|
(This page is only visible to NLPA members signed into their account.) |
To establish good fellowship among the members, all persons employed and/or interested in work of a legal nature, so that ideas may be exchanged and knowledge increased;
To establish a high order of business and professional attainment and to further our knowledge of the law and uphold its honor and dignity; and
To create a high standard of ethics among its members.
2017-2018 CNLP Officers |
Lori Ready - President Teresa Hartwig - Vice-President Ali Stefanini - Secretary Karen Niedfelt- Interim Treasurer & Chapter Rep |
CNLP 2016-2017 Committees & Chairs |
Calling/Reservations Parliamentarian LegalPro Newsletter Courtesy CNLP Website Legal Education and Programs Ways and Means Scholarship Historian/Photographer Audit Nominations and Elections Membership Picnic Salad/Silver Dinner Christmas Party Bosses' Night Legal Professional of the Year Boss of the Year Spring Seminar Membership/Tea Party Goldilocks | Karen Niedfelt Merry Johnson Debbie Ritter Sandy Kendall Shelly Nielsen All members Debbie Ritter Teresa Hartwig All members Karen Bortz and JoAnn Oseka Ali Stefanini Teresa Hartwig Debbie Ritter and Lori Ready Debbie Ritter and Merry Johnson Karen Bortz, Sandy Kendall and JoAnn Oseka Deb Sweley and Carla Englund Karen Niedfelt Sandy Kendall Teresa Hartwig, Lori Ready and Karen Bortz Teresa Hartwig and Karen Bortz Merry Johnson |
Membership Roster |
BYLAWS OF THE ARTICLE 1 Section 1. Name. The name of this association is Central Nebraska Legal Professionals, a Nebraska non-profit corporation, hereinafter referred to as CNLP. ARTICLE II Section 1. This association is nonunion, nonpartisan, nonsectarian, and nonprofit. ARTICLE III To establish good fellowship among the members, all persons employed and/or interested in work of a legal nature, so that ideas may be exchanged and knowledge increased; To establish a high order of business and professional attainment and to further our knowledge of the law and uphold its honor and dignity; and To create a high standard of ethics among its members. ARTICLE IV Section 1. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of this local affiliation of the Nebraska Legal Professionals Association shall be April 1 through March 31. ARTICLE V Dues for all members of the Central Nebraska Legal Professionals shall be in an amount as set out in the standing rules, and shall be due April 1, and paid to the elected chapter treasurer and forwarded to the NLPA treasurer, and are delinquent if not paid by May 1. Any members whose dues have lapsed for 60 days or more must pay an additional fee as set out in the standing rules as adopted. Members whose dues have lapsed for one year will be required to apply as a new member. ARTICLE VI Section 1. Qualification. Individual members shall consist of those persons engaged in or interested in work of a legal nature, more specifically defined in Article XI of these bylaws. Section 2. Voting Membership. The voting membership in this association shall be all members in good standing. Section 3. Students. A student member, who is actively pursuing a certificate or a degree and as further defined in Standing Rule No. 2, shall not be eligible to hold office or chair committees but shall be eligible to co-chair committees and share in the benefits of a reduced membership fee, networking, and having access to information regarding seminars and legal education. Section 4. Honorary Members. A member of the association for five years or longer and retired, shall have the option of honorary membership status and will not be assessed dues by the state association. The local chapter of the state association shall have the discretion of assessing or not assessing dues to honorary members and such determination can be made on a year-by-year basis dependent upon budgetary considerations. An honorary member shall not be eligible to hold office or chair committees but shall be eligible to co-chair committees and share in the benefits of networking and having access to information regarding seminars and legal education. ARTICLE VII Section 1. Elected Officers. The elected officers of this association shall be president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and chapter representative. The immediate past president will serve as an ex officio officer in an advisory capacity. Candidates for election must be members in good standing and cannot be student or honorary members. Section 2. Appointed Officers. The appointed officers of this association shall be parliamentarian and such other officers as are deemed necessary by the executive committee. Appointment shall be made by the President, subject to approval by the executive committee; student members and honorary members shall not be eligible for appointment to an office. ARTICLE VIII Section 1. President. The president of the association shall be elected by the qualified voting members of the association each year at the March meeting. The nominee for president shall have been an officer of this association within the past five (5) years. Nominations shall be obtained as set out herein and in the standing rules to be adopted. If there is but one candidate, the ballot may be dispensed with and the vote may be by voice. The president shall be installed at the first meeting of the fiscal year and shall serve for a term of one year, but not more than two consecutive one-year terms. Section 2. Other Officers. The vice president, secretary, treasurer and chapter representative shall be elected at the March meeting of this association, nominations being obtained as set out in these bylaws and the standing rules as adopted. Each nominee shall be a member in good standing of this association. The officers shall be elected by majority