2012 Student Paralegal Scholarship Application

Transcription

1 August 31, 2012 Re: Pittsburgh Paralegal Association ( PPA ) Student Scholarship Application Dear Paralegal Program Coordinator: PPA would like to announce to your students that our 2012 Student Paralegal Scholarship Application is now available and the deadline will be September 30 th. This year PPA is also proud to announce that Precise, Inc., a provider of litigation support services, has joined the Scholarship Committee and will co-sponsor the scholarship! PPA s ultimate goal from its inception has been to promote education. Our annual scholarship award reflects this commitment to paralegal education. We now ask that you encourage all students to become active members of the PPA, so they can both apply for the scholarship and benefit from the educational experiences and networking events that PPA provides. All applicants must be enrolled in a paralegal program that meets the basic criteria of PPA s Scholarship Committee. PPA has determined and recognizes that your school offers a nationally or regionally accredited paralegal program, so we are extending a personal invitation to your students to (1) join PPA if they are not already student members, and (2) apply for the scholarship before the deadline. Enclosed a packet containing scholarship applications, PPA membership applications and brochures that explain the benefits of PPA membership. PPA wishes the best of luck to all your students. Very truly yours, Scholarship Committee Enclosure Pittsburgh Paralegal Association Scholarship Committee

2 August 31, 2012 Dear Student Member: The Pittsburgh Paralegal Association ( PPA ) is pleased to announce that it is accepting applications for their annual Student Scholarship in the amount of $500. This year, Precise, Inc., a provider of litigation support services, has partnered with the PPA to offer this scholarship to our Student Members. We encourage you to continue your academic achievements and become actively involved with PPA. An applicant must be a current Student Member of PPA and must be currently enrolled in a paralegal program at one of the approved schools listed on the application. Applicants must have at least one semester of coursework to complete. Attached is an application form that further details the scholarship requirements. Applications should be mailed to the following address and postmarked no later than September 30 th : Pittsburgh Paralegal Association Attn: Scholarship Committee P.O. Box 2845 Pittsburgh, PA Our President will notify the winner in writing by November 15 th and will announce the winner at our annual Holiday Luncheon in December. Thank you for your participation. Very truly yours, Scholarship Committee Attachment Pittsburgh Paralegal Association Scholarship Committee Co-Sponsor: Precise, Inc. 429 Fourth Ave, 2 nd Fl., Pittsburgh, PA precise-law.com.

3 STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP INSTRUCTIONS PITTSBURGH PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION 1. Criteria for applying: a. Must be a Student Member of the Pittsburgh Paralegal Association. b. Must submit proof of enrollment in one of the following accredited paralegal studies program*: Bradford School of Business California University of Pennsylvania Community College of Allegheny County Duquesne University Sanford Brown Westmoreland County Community College * All other schools and programs must apply for approval prior to the announcement of the Student Scholarship c. Applicants must submit their most current academic transcript (copy is acceptable). If transcript is unavailable, verification of current academic standing in paralegal courses from your school will be accepted (the PPA retains the right to verify academic standings with school). Eligible students must have earned an overall GPA of 3.50 or higher in paralegal courses. d. Applicants must submit two (2) Letters of Recommendation that comment on the character, academic ability and potential as a paralegal. One letter must be from an instructor; the second letter should be from a member of the legal community (another paralegal, attorney, law office manager, volunteer group leader, etc.) 2. Recipient The PPA Student Scholarship recipient is selected by an impartial committee which does not include any faculty members, nor do they discriminate among applicants based on race, religion, color, gender, age, national origin or any other status. The recipient is selected based on the following criteria: a. Your submitted application. b. An essay of no less than 1,000 words, the details of which are listed on the attached application. c. Your cumulative GPA. d. Two (2) Letters of Recommendation. e. Participation in extracurricular activities on campus and/or in the community. In the event of a tie, PPA s Scholarship Committee Chairperson will cast the deciding vote. PLEASE NOTE: THE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD CANNOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF OUTSTANDING TUITION AFTER OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS OR SPONSORSHIPS ARE APPLIED. ANY AND ALL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS SHALL BE MADE AT THE SOLE DISCRETION OF THE PPA. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY REJECTED.

