By Chere B. Estrin I had lunch last week with a friend who is the Director of Administration at a top, major law firm. The firm had been seeking a litigation paralegal for months. When I first received their search, the hiring requirements included 5-10 years of litigation paralegal experience, actual trial experience, ability to handle legal research, drafting and a whole host of other...
Well, well, well, they said what about your performance? Surprise, surprise, it's performance review time! You strut in there like you own the place, expecting a standing ovation, a raise that could buy a small country, and maybe even a golden trophy labeled "Employee of the Millennium."
But hold the confetti! Instead of the anticipated praise, you get hit with a review suggesting your...
By Chere B. Estrin At the ungodly hour of 3:30 a.m., I am jolted awake to pitch-black darkness. Panicking, I fumbled around, desperately trying to figure out why my world had turned into a sightless abyss. No lights, no window, no door, no lights in the backyard, just me, groping for my phone like a blindfolded contestant on a reality show. I get it in my hand but I can’t see it. Put it right...
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2OKgZFmrTNFwNAnLUrVg5I?si=S5lBuGFxTkaBc6DcZVRt9Q
The Lawfully Employed Podcast with Host Chere Estrin Episode Description: Special Guest: Joe Spada, Boston University Paralegal Certificate Program Lawfully Employed is a Podcast hosted by Chere Estrin. This podcast is for rebels and disruptors in the legal profession that are searching to shatter the glass...
By Chere B. Estrin When contemplating the idea of leaving your current job, it's essential to meticulously weigh your timing, as it can be just as crucial as the reasons behind your departure. The current job market is robust, affording you the luxury of not having to tolerate an unhealthy firm culture or subpar leadership. Instead, you can explore a plethora of enticing opportunities that offer...
Let’s get some definition here. What is a performance review? “A performance review is a two-way, individualized conversation between a manager and an employee about performance impact, development, and growth. It is a critical component of an organization’s overall performance management strategy.” Reality check: Rarely, does the “two-way conversation” happen. If the mention of...
10 Red Hot Flags Not to Take that JobBy Chere B. Estrin I once took a job in an AmLaw (top firms in the country) firm. Boy, was I excited! A big bump in salary; great title; opportunity to grow; the works. And then – I knew within 3 days that I had made a huge mistake. Huge. There was no question - this was going to be a “crying in the shower every morning” adventure. I had been recruited...
. Know now – before they start By Chere B. Estrin "…..a worker that engages in behavior that is harmful to an organization, including either its property or people."
Definition from a 2015 research study by Michael Housman and Dylan Minor at the Harvard Business School. You’ve certainly done it at least once – hired the Toxic Employee. You were sure they were “Ms. or Mr. Best Candidate...
The 10 Hottest Job Market Questions By Chere B. Estrin Whether you are looking for a new position, seeking to move up the ladder or just staying where you are, knowledge of the job market is imperative in this ever-changing, moving target, candidate tight market. Here are the top 9 concerns, questions, and hottest topics for today’s job market The Goldman Sachs white paper states...
15 years of Racism Destroys 2 High Profile Attorneys
Last week, the LA Times reported on one of the biggest law firm scandals of the year.
“Last month, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, one of the nation’s largest law firms, was rocked by the announcement that two top partners were starting their own boutique practice and taking as many as 140 colleagues with them.
The shock inside...
