NALS of Arizona constantly keeps busy -- assisting students with their academic pursuits, increasing membership, chartering new chapters, sponsoring educational seminars offered at locations throughout the state, assisting the local and state bar associations whenever possible -- always bringing our association to the attention of the legal community in a positive way. Our members work in various prestigious and reputable offices throughout the state and carry varying job titles.  But one thing never changes about our membership, and that is that they are the best of the best, committed to growth, education and excellence in their personal and professional pursuits. As we grow, so all members grow.  What follows is a detailed history of NALS of Arizona's past, from its beginnings in 1967 to the present.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

It all began on May 6, 1967, at the Francisco Grande Hotel in Casa Grande, Arizona.

Thirty-two dedicated, hard-working legal secretaries registered for the organization al meeting.  A temporary chairman, Thelma Bambauer, and a temporary secretary, Norma Jaeger, were elected.

The meeting adjourned to permit the Bylaws Committee, composed of Jessie Hiddessen, Maricopa County; Iris Smith of Mesa-Tempe; and Irene Swearingen of Tucson, to prepare recommended Bylaws to submit to the assembly.  The Nominations Committee, composed of June Wilson and Terri Boynton, Tucson LSA, Josephine Yeley and Louise Hasl of Maricopa County; Janice Kinnison and Elaine Fry of Mesa-Tempe; and Marjorie Reese, member-at-large Yuma, to prepare a slate of officers.

Luncheon was served poolside, the pool being in the shape of a baseball and bat, as at that time, the Francisco Grande was spring training headquarters for a major league baseball team, the San Francisco Giants.

Following lunch, the meeting was called to order.  The first item on the agenda was election of officers.  Elected as AALS's first slate of officers were:

President - Thelma Baumbauer, Tucson
1st Vice President - Norma Jaeger, Maricopa
2nd Vice President - Jean Janesch, Tucson
3rd Vice President - Iris Smith, Mesa-Tempe
Executive Secretary - Louise Hasl, Maricopa
National Director - Miriam Frieberg, Tucson

Bylaws were presented, discussed, and approved.  The Secretary was instructed to file an Application for Charter.  AALS was on its way.

Charter officers were installed at a banquet following the organizational meeting.  Installing officer was Eldon Husted, then Executive Director of the Arizona Bar Association.

The Chairman asked for bids for the 1968 State Convention.  Maricopa's invitation was accepted with the site to be announced.  

NALS OF ARIZONA'S GROWTH, PROGRAMS, PROJECTS

The Arizona Association of Legal Secretaries (AALS), as NALS of Arizona was originally called, was organized on May 6, 1967, at the Francisco Grande Hotel, Casa Grande, Arizona.  At that time the state association consisted of three chapters:  Maricopa County, Mesa-Tempe, and Tucson.  During the year 1967, Marge Reese, member-at-large from Yuma, became Arizona's first PLS.  The Yuma Chapter was chartered during our first year as a state association.

In 1968, the first annual meeting was hosted by Maricopa County LSA at the Executive House in Scottsdale.  Marge Reese, PLS, Yuma Chapter, was selected as first runner-up in the Legal Secretary of the Year Competition at the National Annual Conference.  During 1968, a Bar Liaison Committee was approved and became a part of the AALS Chairman listing.  As a note of interest:  NALS per capita tax was increased from $3.00 to $5.00 during the annual meeting.

In 1969, the annual meeting was hosted by Yuma Chapter at the Stardust Hotel.  We began the sale of carbon paper as a ways and means project.  We discussed the possibility of bidding for a NALS convention, but the smallness of our association and lack of adequate hotel facilities caused us to hold off on such an undertaking.  Our publication, The Abstract, took third place in the local and state publications competition at the National Conference.

The 1970s

In 1970, the annual meeting was hosted by Tucson LSA at the Desert Inn.  Many Things happened during this year as we expand our activities.  A proposed chapter in Globe declined to charter for various reasons.  An informational brochure was prepared for distribution at the State Bar Convention.  Sketches for a proposed state emblem were submitted.  Thelma Bambauer was elected 4th Vice President of the National Association.  A state pin was adopted, consisting of a plastic backing with a saguaro cactus.

Moving on into 1971, the annual meeting was hosted by Maricopa County LSA at the Caravan Inn.  We adopted a state budget.  A new state pin was adopted with the logo and pin being designed by Thelma Bambauer.  We chartered a new chapter, Coconino County LSA.  As a ways and means project, plans were underway for publication of an AALS cookbook under the capable direction of Sherry Mehle.  

