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

ANOTHER Great (Full-time) Job Opportunity

Okay, this is a position at a bank, and not, strictly speaking, a paralegal sort of job. But it does involve working with trusts and legal documents.

More importantly? The bank SPECIFICALLY asked for someone from here with a paralegal degree because we (collectively) were recommended by a local attorney!!!! You guys just keep making me proud!

The salary range is $14.91 - 19.88 per hour to start. It tops out at $24.85 hourly. I believe it is being posted on HireIvy, but also feel free to contact me if you are interested.

Absolutely Awash in Interesting Job Opportunities!

And this is why you should stay in contact with this blog after you graduate.....

First, the Tippecanoe County Public Defender's Office is looking to fill a couple of part-time positions. They stress that these are permanent positions, not just for a semester, so they're hoping to hire someone long-term-ish. For lawyers, long term usually implies 2 or more years, so if that fits into your plans for at least the next 2 years, check out their listing on the Tippecanoe County website.

Second, Pam might work in Milwaukee, but her firm also has an office in Indianapolis--and it's looking to hire an experienced paralegal. Are you--or do you know--someone who fits the bill? In the interests of full disclosure--and also to just hammer home a point I like to make--if you are hired as the result of an internal referral (in other words, via networking), the person who referred you (Pam) gets a bonus. That's her firm's policy. Make her take you out to lunch.

Litigation Project Manager (Paralegal)
The Indianapolis headquarters of the nation’s largest transportation law firm with offices
located in major cities throughout the United States has an opening for a full-time
Litigation Project Manager to assist the Firm’s growing class-action defense practice.
The candidate will work under the supervision of senior class-action litigators that
helm the practice to provide case-management services for the many pending matters
the Firm is handling. Those services will include (among others): (1) tracking and updating
internal case dockets; (2) preparing and updating internal Firm reports; (3) monitoring
case budgets; (4) drafting correspondence, routine discovery requests and responses,
and non-substantive pleadings; (5) coordinating the use of technology platforms to make
the practice more efficient; and (6) preparing for and participating in regular practicelevel
and case-specific strategy sessions. A qualified candidate will also have the ability
to professionally and promptly interact with clients and other firm personnel, and safeguard
the confidentiality of client information. Strong organizational skills are a must.
The position’s responsibilities will also require the ability to operate Microsoft Office
applications and current case-management technologies. Finally, qualified candidates
must be motivated and accountable, with excellent communication skills, good organizational
and time management skills, and a team-player attitude.
Education and Certification
 Formal legal training resulting, at a minimum, in a Certificate of Completion
of Paralegal Course of Study from an accredited college or university,
or Associate or Bachelor Degree from an accredited college or university;

 8 or more years’ experience in a law firm (or comparable experience in an
in-house position) performing paralegal and project-management duties;
 Familiarity with complex litigation (i.e., class actions, MDL, mass torts).
Duties and primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to
 Communicate with lawyers in class-action practice to facilitate completion
of litigation updates along with communication regarding case status
and deadlines
 Coordinate with clients to obtain electronically-stored information (“ESI”)
along with intake of ESI and other discovery documents into the Firm’s
litigation technology applications
 Assist with drafting of correspondence, routine discovery requests and responses,
litigation hold documents, case intake forms, and non-substantive
pleadings
 Responsibility for coordinating administrative aspects of discovery process
in cases with secretarial staff, including deposition notices, scheduling
of court reporters, payment of court reporter invoices, ingesting deposition
transcripts into Firm’s technology applications, and assembly of exhibit
binders 
 Provide assistance to other Firm employees as needed to maximize use of
Firm’s document management system, document review software, and legal
docketing/calendaring software in the class action practice group
 Preparation of correspondence, legal documents and routine pleadings;
 Complete daily billing time records in an accurate and timely manner;
 Adhere to strict confidentiality standards (keeps confidential all information
concerning firm matters and clients);
 Assist with other duties as appropriate;
 Perform other duties, responsibilities and special projects as assigned.
Success Factors
Personal characteristics that will contribute to success in this position are a strong
work ethic and personal integrity; a strong a high degree of attention to detail; ability to
effectively work in a team environment; ability to maintain confidential information;
creativity and initiative; ability to multi-task and remain calm under pressure; and ability
to be flexible.
Resumes with previous law firm experience will be considered first. Compensation for
this position will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Send resume
and cover letter to hr@scopelitis.com. An Equal Opportunity Employer. 

All-around Good Career--and Life!--Advice

I rarely agree 100 percent with an article on career or life advice, so when I do, it's worth passing along, right?

http://abovethelaw.com/2017/06/7-more-lessons-about-lawyering-and-life/

Another job opening--actually looking for a paralegal

Now and then I post job openings that don't have Paralegal or Legal Assistant in the title, but where the employer is looking for that exact same skill set. Here's another excellent example. Know any experienced paralegals who would be interested?

