Dallas Area Paralegal Association upcoming events

General Membership Meeting | Career Development Through Collaboration (Tuesday, April 21, 2026)

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Career Development Through Collaboration

Second Quarter General Membership Meeting

April 21, 2026

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CST

VIA ZOOM

Presented by

Melissa Tubbs and Bri Holcombe

Melissa Tubbs is a proud Houstonian and graduate of Texas A&M University (Whoop!). Melissa has been a paralegal since 2017 practicing in family law, estate planning and probate. Outside the office, Melissa loves spending quality time with her family, especially her daughter, Makena, and husband, Marquis.

Bri Holcombe is a Houston native who graduated from Baylor University and Belmont University College of Law. She is a director of the Fort Bend County Bar Association and Texas Young Lawyers Association (TYLA). When Bri is not advocating for her clients, she is rooting for the Baylor Bears and Houston Astros! But what she loves most in life is her sweet “blacken-doodle” puppy, Astro!

Since joining Hunt Law Firm, PLLC in 2021—Bri in February and Melissa in May—this dynamic Attorney-Paralegal team has become an unstoppable force. Specializing in family law and estate planning, Melissa and Bri enjoy using technology and practices that streamline and promote efficiency at their firm.

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

*** For additional questions regarding this event, please contact Programs Vice Presiden Madison Fitzgerald

programs@dallasparalegals.org.

Family Specialty Section Meeting + CLE | Protective Orders 101: Types, Governing Law, & Practice Tips (Thursday, April 30, 2026)

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT

FAMILY SPECIALTY SECTION MEETING + CLE

PROTECTIVE ORDERS 101: TYPES, GOVERNING LAW, & PRACTICE TIPS

Chris Konneker’s experience in Family Law stretches back nearly ten years, with additional experience handling matters in Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, and Immigration Law. He takes satisfaction in helping people through tough times, especially those instances he can reunite parents and their children. Chris’s father, a retired patent attorney, always told him that the law is a powerful way to genuinely help others, and Chris lives by this maxim in the work he does with families every day.

Those who work with Chris describe him as thorough, empathetic, and someone who cuts straight to the point. He understands the stress that comes with matters such as divorce, adoption, and child custody, and he’s found that many of those he’s spoken with are simply lacking someone who will actively listen to their case. The best representation he can provide his clients is achieved by listening to those concerns and communicating how the law can assist, as well as what he believes will benefit them the most. After that discussion, Chris is able to quickly identify the steps necessary to achieve the best possible solution. While that process can be difficult, Chris has never been one to back down from a challenge.

Chris graduated from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 2012. Prior to law school, he earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Dallas in Psychology.

Outside the office, Chris enjoys various activities, and spending time with his wife, children and his animals.

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

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

DAPA Career Development Day | Navigating the AI-Driven Legal Landscape (Saturday, May 02, 2026)

Sat, 02 May 2026 13:30:00 GMT

*** For additional questions regarding this event, please contact Director-at-Large, Sandra Branch at dal@dallasparalegals.org.

Beyond The Briefs Series | Growing as Professionals and People (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)

Tue, 19 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

CALLING ALL STUDENTS PARALEGALS AND

SEASONED PARALEGALS!

Beyond the Briefs Series

Returns for 2026!

"Growing as Professionals and People"

Step into a space designed for real connection and meaningful growth. In this Beyond the Briefs session, our small‑group discussions take center stage — giving members the chance to reflect, share experiences, and explore what it truly means to grow both in their careers and in their personal lives.

This collaborative workshop invites you to learn from one another, gain practical insights, and walk away feeling more grounded, supported, and inspired in every part of your journey.

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

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

Probate Specialty Section Meeting + CLE | Elder Law 101 (Thursday, June 18, 2026)

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Lauren Olson is a partner at the law firm of Leu, Peirce & Olson PLLC, where she practices Elder Law, focusing on all legal issues affecting seniors and long-term care planning, including public benefits (Medicaid and VA) planning, estate planning, contested guardianships, and contested probates. Lauren graduated cum laude from SMU Dedman School of Law in 2013. She earned her Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude, in Communications, with a minor in English, from Saint Louis University in 2009, where she also played Division I Women’s Soccer. Before pursuing her JD, Lauren was a full-time volunteer with the Marianist Volunteer Program supporting adults with developmental disabilities in St. Louis. Lauren currently serves as a board member and Past President of the Collin County Bar Association’s Estate Planning and Probate Section and recently served on the board of the Estate Planning Council of North Texas. Lauren is a member of the newly-formed Dallas Probate Inn of Court and frequently volunteers with Legal Aid of Northwest Texas.

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.

DEI Presentation + CLE | How Should LBGTQ Couples Protect Themselves In Uncertain Times? (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

DEI PRESENTATION + CLE

Pride Month Presentation!

How Should LBGTQ Couples Protect Themselves in Uncertain Times?

We will explore the unique legal and practical steps LGBTQ couples can take to protect themselves, their relationships, and their families in a changing legal climate. This presentation will cover the different types of relationships recognized under the law, the challenges LGBTQ couples may still face, and the estate planning tools that help ensure their wishes are honored.

Meet Speaker Lorie Burch!

Lorie owns a Dallas law firm that primarily focuses on estate planning, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate, and business law. Including in 2025, Burch Law has been awarded 4 times as one of the 500 fastest growing small law firms in the country, which is a testament to our team and how we’ve been able to help more families and individuals with this vital planning.

Lorie has engaged in many civic and community organizations and advocacy. She currently serves on the Leadership Plano Board of Directors and is the Chair of the Diversity Advisory Committee for Leadership Plano. In 2018, she ran for United States Congress for the 3rd District of Texas. Lorie served as the 2013-2014 National President for the Board of Directors of the American Business Women’s Association. She is also the past Chairwoman of the Board for the North Texas LGBT Chamber and was formally the Co-Chair of the DFW Human Rights Campaign Steering Committee.

This year, Lorie was voted as Dallas’ Best Civil/Family Law Attorney by readers of the Dallas Voice for the 7^th time! In 2024, Burch Law was awarded “Best Marketing Ad Campaign” by Plano City Lifestyle Magazine. In 2022, Burch Law was honored as Business of the Year by the North Texas LGBT Chamber. Additionally, Lorie was honored by the Dallas Business Journal as a 2013 Women in Business. She was recognized as one of the 2010 Top Ten Business Women for the American Business Women’s Association. In 2007, Lorie was awarded the North Texas LGBT Chamber Business Person of the Year.

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

For additional questions regarding this event, please contact Executive Director, Laura Kehoe, at ed@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)

Sun, 13 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

MORE DETAILS COMING SOON!

INCLUDING REGISTRATION AND SPONSORSHIP!