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WendyNC

Moderator

08/29/2007 10:10 PM	Quote Reply
Since we're all new here, I'm hoping folks will stop in here when they sign up so we can learn a little about one another. Since I'm a wide-open blabbermouth, I'll probably tell you more than you really want to know. I'm a freelance paralegal in Mebane, North Carolina and have lots of paralegal letters after my name. I'm an old bird and have been assisting attorneys in the private practice of law in NC since 1978. I never went to paralegal school anywhere, which is one of the reasons I sat for exams and got those letters. Most of my work has been on the non-litigation civil side of the law.

Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP Paralegal Assistance, Inc. 105 E. Center St., Ste. C Mebane, NC 27302 Phone: 919-967-4495 Fax: 919-304-0743

JennfromCleveland User is Offline

08/30/2007 07:24 PM	Quote Reply
Hi, I'm Jenn. I live in Cleveland, OH and have been a Paralegal for 3 years. I was let go from my last position in December 2006 and have been u/e ever since. The market in Cleveland really stinks and it's been impossible to find a new position. I've made two (unsuccessful) attempts to start a freelancing biz, but it doesn't seem to be taking off. Any suggestions?

I am not good at this (guest)

08/31/2007 03:38 PM	Quote Reply
Posted By JennfromCleveland on 08/30/2007 7:24 PM Hi, I'm Jenn. I live in Cleveland, OH and have been a Paralegal for 3 years. I was let go from my last position in December 2006 and have been u/e ever since. The market in Cleveland really stinks and it's been impossible to find a new position. I've made two (unsuccessful) attempts to start a freelancing biz, but it doesn't seem to be taking off. Any suggestions? Hang in there Jenn. Things will get better. Do you still freelance? What is your specialty? Please let me know, maybe we all can brainstorm and come up with something.

Susan G. (guest)

09/08/2007 11:33 AM	Quote Reply
I am now a free lance paralegal. Went to college and completed 34 hours of law courses and received a paralegal certificate. Worked for various law firms as a part timer from 1994 to 1999. Started freelance work in 2000. Because of my age when I started I could only get part time. I am 59 years old now and can not work in my area. They say I qualify but the can not afford me. But all the law offices I have went to have woman working for them from the ages of 20 to 35 years. The only older ones have been with the firms since they where young are in the family. This area does not freelance any paralegal work. Central Louisiana and this parish only handles in house paralegals. I am also a Notary. Have any suggestion on how I am to proceed. I also am a researcher. In college I did background checks on employees for various firms. Any help would be appreciated. I would like to work at home.

WendyNC

Moderator

09/08/2007 12:27 PM	Quote Reply
Susan, does Louisiana have a state certification program? If it does and you don't have that state certification, getting it would probably be a good idea. What are your preferred practice areas?

Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP Paralegal Assistance, Inc. 105 E. Center St., Ste. C Mebane, NC 27302 Phone: 919-967-4495 Fax: 919-304-0743

WendyNC

Moderator

09/08/2007 12:28 PM	Quote Reply
Jenn, have you looked at positions outside of law firms, such as legal departments in bank or other corporations? What are your preferred practice areas?

Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP Paralegal Assistance, Inc. 105 E. Center St., Ste. C Mebane, NC 27302 Phone: 919-967-4495 Fax: 919-304-0743

debjame (guest)

09/10/2007 02:12 PM	Quote Reply
Hi, I'm Deborah James. I've worked in the legal field for 26 years. 18 of those years were as a paralegal. I have not completed a paralegal program and am currently enrolled in the LA Mmission College online paralegal program. LA Mission College is accredited (it's part of the California Community college system, but not ABA approved. Unfortunately, there are only two community colleges in the Northern California area that have ABA approval. The others are given by 4 year universities and are way out of my pocketbook range. Interestingly, Southern California has quite a few community college paralegal programs that are ABA approved. Oh well, I'll be in a book this year as a semi-finalist for Carol Bruno's new book "Lessons from teh top - the 15 Most Successful Paralegals in America." I didn't make the top 15, but to be considered one of the top 25 was quite an honor. I currently work for Equal Rights Advocates, a non-profit organization that deals with equal rights for women by litigation and advocacy. www.equalrights.org For 6 1/2 years, I operated a Legal Document Business from a two suite office in downtown Oakland. Unfortunately, a developer purchased the building and is turning it into live-work condos beginning at 1.5 million dollars (just slightly out of my pocketbook range). I participate in list servs, and am co-owner and moderator of ParalegalCity and owner of Lsclass (a legal resoource list serv). I'm glad to see this forum and hope to learn a lot.

