CALSPro - California Association of Legal Support Professionals

A Message from the President

Posted September 16, 2020 in Membership

By Robert Porambo

As I write my last President’s message, I can’t begin to express how amazing and fulfilling it’s been to serve this association and its members the past two terms.  Although the last six months have been somewhat of a challenge (that’s an understatement), we have been truly blessed to have so many amazing people who have stepped up in a big way to continue to promote and protect our industry.

6 months ago your association was keenly focused on the Dynamex ruling and AB5 and the effects on our industry. Then we were focused on staying in business, working remotely, PPP, PPE, etc. We have been challenged during these unprecedented times and our resolve has been tested like no other time.  You have to wonder how this year will be taught and what will be said to our future generations.  I know one fact, CALSPro and their Board of Directors brought their “A” game during this time.

Chad Barger, Mike Belote, and our legislative committee, have been burning their candle at both ends.  They have been closely monitoring bills and the word on the street is Mr. Belote is on 40 hours total sleep since March.  Hang in there!! There have been several recently-signed bills regarding the moratorium on evictions and also AB2257.  Also, there are several new enforcement of judgment forms that became effective on September 1, 2020. 

I want to let you know how fortunate we are to have Steve Janney on our team.  With membership hurting this year, Mr. Janney stepped up in a big way.  Our Rosenthal committee decided to not present our highest honor this year, however Steve took this opportunity to raise money for CALSPro by matching up to $10,000 in donations.  We raised over $22,000 which will help keep us going until our membership drive in December. He truly is a great American and an even better human being!

I want to personally thank each of our amazingly dedicated board members, committee chairs and members, Mike, Jenny & Stephanie for protecting us, our industry and our businesses.  Also, special thanks to my good friend, our Vice President and Chairman of the Board, Ken Hastings for his poise, integrity and dedication to this association.  Our association owes each of the aforementioned people a huge round of applause for everything they have done for us over the past 2 years.

It’s been a genuine honor and a privilege to serve this association as your president and It’s been very gratifying to be able to give back to the people who, over the past half century, gave their heart and soul to protecting our industry. 

Announcing The Bert Rosenthal Memorial Award Fund

Posted August 12, 2020 in Membership

On August 5, 2020, during the 21st week of the Coronavirus Pandemic, the Bert Rosenthal Memorial Award Committee, whose members include past award recipients, the current president, and active past presidents, established the Bert Rosenthal Memorial Award Fund. This Fund shall be used to aid CALSPro during challenging financial times, in which funds are needed to support the general operations of the association.   Contributions shall be made by Rosenthal Committee members directly to CALSPro, and contributions shall also be welcomed by non-Rosenthal Committee members.   Bert Rosenthal was a Founding Member of this association and one of the most respected. Bert had a clear understanding of the role the legal professional plays in our justice system. He encouraged the involvement of all, mentoring many younger members. Bert had both the character and the strength to challenge everyone to work for the common good of our profession. Bert exemplified everything for which this award stands.   As a result of CALSPro’s declining financial status, this fund was established to help keep the association operating, especially during the pandemic. The idea originated by Steve Janney (Rosenthal Recipient 2011) who has obtained a very generous commitment to initially fund the Bert Rosenthal Memorial Award Fund with matching funds, up to $10,000.00, of the total amount of donations made to the Fund on or before September 1, 2020. This means that your donation will be doubled, for example, if you donate $100.00, the value of your donation will be $200.00 due to the matching funds. Mr. Janney believes, “This will be a good way for donors to acknowledge the educational, social, and financial benefits of Bert’s legacy.”   We invite you to support this important fund by making a contribution. Please complete THIS FORM and return it to Rosenthal Committee Chair, Jenny Blevins, at jennifer@caladmanagement.com. On behalf of the Rosenthal Committee, thank you for your generous support!   CLICK HERE TO CONTRIBUTE

A Message from the President

Posted July 8, 2020 in Membership

It is an understatement to say we are in unprecedented and challenging times. We may be over COVID-19, but it doesn’t appear to be over us.  I am sure everyone is doing their best to make the necessary adjustments to keep you, your family and staff members safe and healthy. Remember the three W’s:  Wash your hands, Wear your mask and Watch your distance.

Conference

Jenny & Stephanie have been communicating with the hotel in San Jose.  They are keeping  in constant contact with your committee chair, Mark Manchester, to keep him apprised of any problems or changes. Our plan for now is to move forward with an in-person conference.  As we focus on in-person, we are also working on contingency plans for a virtual conference and/or a hybrid conference if needed.

Elections

Cliff Jacobs has agreed to serve as the chair of the nominating committee.  Keep your eyes open for notices regarding our upcoming election.

