According to the US Courts website, individuals in Kansas and other states are being targeted once again by a juror phishing scam.  Scammers seek to obtain personal identifiers and credit card and/or debit card information by phone or email, and by use of a fraudulent online jury questionnaire.  Some scammers are going as far as to threaten fines and even arrest for members of the public who do not comply with the request for information.

Both the Kansas and Missouri Courts’ websites have posted warnings regarding these scams.  Kansas and Missouri courts will not contact potential jurors to request social security numbers or banking information by phone or email.  If you believe you have received one of these calls or emails, please visit your state court website for information on reporting the scam.

To read more:  http://news.uscourts.gov/new-year-old-juror-scam

Tomi Holt is a paralegal and legal administrator with Morefield Speicher Bachman, LC.  The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice on any issues addressed.

The National Association of Legal Assistants and Paralegals (NALA) developed the Certified Paralegal (then CLA) program in 1976.  The CP program provides a nationwide credential for paralegals and legal assistants.  It was the first program, which serves the legal community, accredited by The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).  Currently, there are over 18,000 certified paralegals in the US.  

The next testing window for the CP exam is open from May 1-May 31.  For more information and important deadlines, please visit NALA's website.  NALA Certification

Heartland Paralegal Association members voted at our October General Membership Dinner & CLE, to make Heart to Heart International the focus of our annual year-end fundraising campaign!  

Heart to Heart International is improving global health with initiatives that connect people and resources to a world in need.  Please visit their website to learn about this and more at www.hearttoheart.org.

HPA will be accepting donations now through December 1, 2014.  Donations by check payable to Heart to Heart International, may be mailed to:

Heartland Paralegal Association (HPA)
Attn: Outreach
P.O. Box 12413
Overland Park, KS 66282-2413

We can also accept cash or check donations in person at HPA's 2014 Fall Paralegal Seminar on November 14, 2014.  For more information and to register for seminar, visit our Events page.  HPA will match all donations, up to $500, for a combined goal of $1000!

We are pleased to announce that Erica Franco is the recipient of the annual $500 Heartland Paralegal Association Scholarship. Academic merit is one of the factors considered when awarding this scholarship.

Congratulations Erica and good luck in all your future endeavors!

Last Sunday, CASA of Johnson & Wyandotte Counties joined with CASA of Jackson County in the first ever Superhero 5k.  With over 125 volunteers and 1000 registered runners, the event raised nearly $40,000, making it Kansas City's most successful first-time running event.  HPA members were part of the fun. Some volunteered as registration helpers and course monitors, while others registered to run the race.  The event was held at Town Center Plaza in Leawood, Kansas.

CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, provides a voice for neglected and abused children who are under the protection of the Court.  For more information on volunteering or giving to CASA, visit CASA of Johnson County and Wyandotte or CASA of Jackson County.

Get your costumes ready for next year's run!

Heartland Paralegal Association was honored to present Johnson County Community College and National American University each a $500.00 scholarship to support students pursuing a course of study in paralegal education.  Anita Tebbe (JCCC) and Zach Luea (NAU) were on hand at last night's monthly membership meeting at Gordon Biersch to accept the scholarships.  

A two-person team from the ABA Approval Commission visited Johnson County Community College on April 21, 2014 to validate an extensive self-evaluation report submitted by JCCC in its request for re-approval of its Paralegal Studies Program.  After a day of meetings with JCCC leaders, faculty, current students, and alumni, Anita Tebbe, Paralegal Program Director, received news that the Commission recommends re-approval for another 7 years.  The recommendation will be sent to the ABA Standing Committee on Paralegals, and ultimately to the ABA House of Delegates for the final stamp of approval.

Johnson County Community College’s Paralegal Studies Program, then under the leadership of Mike Pener, received its original ABA approval in 1980.  Since that time, JCCC has consistently met ABA Guidelines aimed at fostering high quality paralegal education and training.

For more information on the ABA’s Standing Committee on Paralegals or the ABA Approval Commission, visit the ABA website.

Based on the recommendations of our members, HPA is working to provide a more comprehensive website, including online event registration and member directory.  Our goal is keep members connected and engaged by putting everything you need right at your fingertips.  Your feedback as we test this new system is appreciated.