written ballot; however, if there is but one candidate for an office, the ballot may be dispensed with and the vote may be by voice. Elected officers shall be installed at the first meeting of the fiscal year, and shall serve for a term of one year, but not more than two consecutive one-year terms. Section 3. Vacancies. A vacancy in the office of the president shall be filled by the vice president. A vacancy in the other elected offices shall be filled by appointment by the president, subject to approval by the executive committee. A vacancy in any appointed office shall be filled by appointment by the president, subject to approval by the executive committee. Section 4. Nominations. Procedures for nominations and for appointment of a nominations chairman and committee and its duties are as set forth in the standing rules as adopted. ARTICLE IX Duties of the officers shall be: Section 1. President. The president: Section 2. Vice President. The vice president: Section 3. Secretary. The secretary: Section 4. Treasurer. The treasurer: Section 5. Chapter Representative. Section 6. Parliamentarian. The parliamentarian: ARTICLE X Section 1. Executive Committee Section 2. Absences. If any officer of this association is absent from meetings of the executive committee or from membership meetings, without cause, on three consecutive occasions, the office may be deemed to be vacant by the executive committee, and it shall be filled as provided in these bylaws. ARTICLE XI Persons eligible for membership shall consist of those persons engaged as a legal secretary, law office administrator, legal assistant, paralegal, stenographer, typist, or clerk in a law office, any person employed in a court, any person employed in a law enforcement agency, such as police department, sheriff department, state patrol; any person employed in a law enforcement training center; any person employed in the trust department or loan department of banks, trust companies, or lending agencies; anyone employed in a real estate office, in abstract and title companies, or in any public or private institution or office directly engaged in work of a legal nature, including the public offices of the United States government, states, counties, cities or municipalities; and any person engaged in or interested in work of a legal nature not previously herein defined. ARTICLE XII Section 1. Number. The association shall have one evening meeting each month to conduct business and shall endeavor to have a program pertaining to matters of a legal nature at each such meeting. The Membership may elect to dispense with meetings during the summer months. Section 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings may be called by or at the request of the president, the executive committee, or a majority of the members. Notice, setting forth the purpose of the meeting, shall be given by the secretary ten days prior to the date set. ARTICLE XIII Section 1. Standing. The standing committees of this association shall include: Section 2. Appointment. The president shall appoint all committee chairs, subject to the approval of the executive committee, and shall report the appointments to the membership at the first meeting of the fiscal year for the membership. The president is an ex officio member of all committees except the nomination and elections committee. Section 3. Duties. The duties of the standing committee shall be as set forth in the standing rules as adopted. ARTICLE XIV The funds of this association shall be deposited in such banks, trust funds, or depositories as the membership or executive committee may designate and shall be withdrawn upon the signature of the treasurer or upon the signatures of such other person or persons as the membership or executive committee may authorize. ARTICLE XV Each officer of this association and executive committee member now or hereafter serving as such, shall be indemnified by the association against any and all claims and liabilities to which she has or shall become subject by reason of serving or having served as such officer or executive committee member, or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken, omitted, or neglected by her as such officer or executive committee member, and the association shall reimburse each such person for all legal expenses reasonably incurred by her in connection with any such claim or liability, provided, however, that no such person shall be indemnified against, or be reimbursed for any expense incurred in connection with any claim or liability arising out of her own willful misconduct or gross negligence. ARTICLE XVI Upon the dissolution of this association, the membership shall, after paying or making provisions for the payment of all of the liabilities of the association, distribute all assets of the corporation exclusively to selected organizations which are described in Section 509(a)(1) or Section 509(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and which at the time of dissolution qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue law), and if there are no such organizations so organized, operated and qualified at the time of the dissolution of this association, then the assets remaining after paying or making provisions for the payment of liabilities of the association shall be distributed exclusively for the purposes of the association in such manner, or to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501(c)(3), or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United Internal Revenue law), as the membership shall determine. ARTICLE XVII Any bylaw relating to procedural matters, which does not require prior notice to be given or a vote by ballot, may be waived or suspended for one meeting, by a two-thirds vote of the voting members present.
