The NALS 2021 National Conference, organized by the National Association for Legal Support Professionals, was held from September 16 to 18, 2021, in Detroit, Michigan, with an additional virtual session on October 2, 2021. This annual event brought together legal professionals from across the country to engage in educational sessions, networking opportunities, and professional development activities.
The conference featured a diverse range of sessions covering key topics pertinent to the legal support profession. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in discussions on municipal oversight, racial justice, and the evolving role of legal professionals in these areas. Notable sessions included "A Legal Professional’s Role in Municipal Oversight" by Norm Dotson, Esq., and "Advancing the Cause of Racial Justice as Legal Professionals NOW: From Emmett to Floyd in a Post-COVID Era" by Dr. Terrell Strayhorn.
In addition to the educational sessions, the conference provided ample networking opportunities through events such as the NALS Foundation's annual fundraising event, "Start Your Engines!" This evening of dining and socializing included activities like the final stage of NALSCAR, with the winner announced at the end of the evening. The event also featured an expo hall with exhibitors and sponsors showcasing products and services relevant to legal professionals.
The NALS 2021 National Conference was designed for legal support professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge, skills, and professional network. Attendees benefited from a comprehensive program that addressed current challenges and developments in the legal field, making it an essential event for those committed to advancing their careers and staying informed about industry trends.
Categories
Speakers(8)
Alfredo Hernandez
Alfredo Hernandez presented on operationalizing equity, covering steps involved in the process, understanding implicit bias and its impact, and debiasing strategies.
James C. Baker
Esq.
James C. Baker, Esq., presented on the Michigan Whistleblower's Protection Act, discussing its elements, defenses, and the interplay between the WPA and Michigan's 'public policy' tort, including considerations for COVID-affected employees.
Karl Ahlrichs
SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CSP
Karl Ahlrichs, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CSP, delivered a session on navigating the generation gap, offering strategies to attract and retain high performers and communication tactics for organizational sustainability.
Kathy Sieckman
Administrator – Arizona at Sacks, Ricketts & Case LLP
Kathy Sieckman, PP, PLS, ACP, has over 40 years of experience in the legal field, serving in roles such as legal secretary, paralegal, Probate Administrator, and Office Administrator. She has been an active member of NALS since 1985, holding various positions including Chair of the NALS Editorial Board and Director of Education for NALS of Phoenix. Kathy received the NALS Award of Excellence in 2019 and holds multiple certifications, including NALS Professional Legal Secretary and Professional Paralegal, as well as NALA Certified Legal Assistant and Advanced Certified Paralegal in Trial Practice.
Liisa Speaker
Owner at Speaker Law Firm PLLC
Liisa Speaker is the owner of an appellate boutique law firm in Lansing, Michigan, specializing in family law appeals. With over 15 years of experience exclusively handling appeals, she serves as an officer on the Council for the State Bar of Michigan's Family Law Section and is a Fellow with the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Liisa is a frequent author and speaker on family law topics.
Norm Dotson
Inspector General at City of Detroit Office of Inspector General
Norm Dotson serves as the Inspector General for the City of Detroit Office of Inspector General (OIG). The OIG is responsible for detecting, identifying, and eliminating waste, abuse, fraud, and corruption within City government. Norm's role involves ensuring that OIG investigations are conducted in compliance with legal standards, including considerations related to the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
Terrell Strayhorn
Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs at Virginia Union University
Dr. Terrell Strayhorn is an internationally recognized authority on issues of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in corporate and education industries. With over 15 years of professional experience as a university professor, college administrator, and publicly engaged scholar, he has authored 10 books and nearly 200 refereed journal articles, book chapters, and scientific reports. Dr. Strayhorn is known for his TEDx talk in 2011 and his hashtag #DoGoodWork on social media, promoting racial equity and social justice.
Wil Antonides
J.D.
Wil Antonides, J.D., shared insights from his journey from legal assistant to attorney, providing perspectives on the pressures attorneys face and offering tips on managing attorney relationships and considering law school.
Event Details
- Date
- October 7-9, 2021
- 3 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Detroit, United States
- Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel
- Pricing
- Varies by tier
- Audience
- Legal support professionals, including paralegals, legal assistants, and other legal staff.
- CLE Credits
- Up to 11 CLE credits
- Attendees
- Approximately 200 attendees