Paralegal Profile: Sami Hartsfield, ACP

Sami Hartsfield, ACP is a freelance paralegal and writer from Houston. She blogs at Legally Blog which you really should check out...it's a wonderful resource.

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1.    What prompted you to choose a paralegal career?   I took a legal secretary course when I decided to go back to school around 2004. I enjoyed it so much, and was really good at it, so I decided to attend paralegal school.

2. Where did you receive your paralegal education? I have an AAS degree in Paralegal Studies, ABA-approved Center for Advanced Legal Studies (4.0); UH Law Center’s Summer 2008 Prelaw Institute (4.0); BS Political Science, University of Houston Downtown, graduating summa cum laude

3. Do you have any professional certifications? Yes, I have NALA Advanced Paralegal Certifications: Trial Practice; Discovery; Contracts Management; Individual and Entity Medical Liability; and Social Security Disability Law; I am also WestlawNext Certified.

4.    What professional associations do you belong to?  NALA; American Association of Notaries; EDEN -- Electronic Data Extraction Network (electronic data forensics group).

5.    How has your membership benefited you?   Networking; CLE; also I volunteered for board positions which I recommend for myriad reasons such as the aforementioned two activities, and also opportunities to work on public speaking and other desirable skills.

6.    What has been the highlight of your career?  Being the first person in my family to earn a college degree and have a professional career—hopefully I will start a new trend! Also, interning with Texas’ 14th Court of Appeals under Chief Justice Adele Hedges in 2007 was a fascinating, eye-opening experience.

7.    What do you see as hot trends in the paralegal industry?  I always keep my eye on new technology as the technology industry is so dynamic.

Many attorneys and law firms seem “old school,” that is to say slow to embrace these efficient devices, but I was fortunate enough to work at a medium sized firm that was paperless and utilized the latest technology.

There are so many time-saving and exciting technological devices out there, such as document management systems and trial presentation software, that I’m excited to see what comes out next to help us do our jobs faster and more efficiently, ultimately freeing our attorneys to work on tasks only an attorney may do.

8.    Is there a quote that inspires you?  “The ultimate measure of a [person] is not where he stands in moment of comfort and convenience but where [she] stands at times of challenge and controversy.” –Martin Luther King, Jr., Strength to Love, 1963

9. What advice would you give yourself if you met you as a first-year paralegal? Try to find a mentor to emulate; listen and learn; write all you can, volunteer for as many assignments as you can at work or will be given to you; join your local paralegal association and go to meetings and/or volunteer; and hang out with the winners.

10. What is the one thing you wish you were better at? Math and statistics (thank you calculators and actuarial tables!)

11. What’s more important to you – comfort or style? Why not have both?

12. How do you deal with work-related stress? I listen to Mozart.

13. What is one thing about you that most people don't know? I have a very discreet, well-hidden tattoo of my kids' names somewhere on my body.

Bonus Question: Are you a cat person or a dog person? Definitely "cat"

Paralegal Profile: Patricia E. Infanti, PP, PLS

Thanks to Patricia E. Infanti, PP, PLS, NALS President 2010-2011, for taking the time to answer The Paralegal Mentor's Thirteen Questions! Patti was a terrific guest on this episode of The Paralegal Voice where she discussed the value of professional association membership with her and Kathleen Amirante, PP, PLS, NALS President Elect.

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1. Where do you work and what is your job title?  I am a Legal Administrative Assistant with Ballard Spahr LLP in Philadelphia.

2. What prompted you to choose a paralegal career? In essence, I have been doing paralegal duties for my entire 34 year career, though my title has been legal secretary for most of that time.

I chose a legal career because I was intrigued by what happens in a law office, and I stayed because the work is challenging and stimulating - no two days are the same.

3. What is your favorite part of your job? I have two: interacting with clients and completing projects.

4. What professional associations do you belong to? NALS. . . the association for legal professionals, NALS of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Legal Secretaries Association, and the Philadelphia Bar Association.

5. How has your membership benefited you? Without a doubt, NALS has supported me in my belief that the legal secretarial field is a viable and exciting career path. NALS has provided me with many avenues within which to further my education and professional development, including voluntary certification.

