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Upcoming events

  • DAPA 1st Quarter Social | NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR!

    • Thursday, March 19, 2026
    • 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Frankies Downtown | 1303 Main St, Dallas, Texas 75202
    • 13
    Register

    KICKOFF TO MARCH MADNESS WITH YOUR FAVORITE PARALEGALS!



    For questions, please email Events Chair,

    Briana Robinson at events@dallasparalegals.org. 

    Show details

  • Family Specialty Section Meeting + CLE | Unconventional Ways to Collect Child Support

    • Friday, March 20, 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    • 64
    Register


    UNCONVENTIONAL WAYS

    TO COLLECT CHILD SUPPORT


    Speaker Jeffrey Watts


           

    Jeff earned an associate degree and Paralegal Certificate from Lone Star College and graduated from the University of Houston–Downtown with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. He earned a Master of Arts in Criminology from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and completed additional graduate coursework in Political Science. Jeff is credentialed to teach paralegal studies, criminal justice, and political science at the undergraduate level.

    Jeff began teaching paralegal studies at Lone Star College in 2009 in its ABA-approved paralegal program. After briefly serving as Program Coordinator of the Paralegal Program at St. Cloud Technical & Community College in Minnesota, he returned to Lone Star College as a full-time faculty member in 2014. Jeff served as Program Director beginning in 2016 and returned to full-time teaching in 2019, which remains his professional passion.

     Throughout his tenure at Lone Star College, Jeff has played a key role in maintaining ABA approval, completing multiple interim and reapproval reports, and participating in ABA site visits. Jeff regularly teaches Introduction to Law, Ethics, Litigation Procedure, Family Law, Torts, Interviewing and Investigation, Legal Research, and Civil Procedure. Jeff has presented at national and regional conferences, including the AAfPE National Conference, and to organizations such as HMPA, HPA, CAPA, and the Paralegal Division of the State Bar of Texas

     In Spring 2024, Jeff was appointed to the NALA Certifying Board, where he helps oversee national paralegal certification standards, examinations, and recertification requirements, ensuring the continued integrity and value of the CP® and ACP® credentials.

    This event qualifies for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit through DAPA.


    For additional questions regarding this event, please contact the Education Vice President, Rachel Johnson, at education@dallasparalegals.org.

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  • Leadership Meeting + CLE | Leveraging Soft Skills and Other Fundamental Tools for Success

    • Wednesday, March 25, 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    • 69
    Register


    Cathy Davis is the Director of the Legal Studies Program and the Department Chair for the CJ and LS Department at Faulkner University. Prior to this Ms. Davis worked part-time with Faulkner as the Legal Studies Student Services Coordinator and an adjunct professor. She is an advanced certified paralegal and worked with the Montgomery law firm of Wilkerson & Bryan, P.C., where she specialized in telecommunications, administrative law, and corporate law for 11 years. She spent 16 years prior to coming to Wilkerson & Bryan working in civil litigation and insurance defense. Ms. Davis earned her associate's degree in Legal Studies, a bachelor's degree in the Management of Human Resources and her Master's Degree in Criminal Justice in October 2007 from Faulkner University. She completed a Master’s in Paralegal Studies from George Washington University in the spring of 2016. Ms. Davis is a member of the Alabama Association of Paralegals, Inc., the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc., and the American Association for Paralegal Education. She has also served as a member of the Professional Development Committee for the National Association of Legal Assistants, President of the Alabama Association of Paralegals and as a member of the American Bar Association Approval Commission for ABA approved paralegal programs. She is currently serving on the Board of the Certifying Committee for NALA.


    This event qualifies for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit through DAPA.


    For additional questions regarding this event, please contact the Professional Development Director, Madeline Burr, at pd@dallasparalegals.org.

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  • DAPA Community Service | Volunteer for Yard-Work Day for Hope's Door!

    • Saturday, April 18, 2026
    • 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    • Plano and Garland - Exact Addresses will be Provided
    • 12
    Register



    We need 10 people for each location, Plano & Garland. When you register please select the location you prefer.

    PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING THOROUGHLY AND COMPLETE THE INSTRUCTIONS.

    First, complete the Hope's Door Volunteer Application:

    Hope's Door Volunteer Application

    (answer DAPA when asked how you heard about Hope's Door)


     Next, read the Policies below

    Volunteer Policies and Procedures.pdf


    Lastly, Sign and Return the 3 documents below

    to Joi Bakhshi with Hope's Door

    Joi Bakhshi

    Email: jbakhshi@hdnbc.org


    Policy and Procedure Acknowledgement.pdf

    Statement of Confidentiality.pdf

    Waiver and Release of Liability.pdf

    All forms must be completed and submitted

    by April 8, 2026.


    NOTE: The address for the location you selected will be provided (either Plano or Garland) between 7-10 days prior to April 18, 2026. This is for the safety of the individuals and families at Hope's Door.

    Please be patient, and know that you will be provided the address. 

    ***For questions regarding registration or this event, please contact President, Christine Curtis at president@dallasparalegals.org. 

