Frequently Asked Questions ("FAQs")
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I am a current member of SVPA and want to renew my membership. Can I prorate my dues based on the date I renew? | |
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A. |
No. Proration of dues is only available to new members. | |
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I was a former member of SVPA but allowed my membership to lapse. If I join now am I considered a "New" member or a "Renewing" member? | |
| A. | You would rejoin SVPA as a "New" member. | |
| Q. | What is "BP6450" and how does it affect my membership choices with SVPA? | |
| A. | "BP6450" is the common abbreviated reference to California Business and Professions Code Section 6450, et sec. This code provision regulates the paralegal profession in California and is the standard utilized by SVPA for its membership criteria. Full ("voting") SVPA membership is available to persons meeting the provisions of BP6450. Those not meeting the code's standards may apply for other classes of membership. | |
| Q. | Why don't I see my name on the SVPA membership roster? | |
| A. | Each member of SVPA is asked on their membership application if it is "OK to publish" their information in the roster. If an applicant responds "No" to this question, or, if neither the "Yes" nor the "No" boxes are checked, then the member's information is not included in the roster. Additionally, if a member selects "Yes" but qualifies their choice by specifying that certain information be excluded, then that member will not be included on the roster. We currently are unable to selectively include/exclude roster information for individual members. | |
| Q. | Can SVPA help me find a job? | |
| A. | Not directly. SVPA is not a referral or a job placement organization. Periodically, local employers notify SVPA of paralegal or related job openings. SVPA will advise our members of these positions via its list service (email) and its website ("Job Bank"). Also, SVPA will host job fairs that are open to all members but will not attempt to place any individual in any job. | |
| Q. | Why do some materials like the newsletter and membership roster take so long to view? | |
| A. | Several files available on SVPA's website were created as "portable document format" ("pdf") files. Depending upon the size of the original document, some pdfs may be relatively large files. Similarly, graphics such as photos and maps may also be fairly large. Dial-up internet connections may take several minutes to render or download these files. If you are unable to view these files at all, please notify SVPA's webmaster. | |
| Q. | I can't view the calendar or the quiz and game on the Members Only page. What can I do? | |
| A. | These pages are created using a programming language called "JavaScript". Some internet browsers, particularly Microsoft's Internet Explorer, perceive JavaScript as a potential security threat and will block programs using it. To correct this problem you will need to modify the security settings of your browser to allow JavaScript to run on your PC. | |
| Q. | I get a message on my internet browser that says it is blocking certain content on SVPA's web pages. Why is this? | |
| A. | The problem may be related to the question above, or it may be due to other programming languages used in our web pages (e.g. "Java applets"). To correct this problem you will need to modify the security settings of your browser to allow scripts to run on your PC. | |
| Q. | What are SVPA's committees and how do I participate with them? | |
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SVPA's committees are groups of members working together to accomplish various administrative and other Association functions. Any member is welcome to participate with any committee or committees at any time. Any member interested in SVPA's committees should contact our President or Secretary for more information. SVPA's committees are: |
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| Q. | Who can be a member of SVPA's board of directors? | |
| A. | Any voting member is eligible to run for positions on SVPA's board. Through board membership, SVPA members can gain valuable leadership experience and a better understanding of issues affecting the paralegal profession. Any member interested in becoming a director or an officer should contact SVPA's President or Secretary. | |
| Q. | Can SVPA provide me with legal assistance or refer me to someone who can? | |
| A. | No. SVPA does not directly, nor through its members, provide legal assistance of any type. Any person needing legal advice or assistance should contact an attorney. | |