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...
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...
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...
The term is more than just a label; it reflects outdated hierarchies and is a barrier to a more inclusive and collaborative legal environment.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,...
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...
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...
by Veronica Paulino Are you feeling like an underpaid paralegal? As paralegals, it’s our job to provide support to attorneys and clients, dedicating countless hours to research, investigation, drafting, and client engagement. You serve as the point of contact when the attorney is not available. You also put in just as much dedication and effort into every case as the attorney. How often have...
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...
