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Eliyahu
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| 05/02/2008 07:27 PM |
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| I'm a paralegal in a small solo practice in Southeastern Washington State. We do primarily criminal defense work with a little PI from time to time, dealing with everything from traffic tickets to murder. I'm self-taught and have been doing this for about eight years now, with a background as a former Army medic, businessman, firefighter and tech support supervisor. |
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frustratedonlooker *
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| 05/02/2008 10:16 PM |
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| I am still a paralegal student and reading all of the posts have not been very encouraging I have a Bachelors degree and I am currently obtaining my paralegal certificate. I am currently employed but making way less than I am worth. I am so stressed out that is why I decided to pursue a career in the legal field to maybe earn a fraction of what I am worth. Anyone have any tips or suggestions on how to find my first paralegal job I am located in Cleveland Ohio? |
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WendyNC
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| 05/02/2008 10:37 PM |
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| Greetings, Eliyhahu and welcome. Crazy business, isn't this? |
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Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP
Paralegal Assistance, Inc.
105 E. Center St., Ste. C
Mebane, NC 27302
Phone: 919-967-4495
Fax: 919-304-0743 |
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WendyNC
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| 05/02/2008 10:47 PM |
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frustratedonlooker, breathe! Remember that in law it's generally one-third for you (salary), one-third for overhead (which includes your benefits), and one-third for the house (firm or company), so how much you can make is always going to be tied to how profitable you are to your employer.
All I know about Cleveland is that it's the place I keep my in-laws, but good job-hunting to you! |
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Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP
Paralegal Assistance, Inc.
105 E. Center St., Ste. C
Mebane, NC 27302
Phone: 919-967-4495
Fax: 919-304-0743 |
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frustratedonlooker *
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| 05/03/2008 08:44 AM |
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| I am very glad you have created this site. I have so much anxiety about starting a new career. I am also glad that othere people out there are experiencing the same things. I now realize my situation is not unique it only feels that way. I sent out my first reume last week for a paralegal trainee position but I have not heard anything back. The cleveland job market is terrible if anyone is in cleveland and has some connections please keep in touch with me. |
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Eliyahu
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| 05/05/2008 02:20 PM |
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Posted By n/a on 05/02/2008 10:16 PM
Anyone have any tips or suggestions on how to find my first paralegal job I am located in Cleveland Ohio? I'll be interested in the responses to this question, as we're looking at a move to Ohio when my wife finishes college next year. (It appears to be one of the few states where there are both good-sized Jewish communities and affordable housing, both of which are important to us.)
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Maggie *
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| 05/18/2008 10:02 PM |
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Hello, I am Maggie from NYC. I have been a paralegal for three years. I work for a very good firm in that we all seem to work together well.
My forte is legal research. My boss is also very supportive in that he feels that not only the attys but the paralegals in the firm should partake of CLE classes.
I also do a lot of pro bono work on my own time with various issues.
It is nice to have a forum in which to speak with other paralegals. |
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Maggie *
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| 05/18/2008 10:08 PM |
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Eli-
If you can manage it-offer to work as an intern without pay for a month or two and see where that gets you.
You might also apply to any and all city or state government posiitons. The idea is to get your foot in the door.
Also, you might consider law school. A firm might be intrigued that yo uare starting as a paralegal but will continue to study to get your JD.
Good luck to you.
Maggie |
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WendyNC
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| 05/18/2008 10:28 PM |
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| Hi, Maggie. Although you're welcome to post without signing up, if you choose to do so, that will give you full access to all the board features. |
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Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP
Paralegal Assistance, Inc.
105 E. Center St., Ste. C
Mebane, NC 27302
Phone: 919-967-4495
Fax: 919-304-0743 |
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ahamm2006
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| 05/19/2008 01:29 PM |
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Hello, everyone! My name is Ashley, and I'm a paralegal for a defense firm in Beaufort, SC. We are hired by insurance companies in P.I. and construction litigation cases. My last job was Plaintiff's work in the same area, so I've spent the past several months trying to adjust to being on the "dark side."
I graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2006 with a B.A. in English and writing. I have worked in law firms since I was 18 and just kind of ended up staying in the field. At almost 25 years old, I'm having some doubts as to whether or not I want to make this paralegal gig a career for the next 30-some years. I've thought about putting my degree to better use as an English teacher (and, believe it or not, teachers get paid more than I am making right now, and I just got a raise last month). Still checking out my options though. The firm I am with is great, everyone gets along and the place is very laid back. My boss doesn't freak out if I make a stupid mistake.
So glad I found this site! It's great to know I'm not the only one going crazy in this high-stress field. |
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WendyNC
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| 05/19/2008 01:54 PM |
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| Greetings, Ashley. If you really *want* to teach, then far be it from me to discourage you. But before you leave the law, please remember that litigation is only one piece of the law firm pie and there are many things for a paralegal to do other than work in law firms. Transactions law is all about the precise use of language. |
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Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP
Paralegal Assistance, Inc.
105 E. Center St., Ste. C
Mebane, NC 27302
Phone: 919-967-4495
Fax: 919-304-0743 |
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ahamm2006
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| 05/19/2008 02:08 PM |
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| I definitely won't be making any decisions yet. I want to put some money away, for one thing, and usually I'm pretty satisfied here. I just get so burned out sometimes. I live in a small town where opportunities are limited, so now that I've finally landed a job with a good and reputable firm, that actually offers full benefits and gives raises and bonuses without employees having to beg, I don't want to make a mistake by leaving. It's when I have the bad days that I just want to leave the profession altogether, but in the past, when I've worked in other fields, I've really missed being a paralegal. So, it's a double-edged sword, I suppose. Plus the idea of starting over career-wise does not excite me in the least. |
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legalcutter
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| 06/02/2008 06:47 PM |
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Something new,
Why is it when I click on a "latest posts" topic I now get sent to the log in page? Is this something new? And why? |
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WendyNC
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| 06/02/2008 07:09 PM |
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I have no idea and didn't realize that happened until I logged out and tried it.
I've sent a note to Shekhar asking him about it.
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Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP
Paralegal Assistance, Inc.
105 E. Center St., Ste. C
Mebane, NC 27302
Phone: 919-967-4495
Fax: 919-304-0743 |
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Legalcutter *
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KYParalegal *
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| 08/25/2008 01:11 PM |
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| Hello, all! My name is Jonikka and I currently work as a paralegal with a county agency in Kentucky. I do have a paralegal degree and am very interested in sitting for certification exams, but have not yet had the opportunity to do so. I've been in the paralegal profession for about 4 years now. |
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WendyNC
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| 08/25/2008 02:05 PM |
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| Welcome, Jonikka! Please feel free to sign up to access the various features available here. |
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Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP
Paralegal Assistance, Inc.
105 E. Center St., Ste. C
Mebane, NC 27302
Phone: 919-967-4495
Fax: 919-304-0743 |
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Gksaalawfirm
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| 08/28/2008 12:12 PM |
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I joined awhile back and never introduced myself. My name is Glenda Keller and work for a small law firm in Port St. Lucie, FL. I have approximately 15 years of experience within the legal field. The majority of our work is Criminal Defense and Personal Injury. Once in awhile, my boss will dabble in Family Law but in simple terms. There is never a moment that I am not learning new ways to do my job.
Glenda Keller, FRP
Paralegal
Smith, Akins, & Associates, P.A.
601 SE Port St. Lucie Boulevard
Port St. Lucie, FL 34984
T: 772-336-6020 |
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WendyNC
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| 08/28/2008 12:39 PM |
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| Glenda, thanks for the introduction. |
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Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP
Paralegal Assistance, Inc.
105 E. Center St., Ste. C
Mebane, NC 27302
Phone: 919-967-4495
Fax: 919-304-0743 |
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Paralegal *
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| 08/28/2008 01:45 PM |
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Welcome Glenda! I have a question for your, but I will ask that in the criminal law forum. Thanks for joining... and please invite your friends to PC!!
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10340676
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| 09/10/2008 10:01 PM |
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Hello....I am Nthan from Tampa, I just returned to work as a paralegal last year. I was accepted to business school and law school at the same time, I choose business school, got an MBA, worked as an executive for a while, hated it and return to the legal profession. I plan on reapplying to law school this fall.
