CALSPro - California Association of Legal Support Professionals

A Message From The President

Posted February 12, 2019 in Membership

By Robert Porambo, CALSPro President

I hope everyone had a healthy, prosperous and joyous holiday season and that you were able to enjoy some quality time with family and friends. With 2018 behind us, we set our sights on making 2019 a fun-filled and prosperous year.  My New Year’s resolution is to work with our dedicated board of directors to increase awareness regarding the benefits of our organization and to increase CALSPro membership.

It is a privilege and an honor to serve as your President.  This is a responsibility that I do not take lightly.  I am 100% committed to continuing the amazing work of last year’s board. Additionally, I am committed to addressing the needs and concerns of our membership.

When you stop and think about all of the money you spend, or should spend, on various insurances available to you, you’ll find there are a plethora of policies available (property and liability insurance, workers’ compensation, auto, Officers and Directors coverage, health, vision, life, dental, etc.). Many of these are a must in order to protect and cover your business. However, I firmly believe the best way to protect your business, as well as the livelihood of the entire industry, is CALSPro.

CALSPro is one of those must have insurance policies your business needs to ensure its protection. CALSPro has been protecting your business for the past 50 years. We have defeated numerous legislative bills that would have been devastating to our industry. Mike Belote and our legislative committee keep a watchful eye out for bills that could harm or negatively impact our industry.  Like Steve Janney often says, the three most important things about CALSPro are legislation, legislation, legislation.

Not to scare anyone but look at the bail bonds industry. In another generation it is conceivable that people could say, “What’s a bail bondsman?” Now is the time to maintain our momentum and support CALSPro! You can start by referring non-members to CALSPro, purchase an enhanced listing, enroll staff members or simply make a donation to the association that “has your six.”

Together we can keep CALSPro strong and viable for another 50 years.  I look forward to continuing to make a difference in 2019.

A Message From The President

Posted December 11, 2018 in Process Service

By Robert Porambo, CALSPro President

How much money does it cost your company to make an attempt to serve process?  CALSPro’s legislative committee was able to amend the code to allow service of an individual at a CMRA on the first attempt — no more having to attempt service three or four times (depending on county) which results in wasting valuable time, gas and wear and tear on your vehicle.  This is one example of many of the ways CALSPro has helped save attorney service companies and process servers in our industry, money over the years. It shows the true, tangible value of a CALSPro membership.

Your legislative committee works tirelessly with our legislative advocate, Mike Belote.  Together they not only pass new laws that help and protect our industry, but watch out for adverse bills that may harm or devalue our industry.  As a team, CALSPro is always looking out for our members best interests — basically, we have your back!!

CALSPro has been your legal support insurance for 5 decades and I can guarantee, we will continue working hard for this industry in 2019.  Please always feel free to bring any ideas or comments you have to my attention, the attention of one of the CALSPro board members or Area Governors.

Merry everything and happy always!!

And The Recipient Is….

Posted December 4, 2018 in Membership

Each year the Bert Rosenthal Committee meets and makes nominations for recipients of the Bert Rosenthal Memorial Award. The industry’s most prestigious award is presented to an individual who, through the years, has given the utmost of service and dedication in promoting our industry.

We are proud to announce the 2018 recipient of the Bert Rosenthal Memorial Award is Chad Barger!

Chad was born in the Central Valley of California and raised on a fine mix of God, patriotism and country music. Shortly after high school, Chad took a job with a private investigator at a local law firm. For two years, Chad learned the ropes of private investigations, process serving and the court system, while attending Bakersfield College and studying Criminal Justice. Shortly after college, Chad accepted a job with a Bakersfield attorney service as their branch manager. After bringing that company to new heights, Chad realized he had a knack for the legal support profession and opened Attorney’s Certified Service in Bakersfield with his grandfather, Charles, in 1994. A year after opening his business, Chad was struggling to make ends meet. Friends told him that the Kern County Sheriff’s Department was hiring, so he threw his hat in the ring and applied. In 1995, Chad was hired by the department and worked in a variety of assignments including the county jail, local patrol, Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT) and lastly, at the Sheriff’s Academy teaching restraint techniques, cell extraction and stun gun procedures.

Chad became a member of CAPPS/CALSPro in 1994. He has served on the Board of Directors since 2007, and has served as a two term President, Vice President, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Continuing Education Vice Chair, Area Governor, Website Committee Chair, Conference Committee and is currently serving as the Legislative Committee Chairman. Chad credits his success to the people he surrounds himself with. Like-minded, goal-oriented individuals that challenge the status quo and aren’t afraid to speak what’s on their mind.

