Bringing effective legal project management to your team
For decades, the term “project management” invoked images of construction workers and engineers huddled around a set of blueprints, scheming to raise a building from the ground up. It was rarely, if ever, applied in the legal setting. In recent years, however, the legal profession has embraced the concept of project management. In fact, the […]
The 7 PDF skills you need to successfully eFile in Illinois
You’ve probably heard by now that Illinois State Courts now require electronic filing of court documents almost without exception. As discussed in earlier posts, the courts are rather particular about the formatting of these electronic documents. Scanned PDFs are discouraged. Electronic signatures must be affixed in different formats, depending on the identity of the signatory. […]
5 tips for studying for a paralegal certification class WHILE working full time
Studying for a paralegal certification—or any professional certificate—is a full-time job. But so is your actual full-time job. How can you do both at the same time? How do you maintain your performance at work, prepare for a certification examination, and not lose your sanity? Here are five tips for legal support professionals who are […]
How the science of persuasion impacts the legal profession
It is undeniable that lawyers and other legal professionals rely heavily on persuasion. In fact, some lawyers refer to persuasion as an art form. But the person many people consider the foremost authority on this subject thinks that persuasion is actually a science. Robert Cialdini is a professor emeritus of psychology and marketing at Arizona State University. His “Six Principles of Persuasion,” are […]
7 ways to step outside of your paralegal comfort zone
Fear of change is a natural human emotion, but fear can help keep you in your comfort zone, afraid to venture out. Don’t let yourself get stuck in a rut; instead, explore new things as a legal support professional. Does any of this sound familiar? Here are 7 ways to break out of your paralegal […]
Coming soon! First virtual conference for legal support professionals
The One Legal team is excited to announce the first ever virtual conference for legal support professionals! This online event will take place next month, March 20-23, 2018. We’re working hard to put the finishing touches on four days’ worth of presentations that are geared just for you: paralegals, legal secretaries, legal assistants, and other […]
Are you a certified paralegal or a paralegal with a certificate?
And what’s the difference, again? Paralegal certificate: is recognition earned from an approved paralegal studies program Paralegal certification: when a professional has passed a rigorous legal skills test to become a certified paralegal Too many paralegals make the mistake of claiming to be certified (having passed a certification test) when instead they have received a […]
Best practices for maintaining client relationships
While getting prospective clients to your door might be the hardest part, establishing and maintaining client relationships can also be a challenge. Yet creating connections with clients that will continue and deepen over the years is just as important. Legal professionals are responsible for creating and maintaining positive relationships with their clients. The client selected […]
What legal professionals need to know about eFiling
Has electronic court filing begun in your county yet? Federal Courts have long since mandated eFiling and state courts have slowly joined the march toward digital progress. Some states, like Indiana and Illinois, have implemented a statewide system for eFiling, while others, like California, are leaving it up to the individual counties to gradually choose their own approach. […]
14 commonly misused words in the legal industry
Legal terminology and jargon are tough enough to learn, but the many words and phrases that are often used incorrectly can cause confusion and misunderstandings in legal agreements and communications. Brush up on some of the most commonly misused words in the legal industry to make sure your writing stays clear and concise. [textblock style=”1″]Solve […]
How to start preparing for your next legal job
Planning a career move in 2018? Thinking about changing law firms? (Don’t worry, we won’t tell…) A job change is a natural progression in your professional life. But just thinking about changing jobs won’t make it happen. The transition from one field or firm to another takes focus, commitment, self-examination, and a set of goals […]
The evolution of legal support: past, present, and future
From creating elaborate presentations to navigating ever more complex legal technology, the responsibilities of paralegals and legal support staff have grown significantly since the days when lawyers worked alone with paper and pen. More than one quarter-million paralegals and legal support staff are currently working throughout the nation, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects […]
10 blogs legal professionals should be following in 2018
Are you a legal professional who wants to sharpen your skills, advance in your workplace, stay apprised of the latest legal technology, and gain a competitive advantage in today’s legal market? Reading cutting-edge legal blogs can help do all those things, and provide you with a source of valuable information—as well as much-needed entertainment. [textblock […]
Top tips for handling confidential documents at your firm
Attorneys are bound by the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 1.6: Confidentiality of Information, which notes that “A lawyer shall make reasonable efforts to prevent the inadvertent or unauthorized disclosure of, or unauthorized access to, information relating to the representation of a client.” But it’s not just the attorneys who should adhere to […]
Are you an I- or a T-shaped paralegal?
The legal profession is renowned for being traditional, conservative, and extremely resistant to change. Consequently, many lawyers (and some paralegals as well) tend to avoid the unfamiliar and focus on just one thing – their chosen area of expertise. However, at a time when creativity and ideas are vital to the success of a law […]
Top 5 expert legal research tips
One of the most labor-intensive tasks that support staff must undertake is legal research. Whether you’re very familiar with the area of law that you’re considering, or just beginning to take on this responsibility in your law firm, there are many ways to become better at conducting legal research. Here are the top five essential […]