Larimer-Weld Association of Legal Support Staff
Fort Collins/Greeley, Colorado
BACKGROUND - The Colorado Association of Legal Support Staff (CALSS) incorporated as a Colorado nonprofit organization in 1996.  CALSS is dedicated to furthering the knowledge of the law and upholding its honor and dignity, furthering the professional interests of legal support staff, establishing good fellowship among the members, promoting and encourag­ing a spirit of loyalty and cooperation between employer and employee, and promoting a high standard of ethics among members.  The local chapter was originally incorporated in 1969, was reorganized and incorporated in 1996, and is associated with CALSS.  Membership in LWALSS has many benefits.  Members gain recognition in the legal profession and network with other support staff experienced in specialized areas of legal procedure.
EDUCATION - Legal education is an important part of the ser­vices provided to the legal community.  The Asso­ciation sponsors luncheon seminars through­out the year, at the Justice Center in Fort Collins.  Topics range from criminal investi­gation steps to meeting the magistrates, judges and court clerks.  Throughout the year, several of the affiliated asso­ciations also offer CLE and Coffee meetings which expand a member’s access to legal education.  These are normally held on Friday or Saturday.

PUBLICATIONS - Members regularly receive subscriptions to The State of the Association and De Novo, the Colorado publications; and The Brief Case, a local chapter newsletter.  These publications contain educational articles, announcements of activities, reports of individual chapter meetings and many valuable articles of interest.
EMPLOYMENT REFERRAL - Employment referral service is available free to anyone looking for a position in the area.  Local employers are also invited to contact LWALSS for assistance in filling positions.
MEMBERSHIP - Active members consist of those persons who live or work in Larimer County and Weld County, Colorado, and are licensed to practice law, engaged as legal assistants, paralegals, legal secretaries, law office admin­istrators, stenographers, typists, recep­tionists or clerks in any law office, employed as court reporters or in the courts, employed in the trust de­partments of banks, trust companies, or any public or private institutions, or employed in offices directly engaged in work of a legal nature, including the public offices of the U.S. Government, states, counties, or municipalities.
DUES - Membership dues are $50 per year ($40 state and $10 local).  Employers often will pay the yearly membership dues as a benefit for their employees.  The fiscal year is September 1 to August 30.
PAST/PRESENT ENDEAVORS

  • Volunteer to type at the Pro Se Divorce Clinic on a monthly basis

  • Organize and hold luncheon seminars to cover current legal topics and to meet court personnel, magistrates and judges

  • Staff tables at the Colorado Bar Association Convention and Larimer County Law Day luncheon

  • Participate in civic projects (Aerie teen home, the Olivas family, Crossroads Safe House, Santa Cops, etc.)

  • Assist Young Lawyers with Practice Manual and Law Day

  • Hold an annual Bosses’ Appreciation Night

  • Assist Larimer County Bar Association with state and local mock trials.

MEETINGS - The LWALSS chapter generally meets on the third Tuesday of every month alternating noon meetings with after work meetings.  Advance notice of said meetings is sent to all members.  Social events may also be held throughout the year.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

Benefits to Members

  • Seminars and workshops on legal education and professional enhancement are offered at minimal or no cost to members.

  • CALSS and LWALSS endorse many certifi­cation programs, including the Certified Professional Legal Secretary (PLS), Accred­ited Legal Secretary (ALS), Certified Legal Assis­tant (CLA), and Certified Professional Secre­tary (CPS), and assist members in preparing for certification examinations.

  • CALSS offers scholarships to members inter­ested in furthering their legal knowledge and professional skills and to others interested in pursuing a legal career.

  • Publications - Members receive subscriptions to:

    • The State of the Association, a bi-monthly newsletter with events, news, and notes about the association, its affiliates, and members.

    • De Novo, a bi-monthly publication offering articles on legal education, technological advances, and other areas of interest.

    • The Brief Case, a local newsletter.

  • Networking - Increased efficiency in the legal field is promoted by a membership network of legal support staff profess­ionals.  CALSS members are dedicated to sharing ideas, knowledge, and experience with fellow members.

Benefits to Employers

  • Increased effectiveness, experience, and skills of legal support staff.

  • Improved quality of work and enhanced professional image in the legal field.

  • Availability of quality education for legal support staff at minimal or no cost to members.

  • A network throughout Colorado which provides information and referrals in many Colorado counties.


LWALSS
2009-2010 OFFICERS

President - Sherri Meadors

Vice President - Jodi Morse

Secretary - Luann Walkier

Treasurer - Jan Knoll

State Representative - Vivian Acott

 

For more information contact: 

Jodi Morse

Vice President/Membership/Employment
(970) 482-4322