SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
APA 2026 Annual Legal Conference
April 24, 2026 • Desert Willow Conference Center • Phoenix, AZ
7:30 – 8:00 AM
Registration • Breakfast • Vendor Fair
8:05 – 8:15 AM
Welcome Address & Opening Remarks
APA Board of Directors
8:15 – 8:20 AM
Keynote Introduction
8:20 – 9:20 AM
Anne Ching, JD | Arizona State University
Life as a Paralegal: Navigating Your Career While Enjoying the Journey
Ethics Credit
Synopsis:
The Game of Life is fun because a random spin of the wheel can launch you in a new direction. Enjoying your real life, however, requires deliberate choices. This keynote provides practical guidance on balancing professional obligations with the mental, physical, social, and spiritual components of personal well‑being.
9:20 – 9:45 AM
Vendor Fair & Networking Break
Bingo Card Activity • Morning Snack
9:50 – 10:50 AM
Carey Granda, CEDS | GoldFynch
Behind the Screen: Why Paralegals Are the Real Power Users of Modern Litigation
Description:
This session highlights the expanding influence of paralegals in eDiscovery and trial technology, demonstrating why their role is more strategic — and more indispensable — than ever in modern legal practice.
10:55 – 11:55 AM
Norma C. Izzo | Spencer Fane LLP
Partner • Chair, Family Law Practice Group
Certified Family Law Specialist, State Bar of Arizona
Topic: TBD
12:00 – 1:25 PM
Lunch • Networking • Membership Meeting
Scholarship Presentation
Virtual attendees may log out during lunch and rejoin for afternoon CLE credit.
1:30 – 2:30 PM
Damon Hacker | ArcherHall
President
Law Firm Cybersecurity – A Process, Not a Project
Approved for 1.0 CLE Credit
Description:
This session reframes cybersecurity as an ongoing operational discipline. Attendees will learn a dynamic framework for strengthening organizational security and navigating today’s cybersecurity landscape.
2:30 – 2:40 PM
Afternoon Snack & Transition Break
2:40 – 3:40 PM
Peter Wink | Author & Speaker
Mental Toughness for Legal Professionals
Description:
A practical session focused on maintaining focus, making disciplined decisions, and managing stress in demanding legal environments.
3:40 – 4:20 PM
TBD Speaker | To Be Announced
Scholarship Recognition
A combined session featuring a to‑be‑announced speaker and a dedicated presentation honoring APA scholarship recipients and recognizing outstanding contributions within the paralegal community.
4:20 – 5:00 PM
Vendor Raffle • APA Raffle • Closing Remarks
