This year is flying by and it is now Fall and soon the holidays will be upon us. Like the changing colors of the leaves this year has had many changes for all of us.

Reflecting on this time last year when so many businesses were closed and there was little to no traffic on the roads was a strange experience. I was one of the few people who was able to work in my office the entire time and it was a good outlet to get out of the house.

One main lesson I learned through all of this is to not take anything for granted! We all learned to stay connected in other ways. I was truly blessed to have my connections to the FWPA. Our Board and members have been a lifeline to so many as we learned to navigate new ways to do our jobs.

Now that we are in full swing with most courts trying to get back to business as usual I know we have all been busy. I am sure we can all agree that we have all learned to be more flexible in our jobs from switching between zoom and in person meetings, hearings, trials, etc. Navigating these changes has allowed for us to grow as Paralegals as well.

We have continued to have our General Membership Meetings in person and our section CLEs via zoom.

On June 3rd the FWPA had a happy hour at Studio 101 Galley and Gathering. Thanks to US Legal Support for sponsoring the event. It was a fantastic location and we enjoyed great food, drinks and conversations.

TAPS was held in San Antonio at the end of September. It was a great conference and celebration of the Paralegal Division’s 40^th Anniversary. At the Annual Meeting held at the end of the TAPS conference, our own Monty Mayes received the Exceptional Pro Bono Award from the State Bar Paralegal Division – we are so proud of you Monty! Congratulations!

Texas Paralegal Day was on October 23, 2021! We are fortunate to have this distinct recognition for our contributions to the legal profession as a whole. Many other states do not show the same regard to Paralegals.

We have a dedicated Board who has been hard at work to make this year a success for all of us. The new FWPA website is up and functional – so please visit it for updated information and to register for upcoming GMMs, CLE’s, the Holiday luncheon and to renew your membership. 

We welcome any feedback you would like to provide on what CLE topics you would like to hear, what volunteer opportunities you would like to be a part of, or any other ideas you have for the FWPA. 

President - Susan Davis, TBLS-BCP