Washington State Paralegal Association

WSPA Recurring Monthly Events 

Each month WSPA brings you at least two member events to allow you to "CONNECT" with other paralegal professionals.

WSPA Connect, a lunch time opportunity for meeting with other professionals, generally held 2nd Wednesday

of each month from 12 to 1 pm.

WSPA Member and Board Meeting -  Any active members are encouraged to come to the meeting to see what the Board does and to ask any questions of the Board.  Held the third Wednesday of each month, starting at 6:30 pm. 

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WSPA is pleased to partner with Lorman Education for CLE offers. Come back for upcoming events with

LORMAN Education Services



Please check back regularly for updates. 

Please visit http://www.lormaneducation.com/affiliate/ for a complete listing of courses applicable to your organization. You can also download these courses to list on your site, or create email templates to notify your members or subscribers.

For questions, or for more information, please contact your account manager Amanda Grambsch atagrambsch@lorman.com or 800-678-3940.

Upcoming Events & CLEs

    • 11/15/2023
    • 10/16/2024
    • 12 sessions
    • Zoom

    The WSPA General Membership and Board Meeting is a monthly meeting comprised of the elected Officers and Directors of the Washington State Paralegal Association, and the WSPA membership. We meet monthly to discuss current issues, programs, and goals related to the association, its membership, and paralegal profession in Washington state. 

    All members of the Washington State Paralegal Association are welcome to attend and meet with the current Officers and Directors.

    Meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month, starting at 6:30pm. 

    Meetings are currently held virtually via Zoom and we encourage members across the state to attend.

    Please email or message us for Zoom ID and code.

    • 02/14/2024
    • 12/11/2024
    • 11 sessions
    • Zoom Meeting
    Register

    Connect with WSPA members and other paralegals from across the state and even the nation!

    Join our next WSPA Connect meeting every 2nd Wednesday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm via Zoom.  

    Feel free to drop in anytime during the hour.  

    Topic: WSPA Connect

    Time: 2nd Wednesdays 12:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

    Join Zoom Meeting

    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88193456997

    Meeting ID: 881 9345 6997

    Passcode: 506819

    We look forward to connecting with you!

    • 03/19/2024
    • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Webcast

    Regiister: https://ipe.nbi-sems.com//Results/63995?Ntt=Premises%2BLiability%2BCase%2BInvestigation%2Band%2BDiscovery%2BChecklists%2Bfor%2BParalegals

    Program Description

    Are You Missing Anything?

    When it comes to personal injury cases, checklists are invaluable to ensuring no deadlines, evidence, liens, or other important details go overlooked. This paralegal program is chock full of checklists to help you ensure you've dotted the i's and crossed the t's. From case inception to tying up loose ends after trial, know exactly what steps you need to take and when. Keep cases organized and on track - register today!

    • Get a comprehensive overview of all key tasks that must be completed by plaintiff and defense.
    • Walk through checklists to ensure you're leaving no stones unturned during case investigations.
    • Identify all potential liens and navigate the way to resolution with handy checklists.
    • Receive step-by-step guidance for discovery, trial preparation, and other litigation to-dos.

    Course Content

    1. Personal Injury Case Master Checklists: What to Do and When
    2. Interview Checklists and Questions
    3. Accident Investigation Checklist
    4. Medical Records and Insurance Checklists
    5. Demand Checklist (and Tips)
    6. Mediation and Settlement Checklists
    7. File Opening, Closing, and Organization Checklists
    8. Checklists and Tips for Dealing With Liens and Subrogation Checklists and Tips for Dealing With Liens and Subrogation
    9. Pleadings and Motions Checklists
    10. Discovery Checklists and Forms: Requesting and Receiving
    11. Discovery Checklists and Forms: Responses
    12. Checklists for Hearings and Depositions: Scheduling, Preparation, What to Do After
    13. Trial Preparation Checklists
    • 03/20/2024
    • 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • Webcast

    Register: https://ipe.nbi-sems.com/ProductDetails/Family-Law-Challenges-for-Paralegals-Complex-Assets-Bankruptcy-and-More/Video-Webinar/98186ER_4037884?st=WA

    Program Description

    Assist Attorneys With Handling Complex Assets, E-Discovery, Support Calculations, and More

    Are you prepared to handle the complex issues of family law? Join our experienced faculty as they go through what you need to know about topics such as handling targeted collections for e-discovery and how bankruptcy may affect divorce. Get the knowledge you need to further your skills - register today!

