The Paralegal Voice

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

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

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

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

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 [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 [email protected]. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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