Read more from The Estrin Report

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...

Design Heavy Resumes Can Compromise Content Quality

Posted by Tami Riggs The challenge with any resume is to communicate applicant value so that it resonates in the best way possible. Presentation, content, and readability are critical. A resume should illustrate what a candidate has done, what a candidate has achieved, and how these accomplishments can support the position advertised. Resumes ARE marketing documents, and they need to be...

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...

Traveling the Road of Death and Taxes as a Probate Paralegal

By Tina M. Johnson The days, weeks, months and years have passed for this probate and tax paralegal who has over 24 years of experience helping clients craft sophisticated legacy plans and assist with death and taxes as part of administering an Estate and/or Trust. Dealing with death and taxes is often a heavy burden for countless clients. Follow me on a trip down memory lane… and learn why...

Negotiating Change

 I'm sure you're familiar with the Benjamin Franklin quote: “…in this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” However, there's another certainty we all must eventually face: “change”. Change means "to make (someone or something) different; or to replace (something) with something else, especially something of the same kind that is newer or better; substitute...

IPLegalEd – The IP Paralegal Certificate Program: Don’t pass this up!

Interview with Adam Bell, Esq., Founder 1.    Tell me about the course, how it got started and what it entails.  I started IPlegalED back in 2002 and we have now trained thousands of paralegals in hundreds of firms, corporations and government departments. More than any other comprehensive training program, I believe. It all started when I was working as a patent attorney at a...

Breaking The Chains Of Hierarchy: Why ‘Nonlawyer’ Must Go

The term is more than just a label; it reflects outdated hierarchies and is a barrier to a more inclusive and collaborative legal environment. Originally Published by ABOVE THE LAW by Olga V. Mack  on June 24, 2024 at 2:48 PM In the ever-evolving landscape of the legal profession, certain terminologies and labels can shape perceptions and the dynamics within legal teams. One such term,...

Back in Wall Street Journal Again!

One Way Not to Get the Job: Interview From Your Bed If These Résumés Could Talk is a Wall Street Journal feature in which recruiters and headhunters share their wildest and most interesting stories. Previous installments of the series are here. By Francesca Fontana June 6, 2024 at 9:00 pm ET This article includes 4 outrageous Interview fails - including one from our own, Chere Estrin...

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...

Non-Lawyer? More Like Non-Starter: Why Using the Term Is a Jab at Equality and Dignity”

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...