In this issue

Business Partners


STLPA January 2026 Newsletter Print

Message from the Board

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and an even better New Year!

Winter is officially in full swing—my least favorite time of year. I don’t know about you, but leaving the office after dark can be a little depressing. To help us get through the winter, here are a few fun facts: there are only 62 days until the sun sets at 7:00 p.m. in St. Louis, and just 140 days until Memorial Day, which kicks off my favorite season—summer!

 STLPA also has several new initiatives and events in the works to help brighten these winter months.

 In Case You Missed It
We held our STLPA Holiday Party at Topgolf in December, and it was truly uplifting to reconnect and celebrate together. The entire Board was overwhelmed by the generosity of our members. Thanks to you, we collected $510 in donations for CASA.

CASA is an extraordinary organization that provides advocacy and support for children navigating the court system, and these funds will directly benefit children who need it most. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering with CASA, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].

 Upcoming Events
January 15, 2026 – Our January monthly membership meeting and CLE will be held via Zoom from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Cynthia Dryden will be presenting on the roles of a Capital Defense Attorney and Mitigation Specialist. Registration is now open, and we hope to see you virtually!

 February 19, 2026 (via Zoom) – Hilary Sommer from Bryan Cave will be speaking on Cryptocurrency Cases. This CLE was originally scheduled for last fall and had to be postponed due to the speaker undergoing surgery.

 Save the Dates
Winter Event – Planning is currently underway. Stay tuned for more details.

 Annual Paralegal Day – Friday, May 8, 2026
River City Casino

More information regarding the theme and registration will be shared soon. If you are interested in joining the planning committee, please reach out to me at [email protected]. Everyone is welcome—this event truly takes a village, and we appreciate all the help that makes it such a success every year.

 Best regards,

Ashley Milam
STLPA President | 2025–2026

Back to top

Birthdays

Happy Birthday to our January Birthday Members!

Last Name First Name Birthday
Odle Melissa 1-Jan
Lewis Laberta 2-Jan
Sredl Sandy 6-Jan
Hardin Amy 7-Jan
McWard Brittney 8-Jan
Jackson Maiya 10-Jan
McFarland Lori 14-Jan
Bailey Megan 15-Jan
Moyie Therese 15-Jan
O'Reilly-Green Caitlin 18-Jan
Thebeau Barbara 19-Jan
Warfield Inas 19-Jan
Dockins Jennifer 22-Jan
Keenoy Erin 22-Jan
Pogulis Kelley 22-Jan
Pool Kelly 25-Jan
Sroka Katrina 25-Jan
Bingheim Kimberly 26-Jan
Patterson Tracy 26-Jan
Vatterott Katherine 26-Jan
Nevois-Akridge Elisha 27-Jan
Irish Katelyn 29-Jan

Back to top

Spotlight

Member Spotlight: Michele Edstrom
Michele Edstrom is a Senior Paralegal at Sandberg Phoenix with more than 35 years of experience across multiple practice areas, including nursing home litigation, business litigation, personal injury, medical malpractice, FELA, commercial litigation, and insurance law. She is known for her ability to identify issues efficiently, analyze complex facts, and deliver practical solutions that advance case strategy. Michele is recognized for her collaborative approach, effectiveness as a team contributor, and proactive commitment to ongoing training and professional development to continually expand her skills and knowledge.
A proven leader at Sandberg Phoenix, Michele mentors paralegals throughout the firm, generously sharing her expertise earned over her distinguished career and investing in the growth and success of her colleagues.
Michele has been a dedicated member of the St. Louis Paralegal Association (“STLPA”) since 1989 and is a past president. She has chaired numerous committees and takes an active role in encouraging other STLPA members to become more engaged in the association. In 2012, STLPA honored Michele as a “Paralegal Legend” in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the profession.
May be an image of one or more people

Back to top

Monthly Membership Meeting

Topic: Roles of a Capital Defense Attorney and Mitigation Specialist

Topic Overview:

  • Responsibilities of Capital Defense Attorney
  • Responsibilities of Mitigation Specialist
  • Balance in each Role

1.     Speaker: Attorney Cynthia Dryden

BIO: 

Cynthia A. Dryden received her B.A. degree from St. Louis University in 1989.  She received her J.D. degree from Washington University in 1992.  From graduation until 2001, she was an Assistant Public Defender in St. Louis County.  From 2001 until her retirement in March 2022, she was Lead Trial Counsel in the Eastern Capital Litigation Division of the Missouri State Public Defender.  Ms. Dryden represented over fifty clients facing death and has tried death penalty cases along with a number of cases involving forensic science.  She is the author of “Evaluating and Selecting DNA Experts,” published in Missouri Lawyers Weekly, she authored the DNA section of the Missouri Bar’s Criminal Practice Handbook and frequently presented in Missouri and other states on a variety of subjects such as DNA Litigation, Forensic Science, Ethics, Experts, and Admissibility Issues.  Since retirement she has worked as a mitigation specialist for a number of private attorneys handling death eligible cases in Federal Court.

