The Paralegal Voice

The Numbers Don’t Lie: How Data Analysis Can Uncover the Truth Oct 8, 2026 1783 Bobby Williams is passionate about helping legal professionals find the truth in data. His lengthy career traces back to his natural curiosity in college for all things technical. He taught himself how things work and how digital tools can be applied to data analysis and reveal the clues.  “My job is connecting people to insights,” Williams says, sharing how facts buried in the digital jungl

Turning to Tech as a Wellness Tool. A Lifeline, not a New Burden Sep 17, 2026 2374 Host Tony Sipp welcomes back four insightful and inspirational guests as they share tips not only about work, trends, and tech, but also about taking care of your own health and wellness. Legal professionals work in a pressure cooker. It’s important to offload routine, draining tasks wherever possible. Join Kristine Custodio Suero, Eda Rosa, Ann Pearson, and Kelli Radnothy as the break down some

Get Excited! The NFPA Annual Convention is Here, Sept. 24-27 Sep 3, 2026 1318 The annual NFPA (National Federation of Paralegal Associations) convention is coming up September 24-27 in Bloomington, Minnesota, adjacent to the Mall of America just outside Minneapolis. Our guests on this episode are Lori Wagner, president of the NFPA, and Patty Meagher, who is chairing the NFPA convention. Both are paralegal professionals with more than 30 years of experience each. The NFPA i

We’ve Got This Down! What Paralegals Need to Know About Court Reporters Aug 27, 2026 1711 Get a look into a part of the legal world that paralegal professionals work with closely, but often don’t get to know: court reporters and transcription and documenting professionals. Guest Jennifer Hines, the founder of Hines Reporters and a 40-year veteran court reporter, chats with Mila Alcantar, a stenography student who represents the next generation of courtroom recording and transcription p

Working Your Way Up. The Power of Staying With a Firm Long-Term Aug 13, 2026 1474 There are many ways to live and grow through a career in paralegal services. Some chose to move from firm to firm in search of promotions. Others go freelance or establish their own firm. Guest Sabine Alexis’ career demonstrates how working for a long period with a single firm also offers a path to promotion, success, and personal satisfaction.  Alexis is passionate about the paralegal profe

From the Firm to the Front Lines: A Paralegal's Path to City Council Jul 23, 2026 2633 Everything changes, sometimes even you. Is the job you started out in still the job you love? Guest Cynthia Vasquez started out as a paralegal professional but made a pivot, earning her MBA and striking out on her own, founding her California-based eDiscovery consulting firm Propel Consulting. (She even ran successfully for city council and finds time to volunteer in professional organizations).

Diversity and Representation Matter in Our Courts. Open a Door! Jul 9, 2026 2257 Our court system tends to draw in a diverse mixing pot of “customers.” Many of us will end up in a courthouse for some reason, a civil or criminal proceeding, a hearing, a deposition, a divorce, jury duty, even a marriage license. That’s why diversity and representation of all of us matters for those working inside the courthouse. Guest Belinda Handy is a commissioner in the Superior Court of Riv

Free-Range Paralegals? Can You Really “Go It Alone?” Yes You Can. Jun 25, 2026 2744 Can paralegal professionals really strike out on their own and set up a paralegal business outside the confines of a law firm or government agency? Guest Rashida Forbes did just that. She’s a veteran paralegal professional who turned her early boots-on-the-ground early experiences into her own firm wrangling the legal process in the high-stakes world of foreclosure and eviction. Forbes was workin

What’s New NALA, With CEO Vanessa Finley (Plus NALA’s 2026 Convention) Jun 11, 2026 2492 In a truly fun episode, co-host Jill Francisco is back with co-host Tony Sipp and longtime friend of the podcast, Vanessa (Vinnie) Finley, CEO of NALA, The Paralegal Association. Finley dishes on all that is new this year at NALA for its members and shares insider details about the upcoming 2026 NALA Conference & Expo, July 16-18 in Denver, Colorado. The theme is “Transforming today’s paralegals

