"When people ask me if they'd be [successful] in family law, I ask them if they like to work with people," said Tony Shen, experienced family law paralegal and Family Law/Criminal Section Co-Chair of the Orange County Paralegal Association. "You have to go through many emotions, especially with children involved. If you don't like such work, this field may not be for you." While some clients may cry through their initial sessions with a paralegal, others are angry-and often take that anger out on the person working on their case. "We're constantly faced with emotions from mothers, fathers, and even angry attorneys," said Nelida Yanez, paralegal at the Orange County Department of Child Support Services and the OCPA's Family Law/Criminal Section Co-Chair. "We have to be able to defuse their anger and try to help them," Yanez explained, citing the difficulties of remaining professional while dealing with angry clients. "How can you help someone who's being so rude and calling you names?" But the emotional nature of the field can make family law a gratifying profession for paralegals and legal assistants. "The most rewarding part of my job is helping the people who are pretty much getting the short end of the stick," said Michelle Sloane, family law paralegal in Boston, "trying to help them understand what's going on when we're in the courtroom or just breaking down the language for them." Shen agreed that it's rewarding "seeing people getting what they want out of their case or divorce." Family law legal staff often get involved with clients in extremely personal matters and therefore have to be receptive, "extremely patient, and understanding because you're going to meet people who are at very traumatic points in their lives," Yanez explained. Those who are passionate about helping others and resolving conflicts will find plenty of satisfaction in this field. Client interaction is at the heart of a family law paralegal's responsibilities. "My job is to answer the phones, talk [to] and interview clients. I draft motions and complaints; I do financial statements and meet with clients regularly to go over them," Sloane said. "I also go to court with the attorneys or on my own to file complaints or motions. I keep the clients company while the attorneys are in family services, and I also take notes while in the courtroom." Shen, also in private practice, likewise screens initial client calls and sets up consultations, the consultation file, and then the official file. "In many cases, paralegals contact clients and set up appointments with opposing counsel; once in a while, they will also attend depositions," according to Shen. Working for a public entity on child support cases, Yanez considers the children her clients. "I try to bring the parents around to focus on what we're really here for and what's right for the children," Yanez said. "I manage a caseload of matters going to a hearing. I prepare files and responses that the attorney will submit to the court for consideration. I analyze the issues, find the appropriate legal authority, and apply it," stated Yanez, explaining that family law paralegals carry a huge responsibility to remain timely and organized amidst deadlines and due dates. "The most challenging parts of my job are the deadlines and constant last-minute emergencies," agreed Sloane. "We are constantly going to court last minute or meeting a deadline." Besides private firms and public entities, family law opportunities are available in mediation and other alternative dispute resolution methods, at community organizations and legal aid clinics, and other associations that serve families. "I believe the field is really booming and the need and demand for paralegals is rapidly growing," Yanez said. As families expand to include non-traditional configurations, family law continues to grow and branch out into other areas of the law.

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