Back to top

Annual Paralegal Day

SAVE THE DATE

MAY 8, 2026 

ST. LOUIS PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION ANNUAL PARALEGAL DAY

RIVER CITY CASINO

MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW

Back to top

Committee News

January DEI Focus: Understanding Inclusive Language in the Legal Profession
 

Language plays a critical role in the legal profession. The words we choose in pleadings, correspondence, client interactions, and internal communications can promote clarity and professionalism or unintentionally create confusion or exclusion.

 

Inclusive language is not about political correctness. It is about accuracy, respect, and professional responsibility. In legal settings, this may include:

 

  • Using gender neutral terms where appropriate, such as “spouse” rather than assuming “husband” or “wife”
  • Avoiding outdated or informal descriptors that may carry unintended bias
  • Being mindful of terminology related to race, disability, age, and family structure
  • Referring to individuals by their stated names and pronouns when known

Paralegals are often the first point of contact for clients and witnesses and play a key role in drafting and reviewing legal documents. Thoughtful language choices can enhance professionalism, reduce misunderstandings, and help ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

 

The DEI Committee encourages members to reflect on how inclusive language supports effective advocacy and strengthens our legal community.

Back to top

Job Bank

Estate and Tax Associate II

Stifel Financial

Estate & Tax Associate II

Job Summary
The Estate & Tax Associate II at Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc. ("Stifel") supports the Estate & Tax Planning Services team, which functions as a component of Stifel's Wealth Planning Department. Estate & Tax Planning Services covers topics such as simple and complex financial planning, estate planning, tax planning, charitable planning, business continuation and succession planning, and personal trust planning. The Associate II assists in drafting detailed analyses of individual clients' estate plan and/or income tax situation, with emphasis on more advanced matters, and creating client-approved marketing materials and internal reference materials. The Associate II also helps members of the Estate & Tax Planning Services team prepare for conference calls and presentations with Stifel Financial Advisors and their individual clients.

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities
•Reviewing and summarizing income tax returns and estate planning documents, including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.
•Researching federal and state issues relating to estate planning, estate administration, fiduciary income tax, estate tax, and/or income tax.
•Providing daily operational support, as necessary. Marketing, Training, & Education
•Assisting with creation and maintenance of internal reference materials relating to federal and state estate planning and income tax planning matters.
•Prepare marketing materials, including informational pieces and PowerPoint presentations
•Collaborate with the Wealth Strategist Manager, Senior Wealth Strategists, Wealth Strategists, other Estate & Tax Specialists, and Estate & Tax Associates to continue the development and direction of Stifel's Estate & Tax Planning Services.
•Confer successfully with Stifel Financial Advisors

Qualifications
•Strong understanding of relevant estate and tax planning concepts.
•Ability to communicate estate and tax planning concepts in a manner that can be easily understood by financial advisors and clients.
•Quantitative, analytical, and organizational skills.
•Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
•Strong oral and written communication skills, for effective technical and interpersonal interaction with prospects, clients, intermediaries, and colleagues
•Strong Ability to organize, prioritize and manage multiple tasks, responsibilities and deadlines; is able to follow through and accomplish goals, manage expectations appropriately and use firm's resources efficiently 

Education and Experience
•Minimum Required: Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or related field
•Minimum Required: 3-5 years' of estate and/or tax planning experience (including paralegal, administrative assistant, etc.) 

Licenses and Credentials
•Minimum Required: Opportunity to Obtain: Series 7, Series 66, and Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses 

Systems and Technology
•Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
•BNA Estate & Gift Tax Planner
•BNA Income Tax Planner
•WebEx/Zoom
•Adobe Acrobat

Contact Information
Stifel Financial
[email protected]

Back to top

The St. Louis Paralegal Association is a non-profit association formed to promote the advancement of the paralegal profession in the St. Louis area through encouragement of high ethical and professional standards and to provide access to information and education for paralegals, and other legal professionals.

The St. Louis Paralegal Association is affiliated with The National Association of Legal Assistants ("NALA"). Each member of St. Louis Paralegal Association is bound by NALA's code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility.

St. Louis Paralegal Association supports paralegals through continuing education programs, seminars and workshops. We promote the profession by working with various paralegal programs in the St. Louis area. We work with the local and state bar associations in the adoption of standards for paralegals in this rapidly growing field.

The St. Louis Paralegal Association does not provide legal services to anyone.