Legal Society Meeting

Just a reminder that the Legal Society will be meeting Thursday, December 7, at 5 p.m. The meeting will take place in Ivy 1132. We will be electing officers for next semester. Please be aware that you need not be present to "win," so you'll want to attend for sure.

Part-time Jobs

If you are interested in a part-time job at the Tippecanoe County Courthouse, please contact me. The Courthouse periodically hires our PARA/LEGS students. These are a great chance to get your foot in the door

So, You Want to Go to Law School ...

Apparently there is a book making the rounds among people considering going to law school titled Don't Go to Law School Unless, which gives some tough-love advice about what law school and practicing law are really like. For the too long: didn't read crowd, another lawyer boiled the whole book down to a flowchart.

Here's a little tough love of my own: if you are a TL:DR sort of person, law school is not for you.

No, I did not read the book. Before this morning, I didn't even know it existed. But I already have my degree, and it's paid for, so the book isn't talking to me, anyway.

The flowchart looks pretty accurate, albeit a little on the harsh side. I think the main takeaway is (or should be) that a lot of people have no earthly idea what lawyers do or what working in a law firm is like, and taking out scads of student loans based on the fact that you like lawyer TV shows is a really bad idea. At the very least, take some inexpensive law classes and spend some time actually working in a law firm.

Wait! That's exactly what our paralegal program is designed to have you do! Whoa!

If you'd like to look at the flowchart, here it is.

Legal Society

The Legal Society will meet TODAY at 5 p.m. in Ivy 1345.

See you there!

Part-time Paralegal Position in Lafayette

Attorney Luisa White is seeking a paralegal, part-time, for her solo practice office. 

Here's the job description:

PART-TIME ASSISTANT POSITION

10 HOURS A WEEK AT $9, PAID FOR HOURS WORKED

90 DAY PROBATIONARY PERIOD, UPON A 90 DAY EVALUATION BEING DONE AN INCREASE IN PAY AND HOURS WILL BE DETERMINED

NO BENEFITS

NOT A SALARIED POSITION

IF YOU HAVE TO TRAVEL DURING WORK HOURS, MILEAGE WILL BE REIMBURSED

OVERVIEW OF WORK

            High School Diploma or GED required. No legal experience is required but preferred. Ideal candidates should be effective communicators, open to learning paralegal skills and interested in family law, criminal law and general civil matters.  You will be expected to help in the daily operation of the business. Expect to answer phones, perform clerical work such as mailing and filing, draft documents, handle money, become acquainted with and undergo training for legal software, attend some court hearings for the purpose of taking detailed notes and to travel within the state of Indiana.

            

If you're interested, send your resume and cover letter to Luisa at luisawhite@luisawhitelaw.com.

Probably the Weirdest Career Idea I'll Ever Post Here

The Washington Post has a fascinating article about who has made a fortune ... but not as a paralegal. If you're looking for some interesting reading over the weekend, you might want to check it out.

Also, I just learned that the Library of Congress employs paralegals. So there's that. 😊

how-a-government-paralegal-mastered-portrait-photography-to-make-millions/2017/10/27/7156c306-b8db-11e7-9e58-e6288544af98_story.html

Looking for Witnesses

The Litigation class (LEGS 202) is in need of some volunteers who are willing to be witnesses at its upcoming mock trial. The case involves a high school student who sustained a head injury during a club soccer game and was then returned to the game quickly, where she then sustained a debilitating head injury. Was Coach Dempsey negligent in returning her to the field of play--at her insistence--so soon? Help us decide.

Witnesses must be available on either Tuesday, December 12, or Thursday, December 14, from 12:30 until 1:45. Ideally, you will also be available at some earlier time to meet with counsel so that they can prepare you for your testimony. Total time commitment: 2 hours.

If you are in one of my other classes, this is worth 20 engagement points. If you are not in one of my other classes, it's still a lot of fun and a great chance to see the Litigation students at their best.

Contact me if you're interested.

It's Practicum Time!

For those of you who don't check your email, the following announcement was just emailed out. If you're interested, check your inbox for the forms. 