Even with an extremely busy life, Chad has always put God and his family first. His wife Belinda and three children, Caleb, Jacob and Hannah are his real treasures. He enjoys spending time anywhere with his family, but especially at their family cabin at Bass Lake or at the family condo in Avila Beach. He also enjoys hunting and fishing but especially enjoys fly fishing with his boys and close friends in very remote places of California, Alaska and Montana.

Chad has had great success as a leader within CALSPro with his ability to relate to members and inspire them to help push the profession forward. He cherishes the relationships he’s made and the new business opportunities his involvement in this association has brought him.

A big congratulations Chad Barger, the 2018 recipient of the Bert Rosenthal Memorial Award! Thank you for your endless dedication to the association. We appreciate all that you have done and continue to do for CALSPro.

Members Are Welcome To Attend CALSPro Board Meeting

Posted November 27, 2018 in Membership

CALSPro has scheduled a Board of Director’s Meeting for this Saturday December 1^st in San Jose. There will be a Legislative Committee meeting from 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., and the Board will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Members are welcome to attend. If anyone desires hotel accommodations, please book directly with the hotel; the current online rate begins at $136.00.

Location:

Hyatt Place Hotel
282 S. Almaden Blvd
San Jose, CA 95133

A Message From Our New President

Posted October 30, 2018 in Membership

By Robert Porambo

As I write this blog article, I think back over the last 50 years and reflect on the rich CALSPro history.  The 28 previous presidents, all of the officers, board members, committee chairs, advocates and administrators — all volunteering hundreds of hours to support and improve our industry.  As I said in my acceptance speech, our current board of directors has over 286 years of experience in the legal support industry. Think about the total combined years of experience of the great people that have volunteered over the past ½ century.  Astonishing knowledge and experience have shaped and developed our organization.

At our 50th conference, our historical committee, Andy Estin, Mike Kern and team did an extraordinary job of highlighting the past 50 years and presenting that information to our members. The program they put together was thoughtful, informative and insightful. I would like to see us give this program to all new members so that they can appreciate being part of a very special association. Please join me in thanking Andy, Mike and their entire team for the countless hours they spent compiling this program and for their “ruthian” efforts.

As we enter the second half-century of our organization, it is important to never forget why this association was formed and to work toward keeping it relevant and viable.  I am going to be a strong advocate for educating our newer members about the rich history of CALSPro, while honoring our founding and most senior members.   With the wealth of experience the current board contains, I want to encourage members to embrace their brothers in the industry and to reach out to the board if we can be of assistance to you in your business or the industry in general.

I look forward to serving the CALSPro membership and keeping CALSPro strong for another 50 years!

Mahalo!

The Tale Of Two CALSPros

Posted September 13, 2018 in Membership

As I was reading the latest version of our eNewsletter yesterday I could feel each author’s passion coming through their words.  I also noticed the genuine happiness expressed in the photographs.  This passion and joy comes from doing something you enjoy alongside people you love. This is the CALSPro I know from the inside.  The one I love.  The one I work so hard to support.

The other CALSPro is the business side. The cornerstones. The policies. The meat and potatoes of representing and educating our industry. Both CALSPros are important because the passion drives the effort that is required to fuel the business side.

What makes me a little sad is that many of our members don’t know the best side of CALSPro because they only see us from the outside. The irony is, the inside is where the true business value exists. The personal relationships that develop from participating directly translate into shared wisdom and business growth. It’s funny how much you get when you are willing to give.

It’s never too late to come inside.  The door is always open.  In fact, the annual conference is the first step.  Come join us.

Why CALSPro?

Posted August 21, 2018 in Membership

Have you ever wondered why you choose to continue to support CALSPro as a member? Or, maybe you are on the fence about joining? In a recent interview published August 13^th from the staff at ServeNow, our very own President of CALSPro, Larry Kirlin, has provided all of the information you will ever need to continue to support the association that helps protect your business.

CALSPro: An In-Depth Look with Larry Kirlin

We recently interviewed Larry Kirlin, the current president of CALSPro (California Association of Legal Support Professionals), for some insight on why associations matter for process servers. Read on for insight into CALSPro and their recent efforts to improve membership.

Association History / Background

What is the founding mission of CALSPro?

Our association was founded with the urgent mission to defeat a specific piece of pending legislation that would have allowed for the service of process via US Mail. Had our association failed in its mission, our industry would not exist today.

When was your association founded?

December 9, 1969

What are the benefits of membership with your association?

Benefits include Legislative Advocacy, Dispute Resolution, Education, Industry News, Interagency Pouch Network, Job Sharing, Mobile Application, Networking and Vendor Discounts.

Why should every industry professional in your state be a member?

The first and foremost reason every industry professional should be a member is because it is their personal responsibility to protect the industry from adverse legislation. All other reasons are secondary but that’s not to say our other benefits aren’t important. For instance, there is no better place to stay educated and informed about our industry than by being a CALSPro member. Additionally, the business-to-business (B2B) networking opportunities available through active participation in the association are key to building and growing your business.

