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...
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...
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...
By Chere B. Estrin Legal Apartheid: The Poisonous Impact of the 'Non-Lawyer' Label on Professional Equality There is a petition going around to strike the term "non-lawyer" from use by the ABA. I can't help but stick my two cents in: "The use of the term "non-lawyer" creates an artificial hierarchy within the legal profession. It implicitly suggests that only licensed attorneys hold value or...
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...
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 ceiling, gain a powerful career, and expand their expertise. Views...
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...
