Do you want to stay competitive?
By Chere Estrin
Let’s be honest: if your state doesn’t require CLE, most people won’t touch it with a ten-foot pole. But that’s like saying you won’t go to the dentist until your tooth falls out. CLE (Continuing Legal Education) isn’t just about credits—it’s about staying sharp, staying marketable, and staying employed. And for those of us in California (yes, paralegals are required to take CLE here), there’s no excuse.
But even if you’re in a state that doesn’t mandate CLE, the bigger question is: Do you want to stay competitive?
Now, I’ve heard the usual excuses: “My firm won’t pay for CLE, so I can’t take it.” Oh, please. If you can afford Starbucks, you can afford CLE. Give up your Grande sugar bomb and invest in your future.
Because here’s the truth: Law firms are no longer paying based on how long you’ve been around. They’re paying for what you can do. Not what your resume says. Not how loyal you’ve been. Not whether you’ve got 10 years under your belt. If you’re still summarizing depos and slapping on Bates labels like it’s 2002, you’re not getting the big bucks. And you won’t be.
Let’s talk real-world strategy. Firms are buried in work and can’t afford to train you. They want professionals who hit the ground running, lead others, and bring solutions. They’re looking for initiative and that starts with leveling up your skills.
Enter: CLE. Four powerhouse courses from the Organization of Legal Professionals (OLP) that could change the trajectory of your career.
These aren’t boring, dial-it-in webinars. These are high-impact, interactive training from theOLP.org, a trusted leader in virtual legal education. You get direct access to instructors and a members-only site for continued learning and support. These courses are designed to build sophisticated skill sets that help you rise fast.
1. Making the Most of TrialDirector 360
September 9, 11, 16, 2025 — 3 hours CA CLE — $198 (OLP members) | Only $178 for OLP members
TrialDirector 360 is the courtroom’s secret weapon and this course shows you how to use it like a pro. Learn to build databases, annotate exhibits, sync video transcripts, and create dynamic presentations. Want to be the one in the “hot seat” at trial? You’ll need this.
Who hires? AmLaw firms, boutique litigation shops, trial consultants, in-house legal departments, government agencies.
Positions: Litigation Support Analyst, Trial Paralegal, Presentation Specialist, “Hot Seat” Tech, E-trial Consultant
Salaries:
- Los Angeles: $95K–$130K+
- New York: $105K–$145K
- San Francisco: $105K–$150K
- Chicago: $90K–$125K
- Atlanta & Miami: $85K–$110K
2. Digital Photo Workshop for Legal Applications
August 28, September 2 & 4, 2025 — 3 sessions — Free 3D glasses included! $198 | Only $178 for OLP members
This hands-on course teaches you how to use your phone or camera to create courtroom-ready visuals that persuade juries, win cases, and impress the higher-ups. Learn to create demonstratives, product shots, evidence composites, and even 3D visuals that make expert testimony shine.
Who benefits? Paralegals, trial attorneys, forensics consultants, litigation support professionals especially in forensics, IP litigation, product liability, and insurance defense.
Salaries by Practice Area:
Forensics & Digital Evidence
- Attorneys
- NYC & SF: $200K–$275K+
- Chicago & LA: $180K–$250K
- Atlanta & Miami: $160K–$225K
- Paralegals/Analysts
- NYC & SF: $95K–$125K
- Chicago & LA: $85K–$110K
- Atlanta & Miami: $75K–$95K
IP Litigation (Patent, Trademark, Copyright)
- Attorneys
- NYC & SF: $225K–$325K+
- Chicago & LA: $200K–$275K
- Atlanta & Miami: $175K–$225K
- Paralegals
- NYC & SF: $100K–$135K
- Chicago & LA: $90K–$120K
- Atlanta & Miami: $80K–$105K
Product Liability
- Attorneys
- NYC & SF: $190K–$260K
- Chicago & LA: $175K–$240K
- Atlanta & Miami: $150K–$210K
- Paralegals
- NYC & SF: $90K–$120K
- Chicago & LA: $85K–$110K
- Atlanta & Miami: $75K–$95K
Insurance Defense
- Attorneys
- NYC & SF: $160K–$210K
- Chicago & LA: $145K–$190K
- Atlanta & Miami: $135K–$175K
- Paralegals
- NYC & SF: $80K–$105K
- Chicago & LA: $75K–$95K
- Atlanta & Miami: $70K–$85K
The takeaway: If you’re handling visuals in these practice areas, your skills can directly impact compensation and career growth.
3. Artificial Intelligence in Legal Practice
August 19 & 21, 2025 — 2 hours CA CLE $139 | Only $119 for OLP members
AI isn’t coming for your job. It’s already here. If you don’t know how to use it, that’s when you’re replaceable. This course teaches how AI is being used across the legal landscape from conceptual search tools to metadata, to AI already embedded in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
What attorneys and legal professionals need:
Strategic thinkers who can leverage AI for litigation strategy, contract analysis, legal ops, knowledge management, due diligence, and beyond.
Salaries for AI-empowered roles:
- Attorneys:
- NYC & SF: $200K–$250K+
- Chicago & LA: $180K–$225K
- Atlanta & Miami: $160K–$210K
- AI Legal Analysts/Paralegals:
- NYC & SF: $100K–$135K
- Chicago & LA: $90K–$120K
- Atlanta & Miami: $80K–$105K
Avoid being replaced. Learn how to use AI to increase your value: not decrease your job security.
4. Addressing Conflict in Legal Representation
August 12 & 14, 2025 — 2 sessions — Ethics-focused CA CLE $139 | Only $119 for OLP members
Conflicts of interest can derail cases, fracture client trust, and trigger ethical nightmares. This course teaches how to spot, manage, and resolve conflicts at any stage—from intake to mid-case discovery.
Who should attend? Attorneys, paralegals, docketing managers, litigation support, risk & compliance teams
Positions: Conflicts Analyst, Risk Manager, Ethics Counsel, Intake Paralegal, New Business
Salaries:
- Conflicts Attorneys: $165K–$220K
- Conflicts Paralegals/Analysts: $90K–$125K in major markets
Want to lead a culture of compliance? Start here.
How Do You Let the Firm Know You’re the Expert Now?
You PR yourself. Don’t wait for someone to notice. Use this simple, powerful email:
“Hi [Partner’s Name], I just took a fantastic course from OLP on TrialDirector 360. I see you have a trial coming up on October 13th. I’d love to assist in that endeavor. Can we talk on Tuesday or would Wednesday be better for you?”
Give them options—not a yes/no question. A yes/no question usually gets a no. A confident, proactive ask? That gets a meeting.
Final Word? Education is Your Responsibility – Not Your Firm’s.
Law schools and paralegal programs don’t teach what you really need on the job: how to prep trial exhibits in TD360, handle AI-enhanced databases, build patent visuals, or conduct high-stakes conflict checks. That’s on you.
Firms are watching. They want team players who can lead, train, solve problems, and stay ahead of change. Seniority doesn’t pay anymore. Sophistication does.
So, what’s your move?
You can wait around and hope someone notices you…
Or you can invest a few hours and become too valuable to ignore.
See you in class.
—Chere Estrin, CEO, Estrin Legal Staffing | Founder, OLP | Creator, The Estrin Report
OLP Members save big. Join at www.theolp.org