ARTICLE XVIII Section 1. These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the membership present at any meeting of the members; provided, the proposed amendment or amendments shall have been submitted to the parliamentarian at least 60 days prior to the date of such meeting, and to all officers at least 30 days prior to such meeting. ARTICLE XIX The current edition of ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER NEWLY REVISED shall be the parliamentary authority where applicable, and where there is no conflict between said rules, the bylaws of this association, and the articles of incorporation. Bylaws of the CENTRAL NEBRASKA LEGAL PROFESSIONALS Adopted _____________________________ Signed by _______________________________ |
CENTRAL NEBRASKA LEGAL PROFESSIONALS STANDING RULE NO. 1 Section 1. Distribution A copy of the Standing Rules shall be furnished to each elected and appointed officer of CNLP and to each standing and special committee chairman. The Standing Rules are to be a part of the permanent files of such officers or chairmen, to be kept current and to be handed on to each successor upon completion of the term. Section 2. Adoption, Amending, Rescinding, and Suspension (a) Adoption. Standing Rules shall be adopted by the membership of the association. Adoption requires a majority vote. STANDING RULE NO. 2 (a) Persons eligible for membership shall consist of those persons engaged as a legal secretary, law office administrator, legal assistant, paralegal, stenographer, typist, or clerk in a law office; any person employed in a court; any person employed in a law enforcement agency, such as police department, sheriff's department, state patrol; any person employed in a law enforcement training center; any person employed in the trust department or loan department of banks, trust companies, or lending agencies; anyone employed in a real estate office, in abstract and title companies, or in any public or private institution or office directly engaged in work of a legal nature, including the public offices of the United States government, states, counties, cities, or municipalities; and any person engaged in or interested in work of a legal nature not previously herein defined.
STANDING RULE NO. 3 An officer or chairman's first duty shall be to review the bylaws and standing rules as to the duties as described therein. Duties of officers and chairmen shall be such as are implied by their respective titles or as defined in these standing rules and the bylaws of this association. Officers and chairmen shall send a copy of all correspondence to the president. When correspondence is in response to an inquiry or other communication, a copy of the initial letter shall be provided to the president if having a copy is critical for complete understanding of the issue. In addition, correspondence relating to membership shall be copied to the vice president. Officers, chairmen, and chapter representative Each chairman and officer shall transfer a complete and accurate file to the successor (or to the president if no successor is present or none has been appointed). Transfer shall take place at the conclusion of the first meeting of the fiscal year. Officers and chairmen shall use CNLP stationery for correspondence; if none is available, type an appropriate letterhead at the top of the sheet. All elected and appointed officers and chapter representatives are expected to attend all regularly scheduled CNLP meetings, as well as any special meetings. Chapter Representatives are expected to attend all regularly scheduled NLPA meetings as a representative of the local chapter. STANDING RULE NO. 4 The President shall: STANDING RULE NO. 5 The Vice President shall: STANDING RULE NO. 6 The Secretary shall:
STANDING RULE NO. 7 The Treasurer shall: Rosters shall include name and preferred mailing address. Optional information showing employer and telephone numbers may be included. Rosters may not be released to anyone not affiliated with CNLP without authority of the association members or executive committee. STANDING RULE NO. 8 The Parliamentarian shall: The current Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be the parliamentary authority where applicable, and where there is no conflict between said rules, the bylaws of this association, and the articles of incorporation. STANDING RULE NO. 9 The currently installed Chapter Representative shall: The currently installed chapter representative must be a member of both this association and NLPA.
STANDING RULE NO. 10 The alternate chapter representative shall be appointed by the chapter representative and approved by the chapter officers to carry their chapter's vote at any meeting of NLPA at which the chapter representative is absent or unable to act. If the alternate chapter representative is unable to attend the meeting due to an emergency, such as an illness, death, or unforeseen circumstance, that chapter’s members in attendance at the annual/board meeting, and the executive committee meetings, may appoint a member who is present to represent their chapter. The name of that individual should be given to the NLPA Secretary as soon as that member is appointed. The alternate chapter representative shall serve only at the one meeting for which appointed, representing the chapter and voting on behalf of the chapter membership, and shall make a full report to the chapter of the meeting at which served.
