Houston Paralegal Association (HPA) started out as an idea among several professional paralegals in the Houston area who did not feel their needs were being met by any other local professional association. Those paralegals, including Ruth Silva, Rannie Kelly, Barbara Howell, Sheilah Taylor, Lu Poole, Patti Gunning and Adele Spivey began talking to other paralegals about forming a professional association dedicated to providing opportunities for obtaining Continuing Legal Education and networking.

Initially, these paralegals met with others in July, 1999 at a social held at Birraporetti’s Restaurant that was sponsored by Firehouse Records Company. The group was small but the enthusiasm was gigantic. Another meeting was held in August to review a draft of the bylaws and to officially elect officers. That meeting, held at Massas Restaurant was sponsored by IKON Documents, which not only paid for the dinner but brought champagne for the occasion. Discussion about the bylaws took place and several suggestions were made before they were adopted in draft form. HPA decided to not assert any affiliation with national associations. Officers elected included: Ruth Silva, President; Rannie Kelly, 1st Vice President (Programs); Sue Smith, 2nd Vice President (Membership); Lenore Millspaugh, Recording Secretary; Sheilah Taylor, Public Relations; Patti Gunning, Parliamentarian and Lu Poole, Historian. Later, these officers talked Nancy Turner into serving as Treasurer.

The first official Board meeting was held in November, 1999. In addition to minor revisions to the bylaws, officers voted on several projects, including a seminar which would award CLE credits and a charity event which would be held in conjunction with a Holiday social in December.

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