    • Review effective tips and best practices for electronic discovery.
    • Understand how to locate and manage complex business assets and financial information in divorce cases.
    • Discuss how bankruptcy can affect divorce.
    • Learn how to assist attorneys with child abduction and domestic violence cases.
    • Gain a better grasp on how to assist attorneys with non-traditional family issues and paternity disputes.

    Who Should Attend

    This advanced level course is designed to provide paralegals with the tools for managing challenging family law cases. Those who should attend include:

    • Paralegals
    • Legal Technicians
    • Legal Assistants
    • Legal Support Staff

    Course Content

    1. Smartphone, Social Media, and Other ESI in Discovery
    2. Locating and Managing Complex Assets and Financial Information
    3. Family Law and Bankruptcy
    4. Non-Traditional Family Structures and Paternity Disputes
    5. Advanced Custody and Support Issues
    6. Ethical Issues in Family Law
    • 03/21/2024
    • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Webcast

    Register: https://ipe.nbi-sems.com/ProductDetails/Construction-Defect-Litigation-for-Paralegals/Video-Webinar/98282ER_4049639?st=WA

    Program Description

    Helpful Forms and Quick Tips to Assist You and Your Attorney

    Construction defect cases are a challenge even for experienced paralegals. Our faculty's quick tips and checklists make them easier! Get ready to tackle the case from the pre-complaint stage through the discovery process with this fast but focused legal guide. Our faculty will show you how to support your attorney's litigation strategy - register today!

    • Use handy checklists to conduct a thorough pre-suit investigation and get ammo for settlement negotiations.
    • Receive practical discovery pointers and keep the flood of incoming and outgoing documents under control.
    • Learn how to best prepare for the construction defect trial.

    Who Should Attend

    This intermediate level course will teach attendees how to effectively handle the paralegal duties associated with construction defect litigation. Those who should attend include:

    • Paralegals
    • Legal Technicians
    • Legal Assistants
    • Legal Support Staff

    Course Content

    1. Investigation Checklists, Background Checks, and Website Links
    2. Identifying Types of Defects, Causes of Action, and Pleading Pointers
    3. Working With Claims Adjusters and Construction and Design Professionals
    4. Discovery Insights
    5. Tips for Managing Multiple Parties and Complex Documentation
    6. Trial Preparation Tips for the Construction Defect Case
    • 03/27/2024
    • 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    • Webcast

    Register: https://ipe.nbi-sems.com/ProductDetails/Motor-Vehicle-Accidents-A-Crash-Course-for-Paralegals/Video-Webinar/98115ER_4036921?st=WA

    Program Description

    From the Initial Meeting and Investigation to Trial Preparation

    Auto injury cases are the bread and butter of personal injury practice. As a personal injury paralegal, you will need to know these cases inside and out. This "crash course" will give you the investigation, litigation, and communication skills you need to effectively assist your attorney. From case inception to trial, get practical insights that will help you steer auto injury cases toward a successful resolution. Register today!

    • Know exactly what you should be looking for in medical and other records.
    • Keep case files organized so details and documents don't get lost in the clutter.
    • Learn best practices for communicating with clients, insurance adjusters, doctors, and more.
    • Determine what should (and what should not) go into the demand package.
    • Discover ways you can help with reducing medical bills and liens.
    • Ensure your pleadings, discovery requests, motions, and briefs pass your attorney's scrutiny.
    • Take pressure off your attorney and be an indispensable asset during trial preparation.

