The Paralegal Voice: How to Revitalize Your Career



Are you bored with your job? Are you questioning your choice to work as a paralegal? Are you considering changing positions or leaving the profession altogether? You may be experiencing burnout!

What should you do? Instead of taking drastic actions, you should first explore ways to revitalize your paralegal career. In this episode of The Paralegal Voice, I spoke with Patti Infanti, managing editor of Paralegal Today Magazine, about the many different steps a paralegal can take to build confidence, increase experience, and simply enjoy his/her job more.

To learn more about how you can vitalize your career follow this link to Legal Talk Network to access this free resource: http://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/paralegal-voice/2014/12/revitalize-paralegal-career/

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.

The Paralegal Voice: Paralegal Hiring Trends

On this episode of The Paralegal Voice Charles Volkert, executive director of Robert Half Legal, joins host Vicki Voisin to discuss the future of the paralegal profession, how it’s changing, and specific steps you can take to land your dream job.

Charles Volkert is executive director for Robert Half Legal and co-managing director of Robert Half Legal eDiscovery Services.

Robert Half Legal is the premier provider of highly skilled legal professionals for law firms and corporate legal departments; it also offers legal project management and managed review services. Volkert is a noted author, speaker, and former litigator.

Volkert provides valuable advice on how to get noticed in the field, including the importance of a proactive mindset and the need to be flexible. Talking points for this episode include:

• The current employment environment;
• The most in demand practice areas;
• The new “hybrid” paralegal;
• The most important criteria for hiring paralegals;
• What employers are looking for in terms of technical proficiency and soft skills;
• The importance of the right mindset;
• What employers are looking for in terms of education and training;
• Current salary trends;
• And more!

Be sure to listen to this episode. It’s easy…and it’s free! Just click on the following links:

Page URL:    http://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/paralegal-voice/2013/05/paralegal-hiring-trends/

MP3 Link:    http://legaltalkmedia.com/LTN/PLV/Paralegal_Hiring_Trends.mp3

The Paralegal Voice also thanks its sponsor: 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 Vicki at Vicki@paralegalmentor.com

Also, be 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/.

The Paralegal Voice To Give Away 2 Tickets to the Season Finale of Dancing With The Stars

The Paralegal Voice, a podcast hosted by Vicki Voisin on Legal Talk Network, will be giving away two tickets to the 2013 spring season finale of Dancing With The Stars.

Through the Paralegal Voice podcast, Vicki Voisin highlights the latest trends and issues that paralegals, legal administrators, and legal assistants face. She is one of the best known paralegals and is a leading voice in the paralegal community with over 20 years of experience as The Paralegal Mentor.
 

The giveaway winner will be announced the week of April 22nd, and will receive two free tickets to the season finale of Dancing With The Stars in addition to airfare to Los Angeles and hotel accommodations in the Los Angeles area. Only residents of the continental United States that are 18 years and older are eligible to participate.

Season 16, which kicked off on March 18th, features a cast including Olympians Alexandra Raisman (gymnastics) and Dorothy Hamill (figure skating), comedians Andy Dick and D.L. Hughley, country star Wynona Judd, Jacoby Jones of the Baltimore Ravens, and more.

To enter, participants must subscribe to the Legal Talk Network Newsletter with the Paralegal Voice selected as a show preference. The winner will be selected randomly from the participants.

Dancing With The Stars is a television competition that pits various celebrities and their dancing partners against each other as America votes each week to determine elimination. The season finale caps off the competition by deciding the winning celebrity dancer.

About Legal Talk Network: Legal Talk Network is an online media network for legal professionals. Our podcasts highlight important issues 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. Listeners make connections with colleagues in a B2B environment, helping everyone meet the challenges of a changing legal world.

