Welcome to the latest issue of the Summons. It has been a while since the Summons was published, but we are back in business! Thank you to Leigh Johnson for serving as Editor of the Summons.
First, let me Thank You for the opportunity to serve as WDALA President. I look forward to working with you in the year ahead. It is always scary when you take on a new position, but with WDALA, I knew that we have wonderful members who are willing to help out in any way they can. I realize that you all are busy and have many responsibilities between work and personal commitments. When we all work together great things happen.
I would like to thank the members who have agreed to serve as Officers and Region Directors. We have been busy brainstorming ways to improve the value of your WDALA membership. Please refer to the various Officer reports for updates on new and exciting projects for the 2015-2016 fiscal year.
I would also like to thank the members who have agreed to serve on WDALA committees. I know that it is not easy to give up your free time and for that I am grateful. The more volunteers we have, the more we can accomplish as an association. If you are interested in volunteering for a committee, please let me know.
Most of you know me, but for those new members, let me introduce myself. I am the Citizen Access Paralegal in the ND Legal Self Help Center which is a division of the ND Supreme Court Law Library.
I am a graduate of the Minnesota State University, Moorhead Paralegal program (although I still refer to it as Moorhead State University) and I have over 20 years of experience as a legal assistant/paralegal with the State of North Dakota.
PRESIDENT'S LETTER
I obtained my Certified Paralegal designation in 2007; my Advanced Certified Paralegal designation in Contracts Administration/Contracts Management in 2009; and my Advanced Paralegal Certification in Family Law – Child Custody, Child Support, & Visitation in 2015. I also serve as the Secretary of NALA – the Paralegal Association.
I am married to Todd, who is a Meteorologist with the National Weather Service (no he can’t control the weather even though I ask him all the time!) We have two daughters – MacKenzie (Kenzie) who is in 6th grade and Katelynne (Katie) who is in 5th grade. Kenzie is involved in dance and Katie in gymnastics so most of my free time is spent driving them around to activities. We are loyal Nebraska Cornhusker fans (GO BIG RED!!!) and have a rescue dog named Rex – after Rex Burkhead – a past Huskers player! I have the worst travel adventures – it took me a day and a half to get to my first NALA Board of Directors meeting – most people joke that they don’t want to travel with me, but it is always an adventure, just ask Melissa Klimpel or Vicki Kunz.
I am excited for the year ahead – your WDALA Board is here to serve you, the members. Please feel free to contact me at any time if you questions regarding WDALA – my email [email protected].
Melissa Hamilton, ACP
WDALA President