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Paralegal Expectations

In this blog post, we are just going to briefly outline some expectations that are important for paralegals to understand.

Punctuality

If you want your attorney to know they can count on you, then show up on time. Being punctual is the easiest thing a professional can do to nurture a great relationship with their attorney.

When I say punctual, I mean punctual. Do not show up an hour early, unless directed to do so. Do show up between ten to fifteen minutes before you are expected to begin working.

Technology Skills

Technology skills can really set a firm apart from the competition out there. It gives one party a huge advantage over the other to be able to process interrogatories at one-tenth of the time than the adversary firm processes the same requests.

Technology, much like many things in this field, can easily be understood if you simply do some research. Thanks to technology itself you can learn almost anything with a little bit of dedication and a WiFi connection.

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Be Leary Of Those Who Say This Is For Everyone

Now a lot of people will tell you that this is not necessary. But if you expect an attorney to entrust his cases to you on a contract basis, possibly working on them at times that the attorney is not at the same location as you, you better believe that your prospective attorneys are going to expect to see something that shows your services are credible.

But don’t be discouraged. Right now is a GREAT time to be a paralegal. There is more access to paralegal education now than ever. Paralegal Power has you covered. We have created an amazing resource of FREE legal education as well as paid training where you can earn CLE credits.

Keep Your Saw Sharp

Whether you decide to venture out into the crazy world of solo paralegalling or not, continuing your education should always be a part of your life. And it obviously is or you wouldn’t be reading this blog.

Having said that, if you are going to make it as a paralegal-for-hire you are going to need a lot more education than your counterparts working in firms. Larger firms have the support of a larger team with varied experience, an arsenal of old pleadings for you to reference, and much more.

You won’t have this on your own, yet you will be expected to perform at the same level, if not better.

Time Management for Paralegals

Legal Research Skills

Legal research can seem like a daunting and intimidating task. On top of that, a lot of paralegals won’t have an opportunity to use it consistently and may forget how to operate certain apps like Westlaw.

Make this a daily task. Take five minutes out of your day to research recent decisions in your district or area of expertise. Check out Paralegal Resources in our Company Store to get started and let your inquisitive, love-for-law-mind get some daily legal research practice in for free.

You love what you do, these will be easy and come naturally. Join our Paralegal Power Group on Facebook and tell us about what expectations this article missed.