Anyway, I am a litigation paralegal, do family law and personal injury. I work for a very high volume and prominent firm in Tampa, but am glad it is the most laid back atmosphere I have ever worked in.
Anyway, I look forward to interacting with everyone. |
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WendyNC
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| 09/10/2008 10:52 PM |
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| The law catches some of us and we end up there regardless of where we thought we were going. Greetings and welcome. |
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Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP
Paralegal Assistance, Inc.
105 E. Center St., Ste. C
Mebane, NC 27302
Phone: 919-967-4495
Fax: 919-304-0743 |
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Malasin
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| 09/20/2008 01:50 AM |
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Hello everyone,
My name is Jem, I am from the treasure coast in Sunny Florida! I will be finishing up with an Associates in Paralegal Studies in a week. As of this moment, I am unemployed for about a year now. When I interned with the State Attorney's office as a Victim's Advocate a few years ago, I had instantly felt at home there. I hated that the internship had to end. After not getting anywhere in the social services field, I returned to the books.
I stumbled onto this site as I was looking up the job market in St. Lucie County. This seemed like a terrific oppertunity to network and communicate with others in the field.
Jem Paddock |
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WendyNC
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| 09/20/2008 08:45 AM |
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| Greetings, Jem! Glad to have you. |
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Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP
Paralegal Assistance, Inc.
105 E. Center St., Ste. C
Mebane, NC 27302
Phone: 919-967-4495
Fax: 919-304-0743 |
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Lorah33 *
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| 09/27/2008 11:41 PM |
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| Hello, all! I'm looking to go back to school for paralegal studies...could use some help. Although I'm primarily a housewife (currently) I substitute teach in our local schools quite often, and actually have an AS in Business Admin./ Networking Technologies...(MCSE). I hated my job when I was working off the degree. My heart has always been in law, I just wasn't sure exactly where until recently. Now, due to available study time being consistently available, but not consistently the same schedule, on-line courses fit me best. I also self study best, and don't care for the classroom setting and/or restraints. My question is...will the education I may receive from Penn Foster be the same quality as that of American Institute for Paralegal Studies, or Hodges University? The cost is so much lower, although the explanation makes sense, it makes me question if I'll truly recieve all the material necessary to pass the NALAs CLE. Anyone have any advise? |
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WendyNC
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| 09/28/2008 12:15 AM |
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Welcome, Lorah33! No online school is ABA accredited at this point as the ABA has requirements for physical facilities. However, from what I read from other posters both here and elsewhere, whether one goes to school in a brick and mortar classroom or remotely, education is the same as it ever was--what you make of it.
There were three of us who sat for NALA's CLA exam on the same day back in December of 1987. I had no school but ten years of experience. Another examinee had school only. The third had a mixture of school and experience. All of us passed on the first go, back when the first-time pass rate was less than 35%. From this I concluded that there is no one right way to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to pass the exam. I think you'll do just fine. |
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Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP
Paralegal Assistance, Inc.
105 E. Center St., Ste. C
Mebane, NC 27302
Phone: 919-967-4495
Fax: 919-304-0743 |
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John *
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| 09/28/2008 08:47 PM |
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| I am studying Paralegal through correspondence from what was Professional Career Institute. I was wondering where and what Paralegal Association to join in West Virginia. I have a long ways to go , but I have a A-average and want to continue. I am all new at this type of occupation,so I will take to heart what any of you tell me. My e-mail address is john.nazelrod@yahoo.com. intend to finish my education although my age is 60,years young. I do not knoiw any one on this site, but would like to get to know you all.it Wendy do have any suggestions. |
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WendyNC
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| 09/28/2008 11:41 PM |
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| John, welcome to Paralegal Chat. Although the board can be a bit daunting to navigate, the owner has provided many useful resources, including a list of paralegal associations. If you click on the Resources tab in the upper left, it will take you to various lists, one of which is the paralegal associations. I invite you (and everyone else) to click around on the site and see what all is available here. Click away--you can't break anything. You are also welcome to sign up as a member to access all the features of the board. |
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Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP
Paralegal Assistance, Inc.
