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Gain More Responsibility as a Paralegal: How to Advance in the Firm Setting

published March 29, 2023

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( 10 votes, average: 4.8 out of 5)
What do you think about this article? Rate it using the stars above and let us know what you think in the comments below.
Summary

Paralegals are a vital part of many law firms, providing a key role in the effective and efficient execution of legal services. In order to ensure that paralegals are utilized to their fullest potential, it is important to understand the advantages they can provide, as well as the potential for them to assume more responsibility within the firm.


Paralegals possess the knowledge and skills to provide many of the legal services that firms need. These services can include legal research, document preparation and review, client interviews and communication, and trial preparation. As such, paralegals are well-positioned to help streamline the legal processes of a firm, leading to more effective and cost-efficient services.

For paralegals to assume even more responsibility within the firm, it is important to understand the advantages that they bring to the firm setting. Paralegals are knowledgeable about many aspects of the law and can provide support in all stages of the legal process. They are also experts in legal research and document review, which allows them to note potential issues that may arise during the course of a case. Additionally, they can interview clients and report potential conflicts of interest or other pertinent information.

In order to ensure that paralegals can provide the most effective services, they must keep themselves up to date on the latest developments in the law and legal regulations. This can be done through continuing education, such as attending seminars and conferences, or reading relevant publications.

Another important step for paralegals to take is becoming certified in the areas in which they wish to provide services. This not only demonstrates a level of professionalism, but also can help to increase their credibility and reputation within the firm setting. Certification also helps to increase the confidence that clients have in the work that paralegals can provide.

For paralegals to assume more responsibility within the firm, they must also demonstrate leadership and initiative. This can include taking on additional responsibilities, such as managing a caseload or supervising junior staff. They should also take the initiative to suggest new ideas, and help the firm devise strategies to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

By understanding the advantages that paralegals bring to the firm setting, taking steps to stay up to date on the latest developments in the law, and demonstrating leadership and initiative, paralegals can gain greater responsibility within the firm setting and become an invaluable asset to the firm. Paralegals can help to streamline the legal process, increase the efficiency of the firm, and provide vital services that can lead to greater success for their firm.

Paralegals are a key component to many law firms, providing much needed legal services and support. In order for paralegals to increase their responsibility within the firm, they must take steps to understand the advantages they bring to the firm, stay up to date on the latest legal developments, and demonstrate leadership and initiative. Doing so will help ensure that law firms can benefit from the full potential of their paralegals, leading to greater success and efficiency.
 

Paralegal Roles Versatility

Paralegals, also known as legal assistants, are an integral part of the legal practice. Depending on their experience and level of skill, they may be given varying degrees of responsibility. For example, a more experienced paralegal may be tasked with researching legal precedent, drafting documents, interviewing witnesses, and more. In addition, paralegals may specialize in certain areas of the law, such as tax law or family law.
 

Obtaining More Responsibility

Paralegals who wish to gain more responsibility should take the initiative to learn more about the law and the legal profession. They should seek out educational opportunities related to their specialty, such as courses in the fundamentals of law or seminars in the latest legal developments. Additionally, they should stay abreast of the most up-to-date legal principles and practices through webinars, publications, and legal newsletters. Working closely with a supervising attorney can also help paralegals gain more responsibility.
 

Networking and Professionalism

Paralegals can also increase their opportunities by networking with other legal professionals or joining a paralegal association in their region. Networking events offer a great opportunity to meet other paralegals and attorneys and gain insight into the field. Additionally, paralegals should strive for professionalism, showing a commitment to their work and displaying the high level of skill and knowledge that employers seek.
 

Drawing on Past Professional Experience

Having experience in non-legal fields can also be of great benefit to paralegals seeking more responsibility. For instance, a paralegal with a background in finance or accounting may be better equipped to handle matters related to those disciplines. In addition, those with previous experience in the healthcare industry may be more knowledgeable about the legal aspects of patient rights and medical malpractice.
 