6. Do you have any professional certifications? Yes. I am a certified as a Professional Legal Secretary and as a Professional Paralegal.

7. What has been the highlight of your career? Without a doubt, passing the Professional Legal Secretary certification examination was a career-altering event for me. At that time, it was a two-day, seven-part examination, and it was empowering to receive the letter congratulating me for passing the exam. The second highlight was being installed as NALS 40th President in March 2010.

8. What do you see as hot trends in the paralegal industry? I believe you will see more and more paralegals being asked to do more administrative tasks as legal secretary numbers are reduced.

9. Have you dipped your toes in the social media waters? Yes, I have. Here are my links:

• http://www.nalsnet.ning.com/profile/PatriciaEInfantiPPPLS

• http://www.linkin.com/in/pattipp
• http://www.facebook.com/PattiPP
• htttp://www.twitter.com/PattiPP

10. If someone contemplating a paralegal career asked you for career advice, what would your answer be? First, I would tell them how exciting it is to be in the legal field. Then I would advise them:

(i) not to believe whatever preconceived notions they may have learned about paralegals through television and movies;

(ii) that a paralegal career is rewarding and challenging, and consists of quite a bit of behind-the-scenes work with attorneys and staff;

(iii) that they should master software programs (such as Word, Excel, case management software, calendaring software, etc.);

(iv) that they must possess excellent organization skills and be willing to do whatever is necessary to meet deadlines;

(v) that they must master the art of working with all different types of personalities who have different work habits and preferences; and

(vi) that they must be willing to take on administrative tasks when asked to do so.

11. Is there a quote that inspires you? I have two: 'Can't' never did anything. 'Can't' never could. (I don't know exactly whose quote it is, but it seems that most mothers in my generation would utter this one in one form or another); and 'For nothing is impossible to God' Luke 1:37.

12. You've enjoyed a successful paralegal career. To what single event or person do you attribute that success? Mary E. Scarduzio, legal secretary and office manager to the founding partner of the first law firm I worked (Saverio R. Principato, Esquire), who had the patience to teach me what I needed to know to work in the legal field.

13. What is the most important step a paralegal can take to keep his or her career interesting? Do not rest on your laurels. Always seek to learn something new (including new legal practice areas) or to tackle a complex project. It will help you grow and hone your skills.

Bonus...just for fun questions: 

• What electronic device can you not live without?  My Droid! Love it!

• If you had to be in any other profession other than a paralegal, what would it be? Personal coach. I would find it very rewarding to help others in their careers.

New Paralegal Voice Podcast: A Fun Dose of Paralegal Ethics

The latest edition of The Paralegal Voice, “A Fun Dose of Paralegal Ethics” co-hosted by Lynne DeVenny and me, is now available at Legal Talk Network.

Can paralegal ethics be fun? On this podcast, lawyer/humorist Sean Carter, founder of Lawpsided Seminars, shares 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".

Also in this episode:

• Why Sean became a lawyer
•  How he became a popular legal humorist
•  How paralegals can find greater job satisfaction
•  Dealing with difficult supervising attorneys and colleagues
•  How to avoid ethical breaches when talking about your job
•  How to stay abreast of new practice and technology skills
•  Keeping yourself together mentally and physically
•  Vicki’s practice tip and Lynne’s social media/technology tip

Page URL: http://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/paralegal-voice/2012/01/a-fun-dose-of-paralegal-ethics/
MP3 Link: http://legaltalkmedia.com/LTN/PLV/PLV_011712_Ethics.mp3

Internet resources and links mentioned during the podcast:

• Lawpsided Seminars, http://www.lawhumorist.com/
• Sean’s YouTube channel, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YX30lk-psg
• Sean’s Twitter feed, https://twitter.com/lawhumorist
• Sean’s Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/lawhumorist
• Sean’s LinkedIn profile, http://www.linkedin.com/pub/sean-carter/b/a9/b34
• Sean Carter on Arizona’s Immigration Law (YouTube), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jf-_1NsdoS0

The Paralegal Voice also thanks its sponsors: Redact-It, Clio, and NALA...The Association of Paralegals and Legal Assistants.

