The Paralegal Voice: Recent Episodes
Legal Talk Network
The Paralegal Voice covers the latest issues and trends in the world of paralegals and legal assistants. Started by Vicki Voisin, The Paralegal Mentor and now hosted by Carl Morrison, Devoted to Law, and Jill I. Francisco, the Passionate Paralegal. The award winning show invites leading paralegals and legal professionals to discuss a range of topics from career tips and tactics to writing skills and hiring trends. The Paralegal Voice is a comprehensive educational resource for paralegals and all legal professionals at any level of experience.
Guest Shannon Lex Bales is the author of “The Trial Presentation Companion” and an experienced educator and consultant who helps attorneys and firms follow standards and models for presenting cases using today’s legal tech. When firms go to trial, a lot of them are just “winging it” with the software and equipment, workflow, and skills they need to present a case. Paralegal professionals will find opportunities through education and certifications to professionally prepare and present data, video, and evidence using today’s technology. We’ve all seen professionally staged “trials” on television shows. So have the jurors. There’s an expectation firms will present a compelling story digitally in the courtroom. What story is your firm telling and how? As Bales says, “Basic legal technology skills are foundational for today’s legal market.” Understanding the use of legal technology in the courtroom is no longer an option. Keep up or fall behind. The skills you learned 10 years ago aren’t today’s skills. Hear how to actively pursue the tech skills you need to add to your resume as a modern paralegal professional. Mentioned in this Episode: "The Trial Presentation Companion," by Shannon Lex Bales Cambodia Tribunal Monitor "White House Executive Office team engages ACEDS to deliver onsite electronic discovery training" Career Essentials in Generative AI by Microsoft and LinkedIn Reveal AI eDiscovery and Investigations
Greetings from Day One of the NALA 2023 Conference and Expo! Host Jill Francisco joins NALA past president and experienced paralegal Cassandra Oliver-Divens and paralegal student and first-time conference attendee Joey Jones to share the experience. Learn why the annual NALA conference is a must for today’s paralegal professionals. From ethics classes to the latest technology and trends, you’ll hear how paralegal professionals learn from each other and network with organizations and firms across the country. Paralegals have such transferable skills, and the opportunities never fail to surprise. This year’s conference included classes on the newest developments in real estate law, social media evidence, Roe v. Wade, and more. Learning can be fun. NALA makes sure of it. Meet your CLE requirements in an engaging, supportive environment. Review, refresh, and recharge. Mentioned in this Episode: NALA 2023 Conference and Expo ABA Model Roles NALA student membership brochure NALA membership online
In a very special, and very personal, episode host Jill Francisco is joined by her good friend, NFL star and Super Bowl champion Vinny Curry of the New York Jets. The power of positive thinking. Paralegal work is stressful and at times emotional. There are deadlines, complicated problems, and even difficult people and situations. It’s OK to feel frustrated, sad, even angry. But as Curry explains, the key is to acknowledge those feelings and work through them with the help of the positive, supportive people you surround yourself with. Curry was a standout college player and enjoys a productive, rewarding career at the highest level of the most popular league in the country. But even a star goes through rough patches. Hear how Curry faced down a scary health issue that threatened his career by thinking positively. The paralegal profession takes a special kind of person. Take a moment to step back and recognize your contributions, abilities, and expertise. Feel good about yourself and your work. Take a breath, get some rest, and be thankful a 300-pound lineman isn’t going to try to knock you to the ground on your next trip to the copier. Be sure to visit Curry’s foundation,Rush2Victory, dedicated to helping economically challenged students through motivation, mentorship, and empowerment.
Guest Memme Onwudiwe was a speaker at July’s NALA 2022 Conference & Expo delivering a presentation titled “Corporate Paralegals in the Age of Contract AI.” It’s an exciting topic as the role of corporate paralegals shifts from generating contracts to overseeing, managing, and validating contract data. This doesn’t mean corporate paralegals will lose their jobs, instead Onwudiwe expects they’ll be more valuable than ever, applying their expertise more productively. Imagine, no more "fire drills” when someone needs a specific data point buried deep inside complex language. Automated content extraction is only one use. Consider automated reviews, language management, and datapoint classification, freeing paralegals to apply their expertise to the highest-level tasks. Imagine legal turning the corporate library of contracts and all that information into tools that help the bottom line, prioritizing customers during supply chain snarls or spotting opportunities to boost profit. With AI, legal turns from a cost center to a revenue center. Hear how to integrate AI into your workspace and how to avoid missteps. For corporate paralegal professionals, this changes everything.
Mentioned in This Episode: 2022 NALA Conference & Expo Article, “Finding New Pathways in your Legal Operations Career”
Guest Debbie L. Overstreet, the incoming NALA president, gives an overview of the upcoming NALA conference – a return to the in-person gathering after two years of virtual, but with a remote option as well. Plus, the state of the job market for paralegal professionals and the role of the paralegal in government organizations. Now is a great time to be in the paralegal field. Jobs abound, and the field is transforming with new options for flexibility, including working from home. But every new step requires a willingness to embrace change. The field is never going back. What’s new for NALA? Overstreet vows to continue national outreach to affiliates, working with colleges to supporting students, and looks for NALA to reach out to government-affiliated paralegal professionals who need national support in a niche that can get lost. Don’t miss the upcoming conference, chances to network, meet vendors, and earn continuing education credits. Hot topics include the legal side of social media, modern policing, climate change, ethics, and motions in limine. Mentioned on this Episode: NALA 2022 NALA Conference & Expo NALA Keynote Speaker Melissa Zabor Q&A With NALA Board, 2022, Including Debbie Overstreet USAjobs.gov U.S. Department of Justice careers CIA careers DEA careers FBI Jobs IRS Jobs BIA Jobs Judiciary Jobs Oklahoma Northern District Bankruptcy Court (each District has own website) Army Civilian Service Defender Services Office Training Division Federal Government Jobs Government Jobs
When it comes to DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), our guests believe legal organizations want to do what’s best. But they don’t know where to start, or even have the data tools to point out shortcomings. The issue can seem so overwhelming the process falls into analysis paralysis. But as host Carl Morrison hears, even beating a problem so overwhelming can be done with the right tool, one bite at a time, like eating the proverbial elephant. Where can firms get the data they need? Where to start? Guests Mark Harris and Emmanuel Smith of JusticeBid explain how data from JusticeBid analytics helps the legal community progress, build diversity, and leverage available talent by expanding opportunities to all. And because one of our guests is an NFL Super Bowl Champion (hint: Smith), we hear what the legal community can learn from the NFL’s struggles with DEI and the so-called “Rooney Rule” that’s been in the news.
In an inspiring edition of The Paralegal Voice, guest Bobby T. Rimas shares his experiences as a paralegal professional, lifelong learner, author, and adjunct professor. Rimas shares his views on networking and staying current. Stand still and risk being left behind. Rimas follows the latest trends in legal tech and procedure and leans on his ever-growing network of paralegal professional colleagues to boost his team with resources that span state lines and jurisdictions. Even the most introverted can learn something from his experiences. Start small, join a local paralegal organization, attend the meetings and conferences, gobble up those CLE opportunities as they arise, and soon you’ll find yourself not only learning, but also sharing what you’ve learned with the next generation of paralegal professionals.
Check the websites of organizations you might be interested in. It doesn’t have to be just legal-related organizations. Civic groups, charities, youth organizations, and schools all need your help.
Ask local colleges or universities if they need help teaching a class or reviewing materials. Share real-world experience in the classroom. You have valuable skills, share them.
It’s all about the tech. You must stay up to date and embrace change for the sake of your legal team.
Keep current on new laws and procedures. Change was always coming, but the Pandemic juiced the entire system. What are your state courts and legislature up to?
Build your network and take advantage of the “hive mind” around you. Your colleagues are a rich resource to draw from. Don’t know? Ask. Special thanks to our sponsors NALA, ServeNow, and Infotrack.
Host Carl Morrison is joined by guest Ben Hengels of Ligl.io for a deep dive into the Evidence Lifecycle Management (ELM), e-discovery, and data flow management that law practices run on. With so many moving parts, taking proper stock of every component – from email and cloud systems to legacy on-site servers – is crucial. So is working with providers who understand how each piece works with the other. Recognize early warning signs of common problems, mistakes that find their way into the process and grow. Avoid inefficiencies and costly snafus. E-discovery and data management are not static processes. Technological advances continue yearly. Learn to collect, produce, and preserve the data you need to keep up with a busy caseload. Plus, “The Listener’s Voice.” Your content, comments, and questions matter. In this episode, tips and tricks on making the leap from paralegal to legal operations careers. What’s on your mind? Drop us a line at Devoted2Law@Gmail.com Special thanks to our sponsors NALA, ServeNow, and Infotrack.
By default, many paralegal professionals serve as project managers, keeping cases on track and knowing when the next filing is due. But is traditional, linear project management best for all cases? Agile project management has been around in other business sectors for 20 years, but the legal field has been cautious and slow to adopt. Guest Alicia Mitchell-Mercer is an expert in applying the modern Agile project management philosophy to legal cases and how the Scrum processes fit. Scrum team? Product owner? ScrumMaster? If you’ve been curious, even baffled, by these terms, you won’t get a better 30-minute introduction. Learn how modern project management fits today’s legal needs. From start to finish, Agile project management can help track legal projects and review results, then apply lessons learned to future projects. Mitchell-Mercer explains how applying these principles could help your firm work more efficiently, improve outcomes, and better serve clients. As a bonus, there isn’t a high barrier to entry for ScrumMaster certification (and it could add to your personal market value). Plus, some insights on how COVID’s push to remote meetings has changed, perhaps forever, legal project management. Special thanks to our sponsors NALA, ServeNow, and InfoTrack.
New year, new trends. Our field never slows down. Keep up or risk being passed by. Host Carl Morrison looks at a dozen developing trends for the coming year and beyond. Everything from the evolution of the Limited Licensed Practitioner field (looking at you Arizona and Utah) to the breakneck acceleration in legal tech, artificial intelligence, workflow automation, and process improvements. The post-pandemic “Great Resignation” is creating more opportunities than ever for paralegal professionals. Make 2022 the year you truly understand your value, embrace change, advance your skills, and take charge of your career. Special thanks to our sponsors NALA, ServeNow, and InfoTrack.