Advanced Paralegal Degrees

Finally, paralegals may consider obtaining a paralegal degree or certification from an accredited law school or legal studies program. Such programs offer courses and courses of study that are tailored to the needs of paralegals and provide valuable insight into the legal practice. A paralegal degree or certification can be a great asset in the legal field and can increase the level of responsibility and the amount of recognition a paralegal will receive.

<<''For the most part, attorneys are looking for go-getters,'' said Glenda Van Syoc, Registered Paralegal at Sloan, Eisenbarth, Glassman, McEntire & Jarbor, LLC, in Topeka, KS, and President of the Kansas Paralegal Association. ''Attorneys have a lot to do, and when a paralegal offers to take care of additional responsibilities, attorneys are generally happy to (accommodate him or her).'' In fact, taking on additional tasks may allow paralegals to better fulfill their greatest task of all: allowing attorneys to work more quickly and efficiently.

But by taking initiative, paralegals and legal assistants aren't just helping their bosses; they're also helping themselves. Offering to take on more shows interest in one's work and the firm itself; consequently, go-getter paralegals are viewed as integral parts of the firm as a whole. They also show the willingness to take on even the toughest jobs, allowing their bosses to see their full potential. ''If you don't have the willingness to learn as you go and jump in as needed, you won't get anywhere,'' Ms. Van Syoc said. The decision to take initiative often signifies an assertive and motivated employee.

But just how do experienced paralegals and legal assistants go about landing more responsibility? ''Indirectly asking for new tasks by offering to help others may work,'' recommends Brenda Willett, Legal Assistant at Hinkle Elkouri Law Firm, LLC, in Wichita. KS, who's also actively involved with the Kansas Paralegal Association. ''Ask questions about different projects and show initiative by showing your interest.''

Sometimes a direct approach may also be a winner. ''Ask your boss to let you try your hand at a new task,'' Ms. Van Syoc said. Simply asking may not always be enough, she warned. ''At times, you have to look for a new project to come across your desk. Even if it's something you've never done before, give it back partially done. Show your understanding of the project by taking care of it the best way that you can. Use your current knowledge on the task, and let the attorney fine-tune (the final product).'' Although you may not perform perfectly the first time around, your employer will let you know what you still need to improve upon, Ms. Van Syoc points out. At the same time, he or she will realize your diligence to take on new tasks. And improvement is something all paralegals and legal assistance should seek, experts say. ''Even seasoned paralegals can improve,'' Ms. Van Syoc said.

When all else fails, paralegals may consider bringing up their desires to add to their plates at meetings with their employers. ''Bring it up at your annual review, for example,'' Ms. Willett recommended. ''Let your supervisor know that you'd like to add more duties as part of your job-related goals for the following year.''

And showing initiative doesn't end at five p.m.; paralegals and legal assistants may be well served by reserving some of their time outside of work for additional training and learning. ''Take classes for your own professional and personal development,'' Ms. Willett advised, recommending seminars in one's practice area and computer training. Assertiveness training and motivational seminars, as well as membership in professional organizations, may also help on-the-job performance.

Being more assertive and motivated comes with many perks. Besides benefiting from their employers' increased faith and respect, paralegals may actually gain some tangible benefits from taking on more. ''It makes you a more valuable employee,'' Ms. Willett said. ''Eventually the firm will realize that, and you may be paid more.'' A diligent and innovative employee may also be less likely to face layoffs and more likely to receive the things he or she is seeking from his or her job and employer.

In addition, tackling more responsibility often leads to better job satisfaction. ''It helps you gain confidence in your own abilities and job knowledge,'' Ms. Willett said. ''Taking on more responsibility promotes tremendous fulfillment within yourself,'' agreed Ms. Van Syoc. ''You're either in this for the job or for the career; (if it's the latter), knowing that you're doing your best will provide great job satisfaction.''

published March 29, 2023

( 10 votes, average: 4.8 out of 5)
What do you think about this article? Rate it using the stars above and let us know what you think in the comments below.