105 E. Center St., Ste. C
Mebane, NC 27302
Phone: 919-967-4495
Fax: 919-304-0743 |
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Maria *
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| 10/06/2008 02:19 PM |
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| I'm in sunny Florida. I have been a legal assistance for a little over 9 years in areas of Personal Injury, Wrongful Death and Products Liability. I was profiled in the legal assistant magazine this month. You can find more information about me there. |
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WendyNC
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| 10/06/2008 07:52 PM |
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| Greetings, Maria! Welcome aboard. Which paralegal magazine? Can you provide us a link? |
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Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP
Paralegal Assistance, Inc.
105 E. Center St., Ste. C
Mebane, NC 27302
Phone: 919-967-4495
Fax: 919-304-0743 |
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Maria *
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| 10/07/2008 09:04 AM |
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Legal Assistant Today. Sept/Oct. go to Profile. Let me know if you are able to find it.
thanks,
Maria |
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WendyNC
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| 10/07/2008 06:16 PM |
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| Maria, I see that it's there, but it doesn't appear to be online yet. Congratulations! |
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Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP
Paralegal Assistance, Inc.
105 E. Center St., Ste. C
Mebane, NC 27302
Phone: 919-967-4495
Fax: 919-304-0743 |
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Lady Litigation
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| 10/08/2008 04:42 PM |
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Hello all! I've been a litigation paralegal for nearly 5 years now. I became a CP in 2006 (NALA) and recently a FRP (Florida Registered Paralegal after the Florida Bar's new program was established). I work at a decent-sized law firm in NW Florida and specialize in construction, commercial and securities litigation.
I'm also the treasurer of my local paralegal association.
Looking forward to some interesting discussion here. |
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WendyNC
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| 10/08/2008 05:01 PM |
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| Welcome, Lady Litigation! Glad to have you here. |
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Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP
Paralegal Assistance, Inc.
105 E. Center St., Ste. C
Mebane, NC 27302
Phone: 919-967-4495
Fax: 919-304-0743 |
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Dee
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| 10/10/2008 09:28 AM |
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Hello! I'm Danielle
I graduated in 2004 with a Paralegal degree. I worked in Hartford, CT for 2 years for a great firm/Attorney, but alas after two bad accidents I couldnt take the commute anymore so i took a job with InHouse for Safeco Insurance which was probably the worst mistake of my life! After much harrassment from my manager AND one of the attorneys i was working for i escaped and am now taking my time to look for a normal firm i guess you could say lol :-P |
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WendyNC
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| 10/10/2008 09:52 AM |
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| Danielle, what a tough beginning. Here's hoping you're done with the bad stuff and that you find a firm as good as first one that you can get to safely. Welcome! |
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Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP
Paralegal Assistance, Inc.
105 E. Center St., Ste. C
Mebane, NC 27302
Phone: 919-967-4495
Fax: 919-304-0743 |
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A-SAT
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| 10/16/2008 05:58 PM |
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Hello LegalBeagles! I'd like to introduce myself but first I'd like to say how excited I am to find this site!!!! YES! Finally a site where we can share, talk, and get advice from.
I've been Paralegal for 10 years and stopped and worked as a Real Estate Agent for 3 years. As a Paralegal I've worked in litigation law offices & firms. I really like working in a litigation firm because of the work load. BTW I've always worked on the Plaintiff side.
I started working again as a Paralegal but for a small corporation and OH MY GOD! It is completely different! I took on the challenge as a temp and then took the position permanent in March 08. I really love the idea this place gave me the oppurtunity to work here and learn a new field. As a corporate paralegal you have to know so many different areas of the business not just legal! So for this reason I've been looking for a forum to hang out in and just talk to other Paralegals who know Governance and other corporate stuff! Dont get me wrong LegalBeagles I want to talk to everybody but my struggle is learning the different areas of my position more importantly Governance! I've searched for Governance classes but NIL! So anyway thats a little about me, hope to make new friends!
P.S. I'm from San Antonio, Texas. |
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WendyNC
Moderator
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| 10/16/2008 06:05 PM |
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A-SAT, welcome. Things aren't all that active here, but we're growing slowly.
I'm sure it is a big leap from Plaintiff's litigation to in-house corporate. Good for you for being flexible.
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Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP
Paralegal Assistance, Inc.