Financial

We need your help.  COVID-19 has adversely affected our membership renewal process.  If you’re already renewed, thank you.  If you haven’t renewed your membership, please take a moment and renew today so we can continue to protect, preserve and promote your industry.  

Join Calspro

Your board of directors and committee chairs have done an amazing job during the past 100 days.  We have held productive board, legislative, conference, membership, education, and financial meetings, to name a few.  We are constantly communicating, not only amongst ourselves, but to the people who matter… Our members.  You are definitely our most important asset.  We deeply care about your well-being and prosperity.  It’s like the old saying, you’re only as happy as your saddest child.  If you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or one of your amazing board members.  We are here for you!

Why You Should Become a Member of CALSPro

Posted June 24, 2020 in Membership

What is CALSPro? The California Association of Legal Support Professionals (CALSPro) is a member-driven organization focusing on the continued enforcement of the due process clauses of our U.S. Constitution. We believe that every party to an action must be properly notified of such court proceedings.  To accomplish this goal, CALSPro has defeated many service-by-mail Legislative bills through the efforts of our legislative advocate. CALSPro’s Legislative program is also dedicated to reading all proposed bills of interest, assessing their impact and making corrective suggestions. The committee and advocate work together to propose their own legislative bills annually to benefit our industry.

The association structure defines itself on four cornerstones: Legislative, Membership, Conference and Continuing Education. These cornerstones provide the necessary foundation to support its members’ agenda and core values. The association is 50 years old and still evolving!

Why should you join CALSPro? If you value your business in the legal industry, you should join CALSPro. If you are looking to connect with likeminded individuals in your industry, you should join CALSPro. If you want to educate yourself and your employees on the ins and outs of service of process, you should join CALSPro. Sign up for a Continuing Education Workshop and take the exam, you will not be disappointed. CALSPro members represent a diverse group of companies and individuals dedicated to the betterment of serving the legal community, the judicial system, and the public. As the needs of the members and the industry advance, it is vital that the association work to preserve the integrity and professionalism of its members.

Still not convinced? Take a few minutes and listen to some current members and Officers of CALSPro explain why they joined and continue to support CALSPro.

Thank you for your interest in joining others in the profession to promote, protect and preserve the professional legal support industry. Once you join as a member you will receive access to our new CALSPro mobile app. available on iOS and Android devices! The App has valuable tools and information for use both in the field and at the office such as:

• Address Validation
• Searchable CCP Code Database
• State and Federal Witness Fee Calculator
• CA Process Server Guidelines

Click here to join today!

Six Keys To Success

Posted May 27, 2020 in Membership

Have you ever wondered how the Warren Buffets and Elon Musks of the world do it? What things do they do to keep their minds sharp, and their bank accounts large? In an article written by Dustin McKissen he explains the six little things you must do to get you on the right path to success.

Success isn’t easy — and it certainly doesn’t happen overnight, but there are little things you can do every day to ensure that you achieve your professional goals. The world’s most legendary leaders, from Elon Musk and Oprah Winfrey to CEOs at Google and Facebook, all view success as a work in progress.

They key is to stay patient and committed. Here are six things you need to do on a daily basis if you want to be successful in life:

1. Read a book that isn’t directly related to your career

Reading is one of the easiest ways to experience life from another perspective and develop the empathy required to be an effective leader. But it’s important to expand your knowledge beyond your expertise.

There’s a reason why Elon Musk includes works of science fiction and biographies as some of the essentials on his reading list. “I was raised by books. Books, and then my parents,” Musk said in an interview with Rolling Stone.

2. Get sweaty

No, we’re not talking about going to the sauna or doing hot yoga.

Developing the courage to do something outside of your comfort zone is a sign that you’re leveling up. Otherwise, you won’t get very far in life. If you hate public speaking, be the first to speak at your next team meeting. Although you might get so nervous that you end up with sweat stains beneath your armpit sleeves, just do it anyway. It’ll get easier.

Mark Zuckerberg spent years learning Mandarin. And guess what? He did a pretty good job mastering it. Fear and growth cannot exist in the same space. One has to leave in order for the other to flourish.

3. Exercise

In his five-year study of rich people, author Tom Corley found that exercising was something they all had in common. “Those who have forged the habit of exercising aerobically have tremendous competitive advantages over those who don’t,” he wrote in his blog. Those advantages include higher IQ (intelligence quotient), willpower, confidence and up to 20 percent more energy.

A number of self-made billionaires, including Oprah Winfrey, Sheryl Sanberg and Richard Branson, incorporate exercise into their daily routines. Research even found that small amounts of daily exercise can significantly help to extend your life.