Paralegals Should Be Millionaires! How a Rural Paralegal Built a Business and a Movement May 14, 2026 2058 Guest Jaclyn Foster was a paralegal struggling to make ends meet in rural Wisconsin with a new baby when she started her own paralegal services business, online only, out of her home and out of desperation. It took off, generating six-figure revenue and ultimately being acquired just three years later by a larger company, giving her the breathing room to pursue her passions. She founded the Paral

The Adrenaline Rush of High Stakes Defense, Poring Through Modern Discovery Apr 9, 2026 3007 Dig into the stressful life of a paralegal professional working in a high-stakes defense litigation firm. Guest Amy McGuigan is a senior paralegal with the San Francisco firm of Swanson & McNamara LLP, a firm that specializes in trial and appellate law. She’s no stranger to the stress of cases where literally a defendant’s life is on the line. She’s always been into stressful jobs, from her start

Understanding the Intersection of Wellness, Mindfulness, and Tech Mar 12, 2026 3280 In this jam-packed episode, host Tony Sipp welcomes four outstanding paralegal professionals and educators to share tips on balancing mindfulness, wellness, and self-care in today’s world of rapid tech advancements. If it seems like the profession is bolting forward at light speed, you’re not wrong. It’s important to take care of yourself. Let tech work for you, not wear you down. At times, you

The Smartest Person in the Room? The One Who Asks and Learns Feb 12, 2026 2199 Guest June Hunter is a trained paralegal professional and legal technology trainer with a 35-year career in legal services that spans the profession’s growth from the days of physical, paper files to today’s legal tech AI revolution. Hear how Hunter has come to feel that paralegal professionals are “the best project managers in the world,” juggling clients, lawyers, tech tools, and court schedul

Building a Successful Paralegal Career, Step by Step. Yes You Can. Jan 8, 2026 2013 Once you’ve landed your first job as a paralegal professional, what next? How do you build your career, advance into management, and leverage affiliations and activities within local and national associations as you pursue your goals? Guest Angela King is a successful paralegal manager at the national law firm of Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP. Over more than two decades, she has advanced from a law

How the Legal Workplace Is Evolving and What it Means for You! Dec 11, 2025 2361 How is the legal profession evolving, and what does it mean for your career? In this episode, host Tony Sipp welcomes a very special, nationally renowned, guest, Chere Estrin for a look into the future of the legal workplace. Estrin is a guiding force in the legal profession and a nationally recognized voice on career development in the field. She’s the CEO of Estrin Legal Staffing, the author of

How Freelance Paralegal Professionals Boost Law Firm Efficiencies Nov 13, 2025 2127 Ever think of hanging up a shingle and going it alone as a freelance paralegal services provider? It can be done and there is a demand. Working in a firm isn’t your only option. Guest Corrin Swintosky is a freelance paralegal professional at her own company, Lucid Legal Support LLC, who specializes in helping small and midsize law firms increase efficiencies by providing extra help with criminal

Justice for All: A City’s Fight for Inclusion, Respect, and Fairness for Everyone Oct 23, 2025 2266 How do professionals in the legal community help protect and enhance the civil rights we all deserve? Guest Capri Maddox is the executive director of the Los Angeles Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department, working to ensure Los Angeles is a city of belonging, justice, and a welcoming space for all. She’s an attorney, but she also worked as a paralegal professional, and she recognizes how big

Beyond CLE, Training for Life and Living as a Paralegal Professional Oct 9, 2025 2580 Paralegals can find themselves on an island at the workplace, left without training, mentorship, and opportunities for growth and advancement in a sink or swim environment. It doesn’t have to be that way. Guest Eda Rosa is a former paralegal who founded her own firm, Eda Rosa LLC, in 2017. The legal consulting and training company is dedicated to transforming the legal industry from the inside o

