Paralegal Buys Law Practice from Elderly Lawyer for $20.00

This goes right up there in the "Hall of Shame" red file.  According to the ABA Journal (quoting from the Orange County Register in Orange County, CA), a paralegal "bought" a law practice valued at $750,000 from an elderly, 84-year-old lawyer for $20.00. The lawyer, suffering from dementia, sold his practice to 42 year-old Mario David Abernathy of Garden Grove,...

Paralegal Salaries Slashed by 20% at Prestigious Firm

Above the Law, the gossip blogloid (that previously has pretty much scoffed, jeered and laughed at paralegals) printed a sobering story today.  Apparently, the law firm of Allen Matkins, known for its quality reputation in real estate law, rounded up its paralegals in three offices and presented them with a 20% pay cut.  In previous years, Allen Matkins was known for paying its...

Paralegal Arrested for Robbing Peter to Pay Paul

 A former paralegal has been arrested for allegedly stealing from one firm to pay another.  The paralegal allegedly stole over $100,000 from the Norristown, PA firm of High Schwartz to repay $285,000 to a New York firm. According to the Legal Intelligencer, the paralegal was found guilty for stealing from that firm, she  was ordered by the court to...

In Pursuit of Freedom: The Peter Kirchikov Story

We have never given just bits and pieces in this blog nor teased you with a story in KNOW.  However, I wanted to share with you a bit of the upcoming issue.  Occasionally, we run across stories that move your heart and open your eyes. There are plenty of stories of paralegals who have had arduous experiences and the Peter Kirchikov story is no...

Associate Job Losses May Mean Paralegal Job Gains

  This is the second time this week I read an article about paralegals gaining jobs in this miserable economy.  OK, it's not miserable for absolutely everyone.  But if you're watching Katie or Brian on the BigNews channels, you'll have to agree that most of the U.S. is running pretty lean and mean. Law360 reported yesterday that while associates are fighting to keep...

Virtual Paralegal Jobs: This One Pays Up to $100k

I must be in the wrong business.  Today, I spotted an ad for a "Partial Telecommute Paralegal" who can work from home.  The paralegal must be experienced in litigation, contracts, tort and workers compensation.  The salary?  $35,000 - $100,000 per year for a full-time position. Let me get this straight.  I can wake up in the morning, watch a little Good...

Do Something Good During These Tough Times and Pay It Forward

By Loni MorganelliAmerican Paralegal in LondonWhile the loss of a job can leave us feeling down and out, volunteer work in the legal industry can offer us a bit of positive relief.  One of the most well-known pro bono volunteer organizations in the world is Reprieve.  Founded in the UK, Reprieve also offers volunteer opportunities in the U.S. out of New Orleans.  Reprieve uses...