Tomblin proclaims Paralegal Recognition Week

CHARLESTON – Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has proclaimed the week of May 21 through May 25 as Paralegal Recognition Week to encourage citizens to acknowledge legal assistants and paralegals for their service, commitment and continuing interest in the profession.

The proclamation, which was signed in April, states that legal assistants and paralegals provide skilled and essential professional services to licensed attorneys and government agencies throughout West Virginia and because of this, their work is essential to the ability of attorneys to provide to clients with quality representation.

Karen Nichols, president of the Legal Assistants/Paralegals of Southern West Virginia, said as president, she requested that Tomblin proclaim the week of May 21st as Paralegal Recognition Week, which he did.

"Paralegals work behind the scene doing whatever is necessary for a particular case to make sure things get done on time and nothing falls through the cracks," Nichols said.

Nichols said the proclamation is for paralegals throughout the state of West Virginia to recognize the profession and all the work paralegals and legal assistants do.

"We have the knowledge and expertise to work closely with our attorneys and clients," Nichols said. "I love being a paralegal and hope to have many more years doing what I do."

LAPSWV currently has 89 members in the southern part of West Virginia.