    Who Should Attend

    This intermediate level course provides practical insights on handling auto injury cases. Those who should attend include:

    • Paralegals
    • Legal Technicians
    • Legal Assistants
    • Legal Support Staff

    Course Content

    1. Client Interview Tips and Case Management Hacks
    2. Medical and Other Records: Obtaining, Reviewing, and Summarizing
    3. Communicating with Medical Providers, Insurance Companies, and More
    4. Pleadings, Discovery, Motions, and Briefs: Practical Pointers and Samples
    5. Settlement Demands, Liens, and Subrogation
    6. Preparing for and Helping Your Attorney Win at Trial
    7. Paralegal Ethics - Rules You Never Want to Break
    • 03/27/2024
    • 11:00 AM - 2:15 PM
    • Webcast

    Register: https://ipe.nbi-sems.com/ProductDetails/Advanced-Real-Estate-Issues-and-Answers-for-Paralegals/Video-Webinar/98103ER_4035720?st=WA

    Program Description

    Be a Problem Solver, Not Just a Problem Spotter

    Complex legal descriptions, last-minute closing problems - real estate transactions can present any number of challenges. But they can also be opportunities to show your value. This program will show you how to go from reporting problems in real estate transactions, to helping solve them. Be indispensable to the firm - register today!

    • Get creative tips for minimizing delays and keeping all the parties on track.
    • Learn how to work with and clean up difficult titles.
    • Spot problems in real estate contracts that even attorneys sometimes miss.
    • Uncover practical solutions to those unpleasant closing day and post-closing surprises.

    Who Should Attend

    This advanced level course is designed to give attendees practical skills for troubleshooting real estate problems. Those who should attend include:

    • Paralegals
    • Legal Technicians
    • Legal Assistants
    • Legal Support Staff

    Course Content

    1. Complex Title, Legal Description, and Survey Issues
    2. Creative Tips for Managing Tasks, Deadlines, Communications, and Documents
    3. Spotting Pitfalls in Commercial Real Estate Contracts, Loan Documents, and Leases
    4. Commercial Real Estate Closing Documents and Issues
    5. 7 Things That Can Go Wrong in Real Estate Closings - and How You Can Prevent it
    • 03/28/2024
    • 11:00 AM - 2:15 PM
    • Webcast

    Register: https://ipe.nbi-sems.com/ProductDetails/Case-Files-Guide-for-Paralegals-Creating-Managing-Closing/Video-Webinar/98135ER_4036063?st=WA

    Program Description

    Types of Case Records, Tips for Delegating Tasks, Legal Essentials of Notifying Clients, and More

    In this practical course, join our expert faculty as they walk you through the nuts and bolts of creating, managing, and closing case files. Examine paralegal best practices for developing a filing system, explore creative ways to juggle multiple deadlines, and identify essential guidelines for drafting file-closing policies. Build your knowledge - register today!

    • Discover the dos and don'ts of creating and using a case management system.
    • Develop strategies for organizing files.
    • Pick up time-tested techniques for tracking deadlines and court dates.
    • Demonstrate best practices when closing files.

    *Any mention of specific products in this program is intended as part of a general overview and does not constitute IPE's endorsement or recommendation of any specific product or provider. This program is not sponsored by any technology or electronics provider.


    Who Should Attend

    This intermediate level program is designed to provide attendees with real-life case document management tips and tricks. Those who should attend include:

    • Paralegals
    • Legal Technicians
    • Legal Assistants
    • Legal Support Staff

    Course Content

    1. Case Intake and File Opening: Tips for Creating a Case Map, Conducting Interviews, etc.
    2. Techniques for Developing a Case Management System (Including Software Recs)
    3. Do's and Don'ts of Organizing and Storing Case Files
    4. Paralegal Best Practices for Tracking Court Dates and Other Key Deadlines
    5. How to Properly Close a Case File: Legal Best Practices for Paralegals
    • 04/16/2024
    • 10:00 AM - 1:15 PM
    • Webcast

    Register: https://ipe.nbi-sems.com/ProductDetails/Title-Commitment-and-Survey-Review-Guide-for-Paralegals-With-Samples-and-Checklists/Video-Webinar/98427ER_4053031?st=WA

    Program Description

    What Problems Will You Find?

    Encroachments, easements, liens - what secrets is the property hiding? To find out, you need to know how to effectively review title and surveys. This practical paralegal guide will provide you with sample title commitments, surveys, and handy checklists so you can learn through example and quickly home in on title issues. Be an effective problem spotter (and solver) in real estate transactions - register today!

    • Find out what a title search and report will and will not reveal.
    • Discover exactly what you should be looking for on the title commitment and how to dig deeper.
    • Learn how to read and review maps and survey reports.
    • Get tips for working with title companies and resolving the issues that have been found.

