. However, if you want to place yourself in a category “above the average,” then you should consider joining as an Associate Member of the State Bar College. Once again, Texas has distinguished itself as being the first for this type of distinction for paralegals and I urge you to be part of it.
If you are interested in becoming a member of this elite group and distinguishing yourself by displaying your membership in the College with a distinctive certificate, as well as on your business cards and in professional listings, visit their website,
www.TexasBarCollege.org.
One of the articles in this issue was recently published in the State Bar College’s
Bulletin, and we have obtained permission to reprint it here for our members. The College’s philosophy is to reach out to those professionals interested in the highest of ethical standards and advanced training.
One important aspect of being a professional is to keep your knowledge and skills current. Challenge yourself to do more than the minimum CLE required to maintain your membership in the Division. Challenge yourself to EXCEL.
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