4 APPLICATION FOR STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP PITTSBURGH PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION APPLICANT NAME: APPLICANT ADDRESS: APPLICANT ARE YOU CURRENTLY A MEMBER OF THE PPA? Y N IN WHICH PARALEGAL STUDIES PROGRAM ARE YOU CURRENTLY ENROLLED? DESCRIBE YOUR ON-CAMPUS OR COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: BRIEFLY DESCRIBE WHAT LED TO YOUR DECISION TO PURSUE A PARALEGAL CAREER: LIST ORGANIZATIONS IN WHICH YOU ARE AN ACTIVE MEMBER: LIST ANY AWARDS YOU HAVE RECEIVED: DATE: SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT: TYPE OR PRINT NAME:

5 ESSAY QUESTION PITTSBURGH PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION Your cousin, who lives in Pennsylvania, has asked for your help with some legal documents. He told you his recent dilemma of how his family's health care benefits were discontinued at his workplace last year; their medical bills have gone unpaid since then. This week, he said, the medical providers started to threaten legal action, and he has become so desperate that he wants to file for bankruptcy. First, he wants to know if he is eligible to file under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Second, knowing that you are a recent paralegal graduate, he has asked you to prepare his bankruptcy filings and other legal documents. Your cousin then insists that he pay you for your time. You tell him you will get back with him tomorrow with your answer after you have had time to research. You really want to help your cousin, but in your paralegal classes, you learned about unauthorized practice of law in Pennsylvania (UPL). Should you be concerned that by helping your cousin you may be breaking the law? Write an essay (at least 1000 words) in which you explain to your cousin exactly what you are permitted to do under the UPL and what you are not. You may refer to the Keystone Alliance of Paralegal Association's "Position Statement on the Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania" to assist you with your essay. You may also refer to other outside sources with appropriate references.

6 SUBMITTING APPLICATION PITTSBURGH PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION This application must be postmarked no later than September 30 th with the required attachments to: Pittsburgh Paralegal Association Attn: Scholarship Committee P.O. Box 2845 Pittsburgh, PA Attachments to be included: Your application. Your essay. Proof of enrollment in one of the aforementioned accredited paralegal studies program. Copy of academic transcript or verification of academic standing. Two (2) Letters of Recommendation. ************************************************************* For Committee Use Only: Received by Scholarship Committee on:

7 PITTSBURGH PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION P.O. BOX 2845 Pittsburgh, PA Telephone: MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Please complete the following information in full. New Renewal Name: Employer: Business Address: City State Zip Business Phone: Business Fax: Home Address: Alternate Phone (Optional) Where would you like mail sent? Home Work Check here if you do not have access to receive association communications. Please check the following Specialty Sections or Groups that interest you. Family Law Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Marketing Legal Research & Writing Workplace Law Education Contract Law Real Property and Environmental Law Criminal Law Technology Law and Intellectual Property Law Current Legal Issues Business and Contract Law Estates, Trusts & Elder Law Pro Bono Newsletter Bankruptcy, Collections & Creditors Rights MEMBERSHIP TYPE, QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND DUES All applicable information must be completed. VOTING MEMBER** ($75.00) Open to any individual currently employed as a Paralegal for at least six (6) months and who holds one of the following from an education institute or paralegal education program accredited by an accrediting institution/agency appearing on the PPA-approved list: Please check one of the following three options: Bachelor s or Associate s Degree in Paralegal Studies Name of College: Bachelor s or Associate s Degree in any field and a paralegal certificate from a paralegal education program. Name of College where degree was earned: Name of College where certificate was earned: Applicants not having a Bachelor s or Associate s Degree may qualify for Voting Membership with five years of employment as a paralegal. Voting members MUST earn 3 CLE credits, 0.5 which is required to be Ethics. This will be confirmed by the PPA CLE Coordinator. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide verification of receiving the required CLE credits to be considered a Voting Member. If the CLE requirement has not been met by the submission of the application, membership status will be changed to Associate.

8 ASSOCIATE MEMBER ($75.00) Open to any individual who: Is a new member of PPA (first year, until Voting Member status is met). Is employed or retained as a paralegal and does not meet the criteria for Voting Member. Was previously employed as a paralegal, but currently is unemployed, under-employed or retired. Is a member in good standing of an NFPA member association other than PPA. Name of association: Is a graduate of a paralegal education program and currently unemployed or under-employed. Is a paralegal manager, coordinator, administrator or is employed in a similar position applying experience and/or education as a paralegal but does not perform paralegal duties. STUDENT MEMBER ($25.00) Open to any individual currently enrolled in a paralegal education program. Name of college: SUSTAINING MEMBER ($100.00) Open to any individual or entity not meeting the criteria for a Voting or Associate Member and who is interested in being involved in and supporting the goals and purposes of PPA. NOTE TO ALL MEMBERS NFPA rents the association mailing lists to vendors for seminars, legal publications and other matters that benefit PPA members. The vendors must sign a contract with NFPA, use a bonded mailing house, and never have direct contact with the individuals on the mailing list. Do you wish to be included on the mailing list provided by NFPA to its vendors? YES NO AGREEMENT TO BE BOUND I agree to be bound by the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and general procedures adopted by the Board of Directors of PPA and by the Model Code of Ethics and Professional Responsiblity and Guidelines for Enforcement of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations. I understand that this application is subject to the approval of the Board of Directors of PPA and that all information I provide on this application may be confirmed. Signature: Date: PAYMENT INFORMATION Enclosed is my check in the amount of $ payable to Pittsburgh Paralegal Association for my membership dues for the fiscal year which will end on December 31, Please remit check to: Pittsburgh Paralegal Association, Attn: Membership, P. O. Box 2845, Pittsburgh, PA