New year, new … job? The legal field is struggling to find paralegals and fill vacancies during the “Great Resignation.” For paralegals, that creates opportunities to break into the field or to advance your career. Guest Tony Sipp, a paralegal manager for a national law firm, says it’s more important now than ever for paralegal professionals to know their worth, highlight their skills, and pursue their dreams. Firms are hiring now. Hear what hiring managers are looking for today – from soft skills to tech, including e-filing and e-discovery and Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Listen to Sipp’s valuable job seeking and interviewing tips as we head into a promising year for paralegals. Even if you’re happy where you are, it doesn’t hurt to look around or ask for what you want. Special thanks to our sponsors NALA, ServeNow, and InfoTrack.
Carl is joined by Ki Hwang and Bob Roberts of Bright Line Counsel, an Alternative Legal Service Provider (ALSP). Learn how the field is not only streamlining legal ops and more efficiently serving clients, but also creating exciting opportunities for paralegal professionals. Hear how today’s paralegals can leverage their project management and technology skills to advance their careers and focus on meaningful, rewarding work. It’s a whole new world, and paralegal professionals are at the center of it. And in the Listener’s Voice segment, Carl takes a question about getting into the field of legal operations and offers tips on making the leap. Is this the next step in your own career? If you’ve got a comment or question, reach out at Devoted2Law@gmail.com Special thanks to our sponsors NALA, ServeNow, and InfoTrack.
Host Jill Francisco talks with veteran paralegal (and BFF) Nancy Jordahl about opportunities for paralegals outside the office. Jordahl regularly writes for paralegal and legal professional journals and is a regular speaker at paralegal conferences. Learn how to get started, find opportunities, and create the content professionals want (and need). Hear how to spot opportunities to serve on paralegal education advisory boards and even teach the next generation of paralegals. Not only are you giving back, but you’ll keep up with the latest developments in your field, guide student curriculum, and build your network (you might even make a little extra money). You can do this. Learn how. Special thanks to our sponsors NALA, ServeNow, and InfoTrack.
It’s not just the poor. Even the middle class struggles with a complex and costly American legal system. Our guest, Toni Marsh, JD, is a professor and director at the George Washington University School of Law Paralegal Studies program and a fierce advocate for the role of paralegals. The paralegal profession is in flux. As Americans struggle to access their legal system, constitutional rights are becoming out of reach. Marsh believes paralegals can fill that gap as states explore expanding their role. Legal navigators, legal document preparers, and licensed legal professionals are stepping up. How can paralegals prepare for tomorrow’s legal profession? Also, in the “Listener’s Voice” segment, host Carl Morrison answers a listener’s questions about seeking new challenges, perfecting a resume, and finding new opportunities. Got a question for Carl? Email him today at Devoted2Law@Gmail.com. Special thanks to our sponsors CourtFiling.Net, InfoTrack, NALA, and ServeNow.
The legal profession was already going online and high-tech. But COVID disruptions, working from home, and remote legal processes have supercharged those changes. Are you up to speed? Host Jill Francisco – a veteran paralegal and classroom instructor – interviews attorney and longtime professor Todd Richardson about today’s classroom experience. It’s more than lectures and books. Today’s learning includes new technology, working collaboratively online and in person, and leveraging digital tools to expedite cases, gather information, and navigate the modern legal jungle. Richardson explores how legal education is changing and how vital learning today’s tech keeps a paralegal valued and vital in the workplace. He also touches on areas where soft skills still play an important role. Knowing how to integrate tech with interpersonal skills can build and maintain relationships so important in the legal community. Special thanks to our sponsors CourtFiling.net, NALA, and ServeNow.
Carl Morrison and Tom Stephenson detail the myriad ways paralegals can leverage their skills in the growing field of legal operations.
Special thanks to our sponsors, NALA, ServeNow, and CourtFiling.net.
Given how fast the paralegal field is growing, it’s no wonder NALA expects record meeting attendance. CEO Vanessa Finley offers a preview.
Special thanks to our sponsors, NALA, ServeNow, CourtFiling.net and Legalinc.
There’s a right way to create a culture of diversity and inclusion and there are countless wrong ways companies and law firms continue to develop failing programs and policies. St. John’s University’s William Murphy tells host Carl Morrison the range from worst reasons to implement (reactionary) to best (making the business case).
Special thanks to our sponsors, NALA, ServeNow, CourtFiling.net and Legalinc.
Educator and trainer Amy Johnson shows how simple changes in work habits can save time, increase productivity, and add value to a legal team.
Special thanks to our sponsors, NALA, ServeNow, CourtFiling.net and Legalinc.
Carl Morrison reviews the changing paralegal certification landscape as states weigh and test limited licenses to expand access to justice.
Partner Marc Williams recaps the rapid litigation transition from in-person to virtual and what he expects will be the new normal.
Lawyer Drew Downing explains how those injured by vaccines can file claims with the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.
Lawyer Brian Moore details evolving regulatory changes that impact employers and workers as the pandemic rages and vaccines hit the market.
Master Sgt. Albert Perez Oyola details career paths and, for some, intense assignment twists for those trained as military paralegals.
Creating a diverse and inclusive culture requires action. Jill Francisco explores big and small ways to support diversity in the workplace.
Host Carl Morrison shows how paralegals can integrate process improvement techniques in their day-to-day work.
When it comes to social media, legal professionals should tread carefully, but actively engage friends, clients and peers in these new spaces.
Anne Geraghty-Rathert discusses the mission of the WILLOW Project and prevalent issues in women’s wrongful convictions.
NALA has gone virtual for this year’s conference! Join hosts Carl Morrison and Jill Francisco and conference speaker Brian Moore as they discuss the session offerings, social events, and CLE opportunities available through the 2020 NALA Conference @ Home.
If you still need to register, head over to the NALA.com today!
Brian Moore is a partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP.
Special thanks to our sponsors, NALA, ServeNow, CourtFiling.net and Legalinc.
In this brief announcement, host Jill Francisco shares some of the details about NALA’s first virtual conference.
Jillian Kuehl outlines how the recruitment process works and how to find the right recruiter for your needs.
Nicole Clark explains AI basics and how it can help paralegals work with greater efficiency.
Carl Morrison shares remote work tips and his perspective on the ABA’s changes to the definition of a paralegal.
New Paralegal Voice co-host Jill Francisco talks with Chris Jennison about potential changes to the ABA’s legal assistant/paralegal definition and new guidelines that would approve online paralegal coursework.
Keith Shannon offers guidance for paralegal professionals on the importance of diligent compliance with ethical standards.
Candess Zona-Mendola shares insights from her book, “The Indispensable Paralegal: Your Guide to Getting It All Done.”
NALA vice president Melissa Hamilton and conference first-timer Sherron Brightharp talk about the conference experience and its offerings for attendees.
Vicki Kunz shares about the innovative opportunities arising in the paralegal industry.
NALA CEO and Executive Director Greta Zeimetz discusses NALA’s strengths and the challenges it will face in the coming years.
Kelly LaGrave shares the importance of paralegal certification and suggests study tools for the exam.
Ken & Anna Buchner give insights into the area of motor vehicle accident recording and reconstruction.
Jeffrey Wolff of ZyLAB talks about the growing impacts of eDiscovery on the law and the tech solutions that empower lawyers and paralegals.
Join host Carl Morrison as he recaps his first day at the 2019 NALA Conference & Expo and teases the great content to come.
In this Mix Bag episode, Carl covers news from the Supreme Court, Crisis Management Plans, and presents his Corporate HR Guide to the Paralegal Profession.
In the buildup to the 2019 NALA Conference & Expo, host Carl Morrison talks with NALA president Jill Francisco to discuss why NALA is a valuable resource to paralegals, how paralegals can participate in leadership, and what obstacles NALA and the paralegal community will face in the coming years. As Jill prepares for the conclusion of her tenure as President in 2020, they also look back on her career path, her leadership style, and what legacy she hopes to leave.
Host Carl Morrison talks to Maddy Martin about the impact of automation in the legal profession and how it affects paralegals. They discuss how speed and accuracy in everyday paralegal tasks can be improved with AI and how this frees up paralegals for higher level tasks. After the break, Maddy talks about her role at Smith.ai and describes how the company provides communications services for law firms.
In this episode, host Carl Morrison talks to Erin Levine, a certified family law specialist, about the important roles paralegals play in legal product development and client interaction. Erin talks about her career and what led her to launch Hello Divorce — a platform that allows greater access to justice for those in divorce proceedings. They discuss the utilization of paralegals in her family law practice and highlight the invaluable collaboration that takes place between them.
What things can paralegals do to become a better hire? In this episode, host Carl Morrison talks to Sandy Lavender, office manager for Clark Hill PLC about recruitment strategies for paralegals and legal support professionals. They discuss the important skill sets they look for when hiring for these types of positions and give tips for improving resumes and interview skills. They also encourage paralegals to become certified with one of the legal support professional organizations.
Have you considered what goals may help you grow as a professional paralegal? In this episode of the Paralegal Voice, host Carl Morrison reflects on 2018, noting successes and discussing the importance of setting new goals for 2019. He gives practical advice on ways paralegals can challenge themselves and gives his predictions on what trends may impact the paralegal industry in 2019.
Special thanks to our sponsors, NALA, ServeNow, Thomson Reuters Firm Central and CourtFiling.net
Paralegals can be a vital part of how the law office operates even if they are not in a management role. In this episode, host Carl Morrison shares his top ten tips on law office management. He gives insight into the ways paralegals can impact management issues such as hiring, technology, marketing, mentoring, and more!
Electronic filing (eFiling) is changing the court filing game across the nation. Host Carl Morrison talks to Tisha Delgado about how eFiling works. While some may be hesitant to shift to eFiling from paper filing, Tisha shares the advantages to this electronic system from saving time and energy to being able to file last minute. She also shares tips for using the PACER system and provides resources for those interested in learning more about eFiling.
The magic of paralegal conferences is that you can learn new things about your profession and make connections that you couldn’t have otherwise, all while actually having fun. Host Carl Morrison talks to Lauren Rentz and Tara Hughes about their experiences of the NALS 67th Annual Education and Networking Conference. Lauren, a new paralegal, and Tara, a seasoned paralegal, discuss about the sessions that stood out to them as well as tips and tricks for new attendees.