4. Give back

The myth that the lone hero succeeded because they managed to pull themselves up by the bootstraps is just that — a myth. Truly successful people understand the importance of giving back, especially to those in need.

In 2010, Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett started the Giving Pledge, a commitment by wealthy individuals and families to give away more than half their fortune to causes like poverty alleviation and global health.

But it doesn’t have to be massive amounts of money. It can be as simple as offering to help an overworked colleague or an elderly person with their grocery bags. If you’re too busy to give back or return a favor, then you’re too busy to succeed.

5. Take a moment to remember your competition

Michael Jordan once said, “I play to win, whether during practice or a real game. And I will not let anything get in the way of me and my competitive enthusiasm to win.” The professional basketball player went from getting cut from his high school basketball team all the way to six championships and creating one of the most valuable athletic brands in history.

I will not let anything get in the way of me and my competitive enthusiasm to win.

Michael Jordan

Failing to forgive and holding grudges can weigh you down, but acknowledging your competition and doubters (a.k.a. the haters) can be a powerful form of motivation. It pushes you to do everything in your power to succeed and prove them wrong.

6. Get outside and think

Everyone knows we all spend way too much time on our phones (what’s new, millennials?), but what we don’t talk about is what so many of us fail to do: Drop the devices, get outside, walk, and just think.

A study from the American Psychology Association found that outdoor walks can increase creativity and improve problem-solving skills. “When there is a premium on generating new ideas in the workday, it should be beneficial to incorporate walks,” the researchers wrote.

Mark Zuckerberg, Richard Branson and CEOs at Google and LinkedIn also love holding their meetings on foot because it helps with brainstorming new concepts. “I find it to be a much quicker way of getting down to business, making a decision and sealing the deal,” Branson wrote in his blog. “Plus, it’s a great way to fit in a bit of exercise and stay focused on a busy day.”

A Message from the President

Posted May 13, 2020 in Membership

By Robert Porambo, CALSPro President

Who would’ve thought that we are going to have to think about blowing out candles on a birthday cake. Think about it. When will it be safe to go to a movie theater, play, concert, business conference or sporting event? If only I had a crystal ball.

Are you ready? I am chomping at the bit to get back to the usual (notice, I didn’t say normal) workflow. However, as we strive to get back to business, we must do so safely and responsibly.

It is paramount to make sure you, your staff, and vendors understand the rules and requirements for your respective city and/or county. Your field staff needs to fully understand and follow the social distancing requirements. I don’t think social distancing is going away anytime soon as we enter unchartered waters. Some courts have recently reopened and several are planning to reopen during the month. CLICK HERE to see updates.

With this being an election year, Governor Newsom signed an executive order on May 8, 2020, that each county’s election officials send vote-by-mail ballots for the November 3, 2020 General Election to all registered voters. 
CLICK HERE for full order.

CALSPro’s Annual Conference is in October and we are closely monitoring information as it becomes available and at this point, we are planning to have our conference as scheduled.

Mark Manchester and his conference committee have several contingency plans in the event an in-person conference is not viable and as always, we will keep our members updated.

It is a genuine privilege and an honor to serve this amazing association and its members. I wish each of you and your families the best of health and prosperity during these crazy, unpredictable times.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” 

Winston S. Churchill

Legal Secretaries, Incorporated (LSI) Has A New Name

Posted May 6, 2020 in Membership

By Heather Edwards, President, LPI

We’re Excited to Announce that We have a New Name.

To our valued members, we are excited to announce that as of May 1, 2020, we have a new name. Our corporation name has changed from Legal Secretaries, Incorporated (LSI) to Legal Professionals, Incorporated (LPI). This name change is part of our growth, which will enable us to be the number one go-to resource for legal support professionals. We have the opportunity to further expand upon our services in providing stellar continuing education and professional development to legal support professionals throughout the state and beyond.

We continue to be the beacon in the legal community with over 80 years of providing educational and professional programs. Our commitment and professionalism has not changed. LPI is dedicated to educating and promoting high ethical standards to legal support professionals. We will continue to provide “Excellence through Education,” which is paramount to the goals and objectives of this corporation.

What does this mean for our members? It’s business as usual, with more educational opportunities offered to you through our online classes and webinars, our publications, and professional development through networking. Today you will see changes to our identity system through our new website, www.legalprofessionalsinc.org, and through our social media profiles (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter). Your member-only password will remain the same. Only a minimal change has been made to our logo and our tagline remains the same, Educating California’s Legal Support Professionals. Please click the website link above for an exciting video clip to share with your co-workers, members, and fellow legal professionals.