The Shifting Sands of Immigration Law and AI: What to Know Now Sep 25, 2025 2924 We’re at an interesting and dynamic point in time for immigration law, with Supreme Court rulings and presidential executive orders reshaping the field and challenging the system’s status quo. The administrative area of immigration law is especially difficult for legal professionals. In an immigration hearing, the judge is essentially on the same “team” as the prosecutor, and because immigration

Blazing a Trail: The Role of Paralegal Associations in a Changing World Sep 12, 2025 2158 The paralegal profession is evolving at breakneck speed, driven by emerging technology such as AI and the era of “video connectivity” brought on by the pandemic. It’s up to paralegal associations to keep up. Guests Milady Cambare and Travis Chow are veteran paralegals and the respective presidents of the Orange County and Los Angeles paralegal associations. They share how their associations are

From Paralegal to “Paraleader.” What Legal Recruiters Look For. Jul 10, 2025 2564 Guest and professional legal recruiter Tracey Perkins says in 2025 every paralegal professional should know the importance of technology, especially AI. But she stresses the best paralegals always manage the tech and never let the tech manage them. AI is a tool that can spur efficiency, but it will never replace the mind and analytical skills of a skilled paralegal professional. In the rapidly ad

AI Is Here, How Will Paralegal Professionals Remain Vital? Jun 12, 2025 2084 AI is coming, and it may be coming for your job. Guest Dan Lear, vice president of partnerships at the digital case management company InfoTrack, shares how paralegal professionals can adapt and remain vital. Spoiler, you can’t ignore the AI revolution, but you can learn, evolve, and deliver insights and human skills that AI simply can’t match. File, case, and data management has come a long way

From Classroom to Social Media to Cruise Ship? New Ways to Learn. May 8, 2025 2854 Guest Linda McGrath-Cruz worked as a paralegal professional in private practice and in-house (including Royal Caribbean) for 28 years, and she’s a leader for the Paralegal Navigating Perilous Waters cruise, a CLE paralegal conference that takes place on a cruise ship (how cool is that?). She is currently the program coordinator and a full-time faculty member in the paralegal program at St. Johns

Be a Legal MacGyver. Learn More, Create Solutions Apr 24, 2025 1682 Guest Huascar Matos is a paralegal professional and the new president of the International Practice Management Association (IPMA). He has a varied background including a degree in Spanish and time in the fashion and art industry. After an unusual and unexpected path, he has found himself as a director of paralegals at the firm of Foley & Lardner. It’s an exciting time for the IPMA as members con

50 Years of NALA! Get the Scoop on 2025 From NALA CEO Vanessa Finley Apr 10, 2025 2281 What’s new for NALA in 2025? Get the scoop from guest Vanessa “Vinnie” Finley, the CEO of NALA since 2019. There’s plenty of news about the upcoming NALA conference and new initiatives to help you be your best professional self. 2025 is no ordinary year for NALA as the paralegal association celebrates 50 years. Start with the latest on the 2025 NALA Conference & Expo, July 10-12 in Atlantic City

Acclaimed Author Jesse Leon on Tragedy, Struggle, Hope, and Success. Mar 27, 2025 1740 In this powerful, and deeply emotional and inspirational episode, acclaimed author and speaker Jesse Leon tackles sensitive issues including human trafficking and substance abuse and how he rose above the challenges on his path to success. Leon grew up homeless, addicted, and sexually trafficked. But he survived and is here to remind all of us that we all matter, and we can grow and rise above. No

Making Yourself Essential, The Art of Becoming Indispensable. Mar 13, 2025 2132 Guest Natalie Athas is an experienced international paralegal for a Southern California law firm. She set out to become a nurse but wound up getting into the legal profession and found her place. She worked her way up through a number of positions, starting at the ground floor. Funny how things work out. Hear about the typical day of a busy paralegal serving a litigation team. She travels extensi

