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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.

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COUNTEROFFERS AND COVID

Counter offers are not as good as they seem.

Counteroffers – good or bad? The rate of revenue collected in the IT and Legal sectors have taken a nosedive this year. This is another economic effect of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID). Many law school graduates still remain in a state of limbo as top law firms have seen pay cuts, layoffs, and furloughs. 

With the promise of a vaccine near, there are some bright spots that point to economic recovery. One boost has come from law firms with strong labor and employment practices as their clients navigate cutting jobs and addressing workplace safety issues. There is a trend towards growth as the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the legal industry added 1,900 jobs in July.

During these uncertain times, employees attempting to move on to new jobs may be subject to “generous” counteroffers from their current employers. However, as the adage goes, appearances can be deceiving.

Especially in light of the pandemic, most employers with any interest in pulling themselves out of the current downturn in revenue will try to retain you with a moderately attractive counteroffer. This tactic may be to buy themselves time.

The counteroffer is more so for the employer’s interests than it is for you. If your employer valued you and you were satisfied with your wage and the work environment, you would not have looked elsewhere for employment. Remember, a counteroffer is not a solid promise.

Consider these five reasons why you should reject a counteroffer:

1. Your increase may have been a future raise.

If a raise is offered as part of your counteroffer, take into consideration that all firms have budgets with wage guidelines. The increase included in your counteroffer may represent your future raise granted early. Translated this means you will have to wait longer to see another increase.

2. Counteroffers may create a toll on your work relationships.

If you accept your employer’s counteroffer and remain at your current position you may face alienation from the company’s culture. On a ground level, your coworkers may see you as disloyal and no longer a part of the team. In their eyes, you tried to leave them.

3. The same issues may resurface.

If the reason you decided to move on from your employment was any issue other than money, then your dissatisfaction may return after the glow of your pay raise fades. Also, if the corporate culture changes promised in your counteroffer do not last, you will soon be back to job hunting.

4. You may have stunted your ability to be promoted.

No matter what, if you accept a counteroffer, your credibility and reputation within the organization will fundamentally change. Your manager will always question your loyalty as you will be seen as a dissatisfied employee or “the one who wanted to leave.” This may cause you to be passed over for future promotions or important projects.

5. Counteroffers may narrow your job options in the future.

If you make it through a company’s hiring process only to turn around and accept your current employer’s counteroffer, you should not expect the prospective employer to ever consider you for a position again. Also, realize that the legal community is smaller than you think.

When evaluating an employer’s counteroffer it’s important to remove your ego from the equation. Be clear on the issues are that caused you to seek a new job in the first place and evaluate the counteroffer from that perspective. Unless the counteroffer addresses all of the reasons why you considered leaving in the first place, it’s best to move on. Even if the counteroffer does address all your issues, there are always drawbacks to consider.

Strategic Recruitment Solutions has been matching top companies with top talent in the Gulf Region for more than a decade. We specialize in Legal and IT recruiting. Also, our industry-expert recruiters can offer insight and guidance. Call us today at 888-366-6508 to learn how easy partnering with SRS can help you reach your business goals. Best of all, we offer a free resume review. Find out more information here.

 

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TELL YOUR RECRUITER THE TRUTH – Transparency is Key to Finding the Right Job at the Right Pay

 

Recruiters are like good therapists, they should know the truth. If you are thinking of changing jobs, you need to share your full job history with your legal or IT recruiter.  The more they know, the more they will be able to help you find your dream job.

Recruiters should know:


1. Recruiters should know about all your prior jobs, even the ones not listed on your resume 

 

Did you know that 78 percent of job seekers lie on their resume! For the most part, this applies to positions post-college.  You should reveal every position you’ve held, even if for a short time. At best, you will appear to be a well-rounded candidate who has the ability to work in a variety of roles. At worst, it avoids the possibility of leaving something in your work history that may come back later to haunt you.

2. Tell your Recruiter the truth about why you are leaving your current job

 

Employers will always want the answer to this question. Tell your recruiter the truth about the circumstances that led you to consider changing jobs. If you choose not to share the “real” reason at your interview, your recruiter can help you answer the question in a way that puts you in your best light. It may help to make a list of pros and cons regarding your current job: what are the positives and what are the negatives? This information is invaluable in your recruiter’s hands for assisting you in finding the best job for you. He or she will help you avoid toxic environments that pushed you to move on from your current job in the first place.

