Accepting Scholarship Applications

Annually, COALA offers scholarships to paralegal students and COALA members who are endeavoring to become certified. Two types of scholarships will be awarded and will be presented at COALA’s annual recognition luncheon in June. The application deadline is Monday, May 28.

1. Scholarship for Paralegal Students: COALA promotes the education of Paralegals to maintain the high standards of professional responsibility and conduct imposed upon all members of the bar. This scholarship is restricted to those persons who have successfully completed classes in Introduction to Law and Legal Analysis or Legal Writing at Rose State College or the University of Oklahoma.

2. Dianna Peters Memorial Scholarship: In honor of our late member Dianna Peters, Advanced Certified Paralegal, COALA offers a scholarship sponsoring one member annually to take the NALA Certified Paralegal Exam or Advanced Certification Course in a discipline of the Member’s choosing. COALA will award the cost of one CP or ACP exam annually.

Scholarship applications are available at www.coala.cc/forms-applications. #COALA

 
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Nominations for Attorney and Paralegal of the Year

Do you know an attorney who recognizes the value and contributions of paralegals? Or do you know a paralegal who deserves to be recognized and appreciated for his or her excellent work? Submit your nominations by Monday, May 28, so that the deserving individuals can be considered.

Your nomination for the Attorney of the Year should be a member of the legal community who has shown outstanding support to the Legal Assistant / Paralegal profession and understands the value of Paralegals and their contribution to an attorney’s practice. The nominee must be a practicing attorney, judge, educator or elected official who has shown support to the legal assistant profession.

Your nomination for COALA’s Paralegal of the Year must be a COALA Member and a practicing Paralegal whose skills, knowledge, and professionalism merit recognition. Not only does he/she contribute to the paralegal profession, but he/she also demonstrates commitment to continuing legal education and community volunteering. The nominee must not be a member of the COALA Executive Board.

Nomination forms are available at www.coala.cc/forms-applications. #COALA

Lois Clarkson ~ Past COALA President

COALA extends warm wishes to our very dear friend, colleague and past President, Lois Clarkson, who is retiring after 16 years as a dedicated and phenomenal paralegal at Hartzog Conger Cason & Neville. In 2002, Lois, a young paralegal, joined COALA to network with her peers as she began making her mark in the industry. And boy did she ever! Not only did Lois jump right in to volunteer as a board member, she soared into her role as President. Her leadership, time, and contributions to the success of COALA are invaluable. We will always be indebted to her commitment and encouragement for propelling us to where we are today. Please join us in extending best wishes to Lois on her new chapter. #COALA

 
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Recap of Monthly Meeting

We had a full house today!!  Our speaker this month was Sharon Byers of the Oklahoma Guardian Ad Litem Institute, a nonprofit organization that represents minor children in custody/visitation related cases. We learned a great deal about the unique role of the guardian ad litem (GAL) who is court appointed to represent, advocate and protect the rights of minors. And we especially enjoyed hearing about the process and journey undertaken by Mrs. Byers to begin a much needed organization. Thank you so much for taking the time to speak to our members! To learn more about their services and/or to donate to their organization, visit www.okgalinstitute.org. #COALA

 
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