Evidence, Tech, and You. How Paralegals Shine in the Digital World. Feb 27, 2025 2536 Today’s legal evidence, more than ever, is digital. We’re not digging through boxes of paperwork and memos anymore. In its own way, paper evidence was easy – if time consuming – to request, sift through, organize, present, and protect. But today, evidence lives in the digital universe. We find evidence in emails, tablets, mobile devices, computers, the cloud, cell phones, even digital doorbells a

Passing the NALA CP® Exam, Help Is Here! Feb 13, 2025 2101 Ever wonder what it takes to pass the NALA Certified Paralegal (CP®) certification exam? Let’s break it down and set you apart in your field. You can do this. Guest Lori Young is a full-time faculty member at the College of the Canyons in California and a part-time instructor at the University of California Santa Barbara. She has been a paralegal professional for more than 25 years and specialize

Learn, Learn, Learn. Grow Your Career Through Education And Involvement Jan 30, 2025 1380 Life is an opportunity to learn, and learning never stops. Guest Jonathan Dang served in the military, then earned a bachelor’s degree, and then earned his master’s degree. He’s a big believer in lifelong learning, there’s never a bad time to take a course, boost your career, and learn something new. Hear how Dang started out looking for direction, found his way, learned from mentors, and finally

Mastering E-Discovery, Legal Tech, and Herding Digital Cats at Your Firm Jan 16, 2025 2063 Digital information management is a delicate balancing act, connecting the moving parts of a busy legal operation with the information technologists who manage the data. How do you pull an entire office together and manage and leverage all that information? Guest Stephanie Clerkin is the Director of Litigation Support at Korein Tillery and a 2024 recipient of the Gayle O’Connor Spirit Award, whic

Paralegals To The Rescue, Leading The Way In Legal Tech Integration Dec 23, 2024 2321 Where do technology and the paralegal profession intersect? Everywhere. Guest Karen Tuschak is a legal tech pioneer with more than 30 years of experience in the legal profession. She combined her experience, knowledge, and her passion for innovative technology to form her own company, Spider Silk Innovative Solutions in Toronto, Canada. Her company helps law firms and paralegals become more produc

New President Cheryl Nodarse Leads NALA Into Its 50th Year Nov 21, 2024 2673 Guest Cheryl Nodarse, ACP, talks about her goals as the new president of NALA. With her background as past NALA vice president and secretary, Nodarse has a clear vision for the national organization of paralegal professionals. NALA’s relationship with affiliated associations takes a spot at the top of Nodarse’s agenda, as well as developing the relationships between paralegal educators and studen

Neurodivergence, Communication, and Connections. Understanding Our Differences. Oct 31, 2024 2152 Guest Christina Hough dives into the topic of neurodivergence in the legal field. The subject refers to how people learn and behave. We’re all “neurodivergent” in that we are all different. The term covers everything from the autism spectrum to ADHD issues to our own individual quirks and how we interact, learn, and understand each other. When it comes to neurodivergence, the legal system has a p

Stress, Burnout, and the Legal Profession: It’s OK To Talk About It Oct 3, 2024 2200 Legal burnout. It’s a real thing. Let’s talk about it. On the podcast “The Legal Burnouts,” guests Kate Bridal and Josey Hoff have opened up about burnout. Both worked in law, Bridal as an attorney and Hoff as a paralegal. One day they realized they’d had enough. They were burned out. They know what they’re talking about, and they know what many in the legal profession are going through. Burnout

Digging Into California Workers’ Compensation (Plus, Career Advice From a True Pro) Aug 22, 2024 1998 No matter where you fit in an organization in the legal system, you’re likely to find yourself at some point involved in a case headed to alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation or arbitration. Guest Nikki Mehrpoo speaks from a lengthy career in law focusing on Workers’ Compensation and immigration law. In Workers’ Comp cases, the ability of a judge, mediator, and arbitrator to listen w

Advancing Your Career: Advice From A Real-Life Success Story May 16, 2024 1653 Guest Shelly A. Walker has enjoyed a career spanning nearly three decades of perpetual growth and advancement. Hear how she learned to move forward with every step, up to her current position as regional office administrator and paralegal manager for a large law firm. Successful careers in the paralegal profession don’t just happen. It takes work, ambition, and drive. Preparation creates opportuni