9 ABOUT THE PITTSBURGH PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION HISTORY The Pittsburgh Paralegal Association ("PPA") is a voluntary, non-profit association formed in 1977 to promote the professional development and continuing education of paralegals. PPA now has approximately 175 members from the greater Pittsburgh area and receives additional support from affiliate members, area law firms, paralegal training programs and the Allegheny County Bar Association. Members are from all areas of the legal community, including law firms, banks, corporations, hospitals, the public sector and educational institutions. GOALS To determine standards and guidelines for the growth and development of the paralegal profession. To foster communication among its members. To maintain professional integrity and promote competence through continuing education programs. To educate the legal community as a whole about the benefits of paralegal employment. PITTSBURGH PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 2845 Pittsburgh, PA Animal Law: Protection/Abuse Bankruptcy/Collections Business and Contracts Criminal Law Current Legal Issues Estates/Trusts/Elder Law Family Law Legal Research & Writing Litigation Real Estate PPA SPECIALTY SECTIONS Technology/IP Workplace Law

10 MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION PPA MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS Voting Member Must be currently employed as a Paralegal for at least six (6) months and holds one of the following from an education institution accredited by an agency appearing on the PPA-approved list: Bachelors or Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies Bachelors or Associates Degree in any field and a paralegal certificate from a paralegal education program Applicants not having a Bachelor s or Associates Degree may qualify for Voting Membership with 5 yrs of employment as a paralegal. Associate Member Open to any individual whom: Is a new member of PPA (first year, until Voting Member Status is met); or Is employed or retained as a paralegal and does not meet the criteria for Voting Membership; or Was previously employed as a paralegal, but currently is unemployed, under-employed or retired; or Is a member in good standing of an NFPA member association other than PPA; or Is a graduate of a Paralegal Education Program and currently is unemployed or underemployed; or Is a paralegal manager, coordinator, administrator or is employed in a similar position applying past experience and/or education as a paralegal in a current position and who does not perform paralegal duties. Student Member Open to any individual currently enrolled in a Paralegal Education Program. Sustaining Member Open to any individual or entity not meeting the criteria for a Voting or Associate Member and who or which is interested in being involved in and supporting the goals and purposes of PPA. National Affiliation: PPA is a member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations ( NFPA ), which represents paralegals nationwide. All PPA members become members of NFPA and receive the National Paralegal Report magazine delivered to your office or home. PPA Website: This site provides up-to-date information regarding upcoming events, job bank information and other announcements. PPA s website is Job Bank: On-line access to current paralegal job postings. Free Education: PPA holds monthly seminars, workshops and CLEs on a variety of legal topics, along with specialty section lunchtime seminars which are also CLE approved. There are many interesting topics and speakers! Annual Events: PPA celebrates our members and the paralegal profession each year with events including participation in a Mock Trial Competition (Feb.), Pirates baseball family event (June/July), Paralegal Day Celebration (July), Holiday Luncheon (Dec.), Happy Hours and more! Student Scholarship: Annual $1,000 scholarship awarded to a student enrolled in paralegal courses. The PPA offers a wide variety of resources and support to its members. PPA works with the NFPA and Keystone Alliance to provide updated information relating to paralegal regulation and provides study group support for national and local certification exams. PPA also dedicates itself to excellence in paralegal education including ongoing ethics instruction. The PPA strives to foster, advance and promote the paralegal profession and to facilitate communication within the community and within local, state and national bar associations and to educate the legal and business communities in the effective utilization of paralegals and to encourage the expansion of paralegal roles. CONTACT INFORMATION P.O. Box 2845 Pittsburgh, PA Ph. (412) Check us out For additional information, please access: and select "Contacts Pro Bono Opportunities: Volunteer and get involved! Paralegal Pro Bono assistance is needed at various charitable organizations' Law Clinics. Participation in various Community Service programs also need help. ACBA requests assistance on some of their sponsored programs and events as well as short term projects which are fulfilled by members. Networking: Chance to meet and interact with other paralegals in the various aspects of the legal field..