The South Dakota Paralegal Association invites you to join us in our goals to give to our communities, grow in legal education, and mentor to students in our field. How do we do this? By working together!
Membership - To join, please complete the membership application, which you can download from the button below. You can make your application payment on the Store page, or you can pay with a check. Please see the application for instructions on where to mail your application and check payment.
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"I would like to nominate Rebekah “Becky” Mattern. I remember the first time I met Becky. It was during a jury trial and we were on opposing sides. We were both wearing similar tops, and it made me chuckle. I remember she was so friendly, yet professional with her supervising attorney and client throughout the trial. I later learned she was a member of SDPA, and I had the pleasure of connecting with her at seminars. I have watched her take on leadership positions within SDPA since then, and she always has that positive attitude, friendly demeanor, and professionalism that I remember from our very first encounter. She is a wonderful (and humble) person, and a huge asset to our association. For those reasons, I nominate Becky for SDPA’s Member of the Year."
~ Submitted by Jennifer X. Frederick, CP, Past President
Becky is a Canton, South Dakota native, and the youngest of five girls. She obtained her Bachelors Degree in Paralegal Studies in 2007, graduating with honors, from Minnesota State University - Moorhead. After college, she worked in Fargo, ND at the local legal aid office. After nearly ten years there, she returned home to South Dakota and is currently working in Sioux Falls as a litigation paralegal at Lynn, Jackson, Shultz & Lebrun, P.C. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering. Currently, she is the Volunteer Chair and a board member for the East River Foster Parent Network, and she volunteers regularly at REACH Literacy. When she's not working or volunteering, she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.
2020-21 - Courtney Vanden Berg, CP
2019-20 - Clara Kiley, CP
2018-19 - Autumn Nelson, ACP
2017-18 - Jessi Stucke, ACP
2016-17 - Chris Lillo, ACP
2015-16 - Cindy Smeins, ACP
2014-15 - Jessica Huyck, ACP
2013-14 - Karen Armstrong, PP, PLS
2012-13 - Jackie Hoefener, CP
2011-12 - Jennifer Frederick, CP
2010-11 - Michael Bultema
2009-10 - Valerie Winegar, CP
2008-09 - Vicki Blake, ACP
2007-08 - Cindy Smeins, ACP
2006-07 - Tammy Ackerman, CP
2005-06 - Terri Braun, CP
2004-05 - Deana Olson, CP
2003-04 - Karen Anderson
2002-03 - Rhonda Rentz, CP
SDPA encourages members to take NALA's Certified Paralegal (CP) exam as part of their professional development. SDPA offers one reimbursement each year for the exam fee (currently $250) to active members who take and pass the CP exam.
SDPA assists members who obtain NALA's Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) credential as part of their continued professional development. SDPA offers two reimbursements each year for the course fee (currently up to $300) to active members who successfully complete the specialty course of their choice.
SDPA encourages paralegal students to apply for this scholarship of $500 toward tuition. The winner is announced each year at the annual meeting in June!
What are your career goals?
Have you thought about becoming a NALA Certified Paralegal?
The Professional Development Committee leads study groups for SDPA members who are planning to take the NALA Certified Paralegal exam. If you are interested in joining this study group or would like additional information, contact the Professional Development Committee.
Also, please contact us if you would like to post a notice of a study group in your area! We are always looking for new ways to advance in paralegal studies!