Host Carl Morrison talks to Linda McGrath-Cruz about how to get the most out of paralegal conference networking. Whether you need advice as a first time conference-goer or you’re a conference veteran who just needs a refresher, tune in for tips on topics like how to choose between conflicting seminars and make yourself more approachable. Linda shares how networking has directly impacted her paralegal career for the better.
A successful trial team involves more than just a good lawyer, it includes a strong trial consultant. Host Carl Morrison talks to April Ferguson about trial consultants and the important role they play in the courtroom. They discuss the basics of what a trial consultant does, how they interact with paralegals, and the education a paralegal needs in order to transition into trial consulting.
Host Carl Morrison reaches into his paralegal grab bag to bring you time management tips and tricks, current association trends, and predictions for the future of the paralegal profession. Tune in as Carl shares valuable advice that all paralegals can use, from tackling time-wasters to engaging a younger generation of lawyers.
Disclaimer: This episode was originally aired on September 29, 2017.
From Erin Brockovich to My Cousin Vinny, paralegals have often been depicted in movies and TV, but is it an accurate picture of the life of a paralegal? In this Paralegal Voice, host Carl Morrison talks to Lisa Stone about paralegal representation in pop culture, whether it’s accurate, and where it could improve. They also discuss whether these depictions help or hurt the profession they represent.
Host Carl Morrison talks to Lisa Vessels about the characteristics that make a paralegal a strong leader. From volunteering with the Girl Scouts to effectively communicating with subordinates, they discuss Lisa’s experience becoming an effective leader. Additionally, Lisa gives her tips and tricks to improve leadership skills through understanding people’s personality type.
Carl Morrison talks to Andrea Grabow about her experience as a government employee, what law firm knowledge has prepared her for her current position, and what was challenging about the transition from law firm to government. Andrea also shares advice for paralegals interested in making the switch. Stay tuned until the end for Listener’s Voice, Carl’s recurring segment featuring audio questions or comments from a listener. To send in your own question email Carl at devoted2law@gmail.com.
As solutions to the access to justice gap have been proposed, it has been increasingly clear that there will not be a single solution to the issue. Along with a variety of technology solutions, limited license legal technicians (LLLTs) have emerged as a potential answer to solving access to justice issues. In this episode of the Paralegal Voice, host Carl Morrison talks to Patrick Palace about what LLLTs are and how they provide access to justice in a unique and powerful way. LLLTs provide lower costs, better access to rural areas, and wide-ranging services. There are many situations in which a fully qualified lawyer just isn't necessary; LLLTs can provide legal advice in these cases. Stay tuned until the end for Listener's Voice, Carl's recurring segment featuring audio questions or comments from a listener. To send in your own question email Carl at devoted2law@gmail.com. Patrick Palace is a plaintiff’s trial lawyer with an emphasis on workers’ compensation, personal injury, civil rights and social security matters. Special thanks to our sponsors NALA, Thomson Reuters Firm Central, and ServeNow.
Being a good paralegal requires more than just an eye for detail and an adaptable personality. Quality education is vital to a successful career as a paralegal. In this episode of the Paralegal Voice, host Carl Morrison talks to Lisa Myers about her experience as a paralegal educator, why she’s passionate about teaching, and why it’s vital for aspiring paralegals to obtain a solid educational foundation. Together they discuss how a successful program can explore innovation by enacting hands-on experience and lab-based teaching styles. They also address the hot-button issue of whether or not state licensing should be required for paralegals. Lisa Myers is the legal studies program director for Northwest Career College in Las Vegas, Nevada. Special thanks to our sponsors Boston University, NALA, Thomson Reuters Firm Central, and ServeNow.
Translated into Latin, pro bono means “for the public good.” Pro bono work is a way for lawyers and paralegals to give back to their communities but is by no means a requirement for legal professionals. In this episode of the Paralegal Voice, host Carl Morrison talks to Conni Hebert about why paralegals should be investing their time in pro bono work and the importance of finding pro bono activities that empassion and engage you. They also discuss the fine line between volunteering your services and the unauthorized practice of law. Conni Hebert is a paralegal at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck and currently serves as the chair of the State Bar of Nevada Paralegal Division and is the NALA Liaison to the Las Vegas Valley Paralegal Association. Special thanks to our sponsors Boston University, NALA, Thomson Reuters Firm Central, and ServeNow.
From Erin Brockovich to My Cousin Vinny, paralegals have often been depicted in movies and TV, but is it an accurate picture of the life of a paralegal? In this Paralegal Voice, host Carl Morrison talks to Lisa Stone about paralegal representation in pop culture, whether it’s accurate, and where it could improve. They also discuss whether these depictions help or hurt the profession they represent. Lisa Stone is a senior paralegal for T.D. Williamson and the NALA Liaison on the board of the Tulsa Area Paralegal Association where she also maintains a blog. Special thanks to our sponsors, Boston University, NALA, and ServeNow.
After eight years, the Paralegal Voice is gaining a new host. In this bittersweet episode of the Paralegal Voice, Vicki Voisin hands the hosting reigns over to Carl Morrison who turns the questions on her. In their discussion they talk about the origins of the Paralegal Voice, notable guests, and the challenges she faced in the making of the podcast. Special thanks to our sponsors, Boston University, NALA, and ServeNow.
Litigation paralegals are an essential cog in the trial machine, but handling this responsibility often comes with a large amount of stress. In this episode of the Paralegal Voice, host Vicki Voisin talks to Tracy Mosz about her experience as a litigation paralegal, including handling the stress and maintaining all the necessary documents for trial. Together they discuss keeping an organized trial notebook, creating demonstratives, and using technology. Tracy Mosz, ACP is a certified eDiscovery project manager with Brewster & De Angelis where she has been since March 2011. Special thanks to our sponsors, Boston University, NALA, and ServeNow.
It’s common for professionals to confuse having a job with having a career. In this rebroadcast episode of The Paralegal Voice, host Vicki Voisin defines what it means to have a successful paralegal career and gives 30 tips on how to live out your calling. Some of her tips include setting goals, keeping your resume updated, and improving public speaking skills. She concludes the episode with a couple of bonus suggestions, including how to handle unforeseen challenges within your calling and what to consider when changing your career. Special thanks to our sponsors, Boston University, NALA, and ServeNow.
Aspiring paralegals can get caught on a job carousel. You need experience to get a job, but you need a job to get experience. In this episode of the Paralegal Voice, host Vicki Voisin talks to Julia Dunlap, president of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE), about how paralegal education has changed, trends in the profession, and what employers are looking for when hiring a paralegal. They also discuss ways for young paralegals to get off the job carousel, including investing in certification and which school to choose. Julia Dunlap is the American Association for Paralegal Education’s president for 2017 and the director of legal education for UC San Diego Extension.
Even if you qualify as an extrovert, the pressure of networking can be stressful for many legal professionals. In this episode of The Paralegal Voice, host Vicki Voisin talks to Carl Morrison about why networking is so important for lawyers and what they can do to improve their professional social skills. Some of his tips include asking open ended questions, joining a professional association, and working on both your passive and active networking. Social media is a critical aspect of maintaining professional relationships these days, so Vicki concludes the show with do's and don'ts of posting on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Carl H. Morrison is a Senior Certified Paralegal for The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, working in the areas of litigation, gaming, employment and corporate law. Special thanks to our sponsors, Boston University, NALA, and ServeNow.
It’s common for professionals to confuse having a job with having a career. In this episode of The Paralegal Voice, host Vicki Voisin defines what it means to have a successful paralegal career and gives 30 tips on how to live out your calling. Some of her tips include setting goals, keeping your resume updated, and improving public speaking skills. She concludes the episode with a couple of bonus suggestions, including how to handle unforeseen challenges within your calling and what to consider when changing your career. Special thanks to our sponsors, Boston University, NALA, and ServeNow.
Time is not something you can create more of or borrow when you need it, yet it is one of our most valuable resources. In this episode of The Paralegal Voice, host Vicki Voisin talks to Adam Camras, CEO of Lawgical, about managing your law firm’s time effectively. According to Adam, one of the best ways to do this is by taking advantage of technology and apps, like Google Express and Uber. Additionally, Adam says, paralegals and other legal professionals save time by outsourcing, staying healthy, and even using a standing desk. Using these hacks and Vicki’s closing tips can help you dedicate more time to the important things in your life and career. Adam Camras is the co-founder and CEO of Lawgical, a company that owns and operates leading legal brands including Legal Talk Network, Serve Now, and Serve Manager. Special thanks to our sponsors, Boston University, NALA, and ServeNow.
Many of us are petrified by public speaking, but it can open up doors in our careers. So what do you do if making presentations scare you? In this episode of The Paralegal Voice, host Vicki Voisin talks with Toastmasters recognized public speaking expert Vicki Kunz about how to seeking and properly preparing for public speaking opportunities. Together they discuss the importance of introductions, advanced preparation, and delivery as well as other gems of gab including numbering your note cards, using large text, and having “back pocket topics.” Make sure to stay tuned for Vicki’s career tips near the end of this episode. Vicki Kunz is the Insurance Risk Manager of MDU Resources Group, Inc. and has attained the Competent Toastmaster designation (CTM) and the Competent Leader designation (CL) from International Toastmasters. She has over 20 years experience as a paralegal which includes managing two law firms and establishing a paralegal department. Special thanks to our sponsors, Boston University, NALA, and ServeNow.
Similarly to most organizations and companies, social media can be very beneficial for nonprofits. They use Facebook, Twitter, and other platforms as tools for communication, networking, and engagement with their audiences. Social media facilitates fundraising, volunteer recruitment, spreading a message, advocacy and awareness, and transparency about current events and actions. But it is particularly important for employees of nonprofits to take care when posting certain content, as they are subject to the federal tax classification 501(c)(3). But what does this mean and what should paralegals working in these organizations watch out for? In this episode of The Paralegal Voice, Vicki Voisin interviews Kate Redman, who practices community enterprise law, about organizations that have the 501(c)(3) status and how they can implement an effective social media policy in accordance with the law. Kate Redman is a partner with Olson, Bzdok & Howard in Traverse City, Michigan, where she practices community enterprise law. Special thanks to our sponsors, Boston University, NALA, and ServeNow.