We’re incredibly proud and thankful for our members, our volunteers, and our legal community partners that have journeyed with us in our growth. We are grateful to all of you. LPI looks forward to trailblazing a new frontier in our legal community with your continued support.

The LPI Executive Committee:

Heather Edwards, LPI President
Lynne Prescott, CCLS, LPI Vice President and Marketing Coordinator
Rod Cardinale, Jr., LPI Executive Secretary
Donna Day, LPI Treasurer
Jennifer L. Page, CCLS, LPI Executive Advisor
Kristi L. Edwards, CCLS, LPI Parliamentarian

A Message from the President

Posted April 15, 2020 in Membership

By Robert Porambo

Your Board of Directors has one mission: to protect, preserve and educate our industry. We don’t take this responsibility lightly. We are here to keep you informed, not to tell you what you can or can’t do. We certainly know that many of you are struggling and we are here to help where we can. 

During this extraordinary time in history, the Board of Directors held a board meeting via Zoom on 4-7-20. During our meeting, we discussed, and remain hopeful, that we will be able to hold our annual conference in October. We will keep our members posted as information becomes available.

In an effort to be a positive and supportive organization that cares for the well-being of our industry as a whole, CALSPro is not going to make any changes to our current membership for non-payment at this time. The Membership Committee will work directly with those members who haven’t renewed, to avoid disruption of their membership benefits, including maintaining their website listing and pouch service, if applicable. We aim to help you during these difficult times, not to add any additional burden. Please keep in mind, we do rely on annual dues to keep our association viable and strong.

Make sure if you are operating during this pandemic that you are aware of the rules and regulations to keep your staff and community safe and healthy. The responsibility to rise above this is a shared one.

There are many, now common, phrases that a month ago were foreign to many of us: shelter in place, social distancing, meet the moment, and new normal to name a few.

If you have a question or concern, please feel free to reach out to me or any of your board members. We are CALSPro strong and are in this together. On behalf of your Board of Directors and our amazing administrative team, we wish you and yours the best of health during these challenging times.

Surviving and Thriving

Posted April 8, 2020 in Membership

We are living in unprecedented times. Seemingly overnight most of the world around us has slowed or shut down. Its times like these in which businesses need to learn to pivot and keep on going.  In a recent article by Art Langer, he outlines some ways companies are learning to thrive during the pandemic.

Think of this challenge to the work environment as an opportunity to grow.

Google. Amazon. Apple. These were some of the earliest corporations that mandated remote working because of COVID-19.

Since then, nearly all businesses have followed suit as national and global agencies recommend social distancing to curb the spread of the virus. For huge firms with seemingly unlimited resources and technology, this displacement may be nothing more than a minor inconvenience. Leaders of smaller businesses are likely struggling with a new reality where social distancing is a requirement, not a suggestion.

Previously, remote work was more a perk than a necessity for companies. Before the pandemic, just 41 percent of businesses globally had virtual office capabilities, which leaves a huge chunk of employees suddenly adrift in uncharted territory.

It’s unclear how long businesses will have to work through this new reality, but one thing is apparent: The executives who see this challenge as an opportunity will see their businesses thrive. Here are three ways you can make this outcome a reality for your company.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE

A fully remote workforce means the only “face-to-face” interaction you’ll have with employees is through videoconferencing. Some of the best ideas come through idle chat in the office, something harder in a virtual setting, but those days don’t have to end just because you’re at home.

As the head of your company, take the initiative to be readily available in virtual channels. If your employees see that you’re accessible, they’ll be more likely to follow your lead and share their thoughts and ideas with you and their colleagues.

These are the types of lessons I extol to my students as the academic director of Columbia University’s Executive MS in Technology Management program, through which candidates can grow their leadership skills in an increasingly digital world. As important as technology will become during this period of uncertainty, it means nothing if it’s not used in conjunction with strong leadership tactics.

INVEST IN A DIGITAL MINDSET

Technology such as the cloud makes remote working easy, but having server access from home is not enough, especially when your entire workforce may be displaced for an extended period. The decision to cancel all in-person classes at Columbia University would have been entirely different without investments in technology, such as 5G, that easily allows our students and professors to interact through video.

To that effect, the most important innovations are often born through crisis. Just look at Lehman Brothers: After 9/11, the company’s executives learned virtual connectivity was imperative. Employees could not fully do their jobs while stranded at home. A solution was needed, so digitizing work became imperative to avoid future disruptions.

Making a full-scale transition to new technology is unrealistic (and expensive) in such a short period, but even taking a small step to enable some face-to-face interaction, albeit virtually, is a step in the right direction.

