Employment News

May 16, 2023 by Amy Shanks

CONSIDERING A PARALEGAL CAREER? Here are Ten Everyday Legal Tasks You Should Know

In the past decade, the demand for paralegals and legal assistants has increased in the United
States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BSL), the outlook for paralegal talent is
projected to grow 14 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all other
occupations.

In the next decade, the BSL predicts there will be an average of 45,800 job openings for
paralegals and legal assistants each year. Many of the job openings are expected to result from
the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or who exit the labor force (i.e.,
retire).

The paralegal profession is ever-evolving. Paralegal roles span various law and legal practice
areas. And due to a shortage of paralegal talent, legal firms, corporations, and governmental
agencies are finding it difficult to hire the required paralegal talent. Furthermore, finding the
right match for employers and jobseeker is time-consuming.

That is where legal recruiters can help. Legal recruiters find that perfect match between job
seekers and law firms while encouraging paralegals to continue to increase their skill sets.
If you are pursuing a paralegal career, being aware of your potential paralegal duties will help
you be a more valuable asset to your current employer and help you advance your career.

Here are ten legal tasks every paralegal should know:

1. Litigation

Litigation refers to the process of resolving disputes through the court system. Paralegals
must learn about the various stages of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, pre-trial
motions, trials, and appeals, to effectively support their attorneys in managing each case.

2. Pleadings

Pleadings are the formal written documents filed with the court to outline each party’s
claims and defenses. Key pleadings include the complaint, answer, counterclaim, and
reply. Paralegals often assist in drafting and reviewing these legal documents, ensuring
they are accurate and adhere to the rules of civil procedure.

3. Discovery

Discovery is the pre-trial phase during which parties exchange information and evidence
relevant to the case. Paralegals play a significant role in managing the discovery process,
which involves drafting and responding to interrogatories, requests for production, and
requests for admission.

4. Depositions

A deposition is a sworn testimony taken outside of court, where an attorney questions a
witness under oath. Paralegals may organize and schedule depositions, prepare deposition
summaries, and manage the relevant documents.

5. Legal Research

Legal research is identifying and retrieving information to support legal decision-making.
Paralegals must be familiar with various research tools, including legal databases like
Westlaw and LexisNexis, and be able to find and analyze relevant statutes, regulations,
and case law.

6. Brief

A brief is a written document that outlines a case’s facts, legal issues, and arguments.
Paralegals often draft, edit, and proofread briefs to ensure they are well-organized and
persuasive.

7. Motion

A motion is a formal request made to the court for a specific action or ruling. Common
motions include motions to dismiss, for summary judgment, to change the venue.
Paralegals must be familiar with the procedures and requirements for filing motions and
may assist in drafting the supporting documents.

8. Docket

The docket is the official schedule of court proceedings, including hearings, trials, and
other matters. Paralegals should be able to read and interpret the court docket. They will
be responsible for keeping track of important deadlines and ensuring filings are timely
and accurate.

9. Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is the time limit within which a legal action must be initiated.
Paralegals must understand the applicable statutes of limitations for each type of case and
ensure all critical deadlines are met.

10. Billable Hours

Billable hours are the time spent on tasks directly related to client work and are used to
calculate a law firm’s fees. Paralegals must accurately track and record their billable
hours, ensuring that all their time working on a case is documented.

Strategic Recruitment Solutions has matched top companies with top paralegal talent in the Gulf
Region for over a decade. Moreover, we focus on building long-term relationships with the
companies we assist. We are able to provide our clients with experienced, knowledgeable
paralegals and our job candidates with their dream jobs. Whether you are new to the legal
profession or an experienced paralegal who is looking for a new job opportunity, call 888-366-
6508 can let us help you today.

April 4, 2023 by Amy Shanks

GHOSTING DURING HIRING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

“Ghosting” is no longer strictly a dating term. The phenomenon has become so common in today’s digital age that it has entered the hiring process. Over the years, the legal and IT sectors have encountered their own brand of ghosting during the hiring process by both job seekers and employers. Ghosting during hiring refers to when a company or candidate stops communicating after a particular stage in the hiring process, leaving the other in the dark. Ghosting can be frustrating, demoralizing, and negatively impact a candidate and employer’s experience.

Why Ghosting Occurs

Ghosting is most commonly experienced after an initial interview but can also occur after a job offer. After completing a series of interviews, candidates may think they are the perfect fit for the role. However, they never hear back from the hiring authority, leaving them in limbo. This lack of communication can be particularly frustrating for all parties who have invested much time and effort into the process.