105 E. Center St., Ste. C
Mebane, NC 27302
Phone: 919-967-4495
Fax: 919-304-0743 |
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CV-PPSC
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| 10/20/2008 10:57 AM |
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Hi! I am a paralegal here in Edmonton, Alberta Canada! My business partner and I have been paralegals for about 7 ish years each and have (4 months ago) opened our own paralegal office.
We are trying to get out there and get our names out there to the lawyers, but out here paralegals, as independant paralegals, are not very well known so it has been a lot of work to get our name out there and we have had a few bits and such, but i am hoping soon we will be overflowing with work...................but i am now believe that will not happen as soon as i would like it!
Any info from any one is needed!!
Camille Valentine, Owner/Operator
Professional Paralegal Service Centre Inc.
320, 8944 - 182 Street
Edmonton, AB T5T 2E3
PH: 780-489-4636
FX: 780-489-4635
www.ppscinfo.com |
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WendyNC
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| 10/20/2008 11:28 AM |
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Camille, it is hard to get started when attorneys are not accustomed to the kinds of services one is offering. If I come up with a magic formula, I'll let you know! I do think that letting other paralegals know that you're available is important.
Welcome to ParalegalChat! |
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Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP
Paralegal Assistance, Inc.
105 E. Center St., Ste. C
Mebane, NC 27302
Phone: 919-967-4495
Fax: 919-304-0743 |
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Lady Litigation *
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| 10/20/2008 12:06 PM |
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In the states, I believe the difficulty lies in the amount of supervision a licensed attorney can give an outside paralegal. There is a fine line between paralegal work, supervised and UPL. Covering the bases and ensuring the security and privacy of files and information is the challenge faced.
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WendyNC
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| 10/20/2008 01:06 PM |
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| Lady L, I agree that it would be challenging to work litigation as a freelance paralegal as it would require an additional level of conflict checking/management and because of the duration of actions. Transactions are much easier as they are usually more limited in scope and time. In North Carolina, our legislature has provided that really can't do much of anything unsupervised except Social Security work, so for me, it's attorneys or not at all. In many ways, that makes life easier. |
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Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP
Paralegal Assistance, Inc.
105 E. Center St., Ste. C
Mebane, NC 27302
Phone: 919-967-4495
Fax: 919-304-0743 |
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Dawn *
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| 11/04/2008 09:08 PM |
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Hi there everyone! I just stumbled across this site as I was dithering between googing unemployment information, job posting sites - again- , and paralegal internships. I've read quite a few posts in this chat, and so many of them piqued my interest. I have a post baccalaureate paralegal certificate and was fortunate to land a job shortly after I graduated. However, three years later and one lateral move from hell, I just resigned before I was terminated. Typcial young female lawyer boss from you know what who took a dislike to me on my first day on the job. And, I was already her second. But, I have to move forward. I live in Michigan, and right now there is no worse place to be looking for work. I am checking everywhere, and truthfully not limiting myself to paralegal postings either. I was researching internships because a) that is a way to increase my skills and/or keep them current, and b) it would give me something else to put on my resume. Any ideas? I've sent a few emails to some lawyers I know, contacted a few paralegals too. I am not young - 54, but I am smart, dependable, and energetic. Does anyone think there is an age bias out there for hiring paralegas? Also, I would like to take the NALA exam. What is the best way to prepare for that. I have been out of school for three years. I practiced in corporate transactiona, administrative, and litigation (minimally). But, the one attorney who I couldn't get along with was anal and rarely stretched herself beyond yelling about paperclips v staples, and even then kept changing her mind. My point, she kept all the knowledge to herself. My partner boss was last minute charlie, and everything was rushed, nothing was done "best", and rarey was there time to learn and digest. I went to the NALA site but couldn't determine what would be the most effective and cost effective purchase. Again, suggestions? Remember, times are tough, money is tight, my husband is employed now, but was unemployed twice for over a year each, and my youngest is a freshman in college - so, cost effective is important. Study groups, sharing resources, used books, networking for success??????
That's it for now. Just wanted to share a bit of my story and pick someon'e brain, other than my own for a change.
Thanks. |
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WendyNC
Moderator
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