tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.comments2021-10-02T06:56:27.421-05:00ParalegaleseParaMelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08519414199965242231noreply@blogger.comBlogger191125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-25176820736789153142012-11-05T16:18:22.960-06:002012-11-05T16:18:22.960-06:00The exception to the rule lies within the unauthor...The exception to the rule lies within the unauthorized practice of law statute wherein anyone (paralegals included) in a business office (law firms included)can represent the firm/company in conciliation court. Its considered the office manager exception by some--here in MN anyway. Typically these are collection-type matters or smaller monetary requests from plaintiff. Here in MN, anything over $7,500.00 must be in district court and then the attorney would need to take over. Minn. Stat. 481.02 Subd.3(12), in case anyone is interested.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-61456901064990243582012-09-26T17:38:09.094-05:002012-09-26T17:38:09.094-05:00Good way of looking at it. It is a win-win, and I...Good way of looking at it. It is a win-win, and I just wish more attorneys saw it that way. It's actually a win-win-win, for the paralegal, the attorney, and the client, because of the lower billable rate of the paralegal. Jan Hillhttp://www.raisedwrite.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-9528578988890837702012-09-11T07:18:45.072-05:002012-09-11T07:18:45.072-05:00Valuable information you got here! I would like to...Valuable information you got here! I would like to thank you for sharing your thoughts and time into the stuff you post!! Thumbs up<br /><a href="http://www.learnwhatyoulove.com" rel="nofollow">Paralegal Requirements</a>base.mg01https://www.blogger.com/profile/01817904491609414915noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-29030267032507594412012-09-05T04:44:11.632-05:002012-09-05T04:44:11.632-05:00Congrats on your new career! How did you manage to...Congrats on your new career! How did you manage to decide for the big change though? Isn't it scary to get out of your comfort zone and enter something way different from the work you are used to? Paulahttp://www.meditec.com/paralegal-training-course/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-68512236634864308642012-06-28T10:35:56.784-05:002012-06-28T10:35:56.784-05:00Setting aside the guidelines and standards given b...Setting aside the guidelines and standards given by these regulations, what about the paralegal who thoroughly enjoys working additional hours - from home or come into the office on Saturday - and, who is compensated accordingly. Why do we not have a say in this? This is going to cut my ability to be involved, travel, give strategy input, and limit my involvement in working up our cases, long extended trials, and trial work. This is highly upsetting to me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-4652866960086260962012-05-26T22:15:29.846-05:002012-05-26T22:15:29.846-05:00I'm obviously way behind in my blog reading, s...I'm obviously way behind in my blog reading, so belated congrats! I'm so excited to hear the excitement in your [virtual] voice :)The Goodwill Fangirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05845712888337339929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-22100589130592274422012-01-21T19:26:15.016-06:002012-01-21T19:26:15.016-06:00Hi Meli, worst case you can always follow my path ...Hi Meli, worst case you can always follow my path and transition to an attorney position. Not lying tho, sometimes I wish I could go back to leaving work at work after 5 pm. SebastianAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-32196141718514553402012-01-17T12:30:46.109-06:002012-01-17T12:30:46.109-06:00Melissa, I was going to say exactly what A #1 said...Melissa, I was going to say exactly what A #1 said, so much of your job satisfaction will depend on your supervising attorneys and your specialty areas. I do a great deal of substantive, interesting (and civil rights) work every day. I know I make a difference. My firm has also been extremely supportive of my extracurricular paralegal activities (blog, podcast, committee work, CLE presentations) as well. Sometimes it's simply a matter of finding the right legal environment and supervising attorneys for you.<br /><br />I'm so glad you're blogging again!The Goodwill Fangirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05845712888337339929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-73772994414712842402012-01-14T22:58:54.950-06:002012-01-14T22:58:54.950-06:00You may want to start looking into Legal Project M...You may want to start looking into Legal Project Management. More and more firms are developing programs and positions. As an extremely driven paralegal myself, I can relate to how you are feeling, and have found the project management path may be just what I'm looking for.