When building a law firm there are many variables that an attorney must account for to ensure that their business runs smoothly and is successful. In this episode of The Paralegal Voice, host Vicki Voisin chats with Brown & Associates, PLLC Certified Paralegal Alicia Mercer about legal project management, what the job entails, and why having a project manager is beneficial to the health and well being of any law firm. Special thanks to our sponsors, Boston University, NALA, and ServeNow.
In this episode of The Paralegal Voice, host Vicki Voisin chats with NALA President Cassandra Oliver about the organization and the significance of paralegal certification. Cassandra opens the interview with a brief history of NALA starting with its incorporation back in 1975, and shares that they recently celebrated their 40th anniversary last year. She touches on the importance of continuing education in the profession, how it allows paralegals the opportunity to manage their careers, and lists the self-study courses and on-demand webinars that NALA offers to assist paralegals toward that aim. The bi-monthly “Facts & Findings” publication also provides educational articles written by paralegals, attorneys, and experts to help working paralegals stay abreast of trends, current events, court rules, cases, and recent developments in the field. Cassandra offers insight into her decision to continue her career development and lists values, like providing a set of distinguishing standards that create more opportunity for advanced promotions, that a paralegal certification program brings to the industry. She explains how integral participating in Toastmasters International has been for her success in the field and closes the interview with her thoughts on the biggest challenges paralegals face today and the future of the profession. Cassandra Oliver is the president of NALA and a paralegal in the legal department at the Williams Company in Tulsa where she works with litigators and assists the environmental attorney. Special thanks to our sponsors, Boston University, NALA, and ServeNow.
In this episode of The Paralegal Voice, host Vicki Voisin talks with the State Bar of Michigan practice management advisor JoAnn Hathaway about her tips to help law firms go paperless. She shares that there are many procedural steps involved in transitioning a company from a traditional filing structure to a paperless system and that it's imperative to have a paperless policy to ensure that no one deviates from the process. She encourages any company embarking on this conversion to take inventory of their goals for going paperless and to decide what the firm hopes to accomplish by making this change. JoAnn then goes into her top ten policies that firms should implement if they are going paperless, like making your policy searchable and developing a feedback and monitoring system to determine the success of the transition, and closes the interview with suggestions of resources that law firms can utilize to simplify the process. JoAnn L. Hathaway is a practice management advisor for the State Bar of Michigan. Ms. Hathaway previously worked as a legal liability claims director and risk manager, paralegal, and legal administrator. She is an Adobe Acrobat Certified Expert, and holds software certifications in LexisNexis Time Matters and Billing Matters software. She is active in the ABA Law Practice Division, serving on the Publications Board, Law Practice Today Editorial Board, and State and Local Bar Outreach Committee. She is a frequent speaker on law firm technology, insurance, and risk and practice management topics. Special thanks to our sponsors, Boston University, NALA, and ServeNow.
A heavily discussed question among legal professionals today is how can we help to increase access to justice for the most economically vulnerable among us? The state of Washington sought to address this problem through its Limited License Legal Technician Program (which licenses non-attorneys who meet certain educational and experience requirements to advise and assist people going through divorce, child custody and other family-law matters in Washington). For paralegals seeking this type of work, what examples are there of career path options that provide an opportunity to work with this demographic, and what services can they provide? In this episode of The Paralegal Voice, host Vicki Voisin sits down with the first Limited Licensed Legal Technician, Michelle Cummings, to discuss the LLLT program and what this license provides to low income communities and the law firms that serve them. Michelle reflects on her experience applying for the LLLT license, which is currently only available in Washington State, and gives some background on the program. She also provides prospective legal professionals insight into the requirements, such as acquiring 3,000 hours of substantive law work experience supervised by a licensed attorney and potential costs incurred by pursuing this license. Michelle also takes an in-depth look at what happens once you pass your exam and gives a breakdown of the services (like assisting clients with e-filing, paternity actions, or the child support administrative process) that limited licensed legal technicians can provide at a significantly reduced rate. She closes the interview by discussing how this license can benefit practicing paralegals and, knowing that this program is being considered by other states, peers into the potential future of the LLLT. Special thanks to our sponsors, Boston University, NALA, and ServeNow.
Going paperless seems to be one of the top new trends among law firms due to cheaper and better hardware and software, refined processes, and effective consulting. And it is especially important for paralegals to know the do’s and don’ts of implementing a paperless office as they may be the ones in charge. So why are so many firms going paperless and how is it done effectively?
In this episode of The Paralegal Voice, Vicki Voisin interviews practice management advisor and former paralegal JoAnn Hathaway about why law firms should go paperless, the risks and perils of improper execution, and the important role paralegals play in this process.
Topics include:
JoAnn’s journey from paralegal to practice management advisor
Can a law firm or business actually go completely paperless?
Gaining the competitive edge with efficiency and organization
What hardware, software, and processes you need
Mobile lawyering and cloud computing options
Implementation risks and the ten perils of bad policy
Assigning specific tasks to law firm staff members
Why and how to get everyone on board
The importance of having a paralegal intricately involved
Synchronization and compatibility of hardware and software
JoAnn L. Hathaway works for the State Bar of Michigan as a practice management advisor. She previously worked as a litigation paralegal, a legal liability claims director and risk manager, and a legal administrator. JoAnn is an Adobe Acrobat Certified Expert, and holds software certifications in LexisNexis Time Matters and Billing Matters software. She is active in the ABA Law Practice Management Division, serving on the Publications Board and the State and Local Bar Outreach Committee. JoAnn is a frequent speaker on law firm technology, insurance, and risk and practice management topics.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Boston University, NALA, and ServeNow.
Similarly to most organizations and companies, social media can be very beneficial for nonprofits. They use Facebook, Twitter, and similar platforms as tools for communication, networking, and engagement with their audiences. Social media facilitates fundraising, volunteer recruitment, spreading a message, advocacy and awareness, and transparency about current events and actions. But it is particularly important for employees of nonprofits to take care when posting certain content, as they are subject to the federal tax classification 501(c)(3). But what does this mean and what should paralegals working in these organizations watch out for?
In this episode of The Paralegal Voice, Vicki Voisin interviews Kate Redman, who practices community enterprise law, about organizations that have the 501(c)(3) status and how they can implement an effective social media policy in accordance with the law.
Topics include:
How nonprofits benefit from using social media.
Rules for fundraising, representation, content disbursement, and monitoring
Regulations for organizations with 501(c)(3) status
Restrictions including board member benefits and candidate endorsement
Solicitation rules and being transparent to donors
Avoiding allegations of fraud, defamation, or copyright/intellectual property violations
Creating and implementing an effective social media policy
What to watch out for with investment fundraising
What to do if you are a paralegal or other employee in a nonprofit organization
Special thanks to our sponsors, Boston University, NALA, and ServeNow.
It’s not always easy to serve process on individuals. This is especially true if they move around a lot or are otherwise difficult to find. So what do you do when traditional methods fail? The answer: try social media. Initially, the social media serve was only allowed with foreign defendants who were difficult to locate. Today, it is becoming more widely accepted.
In this episode of The Paralegal Voice, host Vicki Voisin interviews Erdal Turnacioglu from Weber Gallagher. Together they discuss the history of, when to use, and predictions for the social media serve. As always, stay tuned for Vicki’s practice tips where she discusses what to read to keep up with trends.
Erdal Turnacioglu is an attorney with Weber Gallagher in Warren, New Jersey, where he concentrates his practice in the areas of general liability, medical malpractice, and employment. He received his JD from New York Law School in 2006 and is admitted to both the New York and New Jersey bars.
The new Windows 10 has received a lot of attention, partly due to the lack of popularity of Windows 8, but legal professionals are notoriously conservative with adopting new technology. Since paralegals will likely be the first law firm employees to use the new operating system, they need to know whether to upgrade and when. Behind the buzz, what are the cold hard facts about Windows 10?
In this episode of The Paralegal Voice, Vicki Voisin interviews lawyer and former paralegal Beverly Michaelis about her transition from paralegal to lawyer, the Limited License Legal Technician (LLLT) issue, and what you need to know before updating to Windows 10.
Topics include:
The benefits of being a paralegal before going to law school
LLLTs and other solutions for the access to justice issue
Windows 8’s confusing interface
Reserving your copy of Windows 10 for free
New features and functions of the operating system
Privacy and data mining
Software compatibility
Biometric security, a clutter folder, OneDrive sync, and video features
How long to wait before downloading and why
Beverly Michaelis is a practice management advisor for the Oregon State Bar Professional Liability Fund. She is a member of the Oregon State Bar, Oregon Trial Lawyers Association, and American Bar Association with over thirty years of experience in the legal field as a lawyer and a paralegal. Beverly provides confidential practice management assistance to Oregon attorneys to reduce their risk of malpractice claims.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Boston University, NALA, and ServeNow.
Vicki Voisin interviews Ethan Wall, lawyer and authority on the way social media interacts with the law.
The effect of new technology on the law
Facebook: the personal and family platform
Twitter: to connect with people who have similar interests
LinkedIn: for professional connection and profile
Why you should care about Instagram and Pinterest
Picking just one platform to start
Using teamwork for social media management
What is illegal under the National Labor Relations Act
What to specify on your social media policy
Special thanks to our sponsors, Boston University, NALA, and ServeNow.
Vicki Voisin, interviews Virginia Koerselman Newman, a faculty member on the Essential Skills Institute, about specific ways paralegals can improve their writing and legal research as well as learn to analyze legal cases and increase their own personal value.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Boston University, NALA, and ServeNow.
Vicki Voisin interviews Ruth Conley and Linda Carrette, presenters at the National Association of Legal Assistants’ 40th Annual Convention, about why an annual review is important for paralegals, how we can prepare for the meeting, and mistakes to avoid.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Boston University, NALA, and ServeNow.
Vicki Voisin interviews Sam Glover, lawyer and founder of The Lawyerist, about why lawyers need to be competent with technology, why paralegals should teach lawyers how to use technology rather than accepting all IT responsibilities, and tricks to maintain your own tech knowledge.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Boston University, NALA, and ServeNow.
Vicki Voisin interviews Anthony Johnson, attorney and business technology author, about the best strategy for checking email, how he manages his tech-savvy law firm, and what paralegals can do with or without technology to improve workflow.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Boston University, NALA, and ServeNow.
