Dallas Area Paralegal Association upcoming events

DAPA Presentation + Ethics CLE | The Evolving Paralegal Role - Navigating Ethics and AI in the Office (Thursday, July 09, 2026)

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 17:00:00 GMT

RESCHEDULED!

DAPA PRESENTATION + CLE

The Evolving Paralegal Role - Navigating Ethics and AI in the Office

Jackie Van Dyke is a Certified Paralegal with a master’s degree in paralegal studies and over 13 years of experience teaching legal research and writing at the graduate level. She currently serves as an adjunct professor in the USD School of Law Paralegal Studies Program and at Cal State East Bay Extension Program. As the founder of The Paralegal Writer® and through her membership in Legal Writing Essentials, she supports paralegals with their writing, research, and citation skills through her online course offerings. Jackie launched her signature course, Pen A Memo™, in 2000 to help paralegals reach their goal of national certification, which continues to be offered quarterly. Jackie is also an active contributor to the larger paralegal community through writing publications and being a member of local professional associations across the country.

This event qualifies for 1.0 hour of Ethics CLE credit through DAPA.

For additional questions regarding this event, please contact the Education Vice President, Rachel Johnson, at education@dallasparalegals.org.

DAPA Presentation + Litigation CLE | Standard of Care (Thursday, July 23, 2026)

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Melissa G. Thrailkill has been with the Law Offices of Brandy Voss, PLLC as Of Counsel in 2018 and Associate Attorney in 2019. Melissa began her legal career at Texas Riogrande Legal Aid in Edinburg, TX, where she served low-income families throughout the Rio Grande Valley in the areas of family law and family violence. Since then she has worked on climate change and the Endangered Species Act at the Center for Biological Diversity in San Francisco. Later, Melissa opened her own practice in 2012 in Dallas, Texas, where she served clients in a variety of legal fields, including family law, probate and guardianship, fiduciary litigation and civil appellate matters. Melissa has spent many years advocating for families in trials and mediations.

Melissa obtained her Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Texas, Austin. She obtained her JD in 2006 from the University of California-Berkeley, School of Law. She is licensed in Texas and California.

Melissa is currently the section chair for the State Bar of Texas Poverty Law Section. Prior to being elected chair, she served as the section’s secretary for two years. Additionally, she serves as chair of the Texas Entertainment and Sports Law Section. Prior to taking on that role, she served as that section’s treasurer for two years.

This event qualifies for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit through DAPA.

For additional questions regarding this event, please contact the Professional Development Director, Madeline Burr at pd@dallasparalegals.org.

Beyond The Briefs Series | Healthy Habits for Legal Professionals (Tuesday, August 18, 2026)

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:00:00 GMT

CALLING ALL STUDENTS PARALEGALS AND

SEASONED PARALEGALS!

Beyond the Briefs Series

Returns for 2026!

"Healthy Habits for Legal Professionals"

The legal field demands so much of us — focus, stamina, and the ability to stay grounded under pressure. This Beyond the Briefs session creates space to explore the habits that help legal professionals thrive, not just survive.

Join us for a supportive, conversation‑driven workshop where we’ll share practical strategies for building healthier routines, managing stress, and creating balance in a profession that rarely slows down. Walk away with simple, sustainable habits you can start using immediately to support your well‑being and your work.

***For additional questions regarding this event, please contact Programs Vice President, Madison Fitzgerald at programs@dallasparalegals.org. ***

***This event is not approved for CLE.***

DAPA Advanced Full-Day CLE Seminar (Friday, August 21, 2026)

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Join DAPA at the Advanced Full-Day CLE Seminar!

Deadline for Early Bird savings is June 30, 2026!.

All registration closes August 5, 2026

Limited space is available. Don't delay! Register today!

When: Friday, August 21, 2026

Where: Arts District Mansion

2100 Ross Avenue, Dallas, TX 75201

Time:

Registration Check-in and Breakfast 8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.

CLE Seminar: 9:00 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.

Until June 30, 2026

DAPA Members - $75

DAPA Student Members $55

Non-DAPA Members $85

Beginning July 1, 2026 - August 5, 2026

DAPA Members - $85

DAPA Student Members - $55

Non-DAPA Members - $95

Last day to register is August 5, 2026!

Speakers:

John Holden: Retired but formerly of Jackson Walker - Oil & Gas, The industry the world loves to hate!

Kenda Culpepper: Rockwall County DA - National crime trends that are grabbing the headlines!

Kathryn Flowers Samler: Goranson Bain Ausley - leveling up legal teamwork and dealing with conflicting personalities

Tanya Henderson: Dallas Bar Ethics Chair, Assistant General Counsel at Hilltop Holdings - ethics

Amy M. Stewart: Stewart Law Group - Social media and investigations before litigation

Chad Baruch: Tobey Baruch Law- legal writing

Event Highlights:

Breakfast and lunch buffet included with each ticket!

Garage parking!

Opportunities to win door prizes from our seminar sponsors!

Registrations are not available at the door.

All sales final. No cancellations. No exceptions!

This seminar qualifies for 6.0 hours of General CLE and 1.0 Hours of Ethics CLE credit through DAPA.

Pending Texas Board of Legal Specialization credit.

***For additional questions regarding this event, please contact Professional Development Director, Madeline Burr pd@dallasparalegals.org

SPONSORSHIP | DAPA Advanced Full-Day CLE Seminar (Friday, August 21, 2026)

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Join DAPA at the Advanced Full-Day CLE Seminar!

Sponsorship Opportunities Available!

Limited sponsorships are available. Don't delay! Register today!

Thank you for your support!

DAPA would not be successful without your support!

***For additional questions regarding this event, please contact Professional Development Director, Madeline Burr at pd@dallasparalegals.org and Sustaining Member Liaison Alexa Bussell at sustaining@dallasparalegals.org***

SAVE THE DATE | Golden Splendor: 50 Years of Brilliance (Saturday, December 12, 2026)

Sat, 12 Dec 2026 23:30:00 GMT

MAKE YOUR PLANS NOW!

QR CODE BELOW FOR A DISCOUNTED GUEST ROOM

MORE DETAILS COMING SOON!

INCLUDING REGISTRATION AND EVENT PARTNERSHIPS!