The Year Ahead For NALA, Plus A Preview Of The 2024 Conference May 3, 2024 2599 The return of an annual tradition: NALA CEO Vanessa Finley joins hosts Jill Francisco and Tony Sipp to talk about all things NALA, including the upcoming NALA Conference & Expo in Louisville, Kentucky July 11-13. (It’s hybrid, live or online, so if you can’t make it in person, you can still take part). Enjoy both fun and serious sessions, including keynote speaker Iliana Oris Valiente, CPA, CA, a

Tackling Tech, Getting The Education You Need To Advance Feb 15, 2024 2130 Let’s talk about changes in the law and legal technology in 2024 and how to make yourself more valuable to your firm and reenergize your career. Hear where the legal field is going (and how you’ll get there) with tech guru and guest Joy Murao. Maybe you’ll even find the motivation and courage to sign up for a course and learn new skills in the coming year. Technology isn’t something mystical or e

That’s A Wrap. What A Year: AI, Mental Health, And Conferences! Dec 14, 2023 2406 The return of Jill Francisco! She’s back after a busy autumn just in time to join co-host Tony Sipp as they wrap up 2023 and take a look at what’s ahead for 2024. There’s a lot to go through, but you can start with a moment to remember to take care of yourself this holiday season. There’s a natural tendency to put yourself last, behind career, family, and so many other things. Be good to yourself.

Career Pressures, The Holidays, And Taking Care Of Yourself Nov 30, 2023 2320 Legal professionals are goal-oriented and driven to succeed. But as we approach a traditionally stressful time of year – the holiday season – it’s important that we remember what’s important and to balance work and life and our own health. Guest Sonya Sigler is an accomplished attorney who now devotes herself to executive coaching and consulting as well as speaking and writing. Her focus is on wo

Litigation Support Skills, eDiscovery, And Advancing Your Career Oct 19, 2023 2071 Guest Cheryl Garner, CEDS, walks through not only becoming a better paralegal, but pursuing higher career goals, earning credentials, and specializing in eDiscovery and litigation support. She’s a litigation manager overseeing her firm’s eDiscovery program, educating attorneys and colleagues on best practices, and staying abreast of the latest trends. Litigation paralegal professionals play a key

Paralegals Rise Up! The New Opportunities In Practice Management Sep 28, 2023 1808 The role of experienced paralegal professionals continues to evolve in exciting new directions. Hear how driven paralegals are finding opportunities in organizational leadership as technology and artificial intelligence (AI) continue to disrupt the legal profession. The sky is the limit for today’s paralegals. Guest Tara Kim Eberhart shares how the International Practice Management Association

Courtroom Tech: Increase Your Value By Perfecting Presentations Aug 10, 2023 1813 Guest Shannon Lex Bales is the author of “The Trial Presentation Companion” and an experienced educator and consultant who helps attorneys and firms follow standards and models for presenting cases using today’s legal tech. When firms go to trial, a lot of them are just “winging it” with the software and equipment, workflow, and skills they need to present a case. Paralegal professionals will find

Live From The 2023 NALA Conference: An Inside Look Jul 20, 2023 1879 Greetings from Day One of the NALA 2023 Conference and Expo! Host Jill Francisco joins NALA past president and experienced paralegal Cassandra Oliver-Divens and paralegal student and first-time conference attendee Joey Jones to share the experience. Learn why the annual NALA conference is a must for today’s paralegal professionals. From ethics classes to the latest technology and trends, you’ll h

Overcoming Subconscious Bias, How We Can Do Better May 25, 2023 2177 Let’s talk about bias. Not just “explicit” bias, the conscious bias for or against someone. Instead, think about “implicit” bias, those subconscious decisions we all make about hiring, capability, and value because of our own experiences. It happens every day. Guest Al De La Cruz leads the litigation department for the San Diego office of Manning & Kass, Ellrod, Ramirez, Trester LLP and examines

