LexisNexis(R) Paralegal Community: The Paralegal Update

"She flies with her own wings"

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 GMT

It’s the state motto of Oregon, which (according to the Oregon legislature Web site) “reflects the state’s tradition of independence and innovation.” Fitting, then, that the National Federation of Paralegal Association’s 2009 Annual Convention will take place in Oregon.

Know what you're worth to your employer

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 GMT

As part of planning your career path and considering your options, it’s important to put your current compensation into context.

Inexpensive (or even free) educational opportunities

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 GMT

In tough economic times, you need to think about increasing your value to your employer. And consider that, even if current paralegal positions aren’t eliminated, you may need to take on more tasks if new attorneys and paralegals aren’t hired. Polishing your skills sure sounds like a good idea, but you may not wish to spend big bucks to do so. Here are some ideas.

Great News! Paralegal Job Outlook is Strong, Experts Say

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 GMT

When it comes to 2009 job potential, income and other vital career denominators, paralegals are at the top of the ladder—far above attorneys. So what’s the bad news?

You Have 17 Seconds--or Less--to Impress the Client.

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 GMT

Don't worry, you can do it! It’s easier than you think. The right words—the right look—will signal your competence quickly.

Difficult Boss!? RUN! Hide! Or at Least Read This

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 GMT

It ranks right up there with death and taxes: It’s inevitable that each of us will be paired with a manager whose personality … well, just doesn’t click with ours. (That’s putting it nicely, isn’t it?) Check the coping options from the experts, and you’ll note they all have one thing in common.

Pro Bono Work-A Win-Win Situation

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 GMT

You already know that pro bono efforts are a godsend for the people who are served, but have you thought about the ways it can be great for your career? The right opportunities can hone your skills, expand your network of contacts, and get you noticed.

Legal transcription-a part of your future?

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 GMT

Legal transcription—listening to dictations from attorneys and keying them into document form to create and maintain organized and detailed legal records—can be key to helping your firm win more cases or helping your company conduct better business.

Use CLE Courses to Help You Get Ready to Move Up

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 GMT

As time goes on, there’s more and more demand for specialized paralegals. But as the most experienced paralegals retire, will you be ready to fill their shoes? You need basic paralegal education from an ABA-certified program, in-house training, mentoring, and continuing legal education (CLE).

Thinking About Going to Law School?

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 GMT

It’s not uncommon for a paralegal to consider law school; or to set out to use paralegal education and work as invaluable experience along the way to becoming an attorney. In this article we've highlighted the pros and cons of going back to law school for those of you considering furthering your legal education.

PDA-phobes vs. CrackBerry addicts

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever cringed during a meeting when someone stops writing his blog about how boring the meeting is to send an e-mail to a colleague sitting six feet away … and then he changes his Facebook^® status? You shoot him a look that says “Were you raised in a barn (albeit a high-tech barn)?” But you get a blank stare in response, like he just can’t comprehend what’s bothering you. There is a very good chance that this disconnect does not come from where the offender was raised but from the age groups you both represent.

A laugh a day

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 GMT

Yeah, we know they were talking about apples. But they also say laughter is the best medicine. And we could all use a good laugh just on general principle ... at least daily.

Cheap entertainment

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 GMT

Keeping up with the news lately? Banks in crisis. U.S. automakers in huge trouble. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 hit 12-year lows a while back. Unemployment at a 25-year high, and underemployment rates rising. Gas prices heading back up. Labor productivity weak. Credit conditions tight.

It’s nearly impossible to avoid. Couldn’t we all use a bit of a break? A month on a remote tropical island sounds great, but maybe you can’t get away right now. How about some low- or no-cost, small-scale, close-to-home or even at-home options?

Haiku to You! Here's Poetic Justice for 2009 New Year's Resolutions

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 GMT

There’s a Web’s worth of research and prognosticating on the value of New Year’s Resolutions. But now … the poets have gotten it right.

You-Hoo! You're on YouTube

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 GMT

The YouTube motto is Broadcast Yourself™! Your paralegal colleagues across the nation—and around the world—are taking the message to heart. Here’s what you can find when you search “paralegal” on YouTube.

Bad Lawyers in Good Movies? Yes. It's Serious Research

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 GMT

Despite the profession’s good-natured acceptance of lawyer jokes, legal practitioners (and pundits) carefully monitor the progress of the legal image on film. You can too with these references.

TV on Trial: Portrayals of the Practice of Law on the Small Screen

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 GMT

Working with attorneys, you’re extremely familiar with how the legal system really works. So isn’t it just that much more entertaining for you to watch a law-related television show and see how Hollywood chooses to portray lawyers and the practice of law? Here's a look at some of the most popular TV shows that have portrayed the legal profession within the last several years.

Happy New Year! Now, let's get down to work.

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 GMT

Were you one of the many American's that made a New Year's Resolution this year? If so, have you stuck to your resolution to-date? To help you stay on track, we've provided a few tips and strategies for sticking to your goals.

Social Networking Web Sites -- Not Just for Casual Relationships

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 GMT

Do you want to connect easily with other professionals on the Web for business reasons but feel like MySpace is a little too socially oriented for your needs? If so, check out these hot networking sites geared toward professional networking.

The ABCs of the Financial World

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 GMT

The world of finance and investments poses a host of challenges for even the most savvy consumer. Whom can you count on for financial advice? How can you determine if your financial representative is qualified to handle your needs? Is an RR all you need? Should you consider finding a PFS? Or, would a CFP be a better choice? Read the article for tips to help you pick a financial advisor qualified to handle your investment needs.

Time to Get Away!

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 GMT

You’ve been working hard all year and, suddenly, summer is right around the corner -- time to think about taking a serious vacation! Here are some suggestions for getting away recharging your batteries in a week’s time or less.

Staying Fit When You're Trapped Behind a Desk

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 GMT

Has working long hours forced you to put your workout on hold? Try these simple exercises to help you stay trim and alert—even when you're behind a desk for several hours.

Blu-ray™ vs. HD DVD® - What's All the Fuss About?

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 GMT

Blu-ray or HD DVD … is one better than the other? Is one going to become dominant and destroy the other, as in the Betamax/VHS wars of the 1980s? Should you buy one or the other now or wait? Read the full article for a few basics about the new formats that can help bring you up to speed.