This section contains excerpts from our bi-monthly newsletter.

President's Message

January/February 2008

Hello again, fellow members!

It's hard to believe that we are several weeks into 2008 already. Seems like just a few weeks ago we were all rushing around for the holidays, and now here we are in January. Unless you work in an area of the law affected by tax season, hopefully many of us are enjoying a "breather" in our busy schedules. If so, enjoy those few moments of quiet - you know it isn't going to last forever.

Before I get started on the next "to-do" list, I would like to congratulate the following people: Leslie Catts, who is the recipient of the Student Scholarship this year; Angela Best Gundry, the recipient of our Professional Development Scholarship; and Melanie Bussiere, who won the drawing for the registration fee for the FRP program. I know those of us at the Annual Meeting toasted and cheered, but I think just one more "You go, girl!" is appropriate.

I would also like to recognize and thank many of the members who have given so much to help make this association function so well over the past year. I truly appreciate and admire these women: Tammy Skonie, who just finished serving as vice-president and chairs our CLA Review Course Committee; Helen Beggun, who has served as our secretary for over a year and did a great job on the "Joint Doc" project this year; Sonja Behn, our treasurer, who stepped up last Spring when family obligations forced Annette Wilson to step down (although Annette still served as our NALA liaison); Karin Turner-Cooney, who keeps our website in top-notch condition; Becky Fuger, who chaired our Fall Seminar committee (I think this is the 4th year?); and Laura Herald, our newsletter editor who always does a phenomenal job putting out a great newsletter. I know there are more names that should be on the list, but I only get so much space…

Having been a member since 2002, I have had the opportunity to meet many smart, funny women (and a few men, although our profession still has many more women than men), and I have made some very good friends. Not just acquaintences, not just business associates, but real friends. When I joined SWFPA, I wanted to meet other people in my chosen profession, and broaden my knowledge through dinner meetings, etc.; I didn't really think about joining SWFPA to "make friends" but somewhere along the line, that is exactly what happened. I am talking about the kind of friends that call you and ask what they can do to help, who offer to do what they can to lighten your load, who let you know that even on a bad day, somebody thinks you are a pretty decent person.

Maybe one of the least recognized benefits in joining (and participating in activities) in most professional associations are the opportunities for friendship that unexpectedly present themselves. I consider myself a lucky person because I know a lot of smart, funny, competent, educated people, in part because of my membership in this association. And as we go forward into 2008, I look forward to getting to know more of my fellow members, old and new. There is no such thing as too many friends…

See you at the next meeting

Mary Lou DiMaggio
President

Professional Development Scholarship Essay

by Angela Best Gundry

On a, hopefully, cool November morning as I make my way down Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, my mind racing through the terms: a fortiori, a priori, ab initio, I will be prepared to take my CLA/CP exam. The reasoning behind this neo-Roman marathon is because I feel that the Certified Paralegal designation is an important step in my continuing journey to expand my knowledge, career, and unfortunately, most necessary, my pocketbook.

The last six years my career has been spent assisting a lawyer in areas ranging from dry cleaning and pet sitting to corporate resolutions and real estate closings; the latter piquing my interest much more than the former. I had heard from a co-worker about this certification but didn't see the need for it and frankly sensed a slight pompous air. That was until my boss told me that I needed to start billing my time for continued raises. That financial incentive will get me every time.

At this point I had to figure a way to break the cycle of travel arrangements and dentist appointments. The aforementioned co-worker was actually very helpful in pointing me to the NALA website for my research. I signed up for an internet certification course and quickly realized the magnitude of the legal field. The course of study covered specific areas of legal expertise along with the obviously necessary ethics and communication sections. There were areas I thought I would enjoy but found dreary and others that sounded exceptionally boring but kept my rapt attention. What an eye opener.

Without yet obtaining my certification, I've been shown a great deal more respect for my knowledge and work product by both my boss and clients. Even working for a real estate attorney in these uncertain times, I feel confident of my marketability in good part because of my future certification and the standards that have been set.

Student Scholarship Essay

by Leslie Catts

Each year in Florida alone, thousands of children are taken from their homes with nothing but the clothes they are wearing. It could be because of a hotline report of abandonment, neglect or abuse. For some reason, their parents are unable to provide a safe and loving home for them. These children are scared and confused and need our help. These children have been determined to be dependant by the court. Guardians ad Litem (GAL) are the voices for children in the courtroom.

The goal is to get the child into a safe, permanent home as soon as possible, preferably within one year. The major goal is reunification with the parents, but many times the children will remain with a relative or other eligible placement known as "permanent guardianship."

The GAL position is one of a volunteer. Guardians look into what needs the child may have, both physical and emotional, and advocate getting the help they need. The Guardian visits the child "face to face" at least once a month to monitor how the child is adapting. As age permits, The GAL explains what is happening with the case and find out what the children would like to have happen as to their placement.

About once every three months a court judicial review is done to keep the court updated on the progress of the case. The Guardian will write a report to the court as to the wishes of the child, placement, visitation, services the child may need, and any issues that the Guardian thinks are important for the court to know.

A Guardian ad Litem must successfully complete 30 hours of classroom and 2 hours of courtroom training for certification, 6 hours annually of re-certification training, and spend an average of 4-6 hours per month working on the case. There is support from the GAL Case Supervisor and GAL Attorney for any questions or issues that may arise. The benefits of helping these children far outweigh the time and energy involved to help keep them safe. Won't you consider becoming a Guardian ad Litem?

For more information please call 866-341-1GAL or go online to: www.guardianadlitem.org.