Keep Up With Today’s Legal Tech (Or Be Left Behind) Apr 27, 2023 2332 Legal technologies wait for no one, including you. Guest Joy Murao is the Founder and CEO at Practice Aligned Resources, a legal tech support firm that offers a blend of services including e-discovery consulting and advisory, case planning and implementation, vendor and software selection guidance, and trial and war room setup and management. Murao turned her background as a paralegal professional

The NALA Paralegal Jobs Report: Get Paid What You’re Worth! Apr 13, 2023 2686 What’s new for NALA in 2023. Start by getting excited about the 2023 NALA conference with NALA’s chief executive officer, Vanessa Finley. This time in Boston in July. You don’t want to miss it. With 30 educational sessions, CLE credits are yours to earn with three ways to attend: the full, in person experience; a hybrid in-person/virtual package; and the single-day pass in person. Early bird speci

Show Us The Money: The Art and Best Practices Of Time Capture and Billing Mar 30, 2023 2719 Let’s talk about the art, and science, of billing. We’ll go ahead and say it, billing isn’t fun, but it’s crucial to the success of your law firm. And tracking many of those billable hours often falls on paralegal professionals. Getting work done is important, getting paid for that work is crucial. You aren’t alone. Everybody hates billing. Tracking your time and entering it into your system isn’t

How Paralegals Can Fill Legal System Gaps, A Panel Discussion Mar 16, 2023 2937 Our justice system is changing as demand for access to court services grows. Are specially trained paralegal professionals the answer? Across the country, states are looking for ways to grant special licenses so paralegal professionals can handle some issues that have traditionally required an attorney. New programs with names including “allied legal professionals, “limited licensing,” and “legal

New Cohost Tony Sipp Helps Kick Off A Year Of Big Upcoming Events Feb 14, 2023 2325 Host Jill Francisco is joined by NEW Paralegal Voice cohost (and a longtime friend of the podcast) Tony Sipp. Together, they kick off the new year with a rundown of upcoming events and news in the paralegal profession. NALA Conference and Expo, July 12, in Boston. New continuing education requirements are coming. Are you ready? NALA’s six-part series on real estate education, coming soon (and w

Paralegals: This. Is. Your. Year! (So, What Do You Want?) Jan 20, 2023 2682 In 2022, so many things changed. If you don’t love your job, this is your year. Find out if your pay, and job, measure up. Is your work arrangement still fair? Get out, join associations, network, and learn new skills. The pandemic showed us we can work from home if that’s what we want. Firms requiring workers to come back to the office risk losing valuable paralegals. It’s a job seeker’s market.

Goodbye, Farwell, and Amen: Host Carl Morrison Departs With Words of Wisdom Dec 23, 2022 1820 A year-end farewell as co-host Carl Morrison steps away from the mic. It’s been a great ride for the past five years, and Carl closes with a look back at 2022. Have no fear, co-host Jill Francisco stays with the podcast and will continue to deliver important insights in 2023. We’re watching so many changes to the role of paralegal professionals: more responsibilities, better tools, improved proces

Paralegals: It’s Your Mind. Use It Or Lose It Oct 7, 2022 2477 No matter if you’re new to the profession or a seasoned vet, paralegal professionals can never know too much. Guest Cathy L. Davis is an assistant professor and department chair of the criminal justice and legal studies programs at Alabama’s Faulkner University. She’s a champion of continuing education and the lifelong pursuit of new skills. Make your job your passion, and make learning your passi

And What, So What, Now What? An NFL Star And The Power Of Positive Thinking. Aug 31, 2022 2004 In a very special, and very personal, episode host Jill Francisco is joined by her good friend, NFL star and Super Bowl champion Vinny Curry of the New York Jets. The power of positive thinking. Paralegal work is stressful and at times emotional. There are deadlines, complicated problems, and even difficult people and situations. It’s OK to feel frustrated, sad, even angry. But as Curry explains,