In this episode of The Paralegal Voice, Vicki Voisin interviews Katie Clark, J.D., senior legal staffing consultant at Beacon Hill Staffing Group, about how paralegals could benefit from working with a recruiter, the current nature of the paralegal job market, the best resume length, and how to get legal experience. The top paralegal positions are in litigation and corporate law, Clark explains, and those who work with staffing agencies are given exclusive job opportunities and interview consulting for free (the agency is compensated by employers). She goes on to discuss how to balance your resume with the right amount of detail and how to present your skills acquired from non-paralegal jobs and education. Most importantly, she says, job-seeking paralegals should not limit their mindsets to a specific result.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Boston University, NALA, and ServeNow.
In this episode of The Paralegal Voice, Vicki Voisin interviews Ric Roane, Esq., a lawyer with Warner Norcross & Judd LLP in Grand Rapids, Michigan, about the history of legal rights regarding the LGBT community and how paralegals today can cope with discrimination and fear of coming out in their workplace. Roane discusses how the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) signed in 1996 denies marriage benefits to same-sex spouses. He also talks about how the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act in Michigan and similar acts in other states defend widely against discrimination without mention of the LGBT community. He explains the Supreme Court consideration of whether the Constitution guarantees same-sex couples the right to marry and how their decision will affect workers. After the break, he talks about his own experience of being an openly gay lawyer, the differences between discrimination of paralegals versus lawyers, and steps a paralegal can take to help enhance their job security.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Boston University, NALA, and ServeNow.
In this episode of The Paralegal Voice, Vicki Voisin interviews NALA President Kelly LaGrave, ACP about the results of the 2015 NALA Utilization and Compensation Survey, ways in which paralegals achieve professional growth, and the importance of certification to a paralegal career. LaGrave talks about the trends in the paralegal industry according to the survey, including more paralegals working in corporate legal departments, banks, government entities, the medical field, as well as private law firms. Popular practice areas, she says, include litigation, corporate law, real estate, administrative law, trust and estates, and increasingly commercial law. In order to keep up with trends, she explains, continuing education in unfamiliar areas and certifications are valuable to all paralegals. Voisin and LaGrave then discuss what it means to be certified, how to choose a qualified certification program, and ways to promote certification when looking for a job or promotion. Special thanks to our sponsors, NALA and ServeNow.
In this episode of The Paralegal Voice, Vicki Voisin interviews Madonna University paralegal professor Mary Meinzinger Urisko, J.D. about how paralegal education has changed, the programs and systems at Madonna, and best practices for using your education to get a job. Urisko talks about how online courses expand the geographical reach of paralegal education and have improved with podcasts, videos, and blogs. However, she explains, the ABA doesn’t approve programs done entirely online; there is a great benefit to the networking and discussions that come from a physical classroom. Urisko discusses how her legal research courses include using LexisNexis and Westlaw, people and assets found online, and legal writing. In order to get a job, Urisko recommends that students list skills acquired on their resumes, create a portfolio of their best works, and do internships or find any job in a law office. Many times, even an admin in a law office can create essential network opportunities with lawyers.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Nala and ServeNow.
Paralegals and paralegal students often have difficulty developing their writing skills to the level expected from legal industry. The legal professionals rely heavily on both verbal and written communication, and writing is an essential necessity for both lawyers and legal secretaries. Because the other employees in a law firm will not tolerate inadequate writing skills, all paralegals need to learn to write in a concise and precise manner with proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. But how should they get started?
In this episode of The Paralegal Voice, Vicki Voisin interviews Virginia Koerselman Newman, lawyer and paralegal teacher, about why proper legal writing is important for paralegals and how they can get started on improving their skills. Newman suggests that paralegals and legal assistants start by writing down everything they can think of regarding the case then choose only the important facts later to adapt to a legal framework. She suggests taking classes on structure, grammar, and punctuation, buying the book The Elements of Style by Strunk and White, and simply practicing. Use a practice textbook, edit mistakes in a magazine, and keep a daily journal. She concedes that learning to write is particularly difficult, especially because technology has made us complacent, but it is better to improve your ability now than struggle through your paralegal career. Newman finishes the podcast by mentioning how to show off writing skills through a resume, cover letter, and a developed portfolio.
Virginia Koerselman Newman, Esq. graduated from the Creighton University School of Law and practiced for many years in banking and commercial litigation in Omaha, Nebraska before she "attempted" to retire in South Carolina. Before Law School, she worked as a paralegal for a number of years and was the first CLA in the state of Nebraska. Koerselman Newman is a frequent speaker at seminars and workshops and has authored, co-authored, and edited several other paralegal texts, study guides, and instructor manuals. She teaches communications, legal research, estates, and legal analysis at NALA school for paralegals.
Special thanks to our sponsors, NALA and Serve Now.
Although being a paralegal is a rewarding job, sometimes paralegals experience burnout in their careers and consider changing positions or leaving the profession altogether. There are many ways to revitalize your paralegal career in order to avoid such drastic decisions. Joining a local, state, or national paralegal association can be energizing and spark fresh interest in the field. To really reap the long-term rewards, it is best to become an active member of one of these associations. Engaging with other paralegals can help you recognize that others often have similar problems, there isn't necessarily a better situation in a different firm, and there are many people who are willing to provide you with support. There are many other ways to add depth and success to a career that may seem stagnant or discouraging. Every paralegal simply needs to find a solution that fits.
In this episode of The Paralegal Voice, Vicki Voisin interviews managing editor of Paralegal Today Magazine Patty Infanti about how paralegals can revitalize their careers. Together they discuss the many different professional directions a paralegal can take in order to build confidence, increase experience, and simply enjoy his/her job more. In addition to joining an association, taking a continuing legal education course and passing an exam leads to credibility and a boost in confidence. Infanti encourages diversity in the topics of classes and maintains that it is just as helpful to get a certification in a new field. Voisin and Infanti both encourage all paralegals to give a lecture, write an essay, or even teach a course on the subject he or she knows best. This could be an area of law, a specific technology, or professional development. Helping other paralegals in any of these ways, they explain, can be the best way to reignite the fire of excitement for your job and field. Voisin also advises paralegals to take all of their vacation days and relax while they're not at work. Infanti adds that breaks from deskwork throughout the day, even just to grab a lunch sandwich, can really change the attitude of, refresh, and revitalize an exhausted employee.
Patricia E. Infanti, PP, PLS is a member of The Association for Legal Professionals (NALS) and served as President from 2010 to 2011. A past president of both her local chapter and state association, she is currently serving as Parliamentarian of NALS of Pennsylvania and is the Website Chair of NALS of Philadelphia. She is also a member of NALS Leadership Identification Committee and the NALS Genius Bar. Infanti has been employed in the Corporate Real Estate department of Ballard Spahr LLP in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania since 1990.
Special thanks to our sponsors, NALA and Serve Now.
Marilyn Wass ACP, CAS is the Senior Paralegal at Lopez McHugh, LLP, a nationally recognized plaintiffs law firm that takes on pharmaceutical companies, nursing homes, insurance companies, auto manufacturers, and the manufacturers of defective medical devices. Her job includes an incredible amount of responsibilities both over time and day-to-day. Being a Senior Paralegal for a firm like Lopez McHugh is one of the most prestigious positions in the paralegal world. How did Wass reach this position and what challenges does she face?
On this episode of The Paralegal Voice, Vicki Voisin interviews Marilyn Wass about the responsibilities of being Senior Paralegal, how her career began and evolved, and specifics about caseloads and technologies. Wass explains her many responsibilities in more detail. She manages the Junior Paralegals and Case Managers, overseeing their workload and making sure assignments are understood and completed in a timely manner. Additionally, Wass oversees and reviews work on the Lipitor mass tort case including ordering medical records and answering discovery. Finally she spends most of her time on estate work and settlement litigation, creating settlement packages for up to 100s of clients. She has to schedule time to talk to clients and government agencies like Medicaid and Medicare.
After describing her job description, Marilyn Wass goes into the evolution of her career. She explains how she went from a temp job in a law firm to Paralegal school at UCLA. She had interest in working for small firms in the medical field and for lawyers who wanted to teach her about litigation and other skills necessary to move up in the litigation field. She talks about the biggest challenges she faces in her position including prioritizing various jobs and keeping clients happy. In the second half of the podcast, Voisin and Wass discuss the software Lopez McHugh uses and how training is done. Overall, Wass advises paralegals to learn litigation in school and to seek out areas of legal work, not just available jobs.
Stay tuned to the end when Vicki Voisin answers questions sent in by listeners. You never know when another paralegal has the same question as you.
Special thanks to our sponsors, NALA and ServeNow.
Family law and divorce can be a very difficult practice due to the amount of emotion and transition surrounding the client's life. The lawyers practicing in this area are directly responsible for the financial and emotional future of their clients. Because of the level of pressure involved, a successful family law firm depends on their paralegals to maintain organization of the firm and consistently complete projects and emails. But there is much more a paralegal can do to be a valuable part of a family law firm and increase the success of each case. What are some steps paralegals can take and how can the lawyers work best with their paralegals to benefit the firm?
In this episode of The Paralegal Voice, Vicki Voisin interviews attorney Nick Rice and certified paralegal Andrea Schultz who discuss their success working together at Rice Law, a firm that specializes in family law. Rice comments on the level of success he is able to achieve in divorce cases due greatly in part to working with Schultz and other high-level achieving paralegals in his practice. He appreciates the skills she brings to each case including discovery, research, prep for hearings, and document review and analysis in addition to her attention to detail and organizational skills. With the legal knowledge she has, Schultz can provide the assistance to afford Rice increased time and energy to give to the case and clients. Schultz encourages paralegals working in family law to become certified and get advanced certification in family law, learn the legal basics and how to move through a case, stay educated about changes in state laws, and find a niche within the firm. Inevitably, lawyers and paralegals should work as a team from the beginning of the case to ease stress for the client.
Nick Rice, formally known as George Lawrence Rice, IV, is a third generation attorney at Rice Law (Rice, Amundsen and Caperton, PLLC). He received his Bachelor's of Science from the University of Tennessee and his J.D. from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. He has presented at many Continuing Legal Education lectures.
Andrea Schultz is a certified paralegal at Rice Law. She graduated first in her class from Southwest Tennessee Community College with an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies and was accepted into NALA's class of 2011-2012 LEAP Program. Andrea is a current member of Greater Memphis Paralegal Alliance (GMPA) and currently serves on NALA's Professional Development Committee.
