At its Holiday Luncheon Dec. 10, the Western New York Paralegal Association presented fall scholarship awards to two local students. April Reed, a Hilbert College student, received WNYPA's $1,000 scholarship and Shinequia Allen, a Bryant & Stratton student, received the $500 award. Reed recently talked with us about her goals, education, and experience with WNYPA.

Laura Szychowski: What made you decide to choose a degree program of paralegal studies?

April Reed: I have always been interested in the legal field. Paralegal studies is interesting and provides a challenge to enhance your ability for critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

LS: What classes do you like the best?

AR: I have enjoyed all the legal classes that I have taken at Hilbert College, but my favorite law class would be Law and Rules of Evidence.

LS: What area/practice of law interests you?

AR: I am interested in criminal law. I plan to continue my education with law school to become a federal prosecutor.

LS: The legal field is requiring paralegals to be tech-savvy. What programs or classes are helping you prepare for this transition?

AR: The legal research classes, legal studies classes, and internships will help me become prepared for this transition.

LS: Have you completed any internship and/or gained any work experience?

AR: I will be interning at Blasdell Village Court in spring 2009.

LS: Why would you like to become a paralegal?

AR: I would like to become a paralegal in order to get the hands-on experience and working experience in order to become a successful lawyer.

LS: What is the benefit from joining the Western New York Paralegal Association as a student member?

AR: WNYPA offers a lot to student members. As a student member, you are given opportunities to network with individuals in the legal field, and you are given opportunities for career development.

LS: What would you preferred to be called - paralegal or legal assistant - and why?

AR: I prefer the title paralegal over legal assistant for many reasons. Legal assistants' and paralegals' job requirements are similar, but the title of a paralegal means that you are educated or certified.

 

- By Laura Szychowski of Phillips Lytle LLP, WNYPA vice president for programming

Worthy causes

WNYPA sponsored two charities, Hearts and Hands and Gerard Place, at its Holiday Luncheon.

Hearts and Hands serves the elderly in the communities of Akron-Newstead, Alden and the Tonawanda Reservation in Genesee County. In a presentation at the dinner, Executive Director James Bender said services provided include transportation to medical appointments, the hairdresser, the grocery store or help with errands; friendly visits by phone or in person; and light housekeeping, help with yard work or assistance with bill paying or reading.

Karen Kasperek, a case manager with Gerard Place, explained that the program's goal is to offer vocational training, life-skills classes and counseling to members of single-parent families who are victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse or are in drug/alcohol recovery.

WNYPA's members made a monetary donation to Hearts and Hands and donated several items to Gerard Place.