Contract AI, The Game Changer for Corporate Paralegals Jul 28, 2022 2132 Guest Memme Onwudiwe was a speaker at July’s NALA 2022 Conference & Expo delivering a presentation titled “Corporate Paralegals in the Age of Contract AI.” It’s an exciting topic as the role of corporate paralegals shifts from generating contracts to overseeing, managing, and validating contract data. This doesn’t mean corporate paralegals will lose their jobs, instead Onwudiwe expects they’ll be

Incoming President NALA President Talks NALA Conference 2022 Jun 16, 2022 2003 Guest Debbie L. Overstreet, the incoming NALA president, gives an overview of the upcoming NALA conference – a return to the in-person gathering after two years of virtual, but with a remote option as well. Plus, the state of the job market for paralegal professionals and the role of the paralegal in government organizations. Now is a great time to be in the paralegal field. Jobs abound, and the f

A Solution for Firms Seeking Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion May 27, 2022 2222 When it comes to DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), our guests believe legal organizations want to do what’s best. But they don’t know where to start, or even have the data tools to point out shortcomings. The issue can seem so overwhelming the process falls into analysis paralysis. But as host Carl Morrison hears, even beating a problem so overwhelming can be done with the right tool, one b

Expand Your Horizons: Standing Still Is Not An Option Apr 28, 2022 2719 In an inspiring edition of The Paralegal Voice, guest Bobby T. Rimas shares his experiences as a paralegal professional, lifelong learner, author, and adjunct professor. Rimas shares his views on networking and staying current. Stand still and risk being left behind. Rimas follows the latest trends in legal tech and procedure and leans on his ever-growing network of paralegal professional colleag

Tame the ELM Beast: The Secrets of E-discovery and Data Management Mar 31, 2022 2558 Host Carl Morrison is joined by guest Ben Hengels of Ligl.io for a deep dive into the Evidence Lifecycle Management (ELM), e-discovery, and data flow management that law practices run on. With so many moving parts, taking proper stock of every component – from email and cloud systems to legacy on-site servers – is crucial. So is working with providers who understand how each piece works with the

Modern Legal Project Management: Agile and Scrum Processes Feb 24, 2022 2264 By default, many paralegal professionals serve as project managers, keeping cases on track and knowing when the next filing is due. But is traditional, linear project management best for all cases? Agile project management has been around in other business sectors for 20 years, but the legal field has been cautious and slow to adopt. Guest Alicia Mitchell-Mercer is an expert in applying the mode

2022 for Paralegals, 12 Big Trends! Jan 31, 2022 2552 New year, new trends. Our field never slows down. Keep up or risk being passed by. Host Carl Morrison looks at a dozen developing trends for the coming year and beyond. Everything from the evolution of the Limited Licensed Practitioner field (looking at you Arizona and Utah) to the breakneck acceleration in legal tech, artificial intelligence, workflow automation, and process improvements. The p

The “Great Resignation” Is a Great Opportunity for Paralegals Dec 23, 2021 2023 New year, new … job? The legal field is struggling to find paralegals and fill vacancies during the “Great Resignation.” For paralegals, that creates opportunities to break into the field or to advance your career. Guest Tony Sipp, a paralegal manager for a national law firm, says it’s more important now than ever for paralegal professionals to know their worth, highlight their skills, and pursue

ALSP: A Paralegal’s Friend or Foe? Nov 25, 2021 2421 Carl is joined by Ki Hwang and Bob Roberts of Bright Line Counsel, an Alternative Legal Service Provider (ALSP). Learn how the field is not only streamlining legal ops and more efficiently serving clients, but also creating exciting opportunities for paralegal professionals. Hear how today’s paralegals can leverage their project management and technology skills to advance their careers and focus

