Will You Survive? How Trump’s Upheaval is Reshaping Your Legal Career By Chere B. Estrin I had the honor of delivering the keynote address for the Illinois Paralegal Association conference. Initially, we envisioned a lighthearted discussion on emerging job trends in the legal field where opportunities were growing and how professionals could position themselves for success. However, in just a...
AI in Resumes: A Miracle Drug but Use with Caution By Chere Estrin Using AI to assist with resume writing isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it can be incredibly helpful, like a miracle drug for structuring your experience and highlighting key skills. The problem arises when you don’t tone it down, make it realistic, and put your own imprint on it. AI has a habit...
The Charley Lesson: When Experience Speaks Louder Than Age Charley had spent his career commanding authority, making critical decisions, and leading with confidence. His experience had shaped his reputation as a leader. But after retirement, he found himself in an unexpected position—working as a greeter at Walmart. He didn’t need the job, but he enjoyed the sense of purpose and interaction...
Networking demands skill, talent and a knack for risk taking. By Chere B. Estrin Networking. How many times have we heard it? It’s like saying, “bless you” when you sneeze. It has, in a sense, lost its real meaning.
No matter how you tweet, link, tik, insta or face, networking is a requirement these days if you want to avoid career suicide. With all this online socializing, however, your...
The Legal Profession Can Be a Journey to Bigger and Better Opportunities By Chere B. Estrin It’s that time of year. You’ve received your raise and politely waited a month or so after collecting your bonus. You’ve appeared grateful and appreciative (all the while thinking, you’re giving me this after all the work I’ve done?). Now, you’ve started circling Indeed and LinkedIn,...
When it comes to achieving your goals in the sometimes brutal law firm world—negotiating a raise, onboarding a client, or winning that elusive lunch meeting—persuasive storytelling emails are a tool you can’t afford to ignore. This skill becomes even more critical when working in a law firm where sharp minds meet high stakes. Let’s unpack how you can craft compelling emails that tell a...
Ah, small talk. That delightful social ritual where you skillfully navigate through the weather, weekend plans, or the universally beloved “How’s your day going?” It's like conversational popcorn—light, seemingly inconsequential, but sneakily satisfying. Yet, beneath its humble exterior lies a secret superpower: small talk can transform your career faster than you can say, “So, how...
There are stars in the field, and then again, there are SuperStars. Huascar Matos belongs in the SuperStar category, without a doubt. As one of the very few Paralegal Directors in an executive position in an AmLaw firm, Huascar is also the President of IPMA, the International Practice Management Association, a high-profile association for Practice and Paralegal Managers. Here is gives some sage...
Toxic interviews from your employees must stop now By Chere B. Estrin There are times when law firms create hiring suicides. Yes, hiring suicides. This should be a new term coined for a situation that has existed forever. A few months ago, we received a job search for an experienced IP Paralegal from an AmLaw firm we have worked with and enjoyed for years. The candidate we sent was far beyond...
There are stars, and there are SuperStars. I have come across thousands of paralegals in my career. So many stand out! However, five paralegals (among many) recently stood out for their excellent contributions to the paralegal world. Take a look at their incredible achievements! About the Author Chere Estrin has over 20 years of experience in the staffing arena, including executive...
