MPA 2026 Fall Seminar
Mississippi Paralegal Association, Inc.
Session Agenda: Session-Information-Renfroe-and-Tackitt.docx
Session 1:
Chaos in the Courtroom: The Sovereign Citizens Movement
The Sovereign Citizen movement continues to present unique challenges for courts, attorneys, judges, clerks, and paralegals. Members of this movement often reject the legitimacy of government authority and utilize unconventional legal theories, frivolous filings, fraudulent documents, and other tactics that can disrupt legal proceedings and burden court systems. This program provides an overview of the origins and core beliefs of the Sovereign Citizen movement, examines the techniques commonly used by Sovereigns in litigation, and offers practical strategies for recognizing, responding to, and managing Sovereign-related cases in a professional and effective manner. Attendees will gain valuable insight into identifying warning signs, navigating courtroom disruptions, and supporting attorneys and courts when confronted with Sovereign Citizen tactics.
Learning Objectives:
1. Explore the origins and beliefs of Sovereign Citizens
2. Identify Sovereign tactics in the legal system
3. Learn methods to combat Sovereigns in the courtroom
Session 2:
Estate planning paralegals serve a vital role in helping attorneys develop, document, and implement effective estate plans. This program examines the substantive knowledge and practical skills required at each stage of the estate planning process, from gathering and analyzing client information during intake, to preparing estate planning documents, to ensuring proper execution and implementation of the completed plan.
Participants will explore how paralegals identify relevant family, financial, and asset information; assist in the preparation of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives; and help ensure compliance with legal execution requirements. The session will also address common issues that arise during the planning process, including beneficiary designations, fiduciary appointments, asset ownership concerns, and post-execution steps necessary to carry out the client’s estate planning objectives. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of how knowledgeable paralegals contribute to legally effective estate plans while improving client service and practice efficiency
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify and evaluate the client, family, and asset information necessary to support the development of an effective estate plan.
2. Understand the paralegal’s role in preparing, reviewing, and coordinating estate planning documents to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with applicable legal requirements.
3. Apply best practices for document execution, asset coordination, and post-signing implementation to help ensure that estate plans achieve the client’s intended goals.
CLE Hours = 2.5 Substantive