The Paralegal Voice

Guest Debbie L. Overstreet, the incoming NALA president, gives an overview of the upcoming NALA conference – a return to the in-person gathering after two years of virtual, but with a remote option as well. Plus, the state of the job market for paralegal professionals and the role of the paralegal in government organizations. Now is a great time to be in the paralegal field. Jobs abound, and the f...

When it comes to DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), our guests believe legal organizations want to do what’s best. But they don’t know where to start, or even have the data tools to point out shortcomings. The issue can seem so overwhelming the process falls into analysis paralysis.  But as host Carl Morrison hears, even beating a problem so overwhelming can be done with the right tool, one b...

In an inspiring edition of The Paralegal Voice, guest Bobby T. Rimas shares his experiences as a paralegal professional, lifelong learner, author, and adjunct professor. Rimas shares his views on networking and staying current. Stand still and risk being left behind.  Rimas follows the latest trends in legal tech and procedure and leans on his ever-growing network of paralegal professional colleag...

Host Carl Morrison is joined by guest Ben Hengels of Ligl.io for a deep dive into the Evidence Lifecycle Management (ELM), e-discovery, and data flow management that law practices run on.  With so many moving parts, taking proper stock of every component – from email and cloud systems to legacy on-site servers – is crucial. So is working with providers who understand how each piece works with the...

By default, many paralegal professionals serve as project managers, keeping cases on track and knowing when the next filing is due. But is traditional, linear project management best for all cases?  Agile project management has been around in other business sectors for 20 years, but the legal field has been cautious and slow to adopt.  Guest Alicia Mitchell-Mercer is an expert in applying the mode...

New year, new trends. Our field never slows down. Keep up or risk being passed by.  Host Carl Morrison looks at a dozen developing trends for the coming year and beyond. Everything from the evolution of the Limited Licensed Practitioner field (looking at you Arizona and Utah) to the breakneck acceleration in legal tech, artificial intelligence, workflow automation, and process improvements.  The p...

New year, new … job? The legal field is struggling to find paralegals and fill vacancies during the “Great Resignation.” For paralegals, that creates opportunities to break into the field or to advance your career. Guest Tony Sipp, a paralegal manager for a national law firm, says it’s more important now than ever for paralegal professionals to know their worth, highlight their skills, and pursue...

Carl is joined by Ki Hwang and Bob Roberts of Bright Line Counsel, an Alternative Legal Service Provider (ALSP). Learn how the field is not only streamlining legal ops and more efficiently serving clients, but also creating exciting opportunities for paralegal professionals.  Hear how today’s paralegals can leverage their project management and technology skills to advance their careers and focus...

Host Jill Francisco talks with veteran paralegal (and BFF) Nancy Jordahl about opportunities for paralegals outside the office. Jordahl regularly writes for paralegal and legal professional journals and is a regular speaker at paralegal conferences.  Learn how to get started, find opportunities, and create the content professionals want (and need). Hear how to spot opportunities to serve on parale...

It’s not just the poor. Even the middle class struggles with a complex and costly American legal system.  Our guest, Toni Marsh, JD, is a professor and director at the George Washington University School of Law Paralegal Studies program and a fierce advocate for the role of paralegals.  The paralegal profession is in flux. As Americans struggle to access their legal system, constitutional rights a...

The legal profession was already going online and high-tech. But COVID disruptions, working from home, and remote legal processes have supercharged those changes. Are you up to speed?  Host Jill Francisco – a veteran paralegal and classroom instructor – interviews attorney and longtime professor Todd Richardson about today’s classroom experience. It’s more than lectures and books. Today’s learning...

Carl Morrison and Tom Stephenson detail the myriad ways paralegals can leverage their skills in the growing field of legal operations. Special thanks to our sponsors, NALA, ServeNow, and CourtFiling.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Given how fast the paralegal field is growing, it’s no wonder NALA expects record meeting attendance. CEO Vanessa Finley offers a preview. Special thanks to our sponsors, NALA, ServeNow, CourtFiling.net and Legalinc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s a right way to create a culture of diversity and inclusion and there are countless wrong ways companies and law firms continue to develop failing programs and policies. St. John’s University’s William Murphy tells host Carl Morrison the range from worst reasons to implement (reactionary) to best (making the business case). Special thanks to our sponsors, NALA, ServeNow, CourtFiling.net and...

Educator and trainer Amy Johnson shows how simple changes in work habits can save time, increase productivity, and add value to a legal team. Special thanks to our sponsors, NALA, ServeNow, CourtFiling.net and Legalinc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carl Morrison reviews the changing paralegal certification landscape as states weigh and test limited licenses to expand access to justice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Partner Marc Williams recaps the rapid litigation transition from in-person to virtual and what he expects will be the new normal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lawyer Drew Downing explains how those injured by vaccines can file claims with the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lawyer Brian Moore details evolving regulatory changes that impact employers and workers as the pandemic rages and vaccines hit the market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Master Sgt. Albert Perez Oyola details career paths and, for some, intense assignment twists for those trained as military paralegals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Creating a diverse and inclusive culture requires action. Jill Francisco explores big and small ways to support diversity in the workplace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Carl Morrison shows how paralegals can integrate process improvement techniques in their day-to-day work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to social media, legal professionals should tread carefully, but actively engage friends, clients and peers in these new spaces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anne Geraghty-Rathert discusses the mission of the WILLOW Project and prevalent issues in women’s wrongful convictions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NALA has gone virtual for this year’s conference! Join hosts Carl Morrison and Jill Francisco and conference speaker Brian Moore as they discuss the session offerings, social events, and CLE opportunities available through the 2020 NALA Conference @ Home.  If you still need to register, head over to the NALA.com today! Brian Moore is a partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP. Special thanks to our sponsor...