Sometimes, ghosting occurs because hiring managers or candidates may feel uncomfortable delivering bad news. For example, they may have decided to pursue other candidates or opportunities and take the path of least resistance by not communicating.

Remember The Golden Rule

Are you an employer trying to avoid being ghosted by a new hire? To prevent a ghosting experience, work to create hiring process efficiencies by setting realistic expectations. When rejecting a candidate, be professional, respectful, and kind, and focus on being positive.

Ghosting hurts reputations all the way around. Candidates who have been ghosted are likely to share their negative experiences with friends, family, and colleagues, which can damage the company’s brand. Additionally, companies that have been ghosted will be quite unlikely to consider the candidate for future opportunities.

Companies should prioritize communication with candidates to avoid being ghosted in the hiring process. This means setting clear expectations at the beginning of the process and following through with regular updates. Even if a candidate has been rejected, delivering this news promptly and respectfully is essential. Companies can also use technology, such as automated emails, to help streamline the communication process and ensure that all candidates receive updates on their application status.

Both in dating and in the hiring process, ghosting is a frustrating and demoralizing experience for both candidates and employers. Always remember the Golden Rule and treat others as you would want to be treated.

February 4, 2023 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

LEGAL TRENDS TO FOLLOW CLOSELY IN 2023

From advancements in technology to changes in the workplace, the latest legal trends are having a significant impact on attorneys and their clients. Here are the ones to watch in 2023:

Increased Collaboration

Law firms are now using much smaller offices than before the pandemic. This has led to more firms placing an emphasis on “collaborative workspaces.” This collaboration refers to expanding each attorney’s practice areas and how their cases are handled. The shift toward a more collaborative environment provides a learning environment for legal professionals and helps them reach cooperative breakthroughs.

Diversity & Inclusion

Achieving workplace diversity requires an inclusive and tolerant mindset, which is vital to a successful work culture. Diversity is more than a buzzword. Combining minds from various backgrounds creates unique and specialized solutions to problems.

The American Bar Association highlights the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace:

a rise in the quality of service
cost reduction
an enhanced reputation for the law firm
an improvement in departmental operations,
and increased contributions to organizational initiatives.

Document Automation

Technology has evolved, and mobile devices are so common that the stacks of boxes containing documents are now a thing of the past. Some law offices have chosen to go paperless as legal documents can be accessed on a phone or computer. Considering the dire predictions about Earth’s environmental future, we should expect to see more legal practices using automation technology to further reduce dependence on paper.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Assistance

AI stole plenty of headlines in 2022, from image generators like Midjourney that are uncanny in their ability to create an image from any prompt one could think of to AI chatbots that can write your cover letter for you. Automated billing, document storage, accounting, and practice management are all areas that will benefit from AI automation technology moving forward.

With data volume increasing, firms and corporate legal departments are using AI software to streamline data management. AI software solutions are also improving workflow, taking care of ordinary tasks unrelated to legal work (billing, e-mail, marketing) that chip away at billable hours.

Improving the Client Experience

Following a larger trend in business, the legal sector is becoming more client-focused. The candidate pools are experiencing a more diverse array of applications. These potential employees are invaluable to law firms that want to sustain long-term growth by providing better connections with clients from many walks of life, which increases the appeal of firms that champion diversity.

At Strategic Recruitment Solutions, we have matched top companies with top talent in the Gulf Region for over a decade. Moreover, we focus on building long-term relationships with the companies we assist. Call us today at 888-366-6508. can help you find the best candidate to join your legal or IT team or aid job seekers in finding the most appropriate position for their talents.

January 6, 2023 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

WHY A CULTURE OF GRATITUDE IS SO IMPORTANT IN THE WORKPLACE

Seeking “meaning” at work is relatively new, starting in the 20th century. As the workplace became associated with our identity, seeking meaning and gratitude became part of our cultural fiber. Present-day employees seek a more profound sense of purpose at work. Work cultures focusing on gratitude, appreciation, and building better professional relationships are more successful. This is because these work cultures amplify empathy, collaboration, and communication.

Gratitude Is Reciprocal

Gratitude and giving recognition are two sides of the same coin. When a company recognizes an employee’s accomplishments, appreciation is inherent for the person who did the work. While end-of-year bonuses are appreciated, however, these actions have a deeper meaning when immersed in a culture of gratitude. Employees who are acknowledged and appreciated tend to share gratitude for their co-workers.