The Ivy Tech Paralegal Practicum is our version of an internship. Students who have participated in the past have found it to be a valuable experience—and have contributed to our good reputation in the legal community.

The Practicum counts as a 3-credit class. It is only offered in the spring semesters. Unlike other classes,  the Practicum has a separate application process and deadlines to account for the fact that I must match you with a local law office and give you and your host site a chance to work out a schedule and expectations prior to the start of the semester. The application, as well as some general information, is attached. Please note that your completed application must be returned to me by November 10.

Who should take the practicum?

                I recommend that every student consider taking the practicum in his or her final spring semester. It is an excellent experience and a great stepping stone to a full-time job after graduation. Participation is limited, however, to those students who have at least a C average in PARA and LEGS classes. In addition, I cannot place a student whose attendance record, attitude, or behavior suggest that he or she may … not make a good impression on the hosting law office.

Where will I be placed?

                As part of the application process, you and I will sit down and discuss your interests, location, constraints, etc. We have worked with a number of law offices, government offices, courts, and corporations in the past, and I like to think there’s something for everyone. As much as possible, I try to match you with something that I think would be a good fit.

If I already have a job at a law office, can I use that for my practicum placement?

                If it’s paralegal-caliber work, yes! But we will need to work with your employer to come up with a new task, responsibility, or project that will stretch you a little more than what you’ve already been doing.

I see that there’s an application and a deadline. What if I’m really bad at filling out paperwork and meeting deadlines?

                Then the practicum is probably not for you.

What if I have more questions?

                Contact me. I’d be happy to talk to you.

Paralegal Job Opportunity in Crawfordsville

The Jackson Kelly Law Firm is opening an office in Crawfordsville, and is looking for a paralegal. This will be a full-time position, but the office is willing to be flexible with someone who is still taking classes.

Jackson Kelly practices in a variety of (low-drama) areas, as you can see from their website. And yes, when you are thinking of interviewing at a firm, you should spend some time on their website first.

This sounds like a fantastic opportunity for the right person. Is that you?

You can submit your resume and cover letter to Laura Baker, the office administrator in Evansville. Her email address is Laura.Baker@JacksonKelly.com.

Do you have questions about whether this is a good fit for you, how to make a good impression, etc.? Send those to me. You know where to find me.

Student Life Events in October (ALSO SCROLL DOWN FOR MONDAY'S ANNOUNCEMENTS)

Monday Morning Announcements

First, a reminder that there will be a Legal Society meeting tomorrow (Tuesday, October 3) at 5:00 p.m.

Second, here are out stats on last week's international visitors. Welcome, India!

United States	48
Spain	2
Finland	2
Portugal	2
India	1

Go to the Movies! (In 2 Weeks)

The movie Marshall will be released two weeks from today, on October 13. The movie traces the early career of Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American justice on the US Supreme Court.

Can you get engagement points for seeing it? You betcha! Don't forget to invite a classmate for even more points.

October is National Free Pizza Month

Okay, maybe October is not National Free Pizza Month, but you would think so around here. There are a lot of things coming up in a hurry, and many of them involve free pizza. Dinner (or lunch) is on us. 

• Thursday, September 28 at 11:15: Money Myths. Kick off Free Pizza Month Eve with a lunch and learn (and free pizza) in the Lilly Rooms. RSVP to the Student Life Office if possible so they can get an accurate headcount.
• Friday, September 29 at 11:00 - 1:00: Human Trafficking. Lunch (which may or may not involve pizza) and learn about human trafficking. This presentation takes place off-campus in Crawfordsville, so it's a good time for all of you who bemoan the fact that everything happens in Tippecanoe to jump in. The presentation takes place at St. John's Episcopal Church in Crawfordsville. RSVP here.
• Sunday, October 1 at 1:00: Purdue Women's Soccer. The Litigation class (LEGS 202) is working on a case involving a tragic soccer injury and has elected to attend this Purdue Women's Soccer game as research. You are all welcome to join us. No pizza, but plenty of engagement points. 
• Tuesday, October 3 at 5:00: Legal Society Meeting. Oh, the drama! The pageantry! Actually, it's 6 - 12 people hanging out in a room planning upcoming events. A low stress, pizza-free way to get to know your colleagues outside of the classroom and have a voice in planning upcoming events. In the conference room.
• Tuesday, October 10 at 11:00 and 12:30: NAMI--In Our Own Voices. Munch on free pizza and listen to community members describe the challenges of living with chronic mental illness. Lilly Rooms.
• Thursday, October 12 from 3 - 5: Storytelling by the ASAP Students. I know almost nothing about this, but it's sure to be interesting. Who doesn't love a good story? The Lilly Rooms.
• Thursday, October 12 at 6:00: Dinner with the PARA/LEGS Alums. This may or may not involve pizza, but it will involve dinner. Come be regaled by our recent, and not-so-recent, alums as they share the wisdom they have acquired out in the working world. Please RSVP to me or Hannah Isenberg so we can get an accurate headcount. The Lilly Rooms, I think.

