Archive for the ‘training’ tag
Paralegal and Support Staff Training an Unqualified Success
Late last month we hosted a training entitled “Essential Skills for Paralegals and Support Staff.” I’m told that this was the first time in the memory of many that we’ve held a statewide training geared specifically toward our non-attorney staff in Florida. As a trainer at the event, I want to use my megaphone here to tell you all that this experience was important. And it should be repeated with regular frequency. I’m told that a special thanks is owed to Ronda Fuqua, Sharon Ferguson, and Kathy Grunewald for their vision and persistence in making this training happen.
We are normally limited to accepting about 32 students for these CLAE-led trainings. And at times we struggle to reach that number. Within three days of posting information about the Paralegal & Support Staff training, we had already filled all available slots. We had to ask CLAE to enlarge the student pool, which they graciously did, to nearly 50. We still had a wait list and many fine applicants did not get to attend the April event. Kathy Grunewald and Sharon Ferguson are looking for ways to repeat this training sooner rather than later. I’ll keep you posted on their efforts.
Since the end of the training, emails have been pouring in with thanks and gratitude from the students. Sarah Foweler of JALA stated the thanks first (and hopefully she won’t mind me sharing her words with all of you):
On behalf of the ’student body,’ we extend our sincere gratitude to FLS training staff, program attorneys, and all other administrative staff for developing this training curriculum for us. It was very instructive, enlightening, and challenging :) I’m sure everyone gleaned something constructive from just being there networking and conversing with other program staff members. It was definitely needed and much appreciated. Here’s to many more!
Also, a special ‘THANK YOU’ to SHARON FERGUSON for her persistant efforts in making this training a reality. It would not have been possible without you. Keep up the good work!
And, finally, to our program directors and supervisors for allowing so many of us to attend the training at the same time (in spite of almost closing up shop until we returned), we thank you!
I’m reminded of the sheer importance of our professional paralegal and support staff to the work that we do. My thanks and deep appreciation to you all. Fabulous photos after the break.
Another PILS CLE Opportunity! - Register by March 19
The Public Interest Law Section
presents
“Sealing and Expungement of Criminal Records”
Presenter: Jorge Tormes, Americorps Attorney at Three Rivers Legal Services and Tamara Gray, Miami Public Defender’s Office
Telephonic CLE
Thursday – March 26, 2009
12:10 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Introduction to Sealing and Expungement: What it does and does not do for your clients; When disclosure is required even if records have been sealed or expunged; Qualifying for Sealing and Expungement; Procedures for Applying; Special Issues Related to Juveniles.
Telephone Conferencing
(Call-in information will be sent BY EMAIL to registrants prior to the seminar.)
CLE Credit:
1.0 hour General
1.0 hour Ethics
Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Assn. Training Series
The LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF THE ORANGE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION, INC. has announced its training series for volunteer attorneys through May 19. For OCBA members, the training is free. For non-OCBA members participating in the LAS pro bono program, the training is free. Pre-registration is required for the free lunch and requested for training (or subject to space availability if not pre-registered). For more information, please emailctucker@legalaidocba.org or mcarbo@legalaidocba.org or merazmus@legalaidocba.org. Read the rest of this entry »
Training Opportunity - Register by 2/19!
The Public Interest Law Section
presents
Ethics on Representing People with Mental Health
and Substance Abuse Issues (particularly homeless people)
Presenter: Linda Mann, Bay Area Legal Services
Telephonic CLE
Thursday – February 26, 2009
12:10 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Establishing attorney-client relationships with clients who are challenged. Assisting clients in making decisions without becoming their de facto guardian. What the Rules of Professional Responsibility allow in these situations,
including circumstances under which an attorney may have to withdraw from representation & discussion.
Telephone Conferencing
(Call-in information will be sent BY EMAIL to registrants prior to the seminar.)
CLE Credit:
1.0 hour General
1.0 hour Ethics
Mail no later than Thursday, February 19, 2009 to register.
Questions: call 850-561-5620
Download the attached registration information in MS Word format.
Advocacy Center Files Suit Against APD
Many programs have begun aggressive advocacy on behalf of developmentally disabled Floridians who have been placed in new coverage “tiers” and denied their right to a fair hearing. The Health & Senior Law Umbrella Group has been involved in this work; we’ve also launched a statewide pro bono effort to provide training in these matters.
This, tonight, from the Advocacy Center:
A lawsuit has been filed by the Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities, Inc. (Advocacy Center) in the Circuit Court in and for the 2nd Judicial Circuit in Tallahassee, Florida against the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD). The lawsuit is titled Lyons v. Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Case No. 2009-CA 0144 and has been assigned to Judge John C. Cooper.
Plaintiffs are William Layton Lyons, Francesca Correa, John Bodack and the Advocacy Center. The Advocacy Center is a non-profit corporation authorized by federal law to pursue legal, administrative, and other remedies for individuals with disabilities in Florida. APD is the state agency charged with the administration of home and community based waiver services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
The lawsuit alleges that cuts to the funding levels for home and community based services for individuals with developmental disabilities will cause Plaintiffs and thousands of others to experience immediate irreparable harm. The lawsuit also alleges that Plaintiffs and thousands of others have been denied their right to a hearing in violation of chapter 120 of the Florida Statutes.
3,600 individuals who have had their home and community-based Medicare waiver services reduced by the Department, and who have requested a fair hearing on the merits of their individual cases, have had their hearing requests denied en masse. At least that’s my take. Form your own by reading the full release, which also links to the pleading filed by the Advocacy Center.