Why should a professional NOT in your state be a member?

The primary benefit for non-California members is B2B networking. We encourage our members to use other members, both within and outside California. Our state is the single largest legal marketplace in the world and exports more jobs to more places than any other state. Being a CALSPro member gives you an advantage over non-members competing for work from our state.

What type of training programs does your association offer?

Our association offers live and online training on the laws and craft of process serving. The CALSPro Certified Process Server (CCPS) designation was established to acknowledge those process servers who have extended their professional education and successfully passed the CALSPro process server certification examination. The CCPS examination is administered by the CALSPro Continuing Education Committee and consists of a comprehensive series of questions relating to the law. The CCPS designation has become a mark of distinction and is proudly displayed by our members’ name in the member directory.

What makes CALSPro different from other associations?

Our legacy is our strength. Since 1969 we have developed policies and procedures that foster the open sharing of ideas. Outside of CALSPro, it is rare for industry competitors to work together so collaboratively to solve problems and give support. I don’t think most people realize that members from CALSPro, formerly known as CAPPS, originally formed NAPPS.

What does it cost to join?

The cost for a full, Active or Vendor membership is $350 per year. Independent Contractor and Associate membership are $100. Supporting members pay only $50. For detailed information about membership benefits and eligibility, visit CALSPro’s website.

CALSPro members also benefit from ServeNow discounts to bolster their online marketing.

Current CALSPro Landscape

Larry, tell us about yourself (background in the industry and the association, etc)?

My first job in the industry was as a Microfilm Camera Operator (aka Filmer) back in 1991. I worked my way up through sales and operations, eventually becoming a shareholder in an attorney service. I now work for the largest company in our industry, First Legal, as a Regional Manager. I joined CALSPro in 2008 and attended the annual conference for the first time that year. I was appointed as chairman of the Membership Committee in 2010 and elected to the board of directors for the first time in 2011, earning the Rookie of the Year Award. I was elected as Vice President in 2014 and 2015 and have been serving as president since being elected at the 2016 annual conference.

What made you want to be CALSPro president?

Having served in the military, I have a strong sense of duty and responsibility. I felt it was appropriate to share my time and abilities with the association and industry that has given me a successful career. Without the willing volunteers at CALSPro, our industry would have failed back when I was a mere toddler. I owe it to our members to give back to what has given me so much.

Who’s on the board?

A group of amazing professionals. Seriously though, the current Board of Directors includes Chad Barger, Tom Bowman, Andrew Gowing, Ken Hastings, Mark Manchester, Robert Porambo, Anita Pasillas, Kristian Pujol, Jay Roll, Lauri Rowland and myself.

How have you (or your company) benefited from CALSPro?

Prior to working at First Legal, I worked for a smaller company that based a large portion of their business on work from CALSPro members. Now that I work for a much larger company, the personal relationships and industry information are the key benefits.

Any other scenarios you can share where a company or member (or the industry) has benefited significantly from CALSPro?

It’s hard to overstate the benefits that companies and members receive from CALSPro. The list of legislative achievements alone can fill a book. If you are a member and you can’t immediately identify the benefits, it is simply because you aren’t paying attention. Being involved and informed is the way to turn a $350 investment into a thriving business.

What are the current legislative initiatives the association is involved in?

We are currently working on a legislative change that will expand the hours that notice can be delivered to the home of a self-represented litigant. If adopted by the legislature, this change will be a significant benefit to our members and the entire legal community. Outside of this initiative, we are watching for the effects of the Dynamex decision on our industry. If you aren’t familiar with Dynamex, it is a recent decision by the California Supreme Court that could effectively eliminate the ability for companies to utilize independent contractors, and in our specific situation, independent process servers. This is the hottest topic in our industry today and sure to change the way our members do business here in California.

What are the current initiatives that you, your board and committees are focused on?

In the summer of 2017, CALSPro held a Strategic Planning Session to reset the direction of the association and ensure its survival for another generation. Out of this meeting, a dozen large and small recommendations were made. Our leadership team has spent the last 12 months implementing these recommendations. The most significant of these include a restructuring of membership categories and dues, remote electronic voting, improved marketing/communications, a mobile application for process servers and a webinar option for the CCPS course. The implementation of these changes has resulted in membership growth and a tremendous shift in momentum. We are now a more modern, vibrant organization with a bright future ahead of us.

What are some new initiatives that the current administration has prioritized?

Legislation continues to be our priority but membership growth and financial stability are always standing nearby. We continue to look for ways to attract new members and give our current members a reason to renew. We are also working to leverage our unique position in the industry to attract sponsors, which will result in financial stability without raising our annual dues.