Position:  Adult Protective Services Program Director

Location:  Lafayette, IN

Job Id:  501

# of Openings:  1

POSITION:                     APS Services Program Director DEPARTMENT:             Prosecuting Attorney SALARY:                        $49,652.00 annually   ESSENTIAL DUTIES:    Supervises assigned personnel, including interviewing applicants, making hiring recommendations and decisions, making work assignments, recommending personnel actions, evaluating staff performance, providing training, including training as required by statute,  and maintaining discipline.  Oversees division operations, including analyzing staff workload, reviewing position documentation, determining changes in staff responsibilities, reviewing salaries, recommending personnel actions, and administering personnel programs.  Performs division public relations duties, including building relationships with various agencies, seeking improvements in communication and accessibility between program and community, preparing press releases, and making public presentations as requested.  Conducts regular and ongoing community awareness events.  Develops and maintains cooperative intra and inter-agency working relationships.  Investigates allegations of neglect, exploitation, and battery of endangered adults, including obtaining information by questioning clients and/or their family, friends, neighbors, law enforcement, and others.  Receives and evaluates requests for service from community and determines appropriateness of opening a case according to IC 12-10-32.  Operates motor vehicle to and from related locations.  Interprets legal and medical documents in relation to individual cases.  Documents all activities performed in relation to cases and maintains appropriate files.  Regularly reads and uses GIS to locate clients’ homes and other official business locations.  Performs home visits to clients in 8 county program areas, including inspecting for unsanitary conditions and health risks such as presence of animal or human waste, rodents, insects, and/or trash. Performs initial and ongoing assessment of clients.  Refers citizens to various social service agencies.  Periodically meets with staff and Prosecutor to discuss organizational developments, employee evaluations, and client cases.  Prepares tentative budget proposals for review by Prosecutor.  Communicates and coordinates services and investigations with social service agencies, physicians, law enforcement, other  professionals, and family members.  Assists other agencies with criminal and civil investigations.  Answers telephone and provides customer service, including directing/transferring to appropriate individual or department, or providing information and assistance as appropriate. Determines and recommends if emergency or court intervention is needed for specific situations. Refers citizens and/or clients to various social service agencies.  Acts as liaison between program and prosecutors, police, and/or general citizens filing a complaint against program.  Regularly communicates with victims of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and exploitation. Compiles program statistics and relays to State APS Director and Prosecutors in 8 county service areas.  Updates state APS system and informs State Director on local statistics. Reviews professional publications and regularly participates in related organizations. Periodically delivers public presentations on program issues.  Periodically testifies in court as required.  Performs related duties as assigned.                 JOB REQUIREMENTS:   High school diploma/GED and 5 years experience in criminal justice, social work, and/or other related field. Must be at least 21 years of age.  Ability to meet all Department hiring and retention requirements, including passage of a background/criminal investigation and maintain current standing as an Adult Protective Services Case Investigator, including attending state conferences annually.  Working knowledge of and ability to read and interpret Indiana legal codes/law and medical documents to determine effect on individual cases and respond accordingly.  Working knowledge of criminal justice system and applicable state codes.  Working knowledge of available social and emergency service providers and ability to evaluate individual cases and make appropriate referrals.  Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ability to prepare various documents as assigned, perform public speaking presentations, maintain accurate records, and perform arithmetic calculations.  Working knowledge of various computer programs, such as state APS system and Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.  Ability to supervise assigned personnel, including interviewing applicants, making hiring recommendations and decisions, making work assignments, recommending personnel actions, evaluating staff performance, providing training, and maintaining discipline.  Ability to oversee division operations, including analyzing staff workload, reviewing position documentation, determining changes in staff responsibilities, reviewing salaries, recommending personnel actions, and administering personnel programs.  Ability to comply with all employer and department policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.  Ability to properly operate various office equipment, including computer, typewriter, calculator, camera, video, cell phone, and audio recorder.  Ability to read and use GIS and/or directions.  Ability to maintain current information on applicable agencies in eight county areas and throughout State of Indiana.  Ability to work alone and with others in a team environment with minimum supervision, often under time pressure.  Ability to work rapidly for long periods, work on several tasks at the same time, and complete assignments effectively amidst frequent distractions and interruptions.  Ability to adapt to changing situations on a regular basis and maintain a professional demeanor at all times.  Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County departments, Area IV Council on Aging, hospitals, courts, nursing and mental health facilities, doctors, social and legal service agencies, police, prosecutors, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities, and disabilities.  Ability to assess situations and make decisions while in field visiting clients and working with other agencies.  Ability to work with potentially irate or hostile persons, including ability to ensure protection of self and others.  Ability to apply knowledge of people and/or locations, including conducting home visits and other face-to-face interactions with clients.  Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of Department information and records according to state regulations.  Ability to observe similarities and differences in data, compile, analyze, and evaluate data, and make determinations based on data analyses.  Ability to understand, memorize, retain, and carry out written or oral instruction and present findings in oral or written form.  Ability to occasionally work extended, evening, and/or weekend hours, and regularly travel out of town for training or conferences, sometimes overnight.  Ability to regularly serve on 24-hour call on a rotation basis and respond swiftly, rationally, and decisively in emergency situations.  Ability to respond to emergencies on 24-hour basis.  Ability to testify in court proceedings as required.  Possession of a valid driver's license and demonstrated safe driving record.    APPLY BY:       Until Filled            APPLY AT:       https://www.myisolved.com/