In 1972, the National President adopted the motto "Professionalism + Education = Excellence."  The annual meeting was hosted by Yuma LSA at the Stardust Hotel.  We installed our first member-at-large, Doris Ivy, of Sierra Vista, Arizona.  Talk turned to the possibility of adopting a Chapter Achievement Award Program.  We chartered the Navajo National Chapter during this year.  A note of sadness pervades this period, as we lost a most beloved member, June Wilson of the Tucson chapter.  June had been a real "mover" in AALS, and had published The Abstract since its inception.  A memorial Abstract was published in her honor.

During 1973, we installed two honorary members:  Golda Cooper and Jack Holsen.  The annual meeting was hosted by the Navajo Nation Chapter in Window Rock and Gallup.  We had the pleasure of having then NALS President Toni Jochems as our honored guest.  President Toni installed the officers for the coming year.  Also in 1973, we chartered Yavapai County LSA.  The AALS Scholarship Program was discussed.  We lost one of our original charter chapters, Mesa-Tempe.

In 1974, AALS attempted its first statewide seminar under the direction of Irene Swearingen.  The entire nation was suffering from a gasoline shortage, so plans for this undertaking were tabled.  Plans were being formulated for a statewide bus to Houston with Sherry Mehle in charge of planning.  The annual meeting was hosted by Coconino County LSA at Little America.

In 1975, the annual meeting was hosted by Tucson LSA at the Executive Inn.  During this year, AALS adopted a scholarship program.  A very active member, Jo Wycoff of Coconino County LSA, was appointed as Clerk of Superior Court, Coconino County.

In 1976, several exciting things happened.  Our very own Thelma Bambauer, PLS, was elected President of the National Association, and Sherry Mehle was appointed as Corresponding Secretary.  The annual meeting was hosted by Yavapai County LSA at the Prescottonian.  Discussion again turned to a chapter achievement award program.  Plans to charter a chapter in Cochise County did not materialize.  Statewide, members were beginning to make plans to attend the National Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1977.  Plans to revise the NALS Code of Ethers were in the drafting state.  Our then State President, Elsie Conde, resigned in order to fulfill a mission in Bangladesh for the Salvation Army, accompanied by her husband, Morry.  

During 1977, AALS incorporated in a move to protect our name from infringement.  The annual meeting was hosted by Maricopa County LSA at the Fiesta Inn.  Coconino County began again to publish their publication, The Writ, and Coconino County LSA assisted in formulating plans for a scholarship program at NAU for paralegal courses.

As 1978 moves into view, we have now been an actively growing association since 1967.  Three chapters have expanded into five.  The National Association scheduled a seminar in Phoenix, and AALS scheduled a state Board of Governors Meeting to coincide with the seminar.  The annual meeting was hosted by Yuma LSA at the Stardust Hotel.  We chartered a new chapter, Mohave County LSA.  Officers were installed on April 1, 1978.  A proposed budge for AALS was prepared and will be presented for approval.

In 1979, the annual meeting was hosted by Tucson LSA at the Arizona Inn.  Yavapai County LSA sponsored a very successful Official Course program, well attended, and well received.  After a lapse of several years, AALS once again voted to participate in the Eula Mae Jett Chapter Achievement Program.  Work is to begin on a state membership brochure for approval and adoption.  To hopefully assist Coconino County LSA in its member retention problems, an AALS Board of Governors Meeting was co-hosted by Coconino County LSA and Yavapai County LSA to be held in Sedona.

The 1980s

Moving on into 1980, AALS adopted a Chapter Achievement Program.  The annual meeting ways hosted by Mohave County LSA at Lake Havasu.  It was the vote of the membership to disincorporate, and instead to register our name as a tradename instead.  Ivy Person, 1st NALS Vice President, attended our annual meeting and installed the newly elected officers.  Coconino County LSA, unable to retain members, surrendered its charter.  We suffered a real loss in losing this chapter.  We adopted the sale of AALS t-shirts as a ways and means project, and the price of our state pins was increased to $6.00.

In 1981, due to changes in the National Association's corporate structure, proxies for Governors were no longer proper.  A governor pro tem is to be appointed by a chapter if the Governor cannot attend a Board of Governors' meeting.  The annual meeting was hosted by Yavapai County LSA at the Hassayampa Inn.  AALS received third place in the Eula Mae Jett Chapter Achievement Award Competition on the national level.  Standing rules were proposed to implement the Bylaws.  The NALS Area 6 Membership Meeting was held in Phoenix.  