mehtaamit81 User is Offline

10/19/2007 03:49 AM	Quote Reply
Hi Friends, Hope you all are doing well? I wonder wheather you all accept me as an part of this group or not as i am not a paralegal and i am from India. I will luv to be a part of your family and it will be an honour for me if i can be of any help to you guys...... I am an IPR Attorney from India based in New Delhi doing majours into Trade Marks, Patents & Copyrights litigtion and prosecution and represents a wide variety of India and foreign clients from the corporate, finance and government. I am looking forward to increase my circle of professionals through friends like you and would be pleased to share ideas and hope to see you all in one of the professional meetings. It will be gr8 to be in touch with ech other as we all are from same roots of profession. Even otherwise its good to know more people from same roots of profession. We takes an assertive role in providing IP services by constantly monitoring the prosecution of filings, surveying markets for infringing products, seeking out factories and other sources of illicit goods, and working very closely with Intellectual Property Office of India and its foreign associates. It will be an honour for me to be in touch with you guys and if we can do some work too.. Look forward for your prompt reply regards, Amit Mehta IPR Attorney mehtaamit81@gmail.com

WendyNC

Moderator

10/19/2007 07:29 AM	Quote Reply
Greetings, Amit, and welcome. I'd be very interested in your opinion about the outsourcing of legal work from the US to India as described in the article linked in the thread entitled "New ABA Journal" which is also in the General Interest forum.

Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP Paralegal Assistance, Inc. 105 E. Center St., Ste. C Mebane, NC 27302 Phone: 919-967-4495 Fax: 919-304-0743

JoeThePara *

10/27/2007 02:14 AM	Quote Reply
Hello everyone, My name is Joseph Shanley and I own Advantage Paralegal Services located in Camillus, NY. I have worked as a paralegal in NYC and then moved to upstate NY and went into business for myself in 1989. It was not wasy at first and I changed the focus of the business many times until I finally got it right in 1994. I mainly assist federal employees now working their workers compensation cases, EEO, termination/suspension and many other issues they may have. The federal sector is under-represented by paralegals which can offer services at half the cost of lawyers. I hire paralegals on a case by case basis usually for intake positions and then if they are interested, actually work some cases after training. I would love to hear more about everyone's speciality. Joseph Shanley, Director Advantage Paralegal Services "The Federal Advantage" 102 Fernpark Drive Camillus, NY 13031 (315) 487-3317 phone and fax Federaladvocate@aol.com

debjame *

10/27/2007 05:41 PM	Quote Reply
Are you allowed to refer to your services as "paralegal," since you're directly assisting the public? I operated a Legal Document Assistant Business in California for 6 1/2 years. I found it very rewarding. There are very few attorneys willing to assist people with workers comp matters, SSI, State Disability, employment terminations, etc.

MissSukie

11/19/2007 05:48 PM	Quote Reply
Hi All. My name is Pam, and "MissSukie" just an online name. I graduated from Saint Mary's Paralegal Program in 1987 and have worked as an independent contractor ever since, having worked as a legal secretary before that for years. I work out of my home in the OC in Southern California and have about 15 attorney-clients throughout the state. I mostly do civil litigation but also do motions, research, brief writing and appeals in family law, probate, bankruptcy and criminal. Sometimes I'm hired to go in a law office and work up cases they've been sitting on. Once I was hired just to review and itemize a room full of boxes of documents, and ended up working on that case for the next 5 years as it passed through 4 different attorney's. Ha. Three times I have traveled upstate to trial assist. It's fun. I started working freelance because I had a small child and did not like the flack when I wanted to stay home if she was sick, etc. I've accepted a job with a firm twice since 1987 and only lasted a few months because of the boredom or silly office rules (at one firm I wasn't allowed to type up my own file labels, it had to go to a clerk - waste of time). Anyway, I'm so happy I accidentally found this site and hope to be a part of it. I'd be happy to help anyone with California questions. I would like some input from you all about hourly rates. I charge $50.00 per hour. I would be very interested in knowing what other freelancers charge in California and other states. I would also be interested in salaries litigation paralegals are making in firms. This site is going to be fun.

debjame *

11/19/2007 06:50 PM	Quote Reply
Nice to "meet" you. Did you know that they have ended the paralegal program at St. Mary's? 2006 was the last year. II look forward to your posts.

