NIPA News

NIPA's Spring Seminar was held on April 25, 2024.  For the morning sessions, we were honored to have Superior Court Judge Andrew Williams as our Keynote Speaker.  Learning about the Court process for mental health commitments was eye-opening and engaging, and encouraged us to have important discussions about mental health in our communities.

Amy Thompson of Rothberg Logan & Warsco LLP led our second in-person session, breaking down the different types of bankruptcy filings for businesses, including the recently enacted subchapter 5 bankruptcy.

NIPA members participated in a friendly round of Jeopardy, testing their knowledge of bankruptcy terms.

Amy thoughtfully included NIPA as an answer in a category, and Team 1 pulled away with the victory.

Finally, a seminar would not be complete with proper caffeination & snacks - special thanks to Stewart Richardson Deposition Services for sponsoring NIPA!

The two afternoon sessions of the seminar were held virtually. 

Cari Sheehan led a session regarding Tech Ethics and AI,  discussing the use of ChatGPT in a law firm (and how not to use this tool!).  Deanna Marquez wrapped up the day with a lesson on Microsoft Excel, including the creation of handy Pivot Tables in Microsoft Excel.  Data enthusiasts rejoiced!

Thanks to all our speakers and members who participated in this year's NIPA Spring Seminar!

Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 25, 2024 for NIPA's Spring Seminar. This seminar will offer 4 sessions of CLE. Participants have the option to participate in individual sessions or a full day of all sessions. In-person and virtual sessions will be available. Topics include mental health cases, bankruptcy, AI, and Excel. Watch for more specific information coming soon. Registration expected to open on March 18th.

Garrett McNamee from Burt Blee Dixon Sutton & Bloom spoke with NIPA members this month about the new Corporate Transparency Act. These new reporting requirements have been confusing and uncertain since this Act became effective January 1st for new corporations. Garrett explained the purpose of the Act and who is required to report corporate information. Garrett shared the reporting exemptions that may benefit clients and the key roles identified in the Act, including beneficial owners and company applicants. Members shared their initial encounters with the reporting process and how area firms are handling the reporting for clients. There will be much to learn as the Act is further interpreted and clarified. We hope Garrett will come back to join us as new information comes to light.

The NFPA National Paralegal Reporter is now available online. NIPA members should have received an NFPA email with a direct link. The edition can also be accessed by logging into the NFPA website. The Winter edition features a complete recap of the 2023 NFPA Convention. In addition to details of the policy meeting and agenda topics, members will find a full report of the award winners and an article from one of the convention's workshop leaders addressing the importance of resuming our in-person, human interactions post-covid. This edition also features an article written by the 2023 student scholarship recipient. Don't forget to read the President's Message with a reminder about effective goal setting.

Have you ever needed to verify a professional license or prove paternity involving a deceased parent?  NIPA members met at Electric Works for its January meeting and discussed all kinds of favorite tips. From preserving text messages to locating debtors, members shared all of their favorite paralegal hacks. If you missed this meeting, be sure to check your in-box for a summary coming soon. Join us on February 20th to talk about the new corporate disclosure requirements.

NIPA celebrated the holiday season with fellowship at its December membership meeting.  Members enjoyed lunch together followed by some friendly competition. Thank you to the volunteers who made this social event possible.  Happy Holidays!

The Corporate Transparency Act goes into effect January 1, 2024. Under the new law, certain companies will be required to report detailed information about its beneficial owners and representatives to the Financial Crime Enforcement Network. The purpose of the new requirements is to restrict money laundering, terrorism and other financial crimes. Requirements for new companies begin January 1, 2024. Requirements for existing companies will begin January 1, 2025. See the Fall issue of The National Paralegal Reporter for more information.  NIPA is planning an upcoming CLE on this topic as well.

The NFPA Virtual Policy Meeting was held on November 1, 2023.

Joni Luke, Primary Representative, and Sarah White, Secondary Representative, attended and have prepared the below memorandum for our NIPA members.

Summary of Meeting

Agenda Topic 1 - DEI CLE Requirements

Pam Cashdollar from Mental Health America spoke at the NIPA November meeting. Attendees learned how to recognize good stress and toxic stress as well as how to control our reactions to stress. This presentation also offered great tips for how to say all the right things to help someone else who is experiencing a stressful situation.

NIPA members, check your inbox for a full meeting recap and copy of the presentation materials.

NFPA has released the Fall 2023 issue of The National Paralegal Reporter. The electronic version of the latest issue can be accessed by NIPA members from the NFPA email of November 8th. Members can also access The National Paralegal Reporter by logging into the NFPA website. Featured articles include, Factors to Consider When Choosing an Executor or Trustee, Federal Corporate Transparency Act, E-Discovery and AI, and Goal Setting for 2024.