Friday, April 23, 2010

LEWIS T. BEMAN-COLUMBUS, OH

LEWIS T. BEMAN-Columbus, OH

PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION
I bring to the table over 30 years as a professional, 25 of those as a research scientist in product development for a large, multinational pharmaceutical manufacturer. During my last 12 years with this company, my major responsibilities were in the area of project management as the developer and operator of a company intranet / database covering all product development projects at their Columbus, Ohio location. In my daily activities, I was continually involved in communication with people throughout the company in all major operations such as laboratories, regulatory affairs, operations, and upper management. I developed and presented a training program on sound project management practices and use of the information in the intranet site, for all involved employees, including the company president. I am very much a “people person” and enjoy developing or implementing a product or service that will meet short- or long term needs in their lives.

In 2007 my employer offered me early retirement as part of a major restructuring of personnel and payroll. During this time I had also developed an avid interest in legal work, and decided that my “next career” would be in legal services. In 2008 I obtained a post-baccalaureate certificate as a paralegal from Columbus State Community College, maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout the program. It was invigorating to me to have returned to school and to “show my stuff” in classes with my mostly younger classmates. The material generally came easy to me, and often I found myself coaching other students in the context of small study groups. I was also a trustee in the Student Paralegal Association at Columbus State.

As I have already suggested, I am oriented to providing service that will make a difference for the betterment in people’s lives. My wife of 35 years and I determined that whatever new career I took up would not merely emphasize making money, but would also, maybe primarily, bring blessing to individuals that are in deep crisis. A natural for me is those who, perhaps through job loss, marital breakup, or serious health issues, need legal services to help them put their financial lives back together as in bankruptcy. Two paralegal internships with solo practitioners, advice from my academic advisor, plus a sense of calling, convinced me that this was my field. The opportunity to serve as a virtual bankruptcy assistant / paralegal enables me to meet a definite need providing attorneys with timely, accurate petitions for their clients. It also is a good fit for me due to personal health and family needs.

I have attained NAVBA certification after 6 months of training and practice preparing Chapter 7 petitions. I am fully engaged in the learning process, currently attending a 2-day workshop in marketing and Chapter 13 preparation, and planning to obtain ABJA certification later in 2010. As a paralegal, I am willing to offer services not only in the preparation of petitions, but also in client intake and follow-through up to petition filing, and preparation/support for the 341 meeting as the attorney has need. Service(s) to be provided will be determined for each attorney as he/she prefers to manage his/her cases.

My education consists of a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and a Master of Science in Food Science from the Ohio State University.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
I have been married for 35 years to the love of my life, have 3 married daughters, and 4 grandchildren, who, as they say, are more fun than children. My other passions are working with international ministries at our local church; and gardening, especially growing about 100 orchids for showing and selling.

ATTORNEYS:

You can contact Lewis at:
614-208-5490

You can also visit the NSVBA Exhibit Table at the NACBA Convention
April 29-May 2, 2010 and pick up Lewis' business card and a chance to
win a Raffle Prize submitted by Lewis.

Thank you Lewis.