On-the-Job Realities: Assertiveness Training for Paralegals

Initial Thoughts

  • Knowledge—Knowing what the problems are

  • Individual Initiative—Individual action that you can take to deal with the problems

  • Networking—Reaching out through networking to find outside resources to help deal with the problems

Miscommunication

  • Contributing factors:

    • Time deadlines

    • Work overload

    • Personality conflicts

    • Equipment breakdown

    • Embarrassment over asking for clarification

    • Distractions

  • Prevention Techniques

    • Keep a “work in progress” journal

    • Send confirmations emails on deadlines and instructions 

    • Get verbal confirmation/clarification

Expectations

  • Paralegal frustration can stem from unrealistic expectations

    • Professional

    • Personalities

    • Office environment

Examples of “Unexpected” Daily Challenges

  • How do you fix a copy machine when no one is around

  • How do you serve a subpoena when the guy is dodging you

  • What do you do when your boss gives you an assignment and you have no idea where to start

Law Office Environment

  • First impressions

    • Very formal and organized

    • People are set in their ways

  • In a constant state of “becoming”

    • Gain/loss of clients

    • Gain/loss of employers

    • New computer software/technology

    • Personality conflicts arise

    • Change in how things are done

  • Do not be deceived by appearances

  • Recognize your own responsibility and ability to help shape the environment in which you are working

    • Look for solutions—avoid merely issue spotting

    • Don’t give up

    • Change occurs slowly

    • Be patient and creative

Office Politics

  • The interaction among coworkers who do not always have the same goals, expectations, abilities or timetables for performing work

  • Examples:

    • Rivalry among associates to become partners

    • Conflict among partners over the direction of the office

    • Conflict between office manager and office assistants

Office Politics Always Exist

  • If there is harmony in the office, it is because people are engaged in effective office politics

  • If there is disharmony, people are not responding to each other’s needs

Tips on Handling Office Politics

  • Try not to take sides in direct conflicts between others

  • When a conflict directly affects you:

    • Be competent

    • Publicize your competence

    • Look for wats to make others look good

  • Be comfortable with office politics and use it to your advantage

Evaluations

  • Most law offices are “employment at will”

  • Find out early in your employment whether a formal evaluation process exists in the office

  • The ideal evaluation for is one that the paralegal and supervisor create together

  • Before an evaluation, reread the job description

  • After an evaluation, create measurable goals

    • “Before January…”

    • “For the next ten weeks…”

    • “Within five years…”

  • Create a career development file

Core Professional Traits

  • Analytical Thinking—Attorneys are trained to break down complex problems, spot legal issues, and apply rules to facts

  • Attention to Detail—Even small errors in contracts, filings, or arguments can have major consequences

  • Strong Communication Skills—Both written (briefs, memos, contracts) and oral (courtroom arguments, negotiations, client meetings)

  • Research-oriented—Attorneys must be skilled at finding precedent, statutes, and regulations quickly and efficiently

Work Habits

  • Time-conscious—Deadlines are crucial in law, and attorneys are often juggling multiple matters at once

  • Organized

  • Perseverant

  • Client-focused