Please share the links to this episode of The Paralegal Voice with your friends and colleagues. If you have a request for a future show, or a question for us, you are welcome to contact us at TheParalegalVoice@gmail.com.

Also, you can make sure you never miss a podcast by subscribing to any Legal Talk Network show, including The Paralegal Voice, by using the RSS Feed links or iTunes links at http://legaltalknetwork.com/rss-feeds/.

Paralegals: Thursday's Trivia Question

Thursday, January 19, 2012: What is the best answer to this ethics trivia question?

What is the most ethical (and safest) action to take if you receive a privileged document from opposing counsel that is not intended for you?
A. Keep it and do not tell anyone you got it.

B. Read it, make a copy for yourself, and then send it back to opposing counsel.

C. Stop reading as soon as you realize it is privileged and contact opposing counsel for instructions on what to do.

D. Don't worry about this; your firm can handle the issue in court.

What do you think? Leave your comment below. I'll be back later with the answer and to add my comments.

Paralegal Mentor Audio Tip: Dealing with Change

Today's Paralegal Mentor audio tip provides ideas  for dealing with change.

 The legal world -- and society in general -- is always changing. You have to continually develop new skills and strategies to keep pace. If you don't, you'll be lost in the shuffle.

If you find you're...

• working faster and faster trying to keep up with this frantic pace;
• feeling like you're ruled by electronics
• working on 2 or 3 things at a time trying to get more done;
• needing more structure in your life... 

there are solutions.  Follow this link to learn the steps you can take.  

I'd love to hear how you will use these tips to cope with your ever-changing world. Leave a comment below.

Remember...I'm dedicated to your success!

Paralegals: Thursday's Trivia Question

Thursday, January 5, 2012: What is the best answer to this ethics trivia question?

A lawyer who delegates too much authority and discretion to a paralegal/legal assistant may be disciplined for:

A. aiding in the unauthorized practice of law

B. failure to perform competently

C. failure to exercise independent professional judgment

D. all of the above

What do you think? Leave your comment below. I'll be back later with the answer and to add my comments.

Paralegals Can Cook: Double Chocolate Mousse Cake

New Year's Eve 2011 was the Celebration-That-Didn't Happen! The Don and I planned to have two couples for dinner. The menu was set -- stuffed pork loin roast, brussels sprouts, salad and this Double Chocolate Mousse Cake for dessert.

All plans went haywire when I came down with the worst cold ever and was unable to prepare the meal -- and none of our friends wanted the cold either!

When I mentioned the menu in Paralegal Strategies, I had lots of requests for the dessert recipe. I clipped this from Good Housekeeping in 1989 and have made it several times over the year. It is soooo good and absolutely sinful. Enjoy every bite!

Double-Chocolate Mousse Cake
Simply the best chocolate dessert ever –
and so easy to make!
Good Housekeeping Magazine ~ Sept 1989

Ingredients:

2 8oz packages semi-sweet chocolate squares (16 1oz squares)

2 cups butter (4 sticks)

1 cup sugar

1 cup light cream (half and half)

1 tablespoon vanilla

½ teaspoon salt

8 large eggs

Chocolate Glaze (see below)

1 cup whipping cream

Early in the day or the day before serving: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 10”x3” spring form pan.

In a 3quart saucepan over low heat, heat chocolate, butter, sugar, half and half, vanilla and salt until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth, stirring constantly.

In large bowl, beat eggs slightly. Beat chocolate mixture into eggs; pour into spring form pan.

Bake mousse cake 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from the edge comes out clean. (Vicki’s note: Bake as directed; 45-55 minutes is adequate)

When cake is cool, remove sides of pan; wrap cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled.

Prepare Chocolate Glaze (see below). Spread warm glaze over top and down side of cake. In small bowl, with mixer at medium speed, beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Pipe whipped cream around edge of cake.

Refrigerate if not serving right away. Makes 16 servings – about 585 calories per serving. (Vicki’s Note: This is very rich so cut into small pieces)

Chocolate Glaze: In 2quart saucepan over low heat, heat 1 6oz package semisweet chocolate pieces (1 cup) and 2 tablespoons butter until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Remove pan from heat; beat in 3 tablespoons milk and 2 tablespoons white corn syrup.

 ~Vicki Voisin/January, 2012