Saturday, July 31, 2010

From Clerical Advantage: Tina Pizza


Tina Marie Hilton, the sole proprietor of Clerical Advantage Virtual Assistance Services, posted this picture of Cold Veggie Pizza on her Facebook page. It looked so delicious that I asked her to share it with you.

While you may think you've seen this recipe before, Tina's is quite different from the usual appetizer recipe in that there is no Italian Dressing mix and it's not cut in those nice, neat little squares.

Tina's Pizza is very rustic in appearance. The way she forms it results in it looking like more of a meal.

It's also really simple. Here's how she makes it:

Cold Veggie Pizza

1 or 2 rolls of crescent roll dough (depending upon the size of your pizza pan)

1 tub of chive cream cheese (not whipped)

Assorted thinly sliced vegetables such as zucchini, summer squash, onions, peppers, shredded carrots, mushrooms, or any raw vegetables that you like. (Note from Vicki: Some chopped broccoli would be good...and also perhaps some sun dried tomatoes and olives. Use your imagination!)

Press crescent roll dough into the shape of a pizza dough and bake according to directions. Let baked dough cool completely.

While the baked dough is cooling, bring cream cheese to room temperature and slice veggies. When dough is completely cool, ‘frost’ with cream cheese and top with veggies.

Makes 12 to 16 servings depending upon size of slices. Tina adds: I'm not sure where this recipe came from but think my daughter got it at a party. It's easy and a great way to get your vegetables. I use low fat crescent roll dough and low fat cream cheese to make it an even healthier dish.

I'll be making this soon because I know The Don will like Tina's Pizza a lot...what's not to like when you have a bread and cream cheese combo, even if that is low fat? It would be a great weeknight meal...add a glass of nice red wine and you're good to go!

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By the way, Tina participated in both the Virtual Paralegal Interview Series and the Sixty-Six Solid Tips from Your Virtual Paralegal Success Team. You'll want to subscribe to her great blog, follow her on Twitter (@TMarieHilton) and also check out her Girly Girl Geek program. She's a wealth of knowledge.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Jill I. Francisco, ACP, Elected NALA Treasurer


Jill I. Francisco, ACP, a paralegal at Huddleston Bolen LLP in Huntington, West Virginia, has been elected Treasurer of The National Association of Legal Assistants/Paralegals (NALA), during the association's 35th annual meeting on July 16th in Jacksonville, Fla.

She will serve on the NALA Board of Directors during the 2010-11 operational year.

A 1994 graduate of Marshall University with degree in Criminal Justice, Jill was Charter President of the Legal Assistants/Paralegals of Southern West Virginia (LAPSWV) and has previously served NALA in various capacities:

  • Member of the Professional Development Committee 2003-2006

  • Affiliated Association Director 2008-2010

  • Affiliated Associations Secretary 2006-2007.

In addition to her work with Huddleston Bolen and her service to NALA, she also currently serves on the Advisory Board for Mountwest Community and Technical College Legal Assistant Program, the Legal Assistant Committee of the Defense Trial Counsel of West Virginia, and as Secretary on the Executive Committee of the Marshall University Alumni Association.

NALA is the nation's leading association for professional certification, continuing education, and career advancement for paralegals. The association has more than 6,000 individual members, and another 12,000 are represented through local and regional affiliated associations throughout the United States.

Congratulations, Jill!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

NEW Legal Talk Network Podcasts ~ Week of July 26, 2010



Announces New Podcasts for Week of July 26, 2010

There is lots of competition in the paralegal profession. If you intend to remain competitive, you must stay up to date with what's going on in the legal world. Fortunately, there is a totally free resource that will let you do just that: Legal Talk Network.

Legal Talk Network was launched in May 2005, with originally produced legal podcasts, hosted by leading attorneys and legal experts. Legal Talk Network podcasts highlight the important issues in the legal profession with high profile guests in a talk show format. They’re produced by professionals and available on-demand on the Legal Talk Network website, in iTunes, by free subscription to RSS and from legal portals, blogs and social networking sites (too many to list)! Listeners worldwide get the latest legal topics and trends and legal professionals make connections with colleagues, helping everyone meet the challenges of a changing legal world.

The following podcasts were released the week of July 26th. I know you'll find at least one, and probably more, that will help you be a better paralegal.

Today's Paralegals: Career Advice, Ethics Tips & More
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. Download MP3

Powering Up Your Personal Productivity
"Do more with less" is a mantra of the day. One of the great promises of the day is that technology will organize and optimize us, as computers take over the work we don't need to do and make our lives easier. The reality feels more like a jammed email inbox, a mountain of to-do lists and technology we often fight with. In this episode, co-hosts Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell and special guest Allison Shields, discuss the importance of improving personal productivity and the role technology, when done well, can play in optimizing your work, enhancing your productivity and simplifying your life. After you listen, be sure to check out Tom & Dennis' co-blog and book by the same name, The Lawyers Guide to Collaboration Tools and Technologies. Download MP3

Decade of E-Discovery, Compliance Challenges & Privacy
In this edition of the ESI Report, host Gina Jytyla, Managing Staff Attorney in the Legal Technologies division at Kroll Ontrack, welcomes Kimberly Marin, Security Analyst and E-Discovery Specialist with the Hershey Company and Nasar Ali, Legal Consultant for Kroll Ontrack, to discuss key milestones in e-discovery history, along with corporate compliance challenges and best practices for data management. In the Bits & Bytes Legal Analysis segment, Kroll Ontrack Legal Correspondent Kelly Kubacki explores City of Ontario, California v. Quon. Download MP3

Construction Defect Cases
Mass produced homes built with poor-quality products have led to a number of construction defect cases across the country. On this edition of Ringler Radio, host Larry Cohen welcomes colleague, Angus Kennedy out of San Diego, California, Attorney Bruno Wolfenzon, from Wolfenzon, Schulman & Rolle and Attorney Dave H. Gardner out of Newport Beach, CA, to look at the necessary qualifiers for construction defect cases, discuss the long term effects on homeowners, the tax side of these cases and the benefits of using structured settlements. Download MP3

Where to Sue and Not Be Sued: Surviving Litigation
In this edition of In-House Legal presented by Lex Mundi, host Tim Corcoran with Hubbard One, explores what In-House Counsel should know in order to survive litigation. Special guests include Joe Sepulchre, Partner with Liedekerke Wolters Waelbroeck Kirkpatrick (Lex Mundi member firm for Belgium), and Carla Swansburg, Senior Counsel with RBC Law Group. The group discusses how to sue, whether you have a choice and why In-House Counsel should care. Download MP3

Current Issues in Computer Forensics
Knowledge of eDiscovery is vital to today's legal profession. On this edition of Digital Detectives, co-hosts Sharon D. Nelson, Esq., President of Sensei Enterprises, Inc. and John W. Simek, Vice President of Sensei Enterprises, welcome computer forensics technologist, Craig D. Ball, to talk about how some courts view computer forensics analysis as simply searching on a list of terms, avoiding waste in eDiscovery and the challenges of effective keyword searching. Download MP3

Law Student Applications Rise: Massachusetts' First Public Law School
2010 marks the first year for the University of Massachusetts School of Law - Dartmouth, the state's first public law school. Attorneys and co-hosts, J. Craig Williams and Bob Ambrogi welcome Dean Robert V. Ward, Jr., to talk about the new UMass Law school. They discuss the rise in applications in a down economy, the incoming class and faculty, accreditation and the opportunities available for students after they leave law school. Download MP3

Monday, July 26, 2010

Today's Paralegals: Career Advice, Ethics Tips and More!

The latest edition of The Paralegal Voice, “Today’s Paralegals: Career Advice, Ethics Tips & More,” co-hosted by Lynne DeVenny and me, is now available at Legal Talk Network.

In this episode we 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.

Also In this episode:
  • Dealing with on-the-job stressors
  • Dealing with boredom at work
  • Career mistakes to avoid
  • Dressing for professional success
  • Steps to take if you think an attorney is engaging in misconduct

Page URL: http://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/paralegal-voice/2010/07/todays-paralegals-career-advice-ethics-tips-more/

MP3Link:http://websrvr82il.audiovideoweb.com/ny60web16519/LTN/PLV/PLV_072110_CareerTips.mp3
Internet resources referenced in the podcast:

NBJ Consulting & Conflict Resolution, http://www.lawbusinesstips.com/

Nancy’s presentation, “Enhancing & Maintaining the Value of Paralegals”, http://www.lawbusinesstips.com/office-management/employees/legal-assistants/enhancing-maintaining-the-value-of-paralegals/

The Paralegal Voice also thanks its sponsors: Westlaw Deposition Services and the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
If you enjoyed The Paralegal Voice, please share the link to the podcast with your friends and colleagues.

Do you have a request for a future show or a question for us? You are welcome to contact us at TheParalegalVoice@gmail.com

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Ethics Tip: Please Sign My Name...NOT!

Consider this scenario: You have been employed as a paralegal for the same attorney for several years. He happens to be out of town taking depositions.

A deadline looms...a document absolutely has to be filed with the Court by 5:00 o'clock. No problem, you think. Your boss is expected back in the office by 3:00 so that will allow plenty of time for him to review the final draft, sign it and for you to file it with the Clerk before closing time.

Then you get the dreaded call. The attorney has been held up and won't be back in the office until the next morning. But what about the filing deadline? "No problem," he says. "Go ahead and sign my name."

What should you do?
A. Sign the document, make copies and rush to the Court House?
B. Remind your employer it's unethical for you to sign his name to a pleading?
Do tell me you chose 'B'! This is the correct answer...the ethical answer. Signing your employer's name to the document constitutes the unauthorized practice of law. Only the attorney of record has the authority to sign a pleading. You cannot sign your employer's name (or your own name) even at his direction. Here's the reasoning behind this statement.

This issue is generally addressed in each state's Court Rules. For instance, the Michigan Rules of Court at 2.114 state that every document of a party represented by an attorney shall be signed by at least one attorney of record. Similar language is found in the Nevada Rules of Court at Rule 11(a).

Let's take this one step further by reviewing the Model Rules of Professional Conduct. ABA MRPC 5.5 deals with the unauthorized practice of law and states that an attorney shall not assist a person who is not a member of the bar in the performance of any activity that constitutes the unauthorized practice of law. Further MRPC 5.3 refers to an attorney's responsibilities regarding nonlawyer assistants and states that an attorney shall be responsible for conduct of such a person that would be a violation of the rules of professional conduct if engaged in by an attorney if the attorney orders or ratifies the conduct.

The ABA and many states have adopted Model Guidelines for the Utilization of Paralegals. These guidelines generally state that an attorney may ethically assign responsibility to a paralegal for the performance of tasks related to the representation of a client and the law firm's delivery of legal services, commensurate with the experience and training of the paralegal and where the attorney directly supervises the paralegal and reviews the paralegal's work product before it is communicated outside the law firm.

The following is a direct quote from the Comments attached to Guideline 2 of the Guidelines for the Utilization of Legal Assistants adopted by the Connecticut Bar Association: A legal assistant may not appear in court to plead, to try cases, to argue on behalf of another person, or to sign pleadings, except as expressly permitted by statute, court or administrative agency regulation. This does not, however, prohibit a legal assistant from signing documents as a witness or notary public, or in some other nonrepresentative capacity.

How can you ethically handle this situation? If there is more than one attorney in the firm, another attorney may sign on behalf of the absent attorney.
If you work for a sole practitioner, it's possible that the Clerk will allow you to file an original document with a faxed signature page. The document could then be sent by fax or e-mail to the attorney for his review. If it met with his approval, he could sign and fax back the signature page. You would file the page with the original signature as soon as it is available.

Still, you may be out of luck if you're filing a motion because often Clerks will only accept a motion bearing original signatures. In more and more instances, electronic filing is allowed. Still, the attorney must review the work product before it is filed.
Should your firm adopt the attitude that "no one will ever know" if you sign the attorney's name to the document? The answer is NO! Please remember that there are sanctions for violations of the Court Rules. In addition, attorneys have a duty to supervise their employees and to be certain that their actions are ethical. Again, the duty to supervise includes the review of all documents before they leave the office.

Of course there is an exception! In 2006 the North Carolina State Bar issued Ethics Opinion 13 stating that an attorney may allow a paralegal to sign his name to court documents so long as it does not violate any law and the attorney provides the appropriate level of supervision.
This is to be done only under exigent circumstances when the attorney is not available and no other attorney in the firm is able to do so. Again, this is for emergency purposes only and applies only to paralegals working in North Carolina.
There are other instances where you should refuse to sign your name (or someone else's) to a document. Be especially careful when you're witnessing or notarizing someone's signature. It's unethical and illegal to sign as a witness to a signature unless you actually see the person sign. Further, you must be certain of the identity of the person signing the document. Is it really Jane Doe? Imagine your embarrassment (not to mention the legal ramifications) of having to tell a Judge, "Yes" that's your signature as a witness to a wife's signing a mortgage but "No" you did not actually see her sign it!

Another area where you should use caution is the signing of correspondence on behalf of your firm. You must be sure that any correspondence signed by you clearly identifies your status as a nonlawyer and covers only information or procedure. Providing legal advice is the responsibility of the attorney. If you sign a letter that contains legal advice, you will be committing the unauthorized practice of law.

Your challenge: Remember that signing a document is an important step in the legal process. Only an attorney may sign his or her name on a pleading. Only an attorney may sign correspondence that offers legal advice. Whenever you put your name on the dotted line as a witness or a notary, be sure you actually see the person sign the document and always be certain of his or her identity. Last, review your jurisdiction's Court Rules, Model Rules of Professional Conduct, and (if available) the Guidelines for the Utilization of Paralegals/Legal Assistants to be sure that your actions always comply.

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©2010 Vicki Voisin, Inc.

Do you want to use this article in your newsletter, ezine or Web site? You can so long as you include this entire blurb with it: Vicki Voisin, "The Paralegal Mentor", delivers simple strategies for paralegals and other professionals to create success and satisfaction by achieving goals and determining the direction they will take their careers. Vicki spotlights resources, organizational tips, ethics issues, and other areas of continuing education to help paralegals and others reach their full potential. She publishes a weekly ezine titled Paralegal Strategies and co-hosts The Paralegal Voice, a monthly podcast produced by Legal Talk Network. More information is available at http://www.paralegalmentor.com/.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Paralegal Profile: Brynne A. Williamson, PP, PLS

Thanks to Brynne A. Williamson, PP, PLS of Seattle, WA for taking the time to answer The Paralegal Mentor's Thirteen Questions.

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1. Where do you work and what is your job title? I am the probate paralegal at Helsell Fetterman LLP.

2. What prompted you to choose a paralegal career? I was a young girl when I told my grandfather that I wanted to be an attorney. He encouraged me, telling me that with hard work and determination, I could accomplish anything I wanted.
I lost sight of my goal for a few years until one day I realized I wasn't living up to my full potential. I enrolled in the paralegal program at San Joaquin College of Law in Clovis, California, and before graduation was working as a paralegal specializing in estate planning and taxation.
3. What is your favorite part of your job? I am so happy that I chose to enter the legal field. As a probate paralegal, I am the person who is on the other line to help our clients with a complicated procedure during a very difficult time in their lives. I enjoy helping our clients and assisting them in gathering asset information we need for the preparation of the inventory and estate tax return, if one is required.
However, as much as I like preparing the inventories and estate tax returns -- and I do -- I would have to say that my favorite thing to do is present a new probate matter in Court. As a King County Bar Association Registered Legal Assistant, I am authorized to personally present orders in the Ex Parte Courtroom. It is an exciting process, and I have found the judges and commissioners to be very supportive of my role in the probate process.
4. What professional associations do you belong to? I am a member of NALS...the association for legal professionals and the Washington State Paralegal Association.

5. How has your membership benefited you? Joining NALS was one of the best professional decisions I have ever made. I joined as a student in 2004 because I wanted to become certified as a way to set myself apart from my schoolmates. Not long after that, I decided I wanted more from my membership and became involved on the national, state, and local levels.
I am serving for a second year as the NALS Region 7 Director. I am a newer leader, and I never imagined that I would be where I am today. I have benefited by watching and learning from other NALS leaders and members, and I cherish their guidance and support.
6. Do you have any professional certifications? I do. In 2004, I received my first certification, the ALS...the basic certification for legal professionals. In 2005, I sat for the PLS...the advanced certification for legal professionals, and in 2007, I achieved my Professional Paralegal ("PP") certification.

7. What has been the highlight of your career? Serving as the 2008-09 NALS of Greater Seattle President was a great honor for me. It was a very exciting year, and I am proud of everything that our board of directors accomplished. In addition to our regularly scheduled Noontime Seminars and evening membership meetings, we also organized a Meet & Greet social and two full-day CLE programs. That year we also launched an electronic newsletter and were honored to win the NALS Foundation Jett Award, 2010 Founders Award, for one of its new features, "Where's Eula Mae."

8. What do you see as hot trends in the paralegal industry? Paralegal regulation continues to be a hot topic. I'm sure that your readers have varying views; however, whether you are for regulation or not, I think you should keep yourself informed and self-regulate. The legal field is dynamic and to be a good paralegal, you need to attend CLEs that pertain to your area of law and that help you grow as a professional.

9. Have you dipped your toes in the social media waters? I have and I would love to connect with your readers! You can contact me at:
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/brynne.williamson
http://twitter.com/nalsgreenteam
http://www.linkedin.com/in/brynnewilliamson
http://nalsnet.ning.com/profile/BrynneWilliamson
http://paralegalgateway.com/members/brynne/profile/public/
10. If someone contemplating a paralegal career asked you for career advice, what would your answer be? My advice would be the same as my grandfather's was to me years ago: if you are determined and work hard, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. And always, always remember that you will play an important role in your law firm and may be the person who has the most contact with your clients, so you should represent yourself professionally and positively.

11. Is there a quote that inspires you? Make yourself necessary to somebody. Do not make life hard to any. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

12. You've enjoyed a successful paralegal career. To what single event or person do you attribute that success? I would never be where I am today without the support of my significant other, George. Although I know he would like to sometimes talk about something other than NALS or what I learned in the office that day, he has been there by my side from the beginning and is always willing to help me with my projects and give me advice.

13. What is the most important step a paralegal can take to keep his or her career interesting? Never stop learning or trying new things.

Bonus...just for fun questions:
What was your first car? A 1971 yellow Datsun 510 with a black landau top. It was the cutest car ever and was older than I was!

What was your first job? My first job was working for the Bashful Butler, a catering company in my hometown that was owned by my friends' uncle. We were the official caterers for the Tournament of Roses, and in addition to the big party at the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day, we catered all of the float construction events in the air conditioned 'float barns.' I'll never forget how cold those nights were, but the job had some good perks, like cake every weekend!

Chicken & Pasta Salad

***This recipe is from the September 1993 issue of Good Housekeeping Magazine...can't believe I've been making it for nearly 20 years! It's a real favorite...perfect for a summer meal on the back porch where we watch the Cardinals having their dinner at the bird feeder. Enjoy!


Chicken & Pasta Salad

  • 10 small red potatoes
  • olive or salad oil
  • salt
  • 1 c. penne or corkscrew macaroni, cooked per package directions (1/4 of a 16 oz. package)
  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1" wide strips
  • black pepper
  • 1 medium-size lemon
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 medium-size plum tomatoes, each cut into 8 wedges
  • 1 bunch arugula, coarsely chopped (1 cup) or 1/2 cup watercress, coarsely chopped (Note: I use fresh baby spinach)
  • 1/2 cup pitted ripe olives, sliced
  • 1/4 pound feta cheese, crumbled (1 cup) or 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (I use only feta cheese
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Cut each potato in half. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil, spread potatoes on the pan, toss with 1 tablespoon olive or salad oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Roast 25 minutes or until golden and tender, turning once with a pancake turner.

2. Meanwhile, in saucepot, prepare macaroni as label directs, without using salt in water; drain.

3. In a nonstick 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, in 1 tablespoon hot olive or salad oil, cook chicken, sprinkling with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Stir occasionally until chicken is tender and loses its pink color throughout.

4. From lemon, grate peel and squeeze tablespoons juice...no need to measure as one lemon will give you about 2 tablespoons. In large bowl, with wire whisk or fork, mix lemon peel and juice, sugar, 1 tablespoons olive or salad oil, 2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

5. To bowl with lemon dressing, add roasted potatoes, macaroni, chicken, tomato wedges, arugula, olives, and feta cheese; toss to coat well.

6. To serve, arrange chicken salad on platter. Cover and refrigerate if not serving right away. Serves 6.

Note: This sounds difficult and time consuming but really isn't. Bake the potatoes while you boil the pasta. While these are cooking, mix the dressing in a large bowl. Use as much of a rotisserie chicken as you want. Complete your meal with fresh bread and a nice red wine.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Reading 'The Attorney Who Cried Rush' From The Paralegal Pie

Kim Walker blogs at The Paralegal Pie...and I totally enjoy her writing, as well as her insight into the life of a paralegal. She unfailingly offers 'uncommonly good advice and cutting edge solutions for paralegals'.

Her recent blog post "The Attorney Who Cried Rush" reminded me of Aesop's famous fable: The Boy Who Cried Wolf ... the about the shepard boy cried "Wolf" and all the villagers came running...but there was no wolf. Then, when the shepard boy really was confronted by a real wolf chasing his sheep and he cried out, no one paid any attention.

As Kim says, "We have all run into the 'Attorney Who Cried Rush' at some point in time. There are many ways to handle this creature, some will work out well for you and some will not. Keep in mind that the longer you work for a particular attorney and the more you deliver the goods on time, the less the attorney will cry rush."

Unfortunately, when an attorney labels every job as a 'rush job' there's a tendency to either(a) not believe him or (b) wish he'd get his act together and plan to meet those deadlines in a more organized fashion. It's been my experience that attorneys who always have rush jobs are usually so busy putting out fires that they can't possibly do any work ahead of time.

Kim goes on to give some very good advice about handling the attorney who always has a rush job for you, including "never promising more than you can deliver".

She has some excellent points that really struck a chord with me. The ability to prioritize is an important skill every paralegal must possess. Most of us go into the office in the morning with a 'plan' for our day...a plan that's prioritized according to our own deadlines. I think attorneys fail to realize that when we're managing a file, we do have our own deadlines: an estate inventory that needs to be completed and filed, notices that need to make newspaper publication deadlines, and the list goes on.

In our quest to please, we usually just smile and take on the new deadline from the 'Attorney Who Cried Rush'. Then we end up scrambling to get everything done....his work and our own.

I do have some additional possible solutions that might help deal with the 'Attorney Who Cried Rush':

==>Determine if the work really qualifies as a 'rush' job or if it's a matter of the attorney's perception that it has to be done right that minute. Ask specific questions, such as when or what time the work has to be filed or mailed.

==> If you do determine that you must set everything aside to accommodate the attorney's rush job, be sure to note where you were on your own work so that you can easily pick it up again later. This is where a bright sticky note comes in handy. Be sure your note has enough information so that you can bill for your time on the work you've done so far.

==> Be sure to review the attorney's calendar a week ahead, and again each morning, to see if you can determine any deadlines that may have to be met and perhaps get a jump start on those.

==> Most helpful is a brief meeting at least once a week...once a day would be optimal...where both you and the attorney you work with discuss upcoming deadlines (yours and his) and determine what has to be done and how it will get done. In the end, some of the work may be delegated to someone else.

Most important, though, is Kim's advice to never promise anything you can't deliver. In the end, that just results in problems for everyone.

To read Kim's excellent post, just follow this link. Meanwhile, I'm wondering...how do you stay on top of deadlines and what suggestions do you have for working with an attorney who's work is always labeled 'rush'?

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Today's Thought: Independence Day


July 4th -- Independence Day -- is one of the most dear and valuable holidays we celebrate in the United States.

In today’s tumultuous political climate, we must remember the brave men and women who pledged their lives, liberty and fortunes and many who paid the ultimate price to establish this nation.

We should also pay tribute to the brave men and women who are currently serving this country to be sure that our freedom is preserved.

Here are a few important quotes from people who believed in, and worked for, our freedom. It is fitting to read them to commemorate the 4th of July, Independence Day in the United States of America:

Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people. ~Abraham Lincoln

Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labor in freedom. ~Albert Einstein

Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one. ~Benjamin Franklin

The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object. ~Thomas Jefferson

Where liberty is, there is my country. ~Benjamin Franklin.

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same. ~Ronald Reagan
I am so proud to be a citizen of the United States and I sincerely love this country and the liberty and freedom we enjoy, as well as the endless opportunities offered to its citizens. This is an important holiday.