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Jeri Blatt, LDA CALDA Lifetime Member (joined June 2002) | WHAT DOES CALDA MEAN TO ME? A lot!! While working on my Paralegal Certificate two ladies showed up in my Ethics class at the local community college – Helen Bellamy and Sylvia Cherry. They talked about how, instead of using our paralegal knowledge working for an attorney, there was an option, become an Independent Paralegal and work for yourself! That was the beginning of my journey as an LDA. I jumped right in, joined the Bay Area Chapter, and over the years, served on the board as VP, President, Technology Chair, Membership Chair, Conference Chair, and PR Chair. All these positions not only made me appreciate CALDA and all that the volunteers do to make this a great, professional, educational organization, but also it introduced me to the best of the best in the profession, some of whom have become wonderful mentors and friends. Not to mention how much we learn from the Forums (Professional LDA Exchange.) It amazes me how knowledgeable our members are and how much we learn from each other. |
Of course the conferences have always focused on education and MCLE credits, but lots of time was devoted to having fun and mingling with old and new members; crazy entertainment (Marcel doing his hula number); outdoor singalongs at Asilomar, taking off time from classes to catch a movie; lots of goofing around and building lasting relationships. The days of Steve and Catherine were very memorable. They inspired us to keep up the good work helping people who needed us the most and then Richard kept us in line and reminded us not to overstep the boundaries. Of course, none of us overstep the boundaries!! Chapter meetings were and still are great. We not only learn something to carry out with us in our daily work lives, but we’ve become a family whether in person or on ZOOM. So much a family that when one of our members has passed away it’s very sad for all of us – Janet Greenhow and Carol Ludlow! They are still so missed. There are the sad times and the fun chapter times; our Holiday parties and so many wonderful memories. I can’t imagine what we, as LDAs, would do without the support of all the members, Tracey, Maggie and especially CALDA! |
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TO THE PIONEERS WHO PAVED THE WAY...
...notably Steve Elias and his wife Catherine who fought for change and legal access for all... Their legacy prevails, as the profession of Legal Document Assistants continues to grow and flourish, 25 years after being legally recognized. Thank you to Connie Crockett for this video celebration of Steve Elias, following his sudden passing in 2011. |
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BEFORE WE WERE CALDA, WE WERE CAIP... Enjoy a BLAST from the PAST!
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JOIN THE CELEBRATION - REGISTER FOR THE CALDA 2024 ANNUAL CONFERENCE! CHECK BACK FOR ADDITIONAL MEMORIES ADDED SOON... |