THINK LONG-TERM

At some point, health officials will contain coronavirus, but that doesn’t mean your vigilance should end. As we learned, crisis management plans shouldn’t end just because the crisis is over. Executives and managers of teams should see this as an opportunity to create, or refine, more comprehensive work-from-home policies.

Businesses that only adopt remote working for COVID-19 will abandon it at their own risk. Aside from preparing for future disruptions, there are indications that working from home can boost productivity. A two-year study from Stanford found a number of benefits, including decreased attrition, employees taking shorter breaks, and less time taken off. Additionally, companies saved almost $2,000 per employee on rent by reducing the amount of space needed.

Whether it’s two weeks or two months, businesses must adapt to the new realities that coronavirus presents. The executives who go above and beyond with their remote-work capabilities will not only lead the companies best suited to survive this crisis but will come out stronger for years to come.

Quarantine and Chill

Posted April 1, 2020 in Membership

Are you working from home? Social distancing? Self-Quarantined? While the world has slowed down and our daily lives have been disrupted, its now time to adapt to the new normal. Savannah Rattanavong has recently shared an article which illustrates many ways to have fun and stay productive while doing your part to help flatten the curve.

Schools buildings have been closed, stores and restaurants have reduced hours or closed dining rooms and events have been canceled — all in the name of social distancing, and for some, quarantine, to slow the spread of coronavirus.

It’s the new reality for now as public health officials recommend people keep away from others — at least 6 feet apart — avoid gathering in groups of more than 10, and stay home when possible, especially if they feel sick.

Of course, by being more or less stuck at home for an indefinite length of time you may find yourself quickly running out of things to do. To help stave off cabin fever, here are some activities to fight the monotony.

Watch Netflix with friends

There have been lots of jokes on social media from people saying they’ll be doing nothing but watching shows and movies on streaming platforms during their self-quarantine. However, this can still be a social activity through a Google Chrome extension called “Netflix Party.” Only one person needs to download it, and once you find something you want to watch, share the link with your friends. Everyone can chat off to the side, as well as pause, play and fast forward or rewind.

Go on a walk

Just because you need to stay away from others doesn’t mean you can’t see the light of day. Whether it’s walking the dog every day or riding your bike on a trail, try to stay active and get some fresh air. Your mental sanity and health will thank you.

Learn a language

This can be practical or just for fun, depending on what language you choose. Duolingo is a free app you can try out that has more than 30 language courses, including the fictional Klingon and High Valyrian. You’ll never be completely fluent through the app alone, but it can at least help you get started on vocabulary and sentence structure.

Read your book collection

I have a bad habit of buying books when I visit book stores, but I never get around to reading some of them. Use what extra time you have to go through your backlog or revisit your favorite classics.

Deep clean and/or KonMari your residence

It’s officially spring as of Thursday, so you know what that means… it’s time for spring cleaning. Some of you may have already gotten a head start on this by disinfecting your home, but use the opportunity to get in the nooks and crannies, as well as sort through old belongings. Imagine cleaning consultant Marie Kondo of the “KonMari method” asking you, “Does this spark joy?” when deciding whether to keep or toss that ratty T-Shirt you got during freshmen orientation some odd years ago.

Start a journal or blog

Consider setting up a blog about a hobby of yours or starting a regular writing journal or diary. Sure, many of those entries right now might be about the coronavirus, but imagine how interesting it will be to look back at those logs, say, 20 years from now, recounting what surely will be a historic period in our lives.

Treat yourself to an at-home spa day

If you can, try to relax. Run a bath, make a DIY hair mask, plaster on a face mask and do your nails. With all the constant noise going on these days, don’t feel selfish for taking some time for yourself.

Dust off old family board games

Maybe it’s been a while since you last had a family game night. If you’re all hunkered down together, get some bonding time in by pulling out the game of Life or Jenga. Just not Monopoly, unless you’re OK with never speaking to your family again with no way to escape.

Fix that thing you’ve been putting off for months

Have a leaky faucet or never finished painting the walls of your basement? No excuses now. You’ll feel much better and accomplished once you finally tackle that problem you’ve had on the back burner.

Cook something new

With limited restaurant and fast food options right now, you might find yourself forced to cook anyway. Challenge yourself to make a recipe you’ve never made before or work on perfecting a go-to meal.

Follow a Bob Ross painting tutorial

The late Bob Ross is the epitome of calm wholesomeness — a quality many people may need right now. He is famous for his “Joy of Painting” TV show on PBS, where he guided viewers on how to paint nature landscapes. Pull up an episode on YouTube and follow along.

Have kids? Children’s book author and illustrator Mo Willems is producing a daily “lunch doodles” program that lets kids follow along as he draws. Go to kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems.