Lisa Vessels, RP, CP, FRP, is President of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) for the 2014-2016 term. As President, she serves as the leader of NFPA and a mentor for the paralegal profession. She is responsible for daily, on-going and long-term decisions regarding NFPA’s overall effect on the profession and ensuring these decisions are implemented and monitored.
Lisa earned her Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies from Nova Southeastern University in 2005, and Associate’s degrees in Computer Information Systems and Computer Programming (Visual Basic) from Miami Dade College in 2002. She earned the Certified Paralegal® credential in 2005, became a Florida Registered Paralegal with The Florida Bar in 2008, and earned the PACE® Registered Paralegal credential 2012.
Lisa lives in Miami, Florida, where she is employed by Duane Morris LLP managing the docketing function and rules-based docketing software for her firm’s U.S. offices. She has worked in the paralegal profession since 1992 with experience in commercial litigation, as well as corporate contract law specializing in commercial aviation equipment leasing and sales.
Lisa is a former two-term President of the South Florida Paralegal Association and the Florida Alliance of Paralegal Associations. As an active member in both organizations, she served in many roles since joining in 2005. She also served as NFPA’s Vice President and Director of Positions and Issues from 2012-2014, Regulation Review Coordinator from 2009-2012, and was an active participant on the PCC Exam Development Committee from its inception in 2008 through its launch in 2011.
Lisa served on Miami-Dade College’s Paralegal Studies Program Advisory Board from 2006 to 2012, serving as chairperson beginning in 2010. She is currently serving her fourth three year term as a non-lawyer member of The Florida Bar’s Unlicensed Practice of Law Committee for the 11th Circuit in Miami-Dade County. She was an adjunct instructor at Florida International University’s Paralegal Studies certificate program from 2006 to 2008. Lisa also volunteers for the Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida as a trainer for adult volunteers.
Congratulations, Lisa!