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SOUTH DAKOTA PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION
“Member of the Year - 2010”
Valerie Winegar, CLA
I am one of four children, born and raised in a farming
community in Northwest Indiana. My dad was a farmer and my mom was a school teacher. It was through my parents’ influence that I developed a strong work ethic and a passion for learning.
I
started college at Indiana University the day after I graduated from high school.
Because IU is such a large campus and I wanted to get a jump start over the other freshman, I enrolled in summer school. By the time fall rolled around, I was wandering around IU’s campus like I was born there.
After living eight years on my own in Indianapolis, I met and married by husband, Roger. He was in property management so our early married years were spent moving from one troubled region
of the country to another.
For six years, we moved from city to city. Our son was born in Tampa, Florida; our daughter in Beverly Hills, California. My early resume looks like a military person’s with all our frequent moves. I realized through temporary jobs that I really enjoyed the legal field.
Sixteen years ago, we moved to Rock Rapids, Iowa and bought a motel.
We have finally put down roots! In 1994 I went to work for Waagmeester Law Firm in Rock Rapids as a legal secretary. It was a small office and I did all facets of legal work – from opening mail to answering interrogatories. After six years, I was ready for a change and found Lynn, Jackson, Shultz & Lebrun in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I worked there for three years and was lured back to Rock Rapids by Alpha Omega Publications as their academy coordinator for 1 ˝ years.
I missed the legal profession and when my position at Alpha Omega was eliminated, I wasted no time contacting Lynn Jackson. It took two days and I had my job back with Lynn Jackson.
The company, as a whole and the attorneys I have had the privilege of working with, have greatly influenced my decision to stay in the legal field.
In September 2008 I became a Certified Legal
Assistant through NALA. Even though I did not have any formal paralegal training, through my years of experience and several months of intense studying, I passed the exam on the first attempt.
About the same time, I became aware of SDPA and through a suggestion from Cindy Schmit, became a member. Last year I became involved with the Education Committee and have had the privilege of
working with several other members to plan the annual and semi-annual meetings for two years. It has been a very rewarding and fulfilling experience to interact with these SDPA members. This
year I have the privilege of co-chairing the Education Committee with Vicki Blake and Deana Olson.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Vicki Blake for her nomination and thank the SDPA for
honoring me as its 2010 Member of the Year. I look forward to many more years of association with SDPA and its members.
SDPA recognizes Valerie for her outstanding
talents, dedication and contributions for the period of 2009 - 2010. Great job, Valerie!
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