Jena Parker, Certified Paralegal

<<In 1992, Parker received her A.A. in Applied Science from Tarrant County Junior College in Fort Worth, Texas. She became a certified paralegal in 1997, and in 2005, became president of the Fort Worth Paralegal Association (FWPA).

The FWPA's purpose? "To promote the professional objectives and goals of paralegals, to encourage, promote and conduct programs of continuing education and professional development and to promote the advancement of high standards of integrity and professionalism for paralegals to the end that both the public and the legal profession are better served," says its website.


Today, Parker works at the law offices of Michael Logan Ware in Fort Worth, Texas.

"I like not knowing what I will be doing at my job every day," said Parker when asked what she likes about her job. "My days are never the same. I work for an attorney who is supportive and will let me work closely with him on all cases, from beginning to end."

Her responsibilities are too numerous to count and range from performing legal research to keeping up her attorney's calendar to answering phones to attending trials to helping with jury selection.

"[It's] probably the most important part of any trial," said Parker about jury selection. During the trial, she makes sure to take notes, "check phone messages and return all calls," and attend to other clients. "When we are in trial, and an emergency comes up on another case, I will find another attorney to handle the matter."

Ultimately, "I am able to do everything that an attorney does, except represent someone in court, quote fees, or give legal advice," explained Parker. "My supervising attorney utilizes my experience and knowledge as a paralegal and, most importantly, treats me with respect; he is confident that my work is accurate."

While Parker's day never seems typical, she does describe what a typical case is like, whether federal or state. First, for the "initial consultation," Parker meets with the client and the attorney. She takes notes, asks questions, and then starts a file on the client. Next, she sends a letter to the representative of the opposing attorney.

"When the court notifies me of a court date, I send a letter of notification to the client. We will get a copy of the district attorney's file. From that information, I draft the defense motions after conducting legal research, and in some instances, interview witnesses. In Tarrant County, the district attorney has an open file policy giving the defense all of their information that they have against our client. In some cases, the district attorney has dismissed cases against our client. If not, then our clients will either plea, or we will go to trial."

As a paralegal for a criminal defense attorney, one question Parker constantly has to answer is how she could work for someone who represents someone charged with a sexual assault against a child or a murder.

But Parker answers with confidence. "My answer has always been that every person charged with a crime has a right to the best defense possible, and that we are all innocent until proven guilty."

So, what advice does a well-seasoned paralegal like Parker have to pass on to those interested in her area of work?

"To work as a criminal law paralegal, you must be flexible and talented in many areas. Often you will have to take the ball and run. This requires self-motivation." She also adds these words of wisdom:
 

• Your attorney must feel that you can be trusted and that you are reliable.
• You must be organized and be able to handle many cases at once.
• You need to have a handle on your tasks.
• Take good notes and do your follow-up.
• You must keep a tight calendar for your attorney and yourself, and be organized.
• [And] I think one, if not the, most important advice I can give is to know the court rules, whether in state or federal court. Each federal court has its own local rules, and it is extremely important that a paralegal follow each one. Keep your rules in a binder, and update them as you receive notes.

With such helpful tips, hopeful paralegals should be well on their ways to success.