Paralegal Career Opportunities in Litigation Support

On The Paralegal Voice co-hostVicki Voisin welcome’s guests Ann L. Atkinson, ACP, NALAPresident, Michael Potters,CEO/Managing Partner of Glenmont Group, Inc.and Patrick Oot, co-founder of the Electronic Discovery Institute for a lively discussion about career opportunities for paralegals in the area of litigation support, particularly eDiscovery and technology.

There was a lot of important information shared during this episode, including:

• The growing need for paralegals with advanced technology skills;
• The technology skills employers are looking for;
• How paralegals can acquire those skills;
• How NALA provides technology information and training;
• Paralegal employment opportunities in corporations and law firms;
• How paralegals who do not want to leave their current employment can advance their technology skills;
• Websites and resources for learning more about technology.
• The Number One site that recruiters and employers turn to when seeking new employees.
• And more!

Be sure to listen to this episode. It’s easy…and it’s free! Just click on the following links:

Page URL:  http://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/paralegal-voice/2012/10/paralegal-career-opportunities-in-litigation-support/

MP3 Link: http://legaltalkmedia.com/LTN/PLV/PLV_102312_LitSupport.mp3 

The Paralegal Voice also thanks its sponsors: 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, be 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/.

Is it a "Pink Collar Profession"? The Male Paralegal's Perspective

 

Is the paralegal profession a woman’s world?

Is the number of male paralegals on the rise in this female-dominated profession?

On this month’s episode of The Paralegal Voice, Lynne DeVenny and I welcome two male paralegals -- one with extensive experience and the other newer to the profession -- to get the male perspective and their interesting insight on male paralegals in the profession today.

Carl H. Morrison II, PP, AACP is a Senior Certified Paralegal with Rhodes, Hieronymus, Jones, Tucker & Gable, in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he specializes in insurance defense, medical products, medical malpractice, vaccine litigation, asbestos litigation, products liability and dram shop liability.  He has a degree in Biological Sciences (Pre-Med) and is a NALS Certified Professional Paralegal (PP), as well as an American Alliance Certified Paralegal (AACP).

Zachary W. Brewer, CP is a paralegal with Hall Estill, one of the larger firms in Oklahoma. He specializes in medical malpractice and has expanded into other areas, including banking, transactional, divorce and nursing home litigation. Zach has an interesting educational background with an AA in History from Tulsa Community College (TCC) and a BA in History from the University of Tulsa. He received his teaching certification in secondary education from Northeastern State University and he graduated from the paralegal studies program at TCC. He also earned his Certified Paralegal credential from NALA.

Carl and Zach discussed:

• What they do in their paralegal jobs.
• What drew them to the paralegal profession.
• Is there an increase in men enrolling in paralegal programs?
• How they found their first jobs.
• Does a “glass elevator” exist, allowing male paralegals to advance faster than females
• Challenges male paralegals face.
• Their advice for men considering the paralegal profession.

For information on how to contact Carl and Zach, and for Vicki & Lynne’s monthly practice tip and social media tip, be sure to listen to this episode. It’s easy…and it’s free! Just click on the following links:

Page URL: http://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/paralegal-voice/2012/05/the-best-paralegal-law-technology-trends/

MP3 Link: http://legaltalkmedia.com/LTN/PLV/PLV_052912_NewTech.mp3

The Paralegal Voice also thanks its sponsor: 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, be 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/.

Paralegal Voice Podcast: Best Paralegal Law Technology Trends

The latest edition of The Paralegal Voice, “The Best Paralegal Law Technology Trends” co-hosted by Lynne DeVenny and me, is now available at Legal Talk Network.

This month’s guest expert, Jared D. Correia, Esq., the Senior Practice Advisor for Massachusetts’ Law Office Management Assistance Program (MASSLOMAP), shares his thoughts on everything from law practice management software, to cloud-based solutions and document management, to remote access and the benefits of social media.

A big fan of legal support staffers, he explains why they are a key part of the legal team. This podcast is a must-listen for both paralegals and attorneys!

