Dallas Area Paralegal Association upcoming events

DAPA Career Development Day | Navigating the AI-Driven Legal Landscape (Saturday, May 02, 2026)

Sat, 02 May 2026 13:30:00 GMT

*** For additional questions regarding this event, please contact Director-at-Large, Sandra Branch at dal@dallasparalegals.org.

Oil & Gas Specialty Section Meeting + CLE | Let's Cancel Oil and Gas - No, Wait! (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)

Tue, 12 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

OIL & GAS SECTION MEETING + CLE

LET'S CANCEL OIL AND GAS - NO, WAIT!

Speaker William "Bill" Keffer

Bill Keffer is a well-known voice in the oil and gas scene in Texas. Mr. Keffer obtained his BA in history from SMU in 1981 and his JD from the University of Texas in 1984. Over his career, Mr. Keffer has worked for Vial, Hamilton, Koch & Knox, ARCO Oil & Gas Company, Foley Gardere, he has represented ConocoPhillips, Chevron, and Vastar on oilfield-pollution litigation, and, on occasion, has successfully represented various landowners in prosecuting their oilfield-pollution claims, including ranch families in the Permian Basin and South Texas, as well as rural landowners in the Barnett shale in North Texas. Mr. Keffer also had his own practice in Dallas for thirteen years, where he continued to focus on environmental matters involving the oil-and-gas industry. During that time, he also served in the Texas legislature for two terms from 2003 to 2007, representing House District 107 in Northeast Dallas County. He has been a faculty teaching oil and gas law with the Texas Tech School of Law since 2014.

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.

Beyond The Briefs Series | Growing as Professionals and People (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)

Tue, 19 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

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.***

DAPA Presentation + Ethics CLE | The Evolving Paralegal Role - Navigating Ethics and AI in the Office (Wednesday, May 20, 2026)

Wed, 20 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

DAPA PRESENTATION + CLE

The Evolving Paralegal Role - Navigating Ethics and AI in the Office

Jackie Van Dyke is a Certified Paralegal with a master’s degree in paralegal studies and over 13 years of experience teaching legal research and writing at the graduate level. She currently serves as an adjunct professor in the USD School of Law Paralegal Studies Program and at Cal State East Bay Extension Program. As the founder of The Paralegal Writer® and through her membership in Legal Writing Essentials, she supports paralegals with their writing, research, and citation skills through her online course offerings. Jackie launched her signature course, Pen A Memo™, in 2000 to help paralegals reach their goal of national certification, which continues to be offered quarterly. Jackie is also an active contributor to the larger paralegal community through writing publications and being a member of local professional associations across the country.

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

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

Probate Specialty Section Meeting + CLE | Elder Law 101 (Thursday, June 18, 2026)

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

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.

DEI Presentation + CLE | How Should LBGTQ Couples Protect Themselves In Uncertain Times? (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

DEI PRESENTATION + CLE

Pride Month Presentation!

How Should LBGTQ Couples Protect Themselves in Uncertain Times?

We will explore the unique legal and practical steps LGBTQ couples can take to protect themselves, their relationships, and their families in a changing legal climate. This presentation will cover the different types of relationships recognized under the law, the challenges LGBTQ couples may still face, and the estate planning tools that help ensure their wishes are honored.

Meet Speaker Lorie Burch!

Lorie owns a Dallas law firm that primarily focuses on estate planning, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate, and business law. Including in 2025, Burch Law has been awarded 4 times as one of the 500 fastest growing small law firms in the country, which is a testament to our team and how we’ve been able to help more families and individuals with this vital planning.

Lorie has engaged in many civic and community organizations and advocacy. She currently serves on the Leadership Plano Board of Directors and is the Chair of the Diversity Advisory Committee for Leadership Plano. In 2018, she ran for United States Congress for the 3rd District of Texas. Lorie served as the 2013-2014 National President for the Board of Directors of the American Business Women’s Association. She is also the past Chairwoman of the Board for the North Texas LGBT Chamber and was formally the Co-Chair of the DFW Human Rights Campaign Steering Committee.

This year, Lorie was voted as Dallas’ Best Civil/Family Law Attorney by readers of the Dallas Voice for the 7^th time! In 2024, Burch Law was awarded “Best Marketing Ad Campaign” by Plano City Lifestyle Magazine. In 2022, Burch Law was honored as Business of the Year by the North Texas LGBT Chamber. Additionally, Lorie was honored by the Dallas Business Journal as a 2013 Women in Business. She was recognized as one of the 2010 Top Ten Business Women for the American Business Women’s Association. In 2007, Lorie was awarded the North Texas LGBT Chamber Business Person of the Year.

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

For additional questions regarding this event, please contact Executive Director, Laura Kehoe, at ed@dallasparalegals.org.

Beyond The Briefs Series | Healthy Habits for Legal Professionals (Tuesday, August 18, 2026)

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:00:00 GMT

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.***

DAPA Advanced Full-Day CLE Seminar (Friday, August 21, 2026)

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Join DAPA at the Advanced Full-Day CLE Seminar!

Deadline for Early Bird savings is June 30, 2026!.

All registration closes August 5, 2026

Limited space is available. Don't delay! Register today!

When: Friday, August 21, 2026

Where: Arts District Mansion

2100 Ross Avenue, Dallas, TX 75201

Time:

Registration Check-in and Breakfast 8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.

CLE Seminar: 9:00 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.

Until June 30, 2026

DAPA Members - $75

DAPA Student Members $55

Non-DAPA Members $85

Beginning July 1, 2026 - August 5, 2026

DAPA Members - $85

DAPA Student Members - $55

Non-DAPA Members - $95

Last day to register is August 5, 2026!

Speakers:

John Holden: Retired but formerly of Jackson Walker - Oil & Gas, The industry the world loves to hate!

Kenda Culpepper: Rockwall County DA - National crime trends that are grabbing the headlines!

Kathryn Flowers Samler: Goranson Bain Ausley - leveling up legal teamwork and dealing with conflicting personalities

Tanya Henderson: Dallas Bar Ethics Chair, Assistant General Counsel at Hilltop Holdings - ethics

Amy M. Stewart: Stewart Law Group - Social media and investigations before litigation

Chad Baruch: Tobey Baruch Law- legal writing

Event Highlights:

Breakfast and lunch buffet included with each ticket!

Garage parking!

Opportunities to win door prizes from our seminar sponsors!

Registrations are not available at the door.

All sales final. No cancellations. No exceptions!

This seminar qualifies for 6.0 hours of General CLE and 1.0 Hours of Ethics CLE credit through DAPA.

Pending Texas Board of Legal Specialization credit.

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

SPONSORSHIP | DAPA Advanced Full-Day CLE Seminar (Friday, August 21, 2026)

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Join DAPA at the Advanced Full-Day CLE Seminar!

Sponsorship Opportunities Available!

Limited sponsorships are available. Don't delay! Register today!

Thank you for your support!

DAPA would not be successful without your support!

***For additional questions regarding this event, please contact Professional Development Director, Madeline Burr at pd@dallasparalegals.org and Sustaining Member Liaison Alexa Bussell at sustaining@dallasparalegals.org***

SAVE THE DATE | Golden Splendor: 50 Years of Brilliance (Saturday, December 12, 2026)

Sun, 13 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

MORE DETAILS COMING SOON!

INCLUDING REGISTRATION AND SPONSORSHIP!