PACO NEWS

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

We are pleased to announce that Justice Daniel R. Hawkins will join us as keynote speaker for Paralegal Day!  Justice Hawkins is new to the Ohio Supreme Court but served on the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas for many years.  Many of you may be familiar with him!  We're looking forward to his remarks!

EARLY BIRD PRICES FOR TICKETS WILL END TOMORROW, APRIL 30, 2025!  Get your tickets now and save with our early bird pricing, but be aware that early bird pricing is available on through April 30, 2025.  Tickets for Paralegal Day will remain are available through May 19, 2025, but tickets will be sold at the regular price beginning May 1, 2025.  Early Bird Ticket prices:  members $45, guests $50, students $35, and tables of eight $300.  Get your tickets today at  https://pacoparalegals.org/event-6120235

PARALEGAL DAY SPONSORS

Thank you to our sponsors, without whom we could not have events such as Paralegal Day!  Our sponsors for this year include:

Veritext, Andrew Minister
Ohio Reporting, Lisa Gann
Encore Process Service, Jeff Cremeans
US Legal Support, Justin Grubbs
Profile Discovery, Andy Keck
Spectrum Reporting, Megan Rogers
US Legal Support, Dustin Eisen

We're so glad to have you on board!

ELECTIONS

Now is the perfect time to get involved!  PACO Elections will take place in May.  The following Board positions are available:  Assistant Vice President, Secretary, and President.  The term for each is July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027.

In addition, we are accepting interest forms for those who may be interested in serving in the following roles in the upcoming year (one year terms):  PR Committee Chair, NFPA Secondary Representative/Statewide Representative, Student Liaison Representative, Pro Bono Committee Chair, Program Committee Chair, Mentoring Committee Chair, and OSBA Paralegal Exam Study Group Sub-Chair.  These positions are a vital part of managing the ongoing processes of PACO.  

The deadline for registration is May 9, 2025.  For more information and to register:

Board Positions:  https://pacoparalegals.org/event-6130254/Registration
Committee Chairs:  https://pacoparalegals.org/event-6130287/Registration

WORKERS' COMPENSATION ROUND TABLE

Please join us on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at noon when Kim Hall, Esq. with Critchfield, Critchfield, and Johnston, Ltd. will join us to discuss Mandamus actions.  This session will be conducted via Zoom.  Registration is open on the website.

OSBA EXAMINATION STUDY GROUP

The study group will meet again on April 29, 2025; May 6, 2025; and May 16, 2025.  The topic for April 29, 2025 is Ethics. Please contact Randi Daniels-Blair at randi.daniels90@gmail.com should you wish to join the study group.

PRO BONO NEWS

Pro bono opportunities are available through LASCO.  Asylum Clinics are being held:

May 13, 2025 9AM-1PM and 1-5PM at Vineyard Community Center, 6000 Cooper Road, Westerville
June 11, 2025 9AM-1PM and 1-5PM at Mauritanian Community Center, 4300 North Kimberly Parkway, Columbus

Contact Liz Kemmerer for information on how to sign up.  liz@sorokalegal.com

OSBA NEWS

The OSBA Paralegal Committee will meet again on Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 4PM - 5:30PM.  This meeting will be held virtually and is free for OSBA members ($10 for non-members).  Registration is open at https://www.ohiobar.org/2025-events/paralegal-committee-meeting-spring-2025/

Also, the OSBA 25 Mile Challenge for Mental Wellness will take place during the month of May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month.  This challenge highlights the importance of mental wellness and creates healthy habits by tracking your mileage all month long.  Proceeds support the Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program (OLAP) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Ohio (NAMI Ohio).  Registration is $25 or $50 with the stylish race t-shirt!  Registration is open through May 10 at https://www.ohiobar.org/member-tools-benefits/practice-resources/wellness/25-mile-challenge/

NFPA HAPPENINGS

NFPA presents a webinar titled "©opyright.Com:  Teaching Old Dogs New Clicks" on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 1PM EST.  This webinar is being presented by Dr. Robert N. Diotalevi, Esq., LL.M. and will cover the basics of print copyright law.  Dr. Diotalevi is an Associate Professor and Founding Program Coordinator of Legal Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University.  Cost is $25 for members.  Registration is available on the web site at https://www.paralegals.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1959760&group=