Join the Central Pennsylvania Paralegal Association (CPPA) for a CLE on May 14, 2024
Utilizing Skilled Interpreters
Live Webinar
presented by Karina De Le Cruz
Explore the various language certifications available in the State and the distinct designations for interpreters. Differentiate between interpreters and translators, emphasizing the importance of cultural understanding in advocacy. Delve into the three modes of interpretation, the interpreter’s code of ethics, optimal times to hire interpreters, and the criteria for a translation to be deemed “certified.”
- Comprehend the pivotal role of interpreters in legal proceedings, recognizing the necessity of employing certified or professional interpreters for optimal communication.
- Acquire insights into diverse cultures, enabling participants to leverage cultural knowledge as a means to advocate more effectively for their clients.
- Differentiate between dialects and accents, enhancing language proficiency and promoting accurate interpretation.
- Recognize the importance of avoiding litigation through the strategic use of professional interpreters, minimizing misunderstandings in legal settings.
- Explore the ethical considerations surrounding attorneys interpreting or translating on behalf of their clients, and evaluate the concept of a diligent search in legal language services.
By the conclusion of this course, participants will possess a nuanced understanding of the interpreter’s role in legal contexts, cultural competence, linguistic distinctions, and the ethical considerations related to attorney involvement in interpretation.
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Karina De La Cruz is Founder and CEO of Horizon Legal Solutions, Inc., a firm dedicated to translation and interpretation services, especially in the legal and medical communities. Karina has an extensive background in the legal field.
Karina earned an Associate of Arts degree in Paralegal Studies from Cooper Career College. She then worked almost ten years as a legal assistant and as a paralegal.
Karina is bi-lingual, and during this time recognized the demand for excellence in language services.
She pursued her education, earning a Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration with a focus on International Business at Northwood University in West Palm Beach, FL.
She continued even further, earning an MBA from Nova Southeastern University.
Karina then transitioned from paralegal to CEO, and founded her own company, Horizon Legal Solutions, Inc., eighteen years ago, in 2006.
Karina has worked with some of the most prestigious law firms in Florida. Horizon has grown nationally – providing service to every state in America – and internationally, providing translation and interpretation services worldwide in over 175 different languages (and counting).
Besides being an entrepreneur and CEO, Karina is a mother of two and of a fluffy fur baby named Coco. She likes exercise, wine and a good movie.
Join the Family Law Paralegals of Pennsylvania (FLPP) for a CLE on May 15, 2024
OurFamilyWizard: Improving Outcomes for Families with Structured
Co-Parenting Communication
1.0 Substantive CLE Credit
via Zoom
presented by Elle Barr, Esquire
Description:
Since 2001, the OurFamilyWizard website and mobile apps (OFW) have frequently been included in parenting agreements and court orders as a way to reduce litigation and improve family outcomes. This presentation will advise family law professionals of communication technology designed specifically for divorced and separated families to reduce conflict and improve co-parenting. Attendees will learn how parents and practitioners utilize OFW’s platform to manage and document communication. Each attendee will receive examples of agreements and court orders currently used to specify parent and professional use of OFW, as well as a full demonstration of the available features.
Outline:
• Define common behaviors in relevant case types (i.e., high conflict, DV, orders for protection).
• Discuss how OFW has evolved since its pilot project to address these prevalent behaviors.
• Explore the OFW toolset for parents. Analyze the interface and how built-in rules create a framework for amicable communication in a variety of case types.
• Demonstrate how the OFW Family Law Practitioner app supports the efforts of practitioners to oversee parent activity and intervene when necessary.
• Examine court order and agreement examples, including relevant appellate decisions.
• Review the OFW Fee Waiver Program for low income families.
• Learn how to obtain declarations on authenticated records.
Learning Objectives:
1. Familiarize all attendees with the online tools that courts are ordering and recommending to parents for communicating their shared parenting needs.
2. Recognize documents that may be presented as evidence in the courtroom.
3. Learn how attorneys, special masters, minor’s counsel, mediators, and other professionals may work with and assess family needs utilizing these tools.
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Elle Barr is an experienced family law attorney with a deep commitment to serving children and families. She has experience representing clients in all family law matters, with an emphasis on serving as a court appointed GAL in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Ms. Barr graduated with high honors from Rutgers University School of Law and began her legal career as a law clerk to the Honorable Lee B. Laskin, J.S.C. in Camden County, New Jersey. Following her clerkship, Ms. Barr represented the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety as a Deputy Attorney General. She also served as an Assistant Deputy Public Defender and as a Court Appointed Law Guardian for the state of New Jersey. Following these roles, Ms. Barr represented abused and neglected children as a GAL for KidsVoice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
As a Divorce Mediator with collaborative training and certification as well, Ms. Barr has the unique ability to effectively manage the heightened emotions often found in family law matters. She is respected by her peers and recognized for her zealous advocacy. Ms. Barr’s empathizing nature allows her to build a strong trusting relationship with clients, ultimately leading to a more comprehensive understanding of each particular situation. Clients value her logical thinking, kindness, and unwavering commitment.
Currently, Ms. Barr serves as a GAL in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She also serves as the Judicial Education Coordinator for OurFamilyWizard. In this role, she educates judges, lawyers, and other family law professionals on the online tools that are used to reduce conflict and increase accountability in high-conflict co- parenting situations. She frequently travels across the U.S. to represent the company and speak at key events such as industry conferences and continuing legal education seminars.