Special thanks to our sponsors, NALA and ServeNow.
The majority of people today are getting their information electronically, whether on a laptop, desktop, tablet, or smartphone. In the legal world, this means lawyers, paralegals, clients, and even judges are reading on screens rather than paper, causing them to skim pages and have a constant source of distraction. Because of this, paralegals and legal professionals need to change the way they write in a way that grabs attention and delivers the message. How should paralegals write in order to captivate busy lawyers and clients in today's technological world?
In this episode of The Paralegal Voice, Vicki Voisin interviews appellate lawyer and successful legal writing expert Kevin Dubose about changes in the way lawyers read and communicate today and how lawyers and paralegals can adapt their writing skills to be read on a screen. There are 5 new features of the working environment that have changed the way everyone reads: online distractions, value speed over content, backlit screens, multiple windows, and email. These features, Dubose explains, encourage clients, lawyers, judges, and most everyone else to skim pages for important content and avoid long, convoluted paragraphs, sentences, or even words. In order to capture attention, he says, paralegals should write using headings, bullet points, short paragraphs, and start with the conclusion. Most importantly, write for the reader and you will have done your job.
Kevin Dubose is an attorney for and one of the founding partners of the appellate boutique, Alexander Dubose Jefferson and Townsend LLP. He has been the Director of Legal Research and Writing at UHLC and is a frequent CLE speaker and author. He recently spoke at the Houston Paralegal Association's annual conference on the topic of Successful Legal Writing Strategies for Today's Readers.
Special thanks to our sponsors:
NALA, a Professional association for paralegals, providing continuing education and professional certification programs for paralegals.
ServeNow, a nationwide network of trusted, pre-screened process servers.
Technology has changed the world of law firms and businesses, affecting the way lawyers are required to retrieve, record, and archive information. Instead of communicating entirely by email or phone, professionals are now also exchanging valuable information by instant message, collaboration systems, or social media. It is important for paralegals to understand the ways in which this data is stored and maintained as it can often result in expensive lawsuits.
On this episode of The Paralegal Voice, Vicki Voisin interviews social business management expert Doug Kaminski about data recovery, ediscovery, regulatory requirements, and archiving information that is exchanged through new forms of communication like social media. He emphasizes the importance for paralegals to become technology savvy, not only to assist in relevant lawsuits, but also to expand their skill set. As communications evolve, Kaminski explains, there will be an increased amount of potential evidence passed through instant messaging and social media. Paralegals should be knowledgeable about the laws concerning data retention in order to inform on custodial interviews and depositions. And most importantly, paralegals and everyone should be aware of the consequences of online communications.
Doug Kaminski, VP of Sales at West and Canada at Actiance, specializes in litigation, electronic discovery sales management, technology security, corporate compliance, corporate governance, information governance, archiving, social media, and enterprise software. He is requested as a speaker nationwide on topics including corporate compliance and governments, social media, security, and electronic discovery.
Special thanks to our sponsors NALA and ServeNow.
John and Patsy Ramsey, Richard Jewell, and Gary Condit are names everyone has heard as they were all on trial in the court of public opinion. These cases were spread throughout the media and, even though there was never an arrest made in any, the public had judged the accused. L. Lin Wood was the lawyer representing these individuals as they fought for their reputations. An expert in First Amendment litigation and management of the media in high-profile cases, Wood has been referred to as "the attorney for the damned."
On this episode of The Paralegal Voice, Vicki Voisin has the opportunity to interview L. Lin Wood about the benefits and difficulties in representing high-profile individuals and how a paralegal can be most effective in these cases. Wood began his career in defamation cases when he represented Richard Jewell in the Centennial Olympic Park bombing case and has since represented the Ramseys, Gary Condit, attorney Howard Stern, and many others in whom the media took a particular interest. He describes how fighting against the media can be different than a regular plaintiff and how he protects his clients from public accusations. He explains that there are additional issues when dealing with a public figure including when to sue for slander and how to control what his clients say to the media. In terms of paralegals working in libel cases, there are three qualities Wood expects: acute knowledge about the case, understanding of the situation, and ability to keep track of a wealth of information coming from the media.
L. Lin Wood is an Atlanta attorney who has developed a national reputation during his more than 36 years as a trial lawyer focusing on civil litigation, representing individuals and corporations as plaintiffs or defendants in tort and business cases involving claims of significant damage. He can be found at www.whetriallaw.com.
Special thanks to our sponsors. NALA is a professional association for paralegals providing continuing education and professional certification programs for paralegals at nala.org. Also, visit ServeNow.com for a nationwide network of trusted, prescreened process servers.
Despite US notions of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, many innocent people have been sent to prison for lengthy to life sentences. Common reasons for these wrongful convictions are faulty eyewitness accounts, use of "junk" science as evidence, and informants with conflicts of interest. On this episode of The Paralegal Voice, host Vicki Voisin interviews Professor Marla Mitchell-Cichon from the Cooley Innocence Project at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Together they discuss the Innocence Project and the Post Conviction DNA Testing Statutes that opened the door for exoneration of the innocent around the country. Furthermore, we discover how the convicted innocent have less help than guilty parolees upon their release. Tune in to learn more about coerced confessions, bad actors who cause false convictions, and what remedies the wrongfully convicted have.
Professor Marla Mitchell-Cichon began her teaching career in 1986, following service as a public defender. Her clinical teaching includes post-conviction, criminal defense, general civil practice, elder law and externship. Professor Mitchell began teaching in Cooley's Innocence Project in 2002. She serves as the project's co-director. In 2006, Professor Mitchell received the Justice For All award from the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan for her Innocence Project work. Professor Mitchell's litigation experience includes practicing before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the Ohio Supreme Court, and trial and appellate courts in Ohio and Michigan. Professor Mitchell's publications are in the areas of criminal law, elder law, ethics, and clinical teaching.
Special thanks to our sponsors, NALA and ServeNow.
In reaction to rising legal costs and decreased access to legal services, Washington State has authorized paralegals to practice law on a limited basis through its new Limited License Legal Technician (LLLT) program. Soon paralegals will be able to practice in specific areas of law. To learn more about this developing field, tune into this episode of the Paralegal Voice, where host Vicki Voisin interviews NALA President Ann Atkinson, ACP, as well as attorneys Steve Crossland and Thea Jennings of the Washington State Bar Association. Together, they review the licensing, permissible scope of practice, and continuing education requirements for these new LLLT Paralegals.
Ann Atkinson is the current President of the National Association of Legal Assistants and Senior public finance paralegal at Kutak Rock, LLP. Ann has also served on the Board of Directors for the Nebraska Paralegal Association and is a former adjunct professor for Metro Community College in Omaha, Nebraska. She is a prominent author and presenter in matters paralegal.
Steve Crossland has been a practicing attorney for nearly 40 years. He is the former President of the Washington State Bar Association and has been dealing with the unauthorized practice of law and access to justice for 21 years. He is also the recipient of WSBA's Award of Merit and the current Chair for the Limited License Legal Technician Board.
Thea Jennings is the LLLT Program Lead and Staff Liaison to the LLLT Board at the WSBA. She began her career at the WSBA in 2008 as a paralegal in the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, the disciplinary body that prosecutes ethical violations by Washington attorneys. In 2006, she received her post-baccalaureate certificate in paralegal studies from the University of Washington, where she also received her undergraduate degree in English and French studies.
Special thanks to our sponsors, NALA and ServeNow.
Today's economy can be challenging for paralegals. Make sure you're taking the right steps to advance your career. On this episode of the Paralegal Voice, host Vicki Voisin interviews future President of NALS Karen McElroy. Together they discuss what you should be doing as a paralegal to get ahead and stay ahead in this job market.
Karen McElroy will become the President of NALS at the end of February 2014. She has been working in law since 1981 in a multitude of capacities including legal secretary, legal assistant, and paralegal. Karen is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and Ohio Air National Guard. Special thanks to our sponsor, NALA.
“Say something to make them put down their salad fork,” public speaking coach Deb Sofield said. The window of opportunity to engage an audience is small, and your introduction is a key factor in success. In this episode of The Paralegal Voice, Paralegal Mentor Vicki Voisin hosts a lively discussion with Sofield covering public speaking basics, how to conquer fears of public speaking, and general standards to advance your career and daily life.
Sofield is a public speaker, author, and coach. Her goal is help her clients find their voice and deliver their message so that is is impactful and it is heard. She frequently presents on the basics of how to succeed in public speaking worldwide. Special thanks to our sponsor, NALA.
Hard skills can be taught in school – things like speaking a foreign language, earning a degree or certificate, or the ability to type efficiently. Soft skills are more complicated to master. Examples of soft skills are critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and flexibility. A valedictorian may lack a necessary soft skill for a role, and this could be the deciding factor of hiring someone else. In this edition of The Paralegal Voice, host Vicki Voisin invites Ann L. Atkinson, ACP and Elizabeth H. Nellis, ACP to discuss the necessary soft skills and specific programs where paralegals can learn them.
Atkinson is the president of the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). She is an Advanced Certified Paralegal in the public finance department of her firm, Kutak Rock LLP. Bringing significant experience to the table, Atkinson has been a paralegal for more than thirty years.
Nellis is an Advanced Certified Paralegal with NALA. Her work is concentrated in private practice and litigation. She is a co-founder of the Oklahoma Paralegal Association and is a member of the Professional Development Committee for NALA.
Special thanks to our sponsors NALA and ServeNow.
After 15 years working in different offices and positions, Lori Howard decided she was burnt out and her career needed a major fix. She discovered her passion is career transformation – helping those who are unhappy with their careers start fresh and find a job where they want to go to work in the morning. In this edition of Paralegal Voice, Vicki Voisin invites Howard to outline the key tips of a career transformation covering the job search, resume, and interview. Howard also provides free instant access to the resources on her site for Paralegal Voice listeners!
Lori Howard is the founder of Unearth Your Worth. She is a Career Transformation Coach, Certified Story Coach, and Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW). She works with professionals who are frustrated in their jobs and those in career transition determine what they really want to do and create a career they love.
Special thanks to our sponsor, NALA.