MissSukie

11/19/2007 07:00 PM	Quote Reply
Hi Deb. I heard about the closing of the program. It was a great program. Made me actually research and write things. I like this site. Don't know what all the fuss was about that I read on the Adm section, but looks like it's over. Sounded silly anyway. I look forward to your posts too. Thanks

MissYaki

12/06/2007 12:05 PM	Quote Reply
Hello to everyone. My name is Sarria and my user name is MissYaki and friend of MissSukie. I have been a paralegal for about 15 yrs. I attended Hayward State Paralegal Program, I did all the classes but one. Long story, but my employer paid for my tutition and then didn't for the one class I had left and opted to be grandmothered in. I have worked for a sole practioner for 12 years and then went to a firm for 2 1/2 years. Boy, talk about making sure you met all your billable hours. If I did not bill for a solid 8 hour day, I spent at least one hour tracking those minutes. But I hated the communte (2 hrs a day) and came back to the same office and now work for the other sole practioner in the office. So I'm back in my circle. My attorney practices Family Law, Probate, Personal Injury, Unlawful Detainers, misdemeaner criminal cases (usually DUI's) and civil litigation. So there is a wide variety of law in this office which makes it interesting. I am so happy to join this group.

debjame

12/06/2007 04:17 PM	Quote Reply
Hi there Sarria, Actually, the phrase is "grandfathered in," but I like "grandmothered in" so much better. I am in the process of obtaining a certificate, having done this work for 26 years now, and being "grandfathered" or "grandmothered" in ages ago. I had been taking the online program through LA Mission College, but have decided to finish up at City College of San Francisco. They have a campus about 8 blocks away from where I work. I've been a co-speaker with the Director of the Paralegal Studies Program, Dora Dye. She is a really neat lady. Lately, I seem to do a lot better at "brick and mortar" environments than self propelled, although LA Mission is pretty good as well. I've taken lots of MCLE courses at Cal State Hayward. The cost of the paralegal program is prohibitive for me as I have a son in college. Anyway, I think you'll like this site.

Deborah James

WendyNC

Moderator

12/06/2007 05:51 PM	Quote Reply
MissSuki and MissYaki--groan! Glad to have both of you here.

Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP Paralegal Assistance, Inc. 105 E. Center St., Ste. C Mebane, NC 27302 Phone: 919-967-4495 Fax: 919-304-0743

MissSukie

12/07/2007 07:28 PM	Quote Reply
Hi Miss Yaki. Looks like Wendy caught our little name game. I'm hungry now.

Fran74

02/03/2008 08:45 PM	Quote Reply
Hello Everyone! My name is Fran and I am located just South of Boston Ma. I am not a paralegal but will be taking courses ( on-line ) through Boston University. The program is not ABA approved but chose to take it anyway. I have heard some good things about it locally and through a group on Yahoo who are graduates of the program. I will be done in June with the course. I am 33 years old and have had 13 years personal experience in the NY State family courts battling custody of my two oldest children. I have recently been awarded jurisdiction from NY to MA on my 4 year old son. I also have a 10 month old daughter. All together I have 4 children. ( yes, a busy life!) Close to my completion of school I will most likely be searching for positions within family law. I hope that I will be able to find a position where I can work in office for 2-3 days and then at home the remainder of the week. It's very important to me to continue with my first job and that is being a mother. At current, I am trying to find out what I must do in order to become a volunteer child advocate at the courts. I understand that working in the legal field requires a hefty amount of trust not just by employers but clients as well. It is an unfortunate truth that 11 years ago I had some legal problems which resulted in the marring of my record. I have struggled with the fact that this may end many interviews in a not so positive light but I accept this. I am confident that I am no longer the type of person that would do anything to betray a trust. That aside, I am glad to have the opportunity to attend school, albeit not a 2 or 4 year, but school nonetheless. I am looking forward to beginning this adventure and have hopes of gaining knowledge and perhaps some sort of camaraderie here on this site. Best, Fran

WendyNC

Moderator

02/03/2008 08:58 PM	Quote Reply
Fran, welcome aboard. We have quite a few students here already along with a lawyer or two. There's an FAQ way up at a top, over on the right. That should cover most of what you need to know to get along around here. One note--HTML is no longer enabled as it was interfering with email postings. The FAQ will be updated shortly to reflect that.

Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP Paralegal Assistance, Inc. 105 E. Center St., Ste. C Mebane, NC 27302 Phone: 919-967-4495 Fax: 919-304-0743

DeborahAZ

02/05/2008 09:24 PM	Quote Reply
Hello everyone! I am Deborah from Surprise, AZ. I am fairly new to this type of forum. I graduated with my Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies approximately two years ago from a non-credited ABA university. Since that time, I have been working as a secretary with a private fiduciary firm. Unfortunately, I have not successfully obtained the title of paralegal. Has anyone ever come across the catch 22 of can't get a position with out experience and can not gain experience without the position? Any insight is helpful. I look forward to this experience.

WendyNC

Moderator

02/05/2008 11:27 PM	Quote Reply
Hello, DeborahAZ. Glad to have you here. I'm going to let the folks who have entered the job market more recently help you out on that Catch 22 thing. What a bear it must be out there these days.

Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP Paralegal Assistance, Inc. 105 E. Center St., Ste. C Mebane, NC 27302 Phone: 919-967-4495 Fax: 919-304-0743

Para *

02/06/2008 05:56 PM	Quote Reply
[quote]Posted By DeborahAZ on 2-05-2008 09:24 PM: Has anyone ever come across the catch 22 of can't get a position with out experience and can not gain experience without the position? Any insight is helpful. I look forward to this experience.[/quote] Hello Deborah! Welcome to ParalegalChat. You can resolve your catch 22 by working part time or by interning for an attorney, unless of course, there are some financial issues. ----------------- Para, I've only been in here to work on the misbehaving code, which is now to the point that it works in preview. W.

DeborahAZ *

02/06/2008 08:23 PM	Quote Reply
Thank you I appreciate any help :)

DeborahAZ *

02/06/2008 08:29 PM	Quote Reply
Thank you Para. I have considered interning and/or part time but have run across two issues: 1) social networking. I primarily work in Elder/Probate Law. Where I am from everybody knows everybody and everybody talks. 2) I work full time and there just aren't enough hours in the day. I appreciate all the input and look forward to many other discussions.

TCP

02/18/2008 01:44 PM	Quote Reply
Hi, I'm from Ohio where I graduated from a community college with an Associates in Legal Assisting in 2006. I lost my job in November 07 and have not been able to find anything since. The job market for paralegals, legal secretaries or receptionists unfortunately, in my area, is terrible--there are at least 4 or 5 paralegal training programs around and this area is not that big. I don't relish the idea of relocating, but if that is what I have to do, then well....(I hate moving worse than having teeth pulled). I have done DR work and rather enjoy it, but around here, it can get boring very fast. I really would like to work in litigation, doing some PI, insurance defense and subrogation, but corporate and IP sounds interesting too. My usual job search is to just send out mass mailings to all the law firms in town and hope someone bites (that is when I don't find anything listed in my usual job search sources). Any suggestions for getting a foot in the door with the larger corporations, the government (I live near an AFB) or gov't contractor?(I am willing to try anything).

debjame *

02/19/2008 08:02 PM	Quote Reply
There's a site called www.ihirelegal.com They will do a free resume "blas" for you. You've probably tried the major firm's websites. Also, Craigslist.org is a good site that lots of people (employers and applicants) seem to be using now. I don't like the sites that lead to headhunters. Unfortunately, that's basically who posts on Monster, Hotjobs, and a few of the other large job search engines. I'm looking again too, having just spent 8 months at a non-profit, which turned out to be one of the worst experiences in my career. I have 2 interviews tomorrow and am hoping to find a better place.

Cindy

02/21/2008 01:15 PM	Quote Reply
Hi, I'm Cindy and just joined Paralegalchat through a connection at NALS. I've been in the legal field for many, many years (LOL). I work for a 3 man firm in a small town in Ohio and am a probate paralegal. I did work in Jacksonville, FL for about a year - several years ago - and learned that I like the small town firm atmosphere much better.

WendyNC

Moderator

02/21/2008 06:11 PM	Quote Reply
Greetings and welcome, TCP and Cindy. Glad you've joined us.

Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP Paralegal Assistance, Inc. 105 E. Center St., Ste. C Mebane, NC 27302 Phone: 919-967-4495 Fax: 919-304-0743

TCP

02/21/2008 08:26 PM	Quote Reply
Thanks for the suggestions. And I know about non-profits, having spent some time in one myself-about six months. It's something I never want to do again if I can help it.