    Who Should Attend

    This intermediate level course will provide attendees with practical skills for reviewing title and land surveys for title defects and encumbrances. Those who should attend include:

    • Paralegals
    • Legal Assistants
    • Legal Support Staff

    Course Content

    1. Title Search and Examination Checklists
    2. Title Commitment Review Insights and Checklists
    3. Reviewing Land Surveys: With Examples and Checklists
    4. Coordinating With Title Companies and Resolving Title Issues
    • 04/17/2024
    • 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    • Webcast

    Register: https://ipe.nbi-sems.com/ProductDetails/The-Ultimate-Guide-to-Workers-Compensation-for-Paralegals/Video-Webinar/98314ER_4041290?st=WA

    Program Description

    Essential Tips for Assisting in Workers' Compensation Cases

    Do you understand basic workers' comp terminology? Do you feel confident in your ability to draft demand letters? Do you know what types of notes to take during depositions? From tips for drafting IME requests to strategies for navigating HIPAA concerns, this practical program walks you through the fundamentals of workers' compensation and teaches you everything you need to know to help attorneys with their next case. Build your knowledge and become a more effective paralegal - register today!

    • Stay informed of the latest workers' comp trends and case law.
    • Discover tips for communicating with insurance companies.
    • Develop strategies for handling unpaid bills.
    • Uncover practical guidance for reviewing documents.
    • Analyze guidelines for drafting deposition summaries.
    • Determine how to prepare exhibits for workers' comp hearings.
    • Examine best practices for creating settlement agreements.

    Who Should Attend

    This intermediate level course is designed to give attendees the skills they need to assist with workers' compensation cases. Those who should attend include:

    • Paralegals
    • Legal Technicians
    • Legal Assistants
    • Legal Support Staff

    Course Content

    1. Initial Client Interviews and Case Assessment
    2. Medical Record Essentials: Finding Gold Nuggets That Help Clients
    3. Overview: Workers' Compensation Fundamentals
    4. Claim Investigation, Documentation, and Organization
    5. Deposition Assistance Tactics for Paralegals in Workers' Compensation Cases
    6. Preparing for Workers' Compensation Hearings and Mediation
    7. Workers' Compensation Settlement Duties for Paralegals
    8. Paralegal Ethics
    • 04/23/2024
    • 12:00 PM - 2:15 PM
    • Webcast

    Register: /Program%20Description%20Navigate%20the%20Gray%20Areas%20With%20Confidence%20Never%20give%20legal%20advice,%20keep%20clients%20reasonably%20informed%20-%20you%20know%20the%20rules.%20But%20in%20the%20real%20world,%20things%20are%20rarely%20straightforward.%20In%20this%20program,%20knowledgeable%20faculty%20will%20reveal%20solutions%20to%20the%20ethical%20dilemmas%20you%20face%20every%20day.%20From%20handling%20unreasonable%20client%20requests%20to%20delivering%20bad%20news,%20get%20the%20guidance%20you%20need%20to%20avoid%20ethics%20pitfalls%20while%20also%20maintaining%20a%20high%20standard%20of%20client%20service.%20Register%20today!%20Discover%20how%20to%20respond%20to%20client%20inquiries%20without%20falling%20into%20the%20legal%20advice%20trap.%20Learn%20how%20to%20tactfully%20get%20honest%20answers%20out%20of%20the%20lying%20client.%20Ensure%20proper%20communications%20with%20clients,%20whether%20they're%20difficult%20to%20contact%20or%20calling%20multiple%20times%20a%20day.%20Uncover%2010%20simple%20yet%20effective%20tips%20for%20preventing%20billing%20disputes.%20%20Who%20Should%20Attend%20This%20intermediate%20level%20course%20is%20designed%20to%20give%20paralegals%20the%20knowledge%20they%20need%20to%20ethically%20handle%20difficult%20clients%20and%20uncomfortable%20scenarios.%20Those%20who%20should%20at

    Program Description

    Navigate the Gray Areas With Confidence

    Never give legal advice, keep clients reasonably informed - you know the rules. But in the real world, things are rarely straightforward. In this program, knowledgeable faculty will reveal solutions to the ethical dilemmas you face every day. From handling unreasonable client requests to delivering bad news, get the guidance you need to avoid ethics pitfalls while also maintaining a high standard of client service. Register today!

