Classic Business Solutions

Personal Life

Marie D. Watson owns and manages Classic Business Solutions, which is based in Metuchen, NJ. She is a paralegal who specializes in tax appeal, bankruptcy, family law, landlord tenant, real estate, collection matters and land use. Classic Business Solutions also provides administrative support to businesses, which includes mailing projects, database management, word processing and doc prep, mobile notary services and signing agent services to title companies. Prior to founding her company, Marie served as a property manager. She also worked as a law office manager. Marie has fourteen years experience as a legal staff member, and eight of those years have been devoted to successfully running her business in New Jersey.


Marie was born and raised in Metuchen, NJ. She attended Cornell University and studied American Government. While studying at Cornell, Marie played for the Big Red women's basketball team.

When the paralegal isn't working, she enjoys bowling, cardio training and shoe shopping. Marie's highest bowling average is 172, but she is working on improving that average with two hundred avg bowlers this summer. She also enjoys watching basketball and football games.

Marie's Successful Business and Tips for Paralegals

Does Marie have a most memorable educational experience? "Education teaches time management and you don't notice that until you are in the workforce." Marie continued to say that her education experience taught her about responsibility and communicating with peers as well as professors.

Why did Marie decide to become a paralegal? She explained it was serendipitous. Marie worked as a property manager, but she decided to apply for a law office manager position because the company was brought out by another management firm and she was going to being laid off. She claimed, "Although I didn't have a paralegal background, I had management experience. They took a chance on me and I enjoyed learning." Marie pointed out that the firm provided on the job training as well as sent her to various CLE classes held at the Rutgers Law Center to become familiar with the different practice areas. She was also responsible for managing the paralegals, mail clerk and receptionist, summer interns, seven associates and two partners.

The businesswoman discussed the best part about her job. "The diversity. I enjoy dealing with different clients. The day goes by fast and it's interesting meeting new clients."

What is the paralegal known for professionally? "I am known to follow through and I am meticulous and organized."

What does Marie think about the paralegal field in New Jersey? "It's growing. There is always a need for paralegals assisting attorneys. New Jersey provides courses directly for paralegals, which is good."

Since Marie has fourteen years experience as a legal staff member, many readers may be wondering what advice she has for new legal staff members. She advised, "Always ask questions. Take the opportunity to learn what you are doing. Don't just take the job at face value."

What advice would the businesswoman give to students who are thinking about becoming a paralegal? "Look into internships or directly working with a practitioner. Also, do your research and read about the position. It requires keeping up with the fast pace and getting used to urgent matters."

Where does Marie see herself in five years? She is currently in an office suite and plans on purchasing a store front office by that time.

If Marie wasn't a legal staff member, what would she be doing? "Coaching women's basketball."

Why is Marie motivated everyday to do her job? "I enjoy the diversity of the day and getting things done for clients. I also enjoy providing customer service and; I enjoy providing whatever is needed for my clients."

Being a Mentor, Nonprofit Organizations, a Rewarding Position and Goals

Is Marie a mentor? She mentored several individuals while working as a law office manager. Although Marie is not specifically mentoring anyone in the paralegal field, she is currently mentoring closing agents.

Is Marie involved with any non-profit organizations? She supports her church and she is consistently assisting them with their various fundraising efforts.

Why does Marie find her position rewarding? "I enjoy providing my clients with customer service and assistance on their projects and I am thankful of their appreciation of my service. My clients come back for future projects. It's rewarding to know my clients are satisfied with my service and they refer their colleagues to me."

Is there a downside to her position? "Long hours. I work sixty hours a week. It's not your typical 9-5 job." Marie said she is used to the long hours because of her prior experience as a property manager and law office manager.

Does the New Jerseyan have goals? Marie said she consistently focuses on being healthy. The business guru plans on opening a healthy juice spot in a coffee shop type atmosphere with aspirations to open the business in 2014.