Whew! No one should be starving in October. Or complaining about engagement points! (Yes, I know I have been slow on those. My apologies. I hope to be caught up SOON.)

Volunteer (and Engagement Point) Opportunity: Help Local DACA Students!

The LUM immigration clinic has a workshop at Ivy Tech in the Lily room on Saturday, 9/30 from 9-11am to help DACA applicants renew their status before the October 5th cut-off.
Even if immigration isn't your practice area, as a legal professional, you bring a much needed skill set to the effort. If you know an immigration attorney or paralegal, encourage them to visit LUM's website and sign up to volunteer.
Work shops are 9/20 at LARA, 9/22 at Purdue, and 9/30 at Ivy Tech.

http://www.lumserve.org/.../assistanc.../immigration-clinic/

Calling All Alums!

It's that time again: All PARA/LEGS alumni are invited to join the Legal Society (formerly the Paralegal Society) for Pizza with the Alums on Thursday, October 12, at 6:00. Tell current students what you wish you had known when you were in their shoes! Share your war stories!

Contact me (Linda Kampe) as lkampe@ivytech.edu to let me know you're coming--we want to be sure to have enough pizza!

See you on the 12th!

I'm a Russian Rock Star

Here are last week's international stats. Why are we so popular in Russia?

Russia	43
United States	18
Ireland	3
Spain	1
France	1
India	1
Netherlands	1
Portugal	1
Vietnam	1

Lawyers, Guns & Money

So many upcoming events!!!!!

1. The Indiana State Secretary of State's Office (SOS) is responsible for consumer protection within the state. The SOS is putting on a program about investment scams--how to recognize them, what the SOS is doing about them, etc., on Thursday, September 14, at noon at the Lafayette Courtyard Marriott. The SOS will present the documentary $cammed. Learn about how the SOS acts to protect Hoosiers from investment fraud. Register for this free event to Katrina Ent at kent@hirons.com.                                        *******************************************
2. Local attorney Kirk Freeman is giving a 3-hour presentation on Indiana Firearms Law on October 6, 2017, from 1:15 - 4: 15. The good news is that it takes place in a bar: Lafayette Brewing Company. The program is free, but I am not sure whether non-attorneys are invited. If you're interested, contact (alum) Mary Willis-Zell at mary.kfreeman@yahoo.com.    *******************************************
3.  The League of Women Voters, in conjunction with the PARA/LEGS program here at Ivy Tech Lafayette, is inaugurating a speaker series tentatively titled Democracy 101. Like all LWV programs, it is nonpartisan, and like most LWV programs--and almost everything on this blog--it is free. The first speaker will be Communications Professor Josh Scacco of Purdue, talking about Journalistic Ethics in a Digital Age. (This is the working title, and it might change, possibly to something catchier.) That presentation will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, October 16, right here at Ivy Tech, probably in the Lilly Rooms. Since the main sponsor of this event is the LWV, this will count as an off-campus event, even though it takes place on campus. ********************************************
4. This is not really an event so much as an announcement. You can register to vote through a new service offered by Ivy Tech. For those of you who avoid reading your email (and I don't blame you), log onto https://ivytech.turbovote.org/. Once you're there, you can register to vote, request an absentee ballot, and who knows what all else. No engagement points for registering to vote, but you do get engagement points for actually voting.   ********************************************
5. Finally, someone somewhere in Lafayette is giving a presentation on animal rights law. I don't know when or where or anything else, but I recently heard the tail end of a public service announcement about it. I will stay on the trail, because I know this is something that many of you find interesting. If you know anything about it, let me know!