    • Discover how to respond to client inquiries without falling into the legal advice trap.
    • Learn how to tactfully get honest answers out of the lying client.
    • Ensure proper communications with clients, whether they're difficult to contact or calling multiple times a day.
    • Uncover 10 simple yet effective tips for preventing billing disputes.

    Who Should Attend

    This intermediate level course is designed to give paralegals the knowledge they need to ethically handle difficult clients and uncomfortable scenarios. Those who should attend include:

    • Paralegals
    • Legal Technicians
    • Legal Assistants
    • Legal Support Staff

    Course Content

    1. What Can You Do? When Clients...
    2. Dealing With Common Client Problems
    3. Working With Clients Who Have Disabilities or Cultural Differences
    4. Avoiding Billing Disputes: Top 10 Tips for Paralegals
    • 04/24/2024
    • 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • Webcast

    Register: https://ipe.nbi-sems.com/ProductDetails/A-Paralegal-s-Guide-to-Researching-and-Investigating/Video-Webinar/98445ER_4050401?st=WA

    Program Description

    Practical Insights on Conducting Legal Investigations

    Whether you're new to the paralegal practice, or you've got years of experience under your belt, this course is for you! In this comprehensive program, you'll learn helpful pointers for conducting social media research, delve into top tactics - and legal risks - of using AI in legal research, analyze best practices for requesting public records, and much more. Build your skills - register today!

    • Review best practices for interviewing clients and witnesses.
    • Get practical tips for finding background information and locating individuals.
    • Adopt best practices for obtaining medical and employment records.
    • Discover the legal essentials of combing through financial and tax records.
    • Receive tips for organizing your investigation results.

    *Any mention of specific products in this program is intended as part of a general overview and does not constitute IPE's endorsement or recommendation of any specific product or provider. This program is not sponsored by any technology or electronics provider.


    Who Should Attend

    This intermediate level program is designed to provide attendees with tips and tricks for conducting legal research and investigations. Those who should attend include:

    • Paralegals
    • Legal Technicians
    • Legal Assistants
    • Legal Support Staff

    Course Content

    1. Practical Techniques for Interviewing Witnesses and Clients
    2. Finding Background Information and Locating People
    3. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) While Conducting Legal Research: Top Tactics and Legal Risks
    4. Paralegal Pointers for Obtaining and Analyzing Employment and Medical Records
    5. Top Tips for Requesting Public Agency and Private Business Records
    6. Sifting Through Tax and Financial Records
    7. Best Practices for Organizing the Results of Your Investigation
    8. Ethical Considerations for Paralegals
    • 04/25/2024
    • 11:00 AM - 2:15 PM
    • Webcast

    Register: https://ipe.nbi-sems.com/ProductDetails/Paralegal-s-Guide-to-Discovery-and-Evidence-in-Personal-Injury-Litigation/Video-Webinar/98315ER_4054768?st=WA

    Program Description

    Make the Most Out of Discovery, Help Your Attorney Build a Case

    When a paralegal's skills are on point, a personal injury attorney is bound for success. Join our experienced faculty as they walk you through the discovery process and discuss key evidence to look for in personal injury cases. Leave no stone unturned - register today!

    • Review key paralegal responsibilities during the discovery phase of a personal injury case.
    • Learn how to gather important information using interrogatories, document production requests, and more.
    • Build your medical record request and review skills.
    • Learn how get evidence off of smartphones and social media sites or apps.
    • Help your attorney prepare for trial by readying the essential exhibits for the courtroom.

    Who Should Attend

    This intermediate level program is designed to give paralegals the knowledge required for navigating through the discovery process in a personal injury case. Those who should attend include:

    • Paralegals
    • Legal Technicians
    • Legal Assistants
    • Legal Support Staff

    Course Content

    1. Accident Investigation and Witness Interview Techniques
    2. Discovery Requests and Responses
    3. Document Management Tips
    4. Obtaining and Reviewing Medical and Other Records
    5. Collecting and Producing Smartphone and Social Media Evidence
    6. Paralegals' Guide to Depositions in Personal Injury Cases
    7. Preparing and Organizing Evidence and Exhibits for Trial

Washington State Paralegal Association
1402 Lake Tapps Parkway SE
Ste. F104/PMB133
Auburn, WA. 98092

206.653.7259

info@wspaonline.org

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