After enough time as a Paralegal, you start to work for Attorneys who were in 8th grade when you started in this profession. Some of those young Associates are smart enough to listen to their experienced Paralegal's wisdom and guidance. Others, not so much...
If there's a single piece of advice I give to Attorneys, it is "Listen to your Paralegal". Especially if that Paralegal has been doing the job far longer.
We may not have gone to Law School, but we've been around the block enough times to know what's what.
We know that Judges don't want to be bothered with a meaningless hearing because the Attorney decided to get into a pissing match with opposing counsel over something pointless. Some Attorneys never seem to grasp that concept, despite our reminders of how they got bitch-slapped by the Judge last time.
We know the proper way to submit pleadings to make sure they get to where they are going. Attorneys don't.
We know where everything in the file is, and where it's supposed to be. Attorneys are generally incapable of handling this simple task and should NEVER be handed the only copy of something.
We know exactly who to talk to at the Clerk's Office to fix most logistical problems. 90% of these can be fixed without contacting the Judge's Chambers.
So Attorneys, just listen to your Paralegals and everything will work out fine. OK?
1 comment:
May I remind them that sometimes their secretaries/assistants/paralegal students know things sometimes, as well? Thanks so much!
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