KiminOmaha *

02/27/2008 10:11 AM	Quote Reply
Hi, I'm new to the "chat" stuff, but an old hand at para work. I have worked in a variety of fields, but have settled in the Tax, Estate Planning and Administration areas. I love knowing when the end is here and what the results will be, generally speaking. I am looking forward to discussing issues with folks who are in the same area of practice and learning and teaching. Thanks for the invite to join your group. I appreciate it. Kim

WendyNC

Moderator

02/27/2008 12:19 PM	Quote Reply
Hi, Kim. I'm tempted to fly a banner that says, "Hey, we have a tax person!"

Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP Paralegal Assistance, Inc. 105 E. Center St., Ste. C Mebane, NC 27302 Phone: 919-967-4495 Fax: 919-304-0743

forrest4567 *

02/27/2008 02:49 PM	Quote Reply
Hi Wendy, I'm a bit of an old bird myself. I became enamored with the law after 20 yrs. of being an explosives tech. i recently earned an Associates in paralegal studies and want to enter the legal profession. Any pointers? I live in northern Virginia but will relocate for the right job. You are my first contact as I am hoping to build a network. Know any good chat rooms? Thanks AND LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU

Hi to all.. *

03/07/2008 02:50 PM	Quote Reply
My name is Adrien and I am from Charlotte, NC. Legal Assistant at small Law firm. Hoping to meet good people here and learn from one another! TTYL

WendyNC

Moderator

03/07/2008 04:56 PM	Quote Reply
Adrien! It's nice to have another Carolinian aboard.

Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP Paralegal Assistance, Inc. 105 E. Center St., Ste. C Mebane, NC 27302 Phone: 919-967-4495 Fax: 919-304-0743

wantabeinnc User is Offline

03/13/2008 10:04 AM	Quote Reply
Hi' My name is Rayonda. I'm in Charlotte, NC as well. I looking to reenroll in my Paralegal Degree/Training in the Fall. Right now trying to learn all I can until that time comes. I look forward to learning from and maybe sharing knowledge will all of you.

WendyNC

Moderator

03/13/2008 10:23 AM	Quote Reply
Greetings and welcome!

Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP Paralegal Assistance, Inc. 105 E. Center St., Ste. C Mebane, NC 27302 Phone: 919-967-4495 Fax: 919-304-0743

KellyW

03/17/2008 08:04 AM	Quote Reply
Hello everyone my name is Kelly and I'm from Lawrenceville, GA about 20 min from Atlanta. I am starting the paralegal program in April. I can't wait, I am really excited. I've been in the workforce for 13 years but mostly in the telecom industry as an auditor so to change careers is going to be a challenge I know but I will definitely get through it. Any pointers on how to get that experience for a newbie in this field would be greatly appreciated. The majority of the career postings in Atlanta are through temp agency, I realize this may be an option to get in the door but even they would like for you to have at least 2 yrs exp. Any help please...look forward to hearing from you all.

WendyNC

Moderator

03/17/2008 09:46 AM	Quote Reply
Hi, KellyW, and welcome.

Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP Paralegal Assistance, Inc. 105 E. Center St., Ste. C Mebane, NC 27302 Phone: 919-967-4495 Fax: 919-304-0743

Lorikal

03/28/2008 11:01 PM	Quote Reply
Hi everyone, I just stumbled upon this site and I think it's great! A little bit about me...I've been a corporate paralegal for about 8 years. My job responsibilities are concentrated in contract administration/management and commercial real estate. Some of the issues I'm interested in are: professional development, specialization, freelancing, and glass ceilings within the profession.

WendyNC

Moderator

03/29/2008 07:42 AM	Quote Reply
Lorikal, glad you've joined us.

Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP Paralegal Assistance, Inc. 105 E. Center St., Ste. C Mebane, NC 27302 Phone: 919-967-4495 Fax: 919-304-0743

WendyNC

Moderator

04/04/2008 07:06 PM	Quote Reply
In the Administration Forum, there is a thread titled "Forum Policy" which is updated from time to time.

Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP Paralegal Assistance, Inc. 105 E. Center St., Ste. C Mebane, NC 27302 Phone: 919-967-4495 Fax: 919-304-0743

Patty

04/04/2008 11:19 PM