The U.S. Courthouse at Jacksonville served as the setting for the annual Northeast Florida Paralegal Association meeting Thursday. According to organizers of the event, this year’s installment boasted some unique opportunities.
“This year is much different than what we’ve done in the past,” said Rebecca Rossman, vice president of NEFPA. “Usually it takes place at a hotel and it’s a lot like school.”
Rossman has been active in NEFPA for eight years and a paralegal for nearly 20 years.
“Here, we’re recreating an actual trial, which makes the seminar a more hands-on, innovative event,” she said. “It’s of a much higher caliber and more enjoyable this year.”
In addition to the mock trial, speakers, including attorneys Alexandria Hendrick and Steven Browning, made presentations.
Rossman said seminar attendees will earn Continuing Legal Education credits and, hopefully, take with them a better understanding of the trial process.
“That’s really the best part of the seminar,” she said. “Because we’ve recreated a trial that has already taken place, people who have shown up today will be able to become a part of the litigation process and see how things really work.”
Attorney Brena Bodenhammer, who has only been practicing for three months, said she found the seminar, and the mock trial in particular, informative.
“I’ve enjoyed it,” she said. “It’s allowed me to put the trial process into the
big picture.”