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-17787224345419684232012-01-14T07:23:06.002-06:002012-01-14T07:23:06.002-06:00I think a lot of paralegal satisfaction comes from...I think a lot of paralegal satisfaction comes from the attorneys you work for. I work for three attorneys, two of which allow me handle a certain amount of cases from inception to settlement. I do evaluations, pleadings, discovery, site inspections, client/witness interviews, research, sit in on depositions, and trial prep. Everything after their review and approval, of course. The third attorney I work for only has me collect medical records and prepare summaries, with the occasional tid bit of something more substantial. Personally, I do not feel like I want to be in a management type position. I get a great deal of satisfaction from being so involved in my cases. I like that feeling. I also am very involved in our paralegal association. I am particularly drawn to helping our student members. I run the internship program at our firm and I also run our NALA Certified Paralegal study group to help prepare our members to sit for the exam. I always have a lot going on both at work and outside of work with the association. I guess maybe I don't leave myself enough time to think about anything else! I think the type of opportunities you seek can be found in bigger cities. I feel lucky to have opportunities at the firm I work for here in Knoxville. One of our paralegals is also a teacher at a local paralegal program. Maybe you might consider that as another venue for satisfying your inner goal-getter spirit. Also, consider creating a position for yourself whether you stay at your current firm or promote yourself in the legal community as the paralegal you want to be. Interview with potential employers and tell them that this is the paralegal you are which will probably be better than what they are looking for. I started getting better projects from my attorneys because I asked them. They didn't even know that I could or even wanted to do more substantive work. Sometimes attorneys just don't know what they want until they get it. Good luck in whatever you decide to do!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-65500020230416533032012-01-09T11:30:05.034-06:002012-01-09T11:30:05.034-06:00Congrats on the great grades, and thanks for the g...Congrats on the great grades, and thanks for the great advice. I know you'll do great things and look forward to following your career. <br /><br />30? I'm jealous! :DThe Goodwill Fangirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05845712888337339929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-39827538307026254492012-01-05T22:17:16.302-06:002012-01-05T22:17:16.302-06:00Being a paralegal is much more easier and lesser s...Being a paralegal is much more easier and lesser stress than a lawyer to be true, but the pay would be a definite huge different though :)Chamaimelon Ladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06240570590527688135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-39837420444715388712012-01-05T21:32:14.460-06:002012-01-05T21:32:14.460-06:00Dear Boss Jared: How nice of you to take the time ...Dear Boss Jared: How nice of you to take the time to write such a wonderful tribute to Melissa! You must be a very special boss, indeed. <br /><br />I share your sentiments -- I met Melissa for the first time at the NALS Conference in Cincinnati in October, 2011. It was refreshing to find she is just as terrific in person as was portrayed in her blog.Paralegal Mentorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08327049706431074826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-34397075871154586612012-01-05T21:28:21.924-06:002012-01-05T21:28:21.924-06:00Oh I love it! The Boss hit the nail on the head at...Oh I love it! The Boss hit the nail on the head at so many levels. Thanks for your assessment Boss!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-27290981249958924012011-08-17T04:49:25.581-05:002011-08-17T04:49:25.581-05:00Good blog you have about paralegal job. Yes it goo...Good blog you have about paralegal job. Yes it good job.Online Paralegal Degreehttp://onlineparalegaldegreeguide.org/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-1288454360773026242011-06-30T09:57:13.685-05:002011-06-30T09:57:13.685-05:00I am not exactly sure that I like your recent chan...I am not exactly sure that I like your recent change in my name going from "The Boss" to "my previous employer in Alabama." I am pretty sure I am offended by that!! And yes, I still read everything you write on here. Glad to see another post. Hope all is well!"The Boss"noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-55538027396693428362011-06-28T21:53:29.188-05:002011-06-28T21:53:29.188-05:00Ugh. Getting a degree in English and not being tol...Ugh. Getting a degree in English and not being told the "worth" of that degree is not the same as these for-profit schools being scams. The point of college is to be educated, not just so you can get a fancy job.<br /><br />Yes, people should look into for-profits being scams, but that doesn't mean the schools shouldn't also be held accountable. I mean, really? NO ONE is benefitting from these worthless schools. The government needs to step in and shut them down.