Showing gratitude creates a firm-wide morale boost which leads to a work culture of well-being. Once this positive chain reaction begins, there is an increase in energy for tasks, directly impacting performance, productivity, and retention. Moreover, when recognition is given frequently throughout the year, the impact of that positive reinforcement is even more significant. The more you reward a behavior, the more likely it will be repeated.

Strong Leaders

Leaders who look beyond their rigid working styles by embracing different approaches to express gratitude are more successful. Expressing gratitude makes us vulnerable and authentic, creating a powerful human connection between the giver and the receiver. Traditional thinking may view vulnerability as a weakness; however, it is quite the contrary. Leaders who model the habit of frequent and widespread expressions of recognition and appreciation inspire others throughout the organization to emulate that behavior.

Unsure where to start? Just saying “thank you” is effortless and has immeasurable benefits. Everyone around you appreciates recognition. In addition, offering praise to team members who habitually recognize others inspires others to follow their lead.

The Effects of Gratitude

Many studies show that gratitude causes lasting physiological effects on the brain. A study by the American Psychological Association found that 93 percent of employees “who reported feeling valued said that they are motivated to do their best at work, and 88 percent reported feeling engaged.” Among that group, only 21% plan to look for a new job in the coming year. In another study, researchers revealed that the area of the brain responsible for learning and decision-making demonstrated a higher sensitivity rate in people who felt grateful. Finally, gratitude for your employees and co-workers provides you with the proper perspective for success and enriches the firm’s culture with a flagstone of positivity.

At Strategic Recruitment Solutions, we have matched top companies with top talent in the Gulf Region for over a decade. Moreover, our focus is on building long-term relationships with the companies we assist. Call us today at 888-366-6508. can help you find the best candidate to join your legal or IT team or aid job seekers in finding the most appropriate position for their talents.

November 1, 2022 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

CONTINUING EDUCATION WILL HELP YOU SECURE YOUR NEXT LEGAL OR IT JOB

Continuing Legal Education is a chess move in your favor.

To remain at the top of your field as a paralegal or IT team member, you must keep your skills current. In addition to keeping up with any changes in statutes and case law, paralegals should stay on top of changes that will affect their ability to do their jobs efficiently. Both paralegals and IT employees should remain tech-savvy and current with document management improvements, trial techniques, and court rules.

As a paralegal or IT professional, taking continuing education courses is an excellent way to stay on top of changes in the law and advances in the legal field.

Here are the top 3 benefits of continued education:

Increased value to the firm. Increasing your knowledge, building additional skills, and strengthening your current skills will make you invaluable to your law firm. In the long run, staying on top of your game may also lead to a raise or promotion.
Better performance. As you gain confidence by learning how better to perform your job, you will be able to handle more tasks. Your new techniques and skills will make you more productive and efficient.
Advanced communication skills. Paralegals often are the “go-between” for all parties involved in a case (attorneys, clients, courts, experts, witnesses). IT personnel are usually solving multiple problems at once under highly stressful situations. Successful law firms are built on great communicators!

Paralegals and IT team members who regularly attend continuing education courses are more marketable and have more opportunities for career growth. Not only does learning more help you to be an asset to your law firm, but it will also open the door for your career growth. Remember to update your resumes annually with your completed continuing education credits.

Top IT Skills

In February of this year, Team BRYTER wrote that in-house legal technology budgets will grow 200% by 2025. As these departments become increasingly dependent on technology to keep up the pace, IT specialists and tech-savvy legal professionals will most likely skyrocket.

One specialty predicted to continue in high demand is e-discovery/litigation. As document formatting changes due to improvements in software, professionals who are well-acquainted with the latest in e-discovery and knowledgeable about file compatibility across different platforms will have a leg up against other candidates. A paralegal with a background in predictive coding and further analysis software might cut document review by hours and make for a highly valued prospect.

What Recruiters are Looking For

Workflow, in general, will continue to embrace both automation and digitization, and having tech-friendly skills at hand will only help your chances on the market. Updating your skill set in these areas will raise your chances of success in the face of future tech innovations and a changing work environment.

Recruiters look for candidates with experience using legal research products such as Westlaw and LexisNexis. Potential employers may also expect proficiency in client software suites such as Google Workspace and Office 365. In addition, if you know law practice management software such as Clio and PracticePanther, you may gain an edge over your competition.

At Strategic Recruitment Solutions, we have matched top companies with top talent in the Gulf Region for over a decade. Our focus is on building long-term relationships with the companies we assist. Call us today at 888-366-6508. We can help you find the best candidate to join your legal or IT team or aid job seekers in finding the most appropriate position for their talents.