During 1982, the annual meeting hosted by Maricopa County LSA at the Raddison.  This was a big year for us, with our dream at last come true, Volume I of the ARIZONA HANDBOOK FOR LEGAL SECRETARIES was ready for distribution.  A complimentary copy was presented to Thelma Bambauer, PLS, without whom this project just never would have become a reality.  NALS instituted the Sister State Program, and Main was assigned as our Sister State.  AALS awarded a life membership to Thelma Bambauer, PLS, in appreciation of all her hard work and dedication.

1983 was another banner year for AALS.  The annual meeting was hosted by Tucson LSA at the Granada Royale.  The Policy and Procedure Manual was presented for approval and was adopted.  We obtained a bulk mail permit for mailing of The Abstract, in order to cut our costs.  Arkansas was assigned as our Sister State.  The price of the dictionary which we sell as a ways and means project was increased to $7.00.  Work was begun on a complete revision of the AALS Bylaws.

In 1984, the National Educational Conference and 33rd Annual Meeting was hosted by Maricopa County LSA in Phoenix, with all chapters assisting.  We co-sponsored a state seminar with the Arizona State Bar, which was a "first" and a big success.  The annual meeting was hosted by Yuma LSA at the Stardust Hotel.  We received an award for member retention plus new members from NALS.  AALS adopted its own Membership Retention Award.  VOLUME II of the Handbook was ready for distribution in April.  Bylaws were completely revised and amended and were so adopted in August.  Arkansas was once again assigned our Sister State.  A meeting of Arizona and Arkansas members was held during the National Conference in Phoenix.  Members evidenced an interest in our compiling a "History of AALS." 

Which bring us to the present, 1985.  New Mexico has been assigned as our Sister State, and officers traveled to the New Mexico Board of Governors Meeting in October.  Revisions to VOLUME I of the Handbook were at the printers and will be ready for distribution.  We voted to print an additional 250 copies of VOLUME I of the Handbook.  A new state membership brochure is being prepared for approval and adoption by the association.  Marge Jones, PLS, Tucson LSA, was selected as 1st runner up on the Legal Secretary of the Year  competition at the National Conference.  

1986 we chartered a new chapter, West Maricopa County LSA.  This is a spin-off from Maricopa County LSA, as it is quite a travel distance for secretaries employed in the "West."  At the annual meeting, hosted by Yavapai County LSA, the National President Helen Winters, was our guest.  AALS sponsored two state seminars in March and in September.  Ferole Tingley, PLS, was appointed to chair the PLSEI Committee on the National level.  (PLSEI stands for Professional Legal Secretary Educational Institute.  Our congratulations to her -- we all know she will do a great job.

In 1987, AALS chartered two new chapters, one in Central Phoenix, and another in La Paz County.  Our best wishes to both of these new chapters, and we look forward to attending seminars, meetings, conventions, and assisting these new chapters in any way we can.

AALS took 2nd place in the Publications Competition at the National Education  Conference.  All that hard work pays off.

The state association sponsored legal educational seminars in April and September.

Moving on to 1988!  Once again we are busy chartering new chapters, ever enlarging our membership statewide.  This time it was a new chapter in Mesa.  Once again the state association sponsored an educational seminar in October.  Revisions to VOLUMES i and II of the ARIZONA STATE HANDBOOK FOR LEGAL SECRETARIES have begun.  In March, Tucson LSA hosted the National Association of Legal Secretaries Spring Board Meeting.  During the August Board of Governors Meeting, it was voted to discontinue the History Book Competition on the state level.

1989 was a sad year for AALS.  We lost two of our Honorary Members.  Jack Hoslen passed away in July, and Golda Cooper passed away in December.  These two will long be remembered by AALS members for all their participation in our association.

The state association sponsored an educational seminar in October.  Not to be outdone, Maricopa County LSA sponsored an educational seminar in Mazatlan, Mexico, and it was a big success.  Our Bylaws were amended to include two new classes of membership, Secondary and Associate.

The 1990s
In 1990, AALS was once again busy chartering a new chapter.  This time it was in the southeastern corner of our state -- Southern Arizona Legal Secretaries Association, more fondly known as SALSA.  It did not take this group long to get into the swing of things.  At the annual meeting in Yuma, Sharon Smith from the National Association was our guest and gave a most interesting speech during lunch.  AALS sponsored a WordPerfect Seminar in March in Tucson.  The Long Range Planning Committee Questionnaire form was distributed to the chapters for study and input.  The Long Range Plan was adopted as an ongoing project.