On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, Vicki Voisin invites Kathy Miller, ACP, CAS and Karen Trumpower, ACP to discuss legal apps for paralegals. Miller and Trumpower presented 90 Apps in 90 Minutes at the NALA Convention in July and have done the research and tests to determine the best apps for successful paralegals. The app experts break down and organize their top apps into seven categories: fax/scan, publications, research, note-taking, PDF and PDF-signature, security, games, and miscellaneous. They also take into account the platforms each app is compatible with (iOS vs. Android) and price.
Tune in to hear what Miller and Trumpower consider the best apps for paralegals, how to use them, and how to stay updated on app technology.
Special thanks to our sponsor, NALA.
In this episode of The Paralegal Voice, Paralegal Mentor Vicki Voisin chats with Kathy Sieckman about the importance of proofreading and specific proofreading tips for paralegals.
Kathy Albrecht Sieckman, PLS, PP, ACP developed an interest in proofreading when she sat for a certification exam. Since then she has become known by her family and her co-workers as the go-to person when they have grammar questions. She has worked as a paralegal and a secretary for more than 30 years, where she can apply her extra curricular interest in grammar – You’ll find tips on her blog: www.proofthatblog.com. She is also the marketing director for NALS.
Learn from the experts: Voisin and Sieckman discuss why proofreading is difficult, which proofreading tools you can rely on and those that are unreliable, approaches to proofreading on your own, and common proofreading errors paralegals should avoid.
A special thanks to our sponsor, NALA.
Fine tuned writing skills are pivotal to a firm’s success. They affect first impressions through websites, newsletters, client leads, emails or network listings, client representation, legal write ups, and the list goes on. On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, host and paralegal mentor, Vicki Voisin will speak with noted legal writing educator Gary Kinder to discuss how paralegals can improve their writing skills.
Kinder is a lawyer and New York Times bestselling author. He has taught over 1,000 writing programs to prestigious law firms nationwide. His career is dedicated to teaching legal professionals how to write precisely, vividly, concisely and memorably. Kinder channeled years of experience studying superior legal writing and editing into the creation of WordRake, a software designed to help law firms and organizations tighten their prose and become better writers. He also authors a weekly writing tips blog called WriteToThePoint.com.
Tune in to learn more about the importance of Paralegals’ writing skills, the basics of the Plain Writing Act of 2010 and how it affects paralegals, how to avoid common mistakes, and more.
Special thanks to our sponsor, National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).
Katherine James was getting her masters in acting when her mentor was called to jury duty. The stories he had after his experience in court inspired her to open ACT of Communication: Consultants in the Art of Advocacy. The organization brings state-of-the-art communication skills to attorneys and their witnesses. James uses what she learned in acting school, like the importance of eye contact and clear communication, to prep attorneys and witnesses for the courtroom. With more than 30 years of experience, she has helped take more than 15,000 cases to trial.
On this edition of The Paralegal Voice host Vicki Voisin talks with James about her career in witness preparation and the importance of paralegals in her work. James stresses that paralegals are the key to getting to know witnesses, the first step to making them feel comfortable with their role in the case. She also provides tips for witness preparation such as practicing on camera, the importance of appearance and wardrobe, and more.
There is also a surprise interview at the end of the show where listeners can get to know Jericka Lyon, fellow paralegal and winner of a trip to Los Angeles and tickets to the Dancing With the Stars Finale through the Legal Talk Network giveaway!
Special thanks to our sponsor, National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).
On this episode of The Paralegal Voice Charles Volkert, executive director of Robert Half Legal, joins host Vicki Voisin to discuss the future of the paralegal profession, how it’s changing, and specific steps you can take to land your dream job.
Charles Volkert is executive director for Robert Half Legal and co-managing director of Robert Half Legal eDiscovery Services. Robert Half Legal is the premier provider of highly skilled legal professionals for law firms and corporate legal departments; it also offers legal project management and managed review services. Volkert is a noted author, speaker, and former litigator.
Volkert provides valuable advice on how to get noticed in the field, including the importance of a proactive mindset and the need to be flexible.
Special thanks to our sponsor, the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).
On the April edition of The Paralegal Voice Vicki Voisin hosts Charlsye Smith Diaz, a professor of technical writing at The University of Maine, who got her start as a paralegal.
Diaz and Voisin met through The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and there they decided to co-author a book, The Professional Paralegal: A Guide to Finding a Job and Career Success. The book was written with both beginning and experienced paralegals in mind.
In this episode of The Paralegal Voice, Voisin and Diaz discuss the different phases of a paralegal career, including writing and interview tips, what to do when you get a job, how to organize your workspace and your time, as well as the steps to take to make your career both interesting and fulfilling.
On The Paralegal Voice host Vicki Voisin welcomes guest Beverly Michaelis, president of Oregon Law Practice Management, to talk about the changes in lawyer-client communication since the Internet, and how lawyers can best communicate with their clients. Michaelis is a member of the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association, Oregon State Bar, and American Bar Association. She also has more than experience in the legal field as a lawyer and legal assistant.
On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-host Vicki Voisin welcomes Elizabeth H. Nellis, ACP and Beverly A. Pace, ACP from NALA to discuss tips for transitioning into the legal workplace and how to survive once you are there. Is what you are wearing working against your chance at a job? Listen in as they go over common first-day mistakes and pitfalls you can avoid.
On The Paralegal Voice co-host Vicki Voisin welcome’s guests Ann L. Atkinson, ACP, NALA President, Michael Potters, CEO/Managing Partner of Glenmont Group, Inc. and Patrick Oot, co-founder of the Electronic Discovery Institute for a lively discussion about career opportunities for paralegals in the area of litigation support, particularly eDiscovery and technology.
Are you thinking about working virtually but don’t know how to get started? Paralegal Voice co-host Vicki Voisin welcomes virtual professionals Tina Marie Hilton, owner of Clerical Advantage and Cathy L. Ribble, ACP, owner of Digital Paralegal Services, LLC, to spotlight virtual paralegals and how to form a magical team. Tina and Cathy share their personal experiences, the important skills needed to be a successful virtual professional, as well as the websites and blogs that they visit often for their businesses. They also predict a very bright future for virtual professionals and provide their reasoning for that.
On this September edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin explore the different kinds of work-related stressors many paralegals face on a day-to-day basis. They talk about the realities associated with an exciting but deadline-driven, detail-oriented paralegal job, and offer tips for both anticipating and resolving common stressors.
How well-versed should paralegals and and paralegal students be in Microsoft Office Suite? Paralegal Voice co-host Vicki Voisin welcomes Deborah Savadra who blogs at LegalOfficeGuru.com, to take a look at the skills most legal employers expect and how paralegals can master those skills, and the resources available for improving skills. Deborah also shares her top tips for Word and Outlook, as well as her favorite technology tools.
Are you looking for answers when it comes to billable hour practices? Paralegal Voice co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin join Jennifer Karns, Legal Professional Training Manager for Snell & Wilmer L.L.P., as they discuss billable hour practices. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of meeting billable hour goals and adding value to time entries. She also shares essential tips for improving your billing descriptions and capabilities.
Is the paralegal profession a woman’s world? Or is the number of male paralegals on the rise in this female-dominated profession? Paralegal Voice co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin get the male perspective and some interesting insight from special guests, Carl H. Morrison, II, PP, AACP, a Certified Paralegal at Rhodes Hieronymus and Zachary W. Brewer, CP, a Litigation Paralegal at Hall Estill.
Paralegals need to know the latest trends in law practice and productivity technology to contribute to a successful law practice. For the hottest tech trends, Paralegal Voice co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin turn to Jared D. Correia, Esq., the Senior Practice Advisor for Massachusetts’ Law Office Management Assistance Program (MASSLOMAP). Jared shares his thoughts on everything from law practice management software, to cloud-based solutions and document management, to remote access and the benefits of social media. A big fan of legal support staffers, he explains why they are a key part of the legal team. This podcast is a must-listen for both paralegals and attorneys!
Edward De Bono’s, Six Thinking Hats, also known as parallel thinking, is a fun method used in NALA’s year-long leadership webinars for those involved in state and local affiliated associations. On The Paralegal Voice, co-host Vicki Voisin welcomes Karen G. McGee, ACP, President of NALA, as they spotlight De Bono’s method of thinking and share some important tools paralegals can use to facilitate open discussions in a meeting or work situation.
Are you ready to search for a paralegal job? On The Paralegal Voice Kim Wierzel, Esq., a reformed litigator and Placement Director with Special Counsel, joins co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin to talk about everything you need to know regarding the paralegal job market. Their discussion includes current paralegal hiring trends, educational and certification requirements, tips for paralegals just entering the job market, and the top three areas paralegal job seekers most need to improve to be more marketable. Kim also addresses a current “hot button” issue for the paralegal profession, i.e. whether employers are seeking inexperienced new attorneys instead of experienced paralegals.
Can paralegal ethics be fun? On The Paralegal Voice, co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin join lawyer/humorist Sean Carter, founder of Lawpsided Seminars, to share his comedic approach to legal education, the biggest challenges for legal staffers today and his thoughts on his popular talk, Thou Shalt Not Lie, Cheat and Steal: The 10 Commandments of Legal Ethics.
Usually a law firm will hand off documents to a process server who will then take care of service. Locating a process server who will do this promptly and ethically is very important. On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-host Vicki Voisin joins Adam Camras, co-founder and CEO of LAWgical which operates ServeNow.com. Adam provides tips for locating a reputable process server, red flags paralegals should look for, and the questions they should ask of a process server before making a hiring decision.
Want some tips from the experts about how to get ahead in the paralegal profession? On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin join NALA President, Karen McGee, ACP and Charlsye Smith Diaz, Ph.D., as they take a look at career development and how to advance in the paralegal profession. They cover key topics including creating professional resumes, obtaining professional certification, and networking at CLE programs.
When it comes to redaction and the process of removing confidential information from legal documents, some paralegals still rely on the traditional yet cumbersome method of using a black marker and the copier machine. A new option is growing in popularity: the use of specialized electronic tools like Redact-It, which is specifically built for redaction. On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin join Christine Musil, Director of Marketing for Informative Graphics Corporation, to discuss the benefits of this modern face of redaction and how paralegals can get current and step away from their redaction methods of yesterday.
