Dallas Area Paralegal Association upcoming events

DAPA Presentation + Family CLE | Improving Outcomes for Families (Thursday, October 08, 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Morgan joined OurFamilyWizard in 2026 as a Legal and Judicial Educator. Prior to joining the company, she practiced as an associate attorney at a family law firm in Southlake, Texas. She also served as a Staff Attorney for a Texas public school district, where she advised district administrators on a broad range of legal matters, including issues involving family law, and assisted the district in interpreting custody-related court orders and legal documents.

Morgan earned her Bachelor of Social Work, magna cum laude, from Texas Christian University in 2021. While at TCU, she graduated in the top 35% of her program and was selected by the social work faculty to receive the French Scholar Award in recognition of her academic excellence.

She went on to earn her Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in May 2024. During law school, Morgan gained practical legal experience through internships with the Cleveland County District Attorney's Office, Oklahoma City Public Schools, the Oklahoma State School Boards Association, and a family law firm in Oklahoma City.

In recognition of her academic achievements, Morgan received the American Jurisprudence Award for earning the highest grade in Family Law II and in Multistate Performance Test (MPT) and Practical Lawyering.

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.

Litigation Section Meeting + CLE | Interpreting the Law - What Texas Paralegals Need to Know About Interpreter Laws and Compliance (Tuesday, October 13, 2026)

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Litigation Section Meeting + CLE

Interpreting the Law:

What Texas Paralegals Need to Know About Interpreter Laws and Compliance

October 13, 2026

Speaker

Karina De La Cruz-Phraner

Karina De La Cruz-Phraner is the Founder and CEO of Horizon Legal Solutions, Inc., a nationally recognized company specializing in professional translation and interpretation services, with a strong focus on the legal and medical communities. As a former paralegal and experienced professional interpreter, Karina brings a unique perspective to the critical role language access plays in the legal profession. Her firsthand experience working on both sides of the legal-language process gives her a practical understanding of the challenges paralegals and legal professionals face when working with interpreters and limited-English-proficient clients.

Karina is a sought-after national speaker who has presented CLE programs for numerous state bar associations and paralegal associations across the country, as well as at national conferences. She regularly shares practical guidance on language access, working effectively with certified interpreters, professional ethics, and best practices for legal professionals.

Two years ago, Karina expanded her mission of supporting legal professionals by founding Horizon Premier Staffing (HPS), which provides high-quality staffing solutions and bilingual virtual assistant services designed to help law firms streamline operations, reduce overhead, and improve efficiency. She currently serves on a Grievance Committee for The Florida Bar. Beyond her professional work, Karina is a wife, proud mother of two, and devoted fur mom to her fluffy companion, Coco. She enjoys exercising, traveling, and relaxing with a great glass of wine.

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 Knight-Burr, at pd@dallasparalegals.org

2026 Paralegal Day Luncheon (Wednesday, October 21, 2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Registration is now LIVE! RSVP Today!

** Each attendee is responsible for the cost of parking and meals at the event venue.

Litigation Law Section Meeting + CLE | Autonomous Vehicles & Rideshare Liability (Wednesday, November 04, 2026)

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

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 Knight-Burr, at pd@dallasparalegals.org.

Leadership Section Meeting + CLE | Becoming the Rockstar Paralegal Your Team Needs This Year! (Thursday, November 12, 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Leadership Section Meeting + CLE

Becoming the Rock Star Paralegal

Your Team Needs This Year!

November 12, 2026

Speaker

Joe Stephens

Joe Stephens, practicing attorney and Director of Legal Solutions at Steno, is the architect of one of Texas' largest rural public defender offices where he managed a large team of attorneys and support staff across 12 counties with limited resources. His diverse professional experience ranges from direct client representation to working three legislative sessions under two different Committee Chairmen in the Texas Legislature. A graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, Joe combines his passion for legal technology with practical experience to help teams work more efficiently. He also currently teaches the next generation of legal professionals at Texas Tech University School of Law.

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 Knight-Burr, at pd@dallasparalegals.org

Criminal Law Section Meeting + CLE | Character Evidence and Evidence of Previous Crimes (Thursday, December 03, 2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 18:00:00 GMT

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.

EXPERIENCES | DAPA 50th Anniversary GALA (Saturday, December 12, 2026)

Sat, 12 Dec 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Celebrate the members behind our success

Limited number of experiences are available

Grateful for you, always

***For additional questions regarding these experiences, please contact President Christine Curtis at president@dallasparalegals.org.***

DAPA's 50TH GALA | GOLDEN SPLENDOR (Saturday, December 12, 2026)

Sat, 12 Dec 2026 23:30:00 GMT

OPTIONAL HOTEL PACKAGES AVAILABLE
WITH TICKET PURCHASE THRU
NOVEMBER 20, 2026

TICKET PRICING

DAPA Members: $60

Students: $40

Non‑DAPA Members: $85

Ticket price includes valet parking for the event.

Gratuities and overnight parking are the responsibility of the driver.

DAPA members may register up to 3 guests at the Non-DAPA Member price.

Please include your guest(s) at the same time you register yourself.

ENTRÉE CHOICES

Chicken

Beef

Vegetarian

Entrée selections must be made at the time of ticket purchase.

Each guest may select only one entrée.

For tailored group‑ticket pricing please contact President Christine Curtis

via president@dallasparalegals.org

Specially created Experiences are also available for purchase

VENUE

The Highland Dallas by Hilton

5300 East Mockingbird Lane

Dallas, TX 75206

EVENT SCHEDULE

Cocktail Hour begins at 5:30 PM

Doors open for dinner at 6:30 PM

Live Sketch Artists all evening

DJ Jason “Big J” Abbott until 11:00pm

TICKET SALES CLOSE NOVEMBER 27, 2026.

NO EXCEPTIONS.

Due to limited availability, all registrations are final.

There are no cancellations or refunds.

Dallas Area Paralegal Association upcoming events

DAPA Presentation + Family CLE | Improving Outcomes for Families (Thursday, October 08, 2026)

Litigation Section Meeting + CLE | Interpreting the Law - What Texas Paralegals Need to Know About Interpreter Laws and Compliance (Tuesday, October 13, 2026)

2026 Paralegal Day Luncheon (Wednesday, October 21, 2026)

Litigation Law Section Meeting + CLE | Autonomous Vehicles & Rideshare Liability (Wednesday, November 04, 2026)

Leadership Section Meeting + CLE | Becoming the Rockstar Paralegal Your Team Needs This Year! (Thursday, November 12, 2026)

Criminal Law Section Meeting + CLE | Character Evidence and Evidence of Previous Crimes (Thursday, December 03, 2026)

EXPERIENCES | DAPA 50th Anniversary GALA (Saturday, December 12, 2026)

DAPA's 50TH GALA | GOLDEN SPLENDOR (Saturday, December 12, 2026)

OPTIONAL HOTEL PACKAGES AVAILABLEWITH TICKET PURCHASE THRUNOVEMBER 20, 2026

OPTIONAL HOTEL PACKAGES AVAILABLE
WITH TICKET PURCHASE THRU
NOVEMBER 20, 2026