Now 1991 rolls around.  Once again we sponsored a statewide educational seminar.  A long time member, Anne Crawford passed away.  She had been very active in AALS since its inception, and will be missed.  The newest chapter chartered, SALSA, has bid to hold the August 1991 Board of governors Meeting.  It didn't take them long to become ACTIVE.

1992 was a momentous year for our association.  We celebrated our 25th anniversary!  NALS President Sandra Yost, PLS, graced us with her presence at this very special meeting.  We were honored that she chose to visit us.  In addition, Lynda Smock, AALS Publicity Chairman, began a tradition by arranging with the Governor of the State of Arizona, Fife Symington, to sign a special proclamation designating February 7 as Arizona Legal Secretaries Day.  Arizona had seven chapters reporting for this annual meeting -- East Maricopa LSA, Maricopa County LSA, Mesa LSA, SALSA, West Maricopa LSA, Yavapai County LSA, and Tucson LSA -- boy have we grown since our inception.

1994 brought NALS to Phoenix for the quarterly board meeting.  It was wonderful to have all of our National Officers in our state.  Needless to say, members of our association were very busy in assisting NALS with this meeting. 

1995 once again saw a revision of the ARIZONA HANDBOOK FOR LEGAL SECRETARIES. A huge debt of gratitude to Ferole Tingley, PLS, CLA, Chairman of the Handbook Committee, for taking on this huge undertaking.  Also, Jill J. Hale, PLS, CLA, rewrote portions of the AALS Leadership Manual.  AALS officers traveled throughout the state visiting and assisting local chapters.  As always, we were very busy in the legal community assisting the State Bar with their annual convention, the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar with their activities, and attending a Career Expo in Phoenix.

1996 was AALS 29th anniversary.  Who would have thought that we could have survived for so long.  Through tough times we have survived, though.  1996 was a difficult year.  Membership began to drop due to a dues increase of $45.  Due to the economic times we were in, we lost many of our sisters.  The national dues increase was not the only reason for our decline in membership.  NALS began a long process of redefining the parameters of our association.  We became a "knowledge based" association with members' input becoming one of the number one concerns of our association.  Also, plans were undertaken to give each member in our association a vote instead of a large number of members being represented by delegates at our national meetings.  Thus, with the approval of these plans and the wheels set in motion, our state association would soon be looking at numerous and massive changes in bylaws, standing rules, and individual members being able to vote for our state officers.  Our parliamentarian, Etta Parson, had her work cut out for her both this year and in 1997.

1997 brought our 30th anniversary!  We were still in the midst of rewriting bylaws and standing rules in order to bring them in line with the many revisions of NALS taking place at the time.  For the first time in a very long time, each individual member had a voice in the election of our state and national officers.  Some local chapters were able to change their bylaws and standing rules in order to do this also.  Although change was not something we were looking forward to, we did it.  In addition, AALS officers and chairmen have become very aware that the 21st century is knocking at our door.  As this portion of the History of AALS is being written, research is being done into possibly having a "web page" for our Association in order to reach more legal professionals in Arizona.  Technology is moving so fast, it is very difficult -- if not impossible -- to keep up with it.  Who would have known that 30 years ago when we started, computers would become such a major part of our lives -- both professional and personal.  Areas of law have expanded from civil, criminal, domestic relations, real estate, and probate to now include toxic tort litigation, elder law, ADA, massive class actions, etc.  When you look back on how our association and profession have progressed through the years, it becomes overwhelming and at the same time, very impressive.

In 1998, AALS changed its name to the Legal Support Professionals of Arizona (LSPA) to reflect the national vision of including all members of the legal support professions, not just secretaries. It is at this time that NALS began to allow anyone employed in the legal support professions -- from file clerks, law office receptionist and administrators to paralegals, legal assistants and legal secretaries -- become a member of NALS.

The 2000s

LSPA progressed into the new millenium, continuing to offer educational and leadership opportunities to the legal community.  In 2006, LSPA again changed its name, this time to NALS of Arizona, to reflect the national trend of chartered chapters moving to better associate themselves with the NALS national image.  NALS is no longer an acronym, but is still THE association for legal professionals.

To learn more about NALS' national history, click here.  

Or to view a list of NALS of Arizona's past presidents, click here.