STANDING RULE NO. 11 The president shall name two members in good standing to the audit committee. The Audit Committee shall: STANDING RULE NO. 12 In accordance with Section 10701(a) of the Revenue Act (H.R. 3545) 1987, CNLP advises that all dues billings, meeting registration forms, and sales of educational and local items shall contain a conspicuous and easily recognizable statement that contributions or gifts to this association are not deductible as charitable contributions. A suggested statement is as follows: STANDING RULE NO. 13 The History Committee shall:
STANDING RULE NO. 14 Recipient of the CNLP Legal Professional of the Year Award shall be nominated for the NLPA Legal Professional of the Year Award in accordance with the terms set out in NLPA Standing Rule No. 14 and the Addendum as attached hereto. The Legal Professional of the Year Chairman shall: ADDENDUM TO STANDING RULE NO. 14 QUALIFICATIONS AND PROCEDURES FOR THE A nominee shall have no less than three years experience in the legal profession to qualify for the NLPA Legal Professional of the Year Award. To be eligible, the nominee must complete and submit the NLPA Legal Professional of the Year (“LPY”) Personal Data Form to the NLPA LPY chairman in accordance with Standing Rule No. 14. A letter of recommendation shall be written by a chapter or a boss (employer) and shall be no longer than one typewritten page (8½ x 11). The letter of recommendation might include years of experience, length of employment, education, association activities/professional achievements, exceptional abilities, responsibilities, loyalty, personal qualities, and any other information which makes the nominee an outstanding recipient of the award. If aware of any civic, charitable or religious organizations the nominee may be affiliated with, include this information in the letter of recommendation. The name of the nominee shall NOT be included in the letter of recommendation, however, a Nomination Procedures Form indicating the name of the nominee shall accompany the letter of recommendation. The selected judges will review the letter of recommendation and the Personal Data Form using the following guidelines: The NLPA Personal Data Form, Recommendation Letter, and Nomination Procedures Form shall be mailed to the NLPA current LPY chairman in accordance with Standing Rule No. 14. STANDING RULE NO. 15 A Nominations and Elections Committee Chairman shall be appointed by the President at the beginning of the fiscal year. Said chairman may appoint a committee of not more than two additional members to the committee. NOMINATIONS: ELECTIONS: STANDING RULE NO. 16 The name for this association’s publication, The Legal Pro, was selected by the membership. The Legal Pro shall be printed periodically and distributed without charge to members of Central Nebraska Legal Professionals. The publication chairman shall appoint a committee to assist with the publication of The Legal Pro. Committee members may include: advertising, distribution, layout, mailing, legal education, reports of officers and chairmen, typing, and printing. The publication shall include legal education articles, officer and chairmen reports, chapter reports, state meeting recaps (not minutes), financial report by treasurer, and such other information as deemed desirable. Seminar and meeting chairmen are encouraged to timely provide information and registration forms for publication and distribution to members. STANDING RULE NO. 17 Any and all members are welcome to attend all membership and executive committee meetings. Any member attending the membership meetings of this association may enter into any and all discussions, ask questions, offer suggestions, make motions, and second motions. All members are authorized to vote on all matters that come before the membership at the membership meetings. Members of the Executive Committee are the only members authorized to vote at Executive Committee meetings. The Executive Committee shall consist of the following, to wit: Elected Officers: Appointed Officer: Quorum: Any member attending the executive committee meetings of this association may enter into any and all discussions, ask questions, offer suggestions, make motions, and second motions, but only the persons listed above are authorized to vote. EXCEPT, the president does not vote except in the event of a tie vote, and then shall cast the deciding ballot. AND, during elections by ballot, the president cannot be denied the privilege of voting. No member shall be entitled to vote if that member's dues are delinquent. STANDING RULE NO. 18 The Central Nebraska Legal Professionals Scholarship shall be awarded annually to a nonmember of the association residing in the State of Nebraska to be applied toward the cost of attending a paralegal, legal secretarial, or other law-related program in a school of higher education. Any nonmember who has won a scholarship on the local level is eligible to apply for the NLPA scholarship. The CNLP scholarship chairperson shall send scholarship application forms to all local high schools, colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher learning. The monetary amount of the scholarship to be paid by CNLP shall be determined each year by CNLP. The amount of the award may be changed from year to year as the budget permits. The decision whether or not to give an award may also be made at that time, depending upon the circumstances of the budget. All scholarship applicants shall complete and submit a scholarship application to the CNLP scholarship chairperson, which shall be postmarked on or before March 1 of each year. All applicants shall submit proof of enrollment in a school or college of higher education. The scholarship funds shall be paid directly to the school or institution of the winner’s choice for enrollment at the beginning of the fall semester. The CNLP treasurer shall send the funds upon the direction of the CNLP scholarship chairperson. If the winner is unable to accept the award, the award shall go to the runner-up. If a winner accepts the award and thereafter is unable to attend the school or scheduled institution, the award or any unused balance thereof shall be returned to CNLP. The CNLP scholarship chairperson shall appoint three judges, each of whom shall be an educator, an attorney, a judge, or a civic leader from the chairperson’s community, who shall select an award winner and a first runner-up. Upon notification of the names of the winner and runner-up, the scholarship chairperson shall notify the winner.
STANDING RULE NO. 19 The website located at: The website shall include CNLP’s Mission Statement, officer names and contact information, membership information, meeting invitations, links to useful websites, pictures of meetings/events and such other information as deemed desirable. Any member wishing to include information on the website is encouraged to provide the information in a timely manner to the Website Coordinator. The Website Coordinator shall: Revised August 15, 2016
STANDING RULE NO. 20 The Ways and Means Committee shall: STANDING RULE NO. 21 The Central Nebraska Legal Professionals has adopted the following procedures to acknowledge the death of a member or a person in the member’s immediate family: |