Paralegal Regulation – Where Are We?

Paralegal regulation refers to the rules and guidelines governing the practice of paralegals within the legal profession. The specifics of paralegal regulation vary by jurisdiction, but there are some common principles and trends. Read More

Liana Podman

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Join us as we host the IPA’s inaugural State of the Paralegal Profession presentation.  Michael Houlberg, Director of Special Projects at IAALS, the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System, will discuss Illinois’ history with paralegal regulation as well as the status of regulation across the country.  IAALS is a champion in the legal field dedicated to facilitating continuous improvement and advancing excellence in the American legal system and aims to provide states with best practices for researching, drafting and implementing access to justice programs.

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Meet IPA Director Gordon Ferguson

Across my twenty-year paralegal career, I have provided legal support in a variety of litigation matters and venues, from patent and product liability disputes in mass torts and MDLs, to mortgage foreclosures and EEOC claims, to commercial and construction litigation. I have interviewed, hired and managed paralegal teams, supported on-site trial teams in state and federal courts, and trained paralegals and new associates on firm processes, court procedures and electronic discovery. Read More

Gordon Ferguson

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New (and not so new) Member Lunch

This month's Featured Board Member Samantha Misch, who will discuss Interviewing Best Practices. Join us on the 4th Wednesday of each month in 2023 for a New Member Lunch. While this event is called "New Member Lunch", it is open to ALL members! Read More + Register

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2023 Paralegal Day Celebration Recap

IPA members came together at Offshore Rooftop (Navy Pier) on September 21st to celebrate Paralegal Day in Illinois.  It was an evening filled with cocktails, food, and festive times, generously sponsored by our Platinum Sponsor Planet Depos and our Gold Sponsors InfoTrack and Proof Legal.  The event was enjoyed by all.  Here is a sampling of what members had to say:

• "The event was very nice.  The weather held out so being outside with the spectacular view was the way to go.  The apps and tacos were wonderful and the service was also very good and efficient.  The event was very well run.  I liked how they did 3 sets of raffles throughout the evening."  ~Jennifer McManus
• "I just wanted to let you that those of us from Taft truly enjoyed the event last night. Thank you to your team for all your hard work."  ~Gina Mandarino
• "I enjoyed myself and I got to talk to people from different age groups and different places. The venue and food were great. I look forward to the next networking event. Thank you."  ~Jesus Dorado

We can't wait to do it again next year!  Will you be there?  Can't wait to see you.  😀🍹🍽️

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Farewell and Best Wishes to Carol Ann Pinkston, J.D., ILAP

The IPA would like to extend a kind farewell and best wishes to long time IPA member Carol Ann Pinkston, former Senior Paralegal at Klein, Thorpe & Jenkins, LTD.  Carol Ann is on to BIGGER things as she has passed the bar, been sworn into the Alabama Bar (October 2022) and has accepted an offer for Associate City Attorney of the City of Montgomery, AL.

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Illinois Expands Law to Allow Punitive Damages for Wrongful Death and Survival Plaintiffs

With the signing of House Bill 219 by Gov. JB Pritzker on August 11, 2023 which allows punitive damages in wrongful death and survival cases, I've been watching to see if this law will be challenged. One of my colleagues shared this article and I wanted to share with all of you who are following this. Read More

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Free eBook from InfoTrack

As an ambitious paralegal, you have plenty of options for career growth, but how do you determine your priorities and take actionable steps toward your bigger career goals? InfoTrack is here to help with our Next steps in your paralegal career eBook.   Download your free eBook now.

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Career Corner

One of IPA's purposes is to advance the paralegal profession.  In so doing, we will be featuring articles on Career Development in this section of The Lookout. "10 Red Hot Flags Not To Take That Job" by Chere Estrin "Mastering Your Performance Review: Strategies For Success” by Chere Estrin Do you have any articles that you would like to share with everyone? Send an email to IPA@ipaonline.org and we will add to our next issue of The Lookout.

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Important Notices and Useful Information

Local Rules of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois have been revised "The importance of UBO due diligence in global M&As" by CT Corporation Staff "The Confusion of Legal Assistant vs. Paralegal Titles" by Ann Pearson, Paralegal Bootcamp Do you have any other updates to share with everyone? Send an email to IPA@ipaonline.org and we will add to our next issue of The Lookout.

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Non-IPA CLE Opportunities

CLE opportunities listed are provided for informational purposes only.  Contact the provider to dertermine if the seminar is suited to your skill level and for its applicability. October 18 | 1pm Central - M & A Portfolio Transactions: Title Insurance Coverage, Closing & More (First American Title) October 19 | 12pm Central - Ethics of Online Notarization (NALA) October 24 | 12pm Central - International Arbitration 101 (NALA) Sustaining and Educational Institution members of IPA can list their upcoming CLE opportunities in The Lookout by emailing the information to IPA@ipaonline.org.

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2023 Previous Issues of The Lookout

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