Catching up with Jim Barber, CP: One of The Best Paralegals in Texas/ DFW Paralegal Service

Personal Life

Jim Barber is a Certified Paralegal (CP) who manages DFW Paralegal Service, which is based in Fort Worth, TX. In 2005 we profiled him on LawCrossing, and are glad we had a chance to catch up with him. Jim is a Certified Paralegal who under the appropriate supervision specializes in various legal matters, which include labor and employment, state and federal civil litigation, business law, mechanic and materialmans Liens, landlord -tenant eviction services, real estate leases and quite title, construction bonds and payment, construction contracts, contracts and incorporations, divorce, parent child modifications and more. Currently over seventy-five percent of Jim's practice focuses on litigation involving labor and employment matters. In addition, Jim also manages the largest mobile notary service in North Texas.

DFW Paralegal Service under the appropriate supervision provides paralegal services to Individuals, Businesses and Attorneys in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and across the United States.

Jim's paralegal career started in 1987 in San Antonio, Texas. Since that time Jim has served as a paralegal in law firms, private corporations and even an employee union in Dallas, Fort Worth, Las Vegas, San Antonio and Salt Lake City. He is the first paralegal to be featured as a contributing author in a Law Review article for his contributions to "Moonlighting In These Oppressive Economic Times," cite as 82. U. Det. Mercy L. Rev 119 (Fall 2004).

Born in Lubbock and raised in the Dallas-Fort Worth area Jim has never lost his love of Texas heritage. Jim has been married to his wife for more than thirty-three years and has three children and four grandchildren. When he isn't working, he enjoys traveling. Jim and his wife frequently visit San Antonio, San Diego, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas and Hawaii. Jim is an avid Dallas Cowboys, Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs fan.

Jim's Successful Business and Tips for Paralegals

Why and when did Jim decide to become a paralegal? "I decided to become a paralegal in 1987 so I could help other individuals. I like helping people."

The businessman discussed the best part about his job. "[The best part is] seeing my clients and when my clients have clients being happy with the results I provide."

Jim also discussed why he appreciates being a paralegal manager at DFW Paralegal Service. "I enjoy my freedom and I don't have to answer to anyone else concerning the day-to-day operation," unlike the extreme pressure in law firms and corporate legal departments now days. However, Jim pointed out that there are certain sacrifices you have to make when you are the responsible manager. He claimed, "You have to keep up with your projects and keep your business always moving forward so you can remain economically sound."

What is the paralegal known for professionally? "I am dependable, reliable and you get straightforward answers from me."

What does Jim think about the paralegal field in Fort Worth, TX? "It's strong and growing. However paralegal wages are far behind the curve in Fort Worth, as it has been that way for years, primarily because Dallas is only a few miles away. Historically paralegals in Dallas performing the same functions have always earned more."

What would Jim change about the paralegal field? "I would like to see a specific criteria accepted by all to be a paralegal, thereby stopping the title of paralegal being used by anyone. If you don't meet the criteria then you can't use the term paralegal." Jim explained that sometimes it's hard to identify a paralegal since one day a person is a receptionist, secretary or typist, and on the next day an attorney says "poof" you are now a paralegal. That is why he refers to those individuals as "poof-paralegals." He also noted that he would like to see an increase in wages for all paralegals. Recently a law firm office manager who was also a paralegal told Jim she earned only fifteen dollars an hour in Fort Worth.

Since Jim has twenty-six years experience as a legal staff member, many readers may be wondering what advice he has for new legal staff members. He advised, "It doesn't hurt to tell people that you don't know the answer, but you can find out the answer for them." Jim believes paralegals should be honest and straightforward with their clients, attorneys and peers.

What advice would Jim give to students who are thinking about becoming a paralegal? "The number one thing would be to gain experience in more than one area. If you don't have a variety of background, you will be limited to your one practice area." Jim also recommends students who want to become a paralegal, write articles then seek to get them published. He stated, "It shows everyone you can digest an issue and then write about it so others may understand the topic as well. Paralegals who are able to write well will separate themselves from other candidates when they are interviewed by employers, especially if they have a published article. Let's not forget many Attorneys never made law review or had articles published themselves."

Where does Jim see himself in five years? "Fully retired."

If Jim wasn't a legal staff member, what would he be doing? "I would be purchasing and selling homes. I would flip homes. My dad did this for years, but the downside is that I am not helping people, like you do as a paralegal."

Why is Jim motivated every day to do his job? "I am very satisfied with the work, the results I provide and I genuinely help individuals. I really enjoy what I do."

Being a Mentor, a Rewarding Position and Jim's Goals

Is Jim a mentor? "I have mentored numerous paralegals over the years, but I am not currently mentoring anyone."

Why does the paralegal find his position rewarding? "At the end of the day, it's a win-win for everybody. I make a decent living while really helping others."

Is there a downside to Jim's position? "I don't know that I would exactly call it a downside. However when you are the manager, you have responsibilities that extend to clients, employees and the company. You can't just finish your project and go home, you have to ensure all projects are on task and the clients, employees and companies' needs are met."

Does the Texan have goals? "I will retire in the next couple of years. I want to spend more time with my family and spoil my grandkids."

*** Jim Barber is not an attorney and can't give legal advice. ***