Larimer-Weld Association of Legal Support Staff
Fort Collins/Greeley, Colorado

BACKGROUND - The Colorado Association of Legal Support Staff (CALSS) incorporated as a Colorado nonprofit organization in 1996.  CALSS is dedicated to furthering the knowledge of the law and upholding its honor and dignity, furthering the professional interests of legal support staff, establishing good fellowship among the members, promoting and encourag­ing a spirit of loyalty and cooperation between employer and employee, and promoting a high standard of ethics among members.  The local chapter was originally incorporated in 1969, was reorganized and incorporated in 1996, and is associated with CALSS.  Membership in LWALSS has many benefits.  Members gain recognition in the legal profession and network with other support staff experienced in specialized areas of legal procedure.

EDUCATION - Legal education is an important part of the ser­vices provided to the legal community.  The Asso­ciation sponsors luncheon seminars through­out the year, at the Justice Center in Fort Collins.  Topics range from criminal investi­gation steps to meeting the magistrates, judges and court clerks.  Throughout the year, several of the affiliated asso­ciations also offer CLE and Coffee meetings which expand a member’s access to legal education.  These are normally held on Friday or Saturday.

PUBLICATIONS - Members regularly receive subscriptions to The State of the Association and De Novo, the Colorado publications; and The Brief Case, a local chapter newsletter.  These publications contain educational articles, announcements of activities, reports of individual chapter meetings and many valuable articles of interest.

EMPLOYMENT REFERRAL - Employment referral service is available free to anyone looking for a position in the area.  Local employers are also invited to contact LWALSS for assistance in filling positions.

MEMBERSHIP - Active members consist of those persons who live or work in Larimer County and Weld County, Colorado, and are licensed to practice law, engaged as legal assistants, paralegals, legal secretaries, law office admin­istrators, stenographers, typists, recep­tionists or clerks in any law office, employed as court reporters or in the courts, employed in the trust de­partments of banks, trust companies, or any public or private institutions, or employed in offices directly engaged in work of a legal nature, including the public offices of the U.S. Government, states, counties, or municipalities.

DUES - Membership dues are $50 per year ($40 state and $10 local).  Employers often will pay the yearly membership dues as a benefit for their employees.  The fiscal year is September 1 to August 30.

PAST/PRESENT ENDEAVORS

• Volunteer to type at the Pro Se Divorce Clinic on a monthly basis

• Organize and hold luncheon seminars to cover current legal topics and to meet court personnel, magistrates and judges

• Staff tables at the Colorado Bar Association Convention and Larimer County Law Day luncheon

• Participate in civic projects (Aerie teen home, the Olivas family, Crossroads Safe House, Santa Cops, etc.)

• Assist Young Lawyers with Practice Manual and Law Day

• Hold an annual Bosses’ Appreciation Night

• Assist Larimer County Bar Association with state and local mock trials.

MEETINGS - The LWALSS chapter generally meets on the third Tuesday of every month alternating noon meetings with after work meetings.  Advance notice of said meetings is sent to all members.  Social events may also be held throughout the year.