Also in this episode:

• Why Jared loves paralegals
• The pros and cons of working as a paralegal
• How paralegals can be more effectively utilized in law firms
• The benefits of using law practice management software
• Different types of law practice management software
• Security issues with cloud-based applications
• Creating strong passwords and encryption applications
• Remote access opportunities for legal staffers
• The paralegal’s role in law firm technology
• How paralegals can use social media to help market their employers
• How to figure out the ROI (return on investment) with social media usage
• Vicki’s practice tip and Lynne’s social media/technology tip

Page URL:  http://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/paralegal-voice/2012/05/the-best-paralegal-law-technology-trends/

MP3 Link: http://legaltalkmedia.com/LTN/PLV/PLV_052912_NewTech.mp3

Internet resources and links mentioned during the podcast (in order of reference):

• Needles, http://www.needles.com/
• Abacus Law, http://www.abacuslaw.com/
• Abacus Sky, http://www.abacuslaw.com/products/abacus-sky.html
• Credenza (free to solo attorneys), http://www.credenzasoft.com/
• Clio, http://www.goclio.com/
• How Secure Is My Password?, http://howsecureismypassword.net/
• Boxcryptor, http://www.boxcryptor.com/
• Cloudfogger, https://www.cloudfogger.com/en/
• LogMeIn, https://www.cloudfogger.com/en/
• GoToMyPC, http://www.gotomypc.com/remote_access/remote_access
• Dropbox, https://www.dropbox.com/
• SugarSync, https://www.sugarsync.com/
• Evernote, http://evernote.com/
• Twitter, https://twitter.com/
• Facebook, www.facebook.com
• LinkedIn, www.linkedin.com
• Google Analytics, www.google.com/analytics
• Pinterest, pinterest.com
• @jaredcorreia, Jared Correia on Twitter
• @ExpertParalegal, Lynne DeVenny on Twitter
• @VickiVoisin, Vicki Voisin on Twitter
• The Professional Paralegal: A Guide to Finding a Job and Career Success (Prentice Hall, 2012)
• Workers’ Compensation Practice for Paralegals (Carolina Academic Press, 2008)

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

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 TPV@gmail.com.

Also, be 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/.

Paralegal Hiring Strategies

Are you ready to search for a paralegal job? On The Paralegal Voice Kim Wierzel, Esq., a reformed litigator and Placement Director with Special Counsel, joins co-hosts Lynne DeVenny and me to talk about everything you need to know regarding the paralegal job market.

Their discussion includes current paralegal hiring trends, educational and certification requirements, tips for paralegals just entering the job market [insert comma] and the top three areas paralegal job seekers most need to improve to be more marketable.

Kim also addresses a current “hot button” issue for the paralegal profession, i.e. whether employers are seeking inexperienced new attorneys instead of experienced paralegals
Also in this episode:

•  The most in-demand specialty areas for legal support staffers
•  The most in-demand computer and software proficiencies
•  The amount of experience typical legal employers require
•  Requirements for education and certification
•  Tips for paralegals just entering the job market
•  Traits of successful paralegal job applicants
•  How social media is used in the placement process
•  Tips for maintaining your LinkedIn profile

Page URL: http://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/paralegal-voice/2012/03/paralegal-hiring/

MP3 Link: http://legaltalkmedia.com/LTN/PLV/PLV_032012_Hiring.mp3

Internet resources and links mentioned during the podcast:

Special Counsel, http://specialcounsel.com,  

The 6Ps of the BIG 3 for Job-Seeking JDs: 60+ Ways to Get Hired Using Social Networking by Amanda C. Ellis http://www.amazon.com/The-6Ps-BIG-Job-Seeking-JDs/dp/0578053039/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332796614&sr=1-

Amanda Ellis on Twitter:  @AELLISLEGA 

Special Counsel on Twitter:  @PGHLAW.JOBS 

Guest post by Kim Wierzel: http://www.practicalparalegalism.com/2012/02/interviewing-tips-for-paralegal.html

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

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/.