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-62488774797821316232011-06-21T15:48:37.712-05:002011-06-21T15:48:37.712-05:00Mel, I love seeing new posts from you because you ...Mel, I love seeing new posts from you because you are always a thoughtful essayist who brings new perspective to the complex issues that affect the paralegal profession today.<br /><br />I agree that perspective students should do their homework regarding *any* paralegal program these days, and surely take into consideration the competitive job market when considering a new career. Anybody can incur significant student loan obligations with no guarantee of a job upon graduation.<br /><br />Like you, I have a bachelor's degree in English, and I think that employers have liked that as evidence of strong communication skills. I also know that ABA-approved progams are not easily accessible to everyone, but that many employers have a history of hiring legal support staffers from reputable local two and four-year programs, even if they don't have the ABA approval. They are usually a much better tuition value than online programs as well.<br /><br />I also think that the reputable online programs work best for students who are already working in the legal or related fields and need the convenience of a very flexible online class schedule. Their work experience will help a great deal in the job seach - or move up the career ladder, especially if they work for an employer that has already indicated an online program satisfies its educational requirements.<br /><br />I think the problem lies with the hard sell of some for-profit online programs that appeal to people trying to make a career change or entry, usually while working an existing "dead-end" job. They are promised transferable credits, a degree that will give them highly sought after skills, and an assurance that the crazy tuition they are paying for the convenience of the program will pay off in job training that will open a lot of doors. I think the national exposes, government investigations, and decline in registration for these programs is helping prospective students make better, more informed decisions.Practical Paralegalismhttp://www.practicalparalegalism.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-13358426189751831592011-06-11T10:04:12.153-05:002011-06-11T10:04:12.153-05:00Hi Mel - also thanks for the update. I moved to a ...Hi Mel - also thanks for the update. I moved to a firm consisting of 4 attorneys, one paralegal and one receptionist. One or more additional paralegals would be such a blessing (to the point of me threatening to abduct Kris to my office to get some order going). So, if you ever want to clone yourself and do lots of substantive work, do come & stop by :)<br />@shoegesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-31493868940567260992011-05-20T14:34:51.882-05:002011-05-20T14:34:51.882-05:00thanks for post !thanks for post !Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-76837579316453395642011-05-15T13:42:09.034-05:002011-05-15T13:42:09.034-05:00Mel, thanks for the update, and congrats on the ne...Mel, thanks for the update, and congrats on the new digs and the MBA program!The Goodwill Fangirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05845712888337339929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-66555823122619817502011-04-13T17:32:20.880-05:002011-04-13T17:32:20.880-05:00Great to hear that law services will be provided i...Great to hear that law services will be provided in accordance with Sharia Law. I'm sure the women are relieved. Ah, the reality of Sharia...oppression, burkas, and beheadings! What a wonderful world!<br /><br />In all seriousness, this is an OUTRAGE. I'd heard this before but didn't believe it could really be happening. Thank you, political correctness. Time to wake up, folks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-52023005785647704142011-03-26T21:26:30.346-05:002011-03-26T21:26:30.346-05:00Great post, very well thought out and you make rea...Great post, very well thought out and you make really good points. As for the comments from the commenter above (I don't know if I should call you anonymous or shoeges, sorry) I love "one emergency away from a heart attack."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-1541031828232809952011-01-13T12:09:41.343-06:002011-01-13T12:09:41.343-06:00Very thoughtful post. Having made the switch from ...Very thoughtful post. Having made the switch from one to the other almost exactly one year ago, I have to agree with you on most issues. Those were the days - going home at 5 and leaving the cases in the office. Now I'm one emergency away from a heart attack, or so it feels. However, on the plus side, no more worries about UPL. :)<br />@shoeges :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531961815684918690.post-34908472193827488062010-12-13T12:27:22.393-06:002010-12-13T12:27:22.393-06:00We have a holiday office party in the conference r...We have a holiday office party in the conference room where everyone brings a dish to snack on. There are 7 attorneys in our suite. My boss provides the margaritas and a couple of others bring wine. Let's just say nothing gets done on the day of the office party!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com