2012 PAULA GRADY MEMORIAL EDUCATION AWARD

TWO (2) $500 AWARDS
FOR THE 2012/2013 ACADEMIC YEAR

In memory of Paula Grady, an IALA Region VI member, leader, mentor and friend, who died suddenly on October 2, 1995, IALA offers the PAULA GRADY MEMORIAL EDUCATION AWARD to any active, associate or student IALA member who pursues further education. Paula truly believed in education at all levels. She was a former teacher, member of the Linn-Mar School Board, serving as President at the time of her death. Paula supported continuing education for Legal Assistants. As a Legal Assistant at Simmons, Perrine, Albright & Ellwood, P.L.C. in Cedar Rapids for 12 years, she was very active in IALA, serving on the seminar committees for several years and as Region VI Director during 1992/93 and 1993/94. As the Legal Assistant profession has grown, the educational background requirements continue to grow, too.

The two education awards this year are in the amount of $500 each. Applications and essays will be taken through July 1, 2012. The committee will review the applications and essays during July 2011 and present the award in August 2012. The education award can be applied toward the fees/tuition/books for the recipient during the next IALA fiscal year (i.e., September 1 to August 31), the fall of 2012 semester or spring 2012 semester.

The award recipient will receive the cash award after submission of proof of successful completion of his/her continuing education (proof of credit earned or CLA/PACE Certificate) and the invoice for fees/tuition/books, etc. The education awards will be in the amount of the invoices submitted, up to the maximum amount of $500.00.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Resident of the state of Iowa.

2. IALA active, associate or student member OR a student currently enrolled in a legal assistant/paralegal program within the state of Iowa.

3. Interest in pursuing education in a legal assistant program, legal assistant class(es), course work toward an additional degree (Associates, Bachelors, Masters, etc.), or CLA/PACE exam.

4. Submission of original essay.

KEY POINTS FOR COMMITTEE TO REVIEW:

• Importance of additional education

• Benefits to IALA

• The future of the paralegal profession or its goals

2012 PAULA GRADY MEMORIAL EDUCATION AWARD APPLICATION (PDF)

APPLICATION MUST BE POSTMARKED NOT LATER THAN July 1, 2012.