South Carolina Upstate Paralegal Association

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14th Annual Seminar for Legal Professionals

Here’s what attendees had to say:

Robin L. Krecek, CP, of York County said the following of SCUPA's 14th Annual Seminar for Legal Professionals, “ I really enjoyed the entire day. If I were asked to rate the seminar on a scale of 1 -5, with 5 being the highest, I would rate it a 10! You truly did not miss a detail and I found everything to be exceptional...I am definitely looking forward to next year. Thanks again for a great day!”

Betsy Brooks, Litigation Paralegal, Newberry, wrote, “The knowledge that I gained at SCUPA's seminar proved invaluable. I made many contacts among colleagues all over SC and NC. The legal community is a close-knit one, and all of us need to expand our professional knowledge and contacts to operate at maximum efficiency. The SCUPA seminar was a terrific experience in that regard. The learning experience and the opportunity to network were both invaluable. I returned to work energized!"

The South Carolina Upstate Paralegal Association (SCUPA) held its 14th Annual Seminar for Legal Professionals at the Embassy Suites in Greenville, South Carolina, on Friday, September 25, 2009. Despite the economy, SCUPA hosted its most successful event yet, with 17 exhibitors, over 70 registrants, and over 100 people attending the luncheon.

The seminar included an Ethics section attended by all registrants, as well as three pairs of successive workshops during the day. This year, the format included a series of three successive sections termed the “mock trial track” that was geared toward litigation paralegals. The a la carte sections running opposite the mock trial track included presentations on e-discovery, tips on job negotiation, and an update on federal legislation and the Supreme Court. A scholarship was awarded to Michelle Smith, a paralegal at McDonald Patrick Baggett Poston & Hemphill in Greenwood, South Carolina.

The President’s Reception followed the educational portion of the day and provided an opportunity for attendees to socialize and network.

Click here for a link to the 2010 Save the Date

Paralegal of the Year

At the annual seminar held on September 25, 2009, the Paralegal of the Year was post-humously awarded to Dr. Roger S. Watkins, who was killed in an automobile accident in August of 2009. Dr. Watkins’ son, George, accepted the award on his father’s behalf.

Dr. Watkins was a long-time member of SCUPA and was regarded by all who knew him as a dedicated legal professional as well as a compassionate, humble person.

George Watkins

His work with South Carolina Legal Services was his second career, following 30 years as an ordained Presbyterian minister. Dr. Watkins was a quiet, charming person whose positive attitude and graciousness will be sorely missed.

Keynote Speaker

Bob Ariail has been the Solicitor of Greenville County since appointment by Gov. David Beasley in 1997, after working both as an Assistant Attorney General (1972-74) and as a part-time Assistant Solicitor and private attorney (1974-97). He left his private practice in 1997 to answer the call of full-time public service. The Solicitor holds a role of vital importance in the community, working to ensure the consistent application of justice across a broad spectrum of crimes, ranging from the most mundane to the most heinous. He alone makes the final decision to pursue the death penalty in murder cases, a decision which he never takes lightly.

Keynote Speaker Bob Ariail

In his presentation, Solicitor Ariail used three past death penalty cases to illustrate the role technology has played in presenting cases during trial, particularly death penalty litigation. Computer simulations and power point presentations can mitigate the shock factor that the graphic evidence can convey, as well as assist the jury in understanding the facts of the case. For example, a simulation of a shooting using computer generated figures can convey the information while avoiding use of violent crime scene photos.

Finally, Solicitor Ariail covered the importance of hiring a fully competent paralegal staff. A legal office charged with the implementation of justice cannot function properly without well-trained and dedicated paralegals. To illustrate his point, Solicitor Ariail said that when his personal secretary retired, he decided to hire a new secretary with a paralegal background. The paralegal training she possesses is vital to the successful operation of his administration. Ultimately, the paralegals provide an important and essential service to any legal office.

2009 Seminar Pictures