Is your resume up to par? Will it rise to the top in a stack of other paralegals’ applications? On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin present a 101 course about paralegal resumes. They share their own experiences on preparing and reviewing resumes, offer suggestions for handling the “no experience” issue for newcomers to the field, discuss the recommended formats for paralegal resumes, and provide tips on how to separate yourself from the pack of competitors for every job.
How do you keep up with constantly evolving trends in the paralegal field and stay ahead of the pack? The Paralegal Voice, co-host Lynne DeVenny joins very special guest Jeannie S. Johnston, Founder and CEO of ParalegalGateway.com, to discuss the latest trends in the industry, how to use social media, their favorite publications and blogs, why they use RSS feed readers, and how to make the most of paralegal association membership. Listen in as Jeannie starts off the show by taking a look at Paralegal Gateway and what it offers.
Are you thinking about becoming a paralegal, or are you already working toward a paralegal degree? On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin address the most frequently asked questions from people interested in becoming paralegals. They talk about the realities of the profession, including assessing the traits paralegals need to succeed, working in a legal environment, and preparing for and finding that first job. Lynne and Vicki talk about the importance of networking, education and training, and share their personal experiences and their paths to becoming paralegals.
What exactly is this 'Cloud' that everyone is talking about? On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin welcome Tom Mighell, legal technology expert and senior consultant with Contoural Inc., author of the new book, iPad in One Hour for Lawyers, and Chair-Elect of the ABA Law Practice Management Section, to discuss what every paralegal needs to know about "The Cloud." Tom talks about how cloud-based services can improve the efficiency of a law practice, what paralegals should consider when evaluating cloud-based services for their firms, and how legal staffers can use the iPad to assist lawyers.
Ethics and professionalism are essential to becoming a successful paralegal. On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin welcome paralegal, Camille Stell, Director of Client Services for Lawyers Mutual, who provides ethics tips for paralegals, talks about how paralegals can assist attorneys in the area of client communications and what paralegals can do every day to maintain the highest level of professionalism.
Volunteering can be an uplifting experience for all involved. On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin spotlight two paralegals who are 'giving back' to the community and volunteering their time to help others in need. Vicki and Lynne welcome Cindy J. Geib, ACP, PaCP, a Certified Coordinator for Wills for Heroes and Lee A. Paige, CLA, Senior Paralegal at Parker, Milliken, Clark, O’Hara & Samuelian, who volunteers at the Los Angeles Food Bank, to discuss their individual experiences, time management and the impact volunteering has had on their lives.
A spotlight report on four successful paralegals from across the country who LOVE their jobs. The Paralegal Voice, co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin welcome Brian Haberly, Corporate and Securities Paralegal with Clearwire Corporation; Patricia F. Clapper ACP, NCCP, a paralegal from the firm, Levine & Stewart; Ruth Conley, a litigation paralegal at Andrews Kurth LLP; and Carl H. Morrison, II, AACP, a paralegal at Rhodes, Hieronymus, Jones, Tucker & Gable, PLLC. They share their diverse backgrounds, discuss career highlights, and offer ways to stay relevant and enjoy long careers in the paralegal profession.
Looking for new opportunities in the paralegal world? On The Paralegal Voice, co-host Vicki Voisin welcomes Karen G. McGee, ACP, President of NALA and Christine E. Porter, ACP, Chair of NALA’s Continuing Education Council, to talk about opportunities through NALA and how you can revitalize your career with continuing education. They discuss Advanced Certification and all of the options available in specific practice areas, as well as NALA’s new "blended learning" approach and how to use these tools for career growth.
Want to hear ideas about how to advance your paralegal career? On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-host Lynne DeVenny welcomes Karen Tuschak, President of the International Paralegal Management Association, Stacie McLean, IPMA President–Elect, and Sylvia Naim, IPMA Secretary-Treasurer, to take an in-depth look at IPMA, and discuss IPMA’s mission, the job market for paralegals, what they look for when hiring, and key traits needed to make a successful paralegal.
On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin welcome Kim Walker, a senior litigation paralegal with the firm of Berger & Montague, P.C. in Philadelphia, to talk about her recent Law.com article, "What Do Attorneys Wish Their Paralegals Knew" Lynne, Vicki and Kim discuss how paralegals can improve their legal technology skills, maintain the highest level of professionalism in the office, and communicate more effectively with their supervising attorneys. They also share what they wish attorneys knew, emphasizing how attorneys can better utilize paralegals in the practice of law.
On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin welcome Sue Ann Jaffarian, a paralegal for Hooper, Lundy & Bookman in Los Angeles, and author of the best-selling Odelia Grey mysteries. Sue Ann talks about balancing dual careers as a very busy corporate paralegal and successful fiction writer; her “large and in charge” fictional paralegal, Odelia Patience Grey; and what’s next for both Sue Ann and Odelia. Throw in vampires, writing advice, and dealing with weight prejudice - and you have a lively discussion not to be missed!
On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin welcome Kim Plonsky, a paralegal at Gainsburgh, Benjamin, David, Meunier & Warshauer, L.L.C., in New Orleans, Louisiana, who knows her technology inside and out! Kim looks at the kinds of technology to use on the job, the minimum technology and software skills that today’s paralegals should have and shares her favorite online resources for keeping up with today’s legal technology.
On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin welcome William P. Statsky, one of the foremost experts on paralegals in the country and the author of numerous paralegal and legal writing textbooks. Bill talks about the importance of a paralegal’s writing skills, legal research, technology today, blogging and the future of the paralegal profession.
One of the fastest growing areas of law is intellectual property and so the demand for paralegals with that expertise is great. On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin welcome Colleen Sarenpa, Director of Trademarks for Polaroid Corporation at PLR Brand Services, LLC and Gwen Spurrier, a paralegal at the Minneapolis law firm of Gray Plant Mooty to discuss IP at a law firm and a major corporation.
On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin welcome attorney, mediator and management consultant, Nancy Byerly Jones, as she draws from her extensive legal experience to share career advice for paralegals. A passionate advocate for the paralegal profession, Nancy talks about the biggest challenges facing paralegals today, how the profession has changed over the years, handling conflict at work and how paralegals can enhance their individual value, as well as the value of the profession.
On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin welcome National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) leaders, Georgette Lovelace, RP and Tracey L. Young, RP. They talk about the benefits NFPA provides to its members, NFPA's position on regulation of the paralegal profession and its upcoming convention. These experienced paralegals also offer advice to listeners considering a paralegal career.
On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin welcome Giovanni Masucci, a Sr. Digital Forensic Examiner and the CEO/President of National Digital Forensics, Inc., to explore digital forensics and evidence. They discuss the latest technology, including surprising sources of digital evidence, how paralegals can help identify digital evidence in cases and how to prepare for digital forensics careers in litigation.
On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin welcome Patricia E. Infanti, PP, PLS, President of NALS, the Association for Legal Professionals, and Kathleen R. Amirante, PP, PLS, the association’s President Elect, who discuss the opportunities provided by membership in a professional association. They look at the history and mission of NALS, what NALS is doing to attract a diverse membership and how they are informing attorneys and the general public about the qualifications for using the title ‘paralegal’.
The ability to write well is critical for successful paralegals. On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin welcome Sally Kane, Esq., Editor-In-Chief of Paralegal Today, to talk about the importance of a paralegal’s writing skills. They will discuss why it's important for paralegals to write and publish, how to get published, common writing problems and how paralegals can improve their writing skills.
Education is vital to a successful paralegal career. On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-host Vicki Voisin welcomes Linda J. Wolf, ACP, the current President of the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and Attorney Elizabeth Mann, Department Head of the Paralegal Program at Greenville Technical College, to focus on the importance of paralegal education. They will also discuss entering and growing in the career field and what employers look for when hiring paralegals.
On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin welcome Attorney Beverly Michaelis, Practice Management Advisor for the Oregon State Bar's Professional Liability Fund, to discuss practice management, technology and current ethics issues for paralegals. Later in the program, Vicki will chat with Shawn Siek, Vice President of ESI Business Development at Teris, about what to look for in a service provider and hiring a litigation support vendor.
Erin Brockovich began her career by taking a risk, looking into a case and ultimately helping the people of Hinkley, California who were battling medical problems due to the contamination of the water supply. From there, Erin has become a global speaker and a passionate environmental crusader. On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin welcome Erin Brockovich to offer her advice to the paralegal community. Erin will discuss the power of a paralegal and their vital role in a case, the Million Baby Crawl and her neverending fight for awareness, the truth, and a person's right to know.
Paralegals are an important part of the trial team, and play a valuable role in jury selection. On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin welcome one of America’s most influential trial consultants, Dr. David Ball, to explore the many ways that paralegals can assist in jury selection and why attorneys should maximize paralegal support at trial. Dr. Ball explains why paralegals may be under-utilized and why they are ideally suited to help their attorneys during this critical phase of trial work.
What is a Paralegal 's role when it comes to working with expert witnesses? On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin welcome Bradley J. Beehler, Esq. and Candy Reilly, ACP, as they put the spotlight on the expert witness. They will share their experiences working with expert witnesses, explore a paralegal's duties when working with an expert witness, the Daubert standard, resources and practice tips for working with experts.
E-Discovery has become a necessary part of the legal profession and often it's paralegals and legal assistants are the gatekeepers for implementation at a law firm. On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin welcome Tom Mighell, a consultant with Fios and co-host of The Kennedy-Mighell Report on the Legal Talk Network and Dorothe Howell, senior paralegal at E.I. du Pont De Nemours and Company, to share their insights into current trends in e-discovery. They will discuss what it takes to work in this specialty area, e-discovery training and the importance of e-discovery to a paralegal's job.
On this edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin get an inside look at the virtual legal practice. Lynne and Vicki welcome Stephanie Kimbro, an attorney who operates a virtual law firm called Kimbro Legal Services and Denise Annunciata, who provides outsourced paralegal services at Virtual Paralegal Services, Inc. They both share their experiences in the field of a virtual legal practice and what it takes to work as a virtual paralegal or legal assistant.
On this first edition of The Paralegal Voice, co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and Vicki Voisin debut with a topic on everyone's mind - hot jobs in today's market! We welcome guest Charles Volkert, Executive Director of Robert Half Legal, to discuss the latest in hiring trends for paralegals. They will take a look at what specialty areas are in highest demand, international opportunities, experience as a factor in your job search as a paralegal and what skills are in high demand.