Paralegal Resumes 101: How to Stand Out from the Competition

Is your resume up to par? Will it rise to the top in a stack of other paralegals’ applications?

Be sure to listen to the latest edition of The Paralegal Voice, “Paralegal Resumes 101: How to Stand Out from the Competition,” where Lynne DeVenny and I present a 101 course about paralegal resumes.

We share our own experiences preparing and reviewing resumes, offer suggestions for handling the “no experience” issue for newcomers to the field, discuss the recommended formats for paralegal resumes, and provide tips to distinguish yourself from the pack of competitors for every job.

Also in this episode:

1. Golden Rules for resumes
2. The hosts’ resume pet peeves
3. Resume resources
4. LinkedIn tips
5. Vicki’s practice tip and Lynne’s social media tip

Page URL: http://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/paralegal-voice/2011/09/paralegal-resume-101-how-to-stand-out-from-the-competition/

MP3 Link: http://legaltalkmedia.com/LTN/PLV/PLV_092011_Resume.mp3

Internet resources and links mentioned during the podcast:

LinkedIn, http://www.linkedin.com/

Job Search Blueprint (The Paralegal Mentor), http://paralegalmentor.com/job-search-blueprint/

Introduction to and Expectations for Resumes (Purdue Online Writing Lab), http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/564/01/

The Paralegal Voice is produced by Legal Talk Network and sponsored by 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/.

The Paralegal Voice: What Paralegals Need to Know about "The Cloud"

The latest edition of The Paralegal Voice, What Paralegals Need to Know about “The Cloud," co-hosted by Lynne DeVenny and me, is now available at Legal Talk Network.

In this episode, we welcome Tom Mighell, legal technology expert and senior consultant with Contoural, Inc., author of the new book, iPad in One Hour for Lawyers, and Chair-Elect of the ABA Law Practice Management Section, to discuss what every paralegal needs to know about “The Cloud.”

Tom talks about how cloud-based services can improve the efficiency of a law practice, what paralegals should consider when evaluating cloud-based services for their firms, and how legal staffers can use the iPad to assist lawyers.

Also in this episode:

● The definition of “The Cloud” and Cloud-based storage, including Dropbox

● Cloud-based non-legal and legal services

● Tom’s favorite business and legal iPad apps

● Vicki and Lynne share practice and social media tips.

Page URL: http://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/paralegal-voice/2011/06/what-paralegals-need-to-know-about-the-cloud/

MP3 Link: http://legaltalkmedia.com/LTN/PLV/PLV_062811_Cloud.mp3

Internet resources included in this episode:

• Tom’s iPad4Lawyers blog, http://ipad4lawyers.squarespace.com/
• Tom’s inter alia blog, http://www.inter-alia.net/
• Tom’s new book, iPad in One Hour for Lawyers, http://apps.americanbar.org/abastore/index.cfm?section=main&fm=Product.AddToCart&pid=5110719
• Stephanie Kimbro’s Virtual Law Practice blog, http://virtuallawpractice.org/
• Clio, http://www.goclio.com/
• Rocket Matter, http://www.rocketmatter.com/
• Dropbox, http://www.dropbox.com/
• ABA TECHSHOW 2011 PowerPoint Presentations, http://www2.americanbar.org/calendar/TECHSHOW/Pages/powerpoint_presentations.aspx
• VistaPrint (for inexpensive business cards), http://www.vistaprint.com/
• Google alerts, http://www.google.com/alerts
• Google Me on the Web (on your Google dashboard), http://www.google.com/support/accounts/bin/answer.py?answer=1181793

Business and Legal iPad apps recommended by Tom:

• Goodreader
• iAnnotate PDF
• The Deponent App
• iJuror
• TrialPad
• Note Taker HD
• Documents to Go

The Paralegal Voice also thanks its sponsor: 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/.