Still Getting in the Fall Semester Rhythm!

I know I've been remiss about updating the blog, and I am very hopeful that I will be back in the habit soon. In the meantime, here are some interesting--and engagement point-eligible--events going on around Lafayette:

Sept. 18
The movie“8 Borders, 8 Days,” a Documentary by Amanda Bailly will be shown at
7-8:30 PM at MatchBOX, 17 S 6th St, Lafayette
Organizer: GLIA (Greater Lafayette Immigrant Allies)

What's It About? 

A fierce single mother of two from Syria decides risking their lives in
a raft is safer than staying behind on land. This film is an immersive
experience of their eight-day journey to safety.
Limited seating. Free Eventbrite ticket required.

Click here to register for your free ticket.

Sept. 21
Immigrant Entrepreneur Panel
6:30-8:30 PM at MatchBOX, 17 S 6th St, Lafayette
Organizers: GLIA and MatchBOX

Come hear local entrepreneurs from Greater Lafayette share their
experience and learn about all the opportunities and benefits the
area has to offer.

Ivy Tech PARA/LEGS Day at Purdue Women's Soccer

Okay, technically this is not an official thing. Purdue women's soccer team doesn't even know we're coming. But we are, and you--PARA/LEGS students and alumni!--are invited to join us.

You see, the Litigation class (LEGS 202), is working on a case for this semester that involves a young woman who was injured during a soccer game. So the class voted to attend the soccer game for research. Since we're attending it as part of our research for the case, it is law-related.

You know what that means: Engagement Points!

Yes, this is the weirdest engagement point opportunity ever. Come sit in the stands on a Sunday afternoon, watch the Purdue women take on Northwestern, and (if you're in one of my classes), get up to 20 engagement points. (For the 20 points to apply, we'll need to persuade at least one of the LEGS 101 students to attend.) Even if you're not seeking points, it'll be a good time. Join us.

Purdue women's soccer games are free this season, so there's no cost. They do have a concession stand with traditional stadium food (hot dogs, nachos, etc.) as well as beer and wine.

The game starts at 1:00 p.m. Get directions to Folk Field, home of Purdue soccer, here.

An Embarrassment of Riches

Two more jobs were passed on to me today. Both are part-time, both are for Legal Aid. One is paralegal-ish, but the other is purely fundraising. I'm putting both job descriptions below. If you are interested in either job, send your resume and cover letter to

Mandy McIlwain

Executive Director

Legal Aid Corp. of Tippecanoe County

212 N. 5th St. Lafayette, IN 47901

O: (765) 742-1068

Office Assistant

Legal Aid is looking for an enthusiastic, personable, and reliable office assistant. Duties would include:

1. Customer service - answer phones and greet walk-ins. Direct clients to the proper person or another agency if we are not able to assist. Assist clients with applications. Qualify applications and set appointments.

2. Attorney assistance - pull attorney case files, file confidential documents, make copies, utilize online filing systems, e-file legal documents, maintain attorney calendars, draft and sent letters, draft basic legal documents for attorney review.

3. Recordkeeping - take payments for court cases, record applications and demographics, record attorney billable hours, maintain inventory of office supplies.

4. Cleaning duties - daily and weekly cleaning duties including sweeping, mopping, dusting, emptying waste baskets

5. Training - assist with training student interns and volunteers

Applicant must have proficient skills in Microsoft office programs and be able to type quickly and efficiently.

Starting pay is $8/hour, but has the potential to increase to $9/hour after 6 months. Hours of Legal Aid are 8:00-4:00pm Monday-Friday. This position requires a minimum of 20 hours, but will not exceed 30 hours in a week.  We are a small office, therefore applicant must be available during business hours if coverage is needed. 

