UPALS Discusses Their Goals for 2013-2014 Term

• October 29, 2013
• by Kimberly Faber
• Associations
• Videos

Ronda Godard, president and founder of the Utah Professional Association of Legal Services (UPALS), has high hopes for the relatively new association. Comprised of private investigators, process servers, paralegals, and attorneys, the association aims to keep the legal industry in Utah united. We spoke with Godard at the 2013 National Association of Professional Process Servers (NAPPS) conference in Phoenix to find out more about the association's goals and long-term plan.

“We believe it’s very important for process servers to get involved in associations because it helps keep you informed of those legislative changes and issues, laws, industry changes, pricing,” Godard shared when asked of the benefits in joining an association. The overarching tone of the conversation was about professionalism, education, and awareness of legislation changes, a testament to their current one-year plan.

“The goal of UPALS association over the next year is to discuss what legislation we need to get involved in and change,” she said, noting a big focus on incorporating education into changes.

Continuing the focus on education, Godard also notes a coming shift in education for the membership.

“As the founding members and along with many other opinions and polls, we decided to implement two hours of continuing education per year in your respective industry.” She elaborates that this ensures members are taking the job and requirements seriously, saying, “it’s so that we know that you’ve kept on top at least of some current law, that you’re aware of changes, that you’ve taken the time to invest in yourself, that you’ve taken this seriously.” Godard notes the value of this knowledge, as it is important to clients, courts, and the overall integrity of the profession. “5 years from now, where we hope to see UPALS is at the top of the nation’s list of training and certification.”

In closing, Godard shares that the association does not want individuals joining who are just looking for an easy job and just want to join and get their name on the board. “We want to know you’re reputable. We want to know you care. We want to know you’re interested in law and educations.” With goals focused on education and advancing the association to becoming a leader in the education of process servers, Godard pushes the value of collaboration and teamwork within the organization. “We want to know that you are part of a team that wants to continue moving forward with great integrity.”

For more information on UPALS, visit UPALS.org.