Meet CALSPro Board Member, Anita Pasillas

Posted August 7, 2018 in Membership

Anita, far left, with her three children

Anita Pasillas is a true native Californian — born and raised not too far from where she works today at Rapid Legal.  She has three wonderful children Jonathan, Marissa and Brittany, along with a grandson, Isaiah. Guarding the house is their dog, Lulu. Anita says, “What Lulu lacks in size and ferocity, she makes up for with cleverness and a loud bark.”

In her spare time, Anita loves to garden, hike, play the guitar and cook. Should she ever decide to leave the legal business, she’s been been told she could make a fortune selling her chicken tacos!

Anita started in the legal industry with Rapid Legal in 2010 with just enough knowledge to get her foot in the door. She began managing their nationwide service of process orders back when they were printed and hand-endorsed. After a few years, Anita felt that she needed more in-depth knowledge so she pursued her Paralegal degree. This helped provide an understanding of not only the documents, but the different case types, she would be dealing with on a daily basis. She enjoys having opportunities every day to help someone new and meet people.

Looking to be more challenged and involved in the industry, Anita decided to attend a CALSPro board meeting. After attending many CALSPro board meetings and seeing what a difference the association and all the dedicated individuals had made to the industry, she decided to accept the nomination to the Board and run.

Although at first, Anita felt somewhat intimidated by all the knowledge and experience on the CALSPro board, she still felt it was important to volunteer and help where needed and is very glad of that decision. Anita says,

“Even though the part I currently play as a board member is small, it has provided me the opportunity to meet new people and help the industry I am proud to be a part of.”

CALSPro Is Growing! A Message From The President

Posted July 17, 2018 in Membership

By Larry Kirlin, CALSPro President

It’s official.  Our association is growing again.  We have more members today than we had last year. While that may not seem like a big deal, it certainly is. I was the membership committee chairman back in 2010 and I know we weren’t growing then or any year since. In fact, associations all over America have been contracting for more than a decade and many are still heading in the wrong direction.

So what happened to us?

How did we reverse the trend this year? First of all, it wasn’t easy. Brute force by the individuals on the membership committee is the biggest factor but they couldn’t do it if the association wasn’t offering a good value to the members.

What changed is our focus.

We rallied the industry leaders together for a strategic planning session (SPS) last summer to determine the cause for our perpetual decline and a plan to change course.

I have written about the outcome of the SPS in previous articles so I won’t rehash old news. What I will say is that we purposely asked our members for their opinions and put as many suggestions into place as possible. I have kept the list of recommendations on my desk for the past year and refer to it any time I’m confused about my direction. By staying focused, our leaders have implemented 90%+ of the recommendations already.  As evidenced by the growth in membership, I can proudly proclaim the changes are working.

One of the most significant changes we made last year was the creation of the Independent Contractor category.  This new, lower-priced, option reduced the barrier for entry for smaller companies and sole proprietors.  A predicted side effect of this lower rate was lower revenue.  We knew we would have to make up the difference in volume.  We are still a little short on revenue this year but we have a plan for bridging the gap:

1) Continue to recruit new members in all categories

2) Sell advertising and sponsor packages

3) Make 2018 the best annual conference in CALSPro history!

How can you help?

Refer to 1, 2 & 3 above.  Especially #3. The theme for our conference is our 50^th anniversary but the hot topic will be the effect of the Dynamex decision on our industry.  Plan on being in Sacramento on October 5-7 so you can be a part of this historic event.

Legislative Committee Update

Posted July 10, 2018 in Legislation

By Chad Barger

CALSPro bill, AB 2286

Sponsored by state Assemblyman, Phillip Chen, R-55^th District, which amends the service hours for a CCP1011(b) is still working its way through the legislature, but is expected to be signed by the Governor soon.  After negotiations with the Senate and Assembly judiciary, we agreed to the hours of 8 AM to 8 PM.  This is an improvement over the current hours of 9 AM to 6 PM and will give process servers additional time to complete this type of service.

Dynamex, Dynamex, Dynamex!

Since the California Supreme Court decision and our recent blogs, blasts and newsletters, I’ve received numerous calls from concerned members.  This has become one of the biggest issues we’ve faced in recent years regarding independent contractors.  If you’re unfamiliar with the case, you can navigate to the Blog we published to our site by clicking here.  We’ve also secured Amber S. Healy from Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romp as a special speaker at our 50^th conference to discuss this in depth and help guide our members through this difficult time.  Please join the discussion by attending conference this year in Sacramento from October 5-7, 2018.

Greater Access

Lastly, the committee is moving forward with our plans to create greater access to guarded/gated multiple commercial business complexes and multiple residential buildings. We’re always looking for member feedback and ideas.  If you have something you’d like us to address, or to voice any concerns you may have, please contact me at cbarger@attorneyscertified.com to discuss.

Stay tuned for more legislative update in the months to come.