Director of Development

SUMMARY:
The Director of Development is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all of Legal Aid's fundraising including, the major gifts program, annual fund, planned giving, special events and capital campaigns. The Director works closely with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors in all development and fund raising endeavors.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must embrace the mission of providing legal services to low-income individuals
• Strong interpersonal and writing skills.
• Have knowledge and experience in fund raising techniques, particularly major gift fundraising.
• Possess the skills to work with and motivate staff, board members and other volunteers.
• Have the desire to get out of the office and build external relationships.
• Be a "self-starter" and goal driven to initiate donor visits and fundraising calls.
• Be organized and exhibit follow through on tasks and goals.
• Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense and good listening ability.
• A bachelor's degree, or five years of development experience.

ACTUAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Meet prospective donors and supporters on a continual basis to establish effective communications with them.
2. Grow a major gifts program including identification, cultivation and solicitation of major donors.
3. Oversee grant seeking including research, proposal writing, and reporting requirements.
4. Build the planned giving program with a focus on deferred gifts such as bequest expectancies.
5. Direct the annual fund program, including mailings and annual fundraising drives.
6. Direct capital campaigns and other major fundraising drives.
7. Coordinate fund raising special events.
8. Oversee prospect research.
9. Work closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
10. Make public appearances/accept speaking engagements to share information about Legal Aid with the community.
11. Attend Board Development Committee meetings.
12. Implement and oversee fundraising database and tracking systems.
13. Supervise and collaborate with other fundraising volunteers.
14. Oversee creation of publications to support fund raising activities.
15. Maintain gift recognition programs.
16. Demonstrate professional conduct at all times.
17. Perform other related duties as requested.

SALARY/BENEFITS:
$18/hour - 20 hours/week

Welcome to the Fall Semester 2017!

Yes, classes are just barely underway, but there's already a lot happening. I'll send out a more detailed email and blog post in a week or two, but here are a couple of things you need to know now:

1. Involvement Fair, September 5 & 6: We need people to staff our booth at the involvement fair. The fair runs from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. both days. (No evening shift this year.) Working at the involvement fair for at least 1 hour is worth 10 engagement points, for those of you seeking engagement points. If you're interested, contact Hannah Isenberg, president of the Legal Society, at ivytechlegalsociety@gmail.com. Hannah promises to read your emails. 

2. Legal Society Meeting, September 5: Mark your calendars. The first meeting of the Legal Society is set for 5 p.m. on Tuesday, September 5. The location is still to be determined.

Jobs, jobs, jobs

You know, this could just turn into a job board if I'm not careful. Ironically, Ivy Tech has supposedly amassed all the jobs data for the state, and publishes it on its website. (Yeah, don't ask me where. I just see these things at faculty meetings.) Anyway, they have come up with a statistic of something like 100 job openings per year, statewide, for paralegals.

My fellow chairs and I have complained that the statement is misleadingly small. Ivy Tech gets its statistics from totaling the want ads on job placement sites; paralegals are generally sought via word of mouth.

But no one listens to us. Except you. Bless you.

Your reward? Yet another job opening. They're backing up, people. Start recruiting your literate friends and neighbors. Throw a "Law & Order" party and hand out brochures to everyone who shows up. Whatever.

Back to the job opening. A law firm in Lafayette is looking for a runner. This is not a paralegal position, but is a good way to meet lawyers and make a good impression while you're in school. (The making a good impression part is really key, here. Your networking success is only as good as your social skills.) Anyway, the firm is looking for someone full-time, but in a world in which all is negotiable (don't I always tell you that?), I asked whether they would consider breaking the job into 2 part-time jobs, and they said they would.

Interested? Let me know!

Wilkommen!

It appears that France is still on summer vacation, but their neighbors to the north, Germany, are weighing in. Greetings! Here are this past week's stats:

United States	23
Germany	15
Portugal	2
Brazil	1
Russia	1

France, where have you gone?

I haven't published these statistics in a bit, so maybe France was feeling disheartened for not getting a shout-out. But here's a breakdown of which countries people have logged in from over the past week. Why do so many Russians find this blog interesting?

Russia	44
Brazil	41
United States	25
South Korea	6
Mexico	6
Ukraine	5
Germany	3
Ireland	3
Ecuador	2
Thailand	2