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  • General Membership Meeting | Career Development Through Collaboration

    • Tuesday, April 21, 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

    Career Development Through Collaboration


    Second Quarter General Membership Meeting


    April 21, 2026

    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CST

    VIA ZOOM


    Presented by 

    Melissa Tubbs and Bri Holcombe



    Melissa Tubbs is a proud Houstonian and graduate of Texas A&M University (Whoop!). Melissa has been a paralegal since 2017 practicing in family law, estate planning and probate. Outside the office, Melissa loves spending quality time with her family, especially her daughter, Makena, and husband, Marquis.


    Bri Holcombe is a Houston native who graduated from Baylor University and Belmont University College of Law. She is a director of the Fort Bend County Bar Association and Texas Young Lawyers Association (TYLA). When Bri is not advocating for her clients, she is rooting for the Baylor Bears and Houston Astros! But what she loves most in life is her sweet “blacken-doodle” puppy, Astro!

    Since joining Hunt Law Firm, PLLC in 2021—Bri in February and Melissa in May—this dynamic Attorney-Paralegal team has become an unstoppable force. Specializing in family law and estate planning, Melissa and Bri enjoy using technology and practices that streamline and promote efficiency at their firm.

    This event qualifies for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit through DAPA.

    *** For additional questions regarding this event, please contact Programs Vice Presiden Madison Fitzgerald 

    programs@dallasparalegals.org.

    Show details

  • Beyond The Briefs Series | Growing as Professionals and People

    • Tuesday, May 19, 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    CALLING ALL STUDENTS PARALEGALS AND

    SEASONED PARALEGALS!


    Beyond the Briefs Series

    Returns for 2026!


    "Growing as Professionals and People"


    Step into a space designed for real connection and meaningful growth. In this Beyond the Briefs session, our small‑group discussions take center stage — giving members the chance to reflect, share experiences, and explore what it truly means to grow both in their careers and in their personal lives.

    This collaborative workshop invites you to learn from one another, gain practical insights, and walk away feeling more grounded, supported, and inspired in every part of your journey.


    ***For additional questions regarding this event, please contact Programs Vice President, Madison Fitzgerald at programs@dallasparalegals.org. ***

    ***This event is not approved for CLE.***

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  • Probate Specialty Section Meeting + CLE | Elder Law 101

    • Thursday, June 18, 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    • 58
    Register


           

    Lauren Olson is a partner at the law firm of Leu, Peirce & Olson PLLC, where she practices Elder Law, focusing on all legal issues affecting seniors and long-term care planning, including public benefits (Medicaid and VA) planning, estate planning, contested guardianships, and contested probates. Lauren graduated cum laude from SMU Dedman School of Law in 2013. She earned her Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude, in Communications, with a minor in English, from Saint Louis University in 2009, where she also played Division I Women’s Soccer. Before pursuing her JD, Lauren was a full-time volunteer with the Marianist Volunteer Program supporting adults with developmental disabilities in St. Louis. Lauren currently serves as a board member and Past President of the Collin County Bar Association’s Estate Planning and Probate Section and recently served on the board of the Estate Planning Council of North Texas. Lauren is a member of the newly-formed Dallas Probate Inn of Court and frequently volunteers with Legal Aid of Northwest Texas.

    This event qualifies for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit through DAPA.


    For additional questions regarding this event, please contact the Professional Development Director, Madeline Burr, at pd@dallasparalegals.org.

    Show details

  • Beyond The Briefs Series | Healthy Habits for Legal Professionals

    • Tuesday, August 18, 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    CALLING ALL STUDENTS PARALEGALS AND

    SEASONED PARALEGALS!


    Beyond the Briefs Series

    Returns for 2026!


    "Healthy Habits for Legal Professionals"


    The legal field demands so much of us — focus, stamina, and the ability to stay grounded under pressure. This Beyond the Briefs session creates space to explore the habits that help legal professionals thrive, not just survive.

    Join us for a supportive, conversation‑driven workshop where we’ll share practical strategies for building healthier routines, managing stress, and creating balance in a profession that rarely slows down. Walk away with simple, sustainable habits you can start using immediately to support your well‑being and your work.


    ***For additional questions regarding this event, please contact Programs Vice President, Madison Fitzgerald at programs@dallasparalegals.org. ***

    ***This event is not approved for CLE.***

    Show details

  • SAVE THE DATE | DAPA's Advanced Full Day Seminar

    • Friday, August 21, 2026
    • 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Arts District Mansion | 2101 Ross Ave, Dallas, TX 75201


    MORE DETAILS COMING SOON!

    INCLUDING REGISTRATION AND SPONSORSHIP!

    Show details

  • SAVE THE DATE | Golden Splendor: 50 Years of Brilliance

    • Saturday, December 12, 2026
    • 6:00 PM
    • Sunday, December 13, 2026
    • 12:00 AM
    • Arts District Mansion | 2101 Ross Ave, Dallas, TX 75201


    MORE DETAILS COMING SOON!

    INCLUDING REGISTRATION AND SPONSORSHIP!

    Show details

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Dallas Area Paralegal Association
P.O. Box 12533
Dallas, Texas 75225-0533