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Paralegal Career Forum
9/13/2007 11:09:34 AM EST
What do you like most/least about being a Paralegal?
What do you enjoy most about your job? What do you dislike the most? Share what you feel are the best and worst aspects of being a Paralegal.

Comments
Barbara Pratt
Subject: What do you like most/least about being a Paralegal?
Date Posted: 9/20/2007 7:53:46 AM

What I like least: attorneys who refuse to learn new technology. What I like most: doing research on science and health-related issues and working with expert witnesses in those fields.

  • Collapse Carrie Hartnett 10/9/2007 1:16:56 PM subject: response to Barbara Pratt
    I agree on attorneys refusing to learn new technology as being a big negative! I actually had an attorney tell me once that attorneys are too busy "practicing law" to learn anything about databases. It will be interesting to see how she fares with the new federal E Discovery rules that went into effect last December. Ugh, very scary. How can you even have a discussion with opposing counsel about e-discovery if you dont even know the language, let alone what is involved. My favorite part of being a paralegal is going to trial. I love the excitement and fast-paced action, the long nights, the team bonding, and seeing all the wheels in motion before a jury. It's a very rewarding feeling to see how your diligence since the beginning of the case pays off during the trial phase. Especially when you win!!!
    • Collapse spottedeagleboy 10/11/2007 10:21:53 AM subject: response to Carrie Hartnett
      I'm considering taking the ACCESS database course at the local university. Anyone have any experience or comments with ACCESS?
      • Collapse jstark 10/17/2007 10:16:57 AM subject: response to spottedeagleboy
        I took a crash course on Access for a project I needed to complete. What little information I learned I am sure was only the tip of the iceberg on what the Access program can actually do. I think you should definetly take the class. I would, if given the opportunity.
ruffinconsulting
Subject: What do you like most/least about being a Paralegal?
Date Posted: 9/20/2007 8:33:41 AM

My career as a paralegal is very fulfilling. I enjoy reviewing files and looking for small bits of information for trial preparation that can either make or break a case. You can have a winning case, but if you don't know how to use your information, it doesn't help you much. What I like least about working as a paralegal is time keeping, but then again that's how we get paid!

Bonnie Ruffin, NCCP
Ruffin Consulting, Inc.

  • Collapse frei 7/11/2008 12:05:00 PM subject: response to ruffinconsulting
    can you tell me more, for i wish to pursue this profession.
LisaMeier
Subject: What do you like most/least about being a Paralegal?
Date Posted: 11/18/2007 1:18:46 PM

Great comments and I concur with most of them. A career as a Paralegal can be very rewarding. Most of the time you feel like an integral part of the team. I enjoy the thrill of going to trial. Despite the long hours and rigor, the paralegal really becomes the fact and evidence expert in the case. What a joy and what a pressure cooker! This is the time when you see the greatest appreciation from your colleagues. The least rewarding experience is when you get "the attitude." Paralegals from small and large firms experience this. It's usually from a junior lawyer who is feeling overwhelmed. We understand: they're new, unseasoned, scared, and are horrifed at looking foolish. So what happens? They bark orders at the paralegal to find something or worse, they have you chasing your tail. My advice to paralegals: when you encounter one of these "barkers," try to have some extra thick skin (it's not about you) and do a few extra "nice" things for that person. For example, offer to index, organize, do a timeline, or other visual report for the attorney. Try to understand what fact or issue they're unsure about and get that for them. It's worked for me on several occasions. Hopefully, you'll find what works for you. Good luck.

mzgibbs
Subject: What do you like most/least about being a Paralegal?
Date Posted: 3/27/2008 7:35:32 PM

Hi, My name is Makima Leach, I'm in school to become a paralegal myself, my major realestate law. After I get my degree my next move is to become a criminal lawyer and a realestate lawyer. I would like to interview 2 people who are in this profession. so if you can be so kind to email me to let me know that you would like to be interview I would be so greatful, as I would love to know more about it from people who do it

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