Podcast Episode | Legal Reboot: Reinventing Law Firms for the Modern Attorney

Lawfully Employed with Host Chere Estrin   Guest: Chris Wilson & Lynda Stevens Episode Description In this conversation, Chere Estrin, Chris Wilson, and Lynda Stevens discuss the innovative approach of Fenimore Forward, a new model for law firms that emphasizes remote work and support for attorneys. They explore the differences in management, compensation structures, and the entrepreneurial...

Time to Seek an Alternative Career?

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,...

Mastering Persuasive Corporate Storytelling Emails: A Guide to Getting What You Want, When You Want It

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...

Small Talk: The Tiny Art That Makes Big Waves in Your Career

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...

Breaking Barriers and Changing the Paralegal Field

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...

How the Green-Eyed Monster in the Corner Office is Stepping All Over Your Recruiting Efforts

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...

Five Superstars Changing the Paralegal Field

  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...

Why You Absolutely Must Attend the IPMA Annual Conference and Expo. (October 23-25, 2024, Aurora, CO)

By Chere B. Estrin For the past few years, I haven’t been much on going to conferences, which is strange because my partner and I used to hold the Paralegal SuperConferences all over the country until the Great Recession (which is another story for another day).  First, there was COVID, and then there was Zoom – (who wants to do all that travel when you can watch the conference and eat...

The Job Hopper Dilemma: Can You Bounce Around and Still Land the Perfect Position?

By Chere B. Estrin There's nothing quite like the immediate deflation a hiring manager feels when they spot a resume littered with job hops. That knee-jerk reaction is often something like, “Wait, if you were only there for nine months, maybe you’ll only be here for nine months.” Cue the red flags. It’s true—changing jobs too frequently is right up there with skill mismatches for...

Brew Ha-Ha: How a Cup of Joe Became a Close Encounter with a Canine Catastrophe

By Chere B. Estrin As I strolled towards the cafe, I couldn't shake the feeling of excitement. Finally, I was about to meet Joseph, one of my elusive students, from Boston U's Paralegal Program. Despite the geographical gymnastics, he was now gracing my city with his presence. Our meeting promised to be a symphony of caffeine and career aspirations, with a sprinkle of wisdom on top. Little did I...