For those of you who are paralegals, or have a loved one that is a paralegal, I’m sure at some point in your career you’ve experienced the joys and frustrations of being a paralegal. You may have been asked to do many different tasks, but no matter what you’re doing there is always something that can be done better or differently.
It’s important for paralegals to remember that their clients are paying them for their legal expertise and experience. It’s also important to recognize that a client can be a difficult person at times and that the paralegal must be able to manage their emotions while providing support to the client.
In the event that a client is being particularly difficult, it’s always a good idea to ask the client if they would like the paralegal to stop what they are doing or take a break. This shows that the paralegal is taking their client’s concerns seriously and that they have a professional demeanor.
A MyParlegal should never feel like they are being attacked or insulted by a client, but rather that they are an essential part of the legal team. The client can always count on the paralegal to provide a friendly voice and to be a source of information for them regarding their case. The paralegal can help the client navigate the legal system, answer their questions, and assist them with filling out forms.
The ABA recommends that attorneys facilitate the participation of paralegals in their practice’s pro bono activities. This can be done through a formal volunteer program or through informal opportunities, such as asking for paralegal help on specific cases.
Paralegals are the backbone of any Personal Injury law firm, and it is imperative that all legal support professionals take the time to develop their skills and find a work environment where they can thrive. This will allow the paralegal to have an excellent work ethic, a positive attitude and the desire to continue to grow and learn as they build their career. Continuing education courses are the perfect way to keep a paralegal up-to-date on the latest laws and regulations, improve their legal research skills and write more effectively. The International Paralegal Institute offers both live and OnDemand classes to assist paralegals in enhancing their career.