The Paralegal Voice

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 [email protected] Special thanks to our sponsors NALA, ServeNow, and InfoTrack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 [email protected]. Special thanks to our sponsors CourtFiling.Net, InfoTrack, NALA, and ServeNow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carl Morrison reviews the changing paralegal certification landscape as states weigh and test limited licenses to expand access to justice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Partner Marc Williams recaps the rapid litigation transition from in-person to virtual and what he expects will be the new normal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lawyer Drew Downing explains how those injured by vaccines can file claims with the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lawyer Brian Moore details evolving regulatory changes that impact employers and workers as the pandemic rages and vaccines hit the market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Master Sgt. Albert Perez Oyola details career paths and, for some, intense assignment twists for those trained as military paralegals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Creating a diverse and inclusive culture requires action. Jill Francisco explores big and small ways to support diversity in the workplace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Carl Morrison shows how paralegals can integrate process improvement techniques in their day-to-day work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to social media, legal professionals should tread carefully, but actively engage friends, clients and peers in these new spaces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anne Geraghty-Rathert discusses the mission of the WILLOW Project and prevalent issues in women’s wrongful convictions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this brief announcement, host Jill Francisco shares some of the details about NALA’s first virtual conference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jillian Kuehl outlines how the recruitment process works and how to find the right recruiter for your needs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicole Clark explains AI basics and how it can help paralegals work with greater efficiency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Debbie Hrytzay offers remote work tips for paralegals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carl Morrison shares remote work tips and his perspective on the ABA’s changes to the definition of a paralegal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kristine Custodio Suero shares career development insights for paralegals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vanessa Finley gives insights on NALA’s offerings for members and plans for 2020. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carl Morrison shares highlights from 2019 interviews on the Paralegal Voice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Keith Shannon offers guidance for paralegal professionals on the importance of diligent compliance with ethical standards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Candess Zona-Mendola shares insights from her book, “The Indispensable Paralegal: Your Guide to Getting It All Done.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NALA vice president Melissa Hamilton and conference first-timer Sherron Brightharp talk about the conference experience and its offerings for attendees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vicki Kunz shares about the innovative opportunities arising in the paralegal industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NALA CEO and Executive Director Greta Zeimetz discusses NALA’s strengths and the challenges it will face in the coming years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelly LaGrave shares the importance of paralegal certification and suggests study tools for the exam. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ken & Anna Buchner give insights into the area of motor vehicle accident recording and reconstruction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeffrey Wolff of ZyLAB talks about the growing impacts of eDiscovery on the law and the tech solutions that empower lawyers and paralegals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join host Carl Morrison as he recaps his first day at the 2019 NALA Conference & Expo and teases the great content to come. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices