Thursday, March 28, 2013

Yahoo: Leave Paralegals Alone!

 
Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer made headlines recently when she ordered employees who had been working from home to start showing up at the office. She cited the benefits of collaboration and face-to-face interaction.

According to the American Time Use Survey—2010 Results, USDL-11-0919 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, June 22, 2011), 24% of employed Americans reported in recent surveys they work at least some hours at home each week.

The idea of working virtually, not commuting every day to an office where the interruptions and crises never end, is becoming more and more popular, though it may experience a slight hiccup in light of Yahoo’s ban of virtual work.

As Yahoo CEO, this shift is certainly within Mayer’s authority. Her job is to improve Yahoo’s bottom line and if she believes this move will do that, it is her responsibility to make it happen.

While Yahoo employees may not be happy with the decision, they do need to remember it’s not about them but, instead, about the company’s financial success.

Mayer’s policy may be right for Yahoo but not for everyone in the workforce, particularly those in the legal profession. The deciding factor should be the type of work being done at home.

San Francisco State University management professor John Sullivan said Mayer's conclusion about the benefits of collaboration is right, if the focus is on innovation.

"People who work from home are less innovative--but much more productive, Mayer said, citing studies on the subject. "If you want innovation, then you need interaction," he said. "If you want productivity, then you want people working from home." (Emphasis added.)
 
Many paralegals are now working at least part of their week at home. Working from home allows them to set their own schedule, meet their family’s needs, and add balance to their lives. There is a savings of the time and cost involved with commuting, a professional wardrobe (who doesn’t dream of working in sweats and slippers?), meals and daycare.

This can be incredibly successful for paralegals. Why? When your work focuses on drafting pleadings, planning discovery, conversing with witnesses, or preparing for trial, your job is all about efficiency and productivity, not on innovation. This applies to paralegals in all facets of legal work, from mergers and acquisitions to estate planning and probate to corporate record keeping, etc.

Further, the paralegal’s work is measurable in that billable hour goals and deadlines must be met. With the technology available today, the difference between the paralegal working down the hall or the paralegal working 20 minutes (or 20 states) away is minimal.

Another point is that many paralegals interact with clients around the world, necessitating communications in multiple time zones. If you work for a large corporation in Delaware and you need to hold a conference call with clients in Dubai, it is difficult to make that work in the traditional law firm setting. It would not be difficult to make that effort from home while the rest of the family is sleeping. You would be clocking the same number of hours (perhaps more because of the minimization of interruptions) but in a different setting.

However, there is a lesson to be learned from Ms. Mayer’s message: working from home is not about you and making your life easier. It is about your employer’s bottom line. If you approach your employer about this work shift, do not focus on how nice it would be if you could be at home when your children get off the bus or when your spouse finishes his shift at 2:30.

Instead, be ready to prove that your working from home will be a benefit to your employer:
  • You may get more done than if you had to get dressed, commute to the office, put in 9 hours, and commute back home.
  • You may be more productive because extra time chatting with co-workers or being interrupted by co-workers will be practically eliminated.
  • You will have long stretches of time to concentrate.
  • The result will be increased profit to the firm and, perhaps, decreased costs. All you need is a good Internet connection and privacy and can be as productive as in the office.
Out of sight, out of mind? Working virtually can be a win-win situation for both you and your employer. There may also be a downside: if you are not meeting face-to-face with your supervising attorney and co-workers, will you be forgotten? Passed over for bonuses and raises? Hopefully not, but this may require some extra effort on your part to be sure you are still connecting and communicating with them. You must be willing to appear in person for client meetings when necessary, for strategy planning, and, of course, to assist at trial.

Working virtually is a trend that is here to stay. Employers are going to have to face this and make adjustments. You can advance this transition so long as you do not focus on you but  are willing and able to demonstrate that this shift is in your employer’s best interests.

Do you work from home? How is that working for you? Do you see benefits for both you and your employer? Please leave a comment -- I'd love to hear.
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© 2013 Vicki Voisin, Inc.  Do you want to use this article in your newsletter, ezine or Web site? You may do so so long as you include the following attribution language:
 
Vicki Voisin, "The Paralegal Mentor", delivers simple strategies for paralegals and other professionals to create success and satisfaction by setting 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 is the co-author of The Professional Paralegal: A Guide to Finding a Job and Career Success. Vicki publishes Paralegal Strategies, a weekly e-newsletter for paralegals, and hosts The Paralegal Voice, a monthly podcast produced by Legal Talk Network.
 
More information is available at www.paralegalmentor.com where subscribers receive Vicki's 151 Tips for Your Career Success.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Facebook: You're Fired!


Are you having a bad day? Stay away from social media!
Amy McClenathan was having a bad day as the one-year anniversary of her mother’s death approached.

She was not in the mood to be at work so she posted, “I wish I could get fired some days, it would be easier to be at home than to have to go through this."

The next day her employer granted her wish: she was fired from her job at a title company.

A woman named “Wynetta” worked as a basketball coach at her alma mater, something she considered her “dream job”. After one particularly long day at work, Wynetta attended a relative’s party where her daughter took a picture of her drinking from a penis-shaped straw. The daughter then posted the picture on Facebook. When her employer saw the picture, Wynetta was asked to resign.

In 2010, after working at the Arizona Daily Star for over 10 years, reporter Brian Pedersen lost his job with the newspaper because he posted sarcastic Tweets about a Tucson homicide wave on Twitter.

McClenathan, Pedersen and Wynetta are not alone and this issue is being addressed in administrative hearings and in courts.

Mr. Pedersen took his case to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The NLRB ruled that the newspaper was within its rights to fire him. However, the NLRB often takes the position that critical postings are equivalent to workers venting around the water cooler.

Despite accounts such as those about McClenathan, Wynetta and Pedersen, reports by the NLRB make it clear that employees do have the right to complain on social media about working conditions.

The difference between what is protected social media speech about the workplace and what isn’t is determined by “concerted activity”.  Concerted activity is a term used to define the activities workers may partake in without fear of employer retaliation.

Employees have the right to discuss working conditions and state their opinions. However, they can’t engage in postings on social media sites that would be considered libel or slander, nor can the post confidential company information.

Employees should be very careful about what they post. As demonstrated in the foregoing examples, you can be terminated if you violate lawful company policy or if your post isn’t protected activity.

The bottom line? Social media presents much to worry about. Postings on social media sites can kill a job and a career.
  • If you feel the need to vent, don’t!
  • If you want to let the world know you don’t like your job, don’t!
  • If you want to post a great/funny picture from an event where you’re dancing ontable, don’t!
Always think twice before you post anything and when you do post, be sure you only write your best.

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© 2013 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 setting 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 is the co-author of The Professional Paralegal: A Guide to Finding a Job and Career Success. Vicki publishes Paralegal Strategies, a weekly e-newsletter for paralegals, and hosts The Paralegal Voice, a monthly podcast produced by Legal Talk Network.

More information is available at www.paralegalmentor.com where subscribers receive Vicki's 151 Tips for Your Career Success.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

LinkedIn: Rules of Etiquette

Many of you wrote to let me know you really enjoyed "5 Steps to Creating an Impressive LinkedIn Profile" when I published it in Paralegal Strategies last fall. You can click here to access that article.

Recently I received a very good question from a reader about the proper way to make connections on LinkedIn:

Dear Vicki,


I subscribe to your email newsletter and love to listen to your podcast. I recently completed a paralegal certificate program and am searching for a paralegal position.

There has been lots of talk about networking on LinkedIn. I have noticed many paralegals in my area have posted profiles. There are even some profiles for law firms I have applied to.

I would like to network with these people to see if they have any advice for a new paralegal and whether they aware of any openings. What is the etiquette on LinkedIn for contacting these individuals?
Sincerely,  
Puzzled Paralegal
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My response:

Dear Puzzled Paralegal:

This is a great question and you are smart to do some research before you jump into LinkedIn networking.

LinkedIn does not play nice with those who attempt to connect with people who do not know them, or at least have some semblance of a connection to them. If enough people report you to the powers that be at LinkedIn with a complaint that they do not know you, you will receive a reprimand from LinkedIn. Your membership could even be suspended.

Once you have your profile completed (remember to update it often), including a professional picture, you can forge ahead with your professional connections.

The best way to connect is through forums/groups. Search for "paralegal", an area of the law you are interested in such as probate and estate planning, or a paralegal association. You should follow the conversations on those forums and contribute questions and comments when appropriate. You will find members to be very helpful. You will also find notices of job opportunities on these forums.

Once you have joined, you can begin to ask members of the forum to connect with you. Please note:
When you send your invitation, do not just use the default message: "I want to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn."

Instead, personalize your message, much the way you asked your question above: tell them you are a recent graduate (be sure to include the name of your program), that you are looking for a job in XX area, and would like to connect with them.

Do not limit yourself to connecting only with people in the area where you want to work. Connect with bloggers, speakers you've heard or with authors whose material you have read -- always taking the time to explain your interest in connecting with them.

For instance, "I was present when you spoke at the State Bar of Michigan's Annual Meeting and very much enjoyed learning more about resume writing. I would like add you to my professional connections on LinkedIn."

You never know who other people know that might be a beneficial contact for you. At the very least, you will be learning a lot from the questions and answers you are following.

Once someone accepts your request, send them a message thanking them. Wait a few days before you start asking questions. Then ask only one or two questions at a time. These are busy people so you want to be sure you do not impose on them.

If someone asks you to connect with them, check their profile and if they are a fit, go ahead and accept their invitations. Then send them a message thanking them for the invitation and letting them know that you look forward to connecting with them on LinkedIn.

You might also consider endorsing someone you know. And if you know someone really well or have read an article they have written or attended a seminar where they spoke, you might write a recommendation. This attention is very much appreciated and may make them more willing to help you with your questions.

While all of this takes time and commitment, the end result will be worth it.  I hope this helps!

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© 2013 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 setting 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 is the co-author of The Professional Paralegal: A Guide to Finding a Job and Career Success. Vicki publishes Paralegal Strategies, a weekly e-newsletter for paralegals, and co-hosts The Paralegal Voice, a monthly podcast produced by Legal Talk Network.More information is available at www.paralegalmentor.com where subscribers receive Vicki's 151 Tips for Your Career Success.

Monday, March 4, 2013

Paralegal Profile: Sheila L. Williams, ACP


Sheila L. Williams, ACP, is a paralegal with Lewis, King, Krieg & Waldrop, P.C. where she focuses on product liability defense.

She has a B.S. degree in Education (with a major in Industrial Training and Supervision) from the University of Tennessee. Sheila earned her Certified Paralegal (CP) credential in 1991 and her ACP in 2008/09.

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1.    What prompted you to choose a paralegal career?  Soon after finishing my Associate Degree in Secretarial Science, I got married.  My husband was in the Air Force and we spent the next 7 years overseas.  During those years I worked as a school bus monitor, a library assistant, and a personnel clerk.

I knew once I returned to the US I would finish my degree and thought I was interested in law.  The assistants in the TV attorney shows intrigued me.

When we moved to Knoxville, my first job was in a plaintiff’s firm as the receptionist—a great opportunity to learn by reading everything that came across my desk and asking other paralegals to explain things I did not understand.  I soon enrolled in UTK’s then two-year paralegal degree.  Two years later, I got my first job as a paralegal.   That was in 1984, and I believe I am doing exactly what I envisioned in 1982.

2.    What is your favorite part of your job?  Trial!!  I love all aspects of trial preparation and being in the courtroom!!  The adrenaline rush!!

3.    What professional associations do you belong to?  I am a member of NALA and the Smoky Mountain Paralegal Association.  I am a founding member and past president of SMPA

4.    How has your membership benefited you?   Professional associations are a great source for honing your skills through CLE, keeping up with legislature involving our career, and networking.  I have met so many paralegals from all over the US, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.  I have presented CLE topics which allowed me to practice and gain confidence in public speaking.  Through NALA I have been able to keep up with trends and news within our profession.  The friendships I have cultivated are priceless.

5.    If someone contemplating a paralegal career asked you for career advice, what would your answer be?  I would explain that being a paralegal entails more than just taking and completing assignments.  Analytical ability is crucial and something that an education cannot necessarily provide.  I would advise her/him to search her/his heart to learn whether there is a passion for the law.

Being a paralegal and working with attorneys are not easy, and true success requires a passion for it.  If you get in school and decide you don’t have that passion, cut your losses and change paths of study.  There is no shame in realizing a career is not for you.  Many people look at it as a glamorous career working with rich lawyers.  Don’t be fooled by that misconception.

6.    Is there a quote that inspires you?  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

7.     You've enjoyed a successful paralegal career.  To what single event or person do you attribute that success?  When I finished my degree at UTK (not in paralegal studies), I wanted to remain in the field and wanted to work in a firm and with attorneys who appreciated my skills and knowledge.  I believed I was mature beyond my five years of experience and had much to offer.

I was hired at Lewis King and was assigned to work with Attorney Debbie Stevens.  She very quickly saw that I was able to work without being told what to do on a daily basis.  She and I worked very well for over 21 years, mutually respecting each other.  We worked many product liability defense cases and trials in every southeast state.  Her confidence in my abilities was just what I needed to excel.  In 2010 I moved to our Nashville office and now also work with attorneys who have confidence in my abilities as a paralegal. 

8. Who would play you in a movie of your life?  Meryl Streep because she can humorously  put people in their place.

9. What electronic device can you not live without?  I’d like to try to live without them all.

10. From American history, who is your hero?  Ronald Reagan – he had the courage to stand up to the opposition and turn our country around at a time we desperately needed it.  Sort of like we do now.  I keep praying for another Ronald Reagan.  He made us proud to be Americans again.

11. What’s your favorite vacation getaway?  Southern Italy

12. If you could not be a paralegal, what would be your dream job?  Independently wealthy!

13. What makes you lose your patience?  People who do just enough to get by.

Bonus Question: Is there one thing in the world you wish you had the answer to?  Cure for Alzheimers.

Friday, March 1, 2013

So many passwords...so little time!

Everything seems to require a password! 

In the latest episode of Biz Buddies for Virtual Professionals, Tina Hilton of http://clericaladvantage.com and I discuss the importance of strong passwords, as well as tips for managing and protecting that lengthy lists of passwords for both you and your clients.

Discussion included: 
  • The importance of strong passwords;
  • How to create strong passwords;
  • How to manage and protect client passwords;
  • How to track of all of those passwords!
Be sure to listen to this episode. It’s easy…and it’s free! Just click on the following links:
Please share the links to this episode of Biz Buddies for Virtual Professionals 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 bizbuddies@vasurvivalschool.com.
Also, be sure you never miss a podcast by subscribing to Biz Buddies 4 Virtual Professionals on iTunes!