Get Up and Get Out There Nov 1, 2021 2828 Host Jill Francisco talks with veteran paralegal (and BFF) Nancy Jordahl about opportunities for paralegals outside the office. Jordahl regularly writes for paralegal and legal professional journals and is a regular speaker at paralegal conferences. Learn how to get started, find opportunities, and create the content professionals want (and need). Hear how to spot opportunities to serve on parale

Justice For All, the Paralegal’s Role Sep 30, 2021 2204 It’s not just the poor. Even the middle class struggles with a complex and costly American legal system. Our guest, Toni Marsh, JD, is a professor and director at the George Washington University School of Law Paralegal Studies program and a fierce advocate for the role of paralegals. The paralegal profession is in flux. As Americans struggle to access their legal system, constitutional rights a

Paralegals Back to School: It’s a New (Tech) World Aug 30, 2021 2428 The legal profession was already going online and high-tech. But COVID disruptions, working from home, and remote legal processes have supercharged those changes. Are you up to speed? Host Jill Francisco – a veteran paralegal and classroom instructor – interviews attorney and longtime professor Todd Richardson about today’s classroom experience. It’s more than lectures and books. Today’s learning

Paralegal Pathways: Legal Operations Jul 15, 2021 2189 Carl Morrison and Tom Stephenson detail the myriad ways paralegals can leverage their skills in the growing field of legal operations. Special thanks to our sponsors, NALA, ServeNow, and CourtFiling.net.

Job Growth Alert: Paralegals In Demand Jun 30, 2021 2635 Given how fast the paralegal field is growing, it’s no wonder NALA expects record meeting attendance. CEO Vanessa Finley offers a preview. Special thanks to our sponsors, NALA, ServeNow, CourtFiling.net and Legalinc.

Distinguishing Diversity from Inclusion Jun 4, 2021 2829 There’s a right way to create a culture of diversity and inclusion and there are countless wrong ways companies and law firms continue to develop failing programs and policies. St. John’s University’s William Murphy tells host Carl Morrison the range from worst reasons to implement (reactionary) to best (making the business case). Special thanks to our sponsors, NALA, ServeNow, CourtFiling.net a

Cultivating Curiosity Apr 23, 2021 2948 Educator and trainer Amy Johnson shows how simple changes in work habits can save time, increase productivity, and add value to a legal team. Special thanks to our sponsors, NALA, ServeNow, CourtFiling.net and Legalinc.

The Value of Certification Mar 31, 2021 2629 Carl Morrison reviews the changing paralegal certification landscape as states weigh and test limited licenses to expand access to justice.

Navigating Law Practice Post-Pandemic Feb 11, 2021 3101 Partner Marc Williams recaps the rapid litigation transition from in-person to virtual and what he expects will be the new normal.

When Vaccines Cause Injury Jan 28, 2021 2500 Lawyer Drew Downing explains how those injured by vaccines can file claims with the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

Labor & Employment in the Age of COVID-19 Dec 17, 2020 1976 Lawyer Brian Moore details evolving regulatory changes that impact employers and workers as the pandemic rages and vaccines hit the market.

Military Trained and Combat Ready Nov 30, 2020 2363 Master Sgt. Albert Perez Oyola details career paths and, for some, intense assignment twists for those trained as military paralegals.

Stand Up, Speak Up Nov 12, 2020 2734 Creating a diverse and inclusive culture requires action. Jill Francisco explores big and small ways to support diversity in the workplace.

The 5 Ps of Legal Six Sigma Sep 30, 2020 2253 Host Carl Morrison shows how paralegals can integrate process improvement techniques in their day-to-day work.

Eyes Wide Open: Social Media Law & Legal Ethics Jul 30, 2020 3106 When it comes to social media, legal professionals should tread carefully, but actively engage friends, clients and peers in these new spaces.

The WILLOW Project: Helping Wrongfully Convicted Women Jul 10, 2020 2005 Anne Geraghty-Rathert discusses the mission of the WILLOW Project and prevalent issues in women’s wrongful convictions.

Episodes

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