 

3. Recruiters need to know what salary you have in mind

 

Advocate for yourself in terms of salary. If you have a minimum salary requirement, tell your recruiter! Not only will this help you find a job with the right compensation it will also save everyone time. Once you let your recruiter know what you want, the prospective positions can be narrowed down to find the best fit for you.

 

Strategic Recruitment Solutions has been matching top companies with top talent in the Gulf Region for more than a decade. We specialize in Legal and IT recruiting. Also, our industry-expert recruiters can offer insight and guidance. Call us today at 888-366-6508 to learn how easy partnering with SRS can help you reach your business goals. Best of all, we offer a free resume review. Find out more information here.

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YOUR TELEPHONE INTERVIEW WILL BE A SUCCESS WITH THESE 7 TIPS!

7 Tips to your successful telephone interview

Telephone interviews are better if you are standing and smiling!

Telephone interviews are becoming more frequent due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the job market. Most companies now employ the telephone interview as the initial interview. Your ability to excel will likely determine whether you will be asked for a second interview or offered the job. The candidates that treat the telephone interview like an “informal chat” rarely make it to the next stage of the hiring process.

Below are some useful tips and tricks to ace your telephone interview:

Do your research

Make sure, you prepare for your telephone interview like any other interview. Check the company website and write out at least three questions to ask the interviewer.

Be prepared 

If you are taking the call on your cell phone, make sure you have an excellent telephone signal and a full battery. Save the hiring manager and recruiters’ name and number on your phone so that you will answer the phone professionally. Make sure you are settled and waiting for the phone call at least 15 minutes in advance and that you are in quiet space to talk. Keep your CV, bullet points of your top skills and achievements, plus any headline information about the company in front of you in case you get stuck.

Pay attention to your surroundings

Find a place to take the call without any distractions. You will want to make sure you are entirely focused on the interview. If you don’t need your cellphone during the discussion, turn it off or put it on silent. Better yet, put it out of reach so that you will not be tempted to check it.

Get physically and mentally ready for the telephone call

Do some breathing exercises before the interview. To calm your nerves, try visualizing a positive outcome.

Prepare to speak

Make sure you drink a glass of water before the interview, especially if your phone interview is first thing in the morning. Remember, the interviewer will be unable to read your body language or see your facial expressions. Avoid speaking too quickly, interrupting, mumbling, covering your mouth or using filler words such as “um,” or “like”.

Stand up

If you have an interview via webcam, make sure you stand to make sure that your posture is upright. Standing will help you project your voice which eludes confidence. It is important to remember to smile as it helps to inflect a positive intonation in your tone of voice.

Remember your manners

Avoid eating, chewing gum or checking your cell phone. It is disrespectful to your interviewer and will show that you don’t take the process seriously. Avoid multi-tasking. Finally, avoid interrupting. Unfortunately, this is more likely to happen during a telephone interview, because you can’t see the interviewer’s visual cues to judge whether they have finished speaking. By pausing for a few seconds before you talk, you can easily avoid interrupting.

Bonus Telephone Interview Tip

Conclude the interview just as you would a face-to-face meeting. Remember, to thank the interviewer for his or her time, reiterate your interest in the role, and ask the interview to clarify the next steps. Remember, you can still leave a lasting impression with the interviewer, even with a telephone interview.

About Strategic Recruitment Solutions

Strategic Recruitment Solutions has been matching top companies with top talent in the Gulf Region for more than a decade. We specialize in Legal and IT Recruiting and have industry-expert recruiters that can offer the kind of insight and guidance that helps grow companies and careers. Call us today to see for yourself how easy partnering with the right recruiter will help you reach your business goals.

When you are ready to add to your team, consider partnering with us. We can help you recruit and retain employees now and in the future. Call us today at 888-366-6508.

 

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FREE RESUME REVIEW FOR LEGAL AND IT PROFESSIONALS

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Amy Shanks at (504) 261-1611
amy.shanks@strategicrec.com

SRS Offers Free Resume Review to Legal and IT Professionals in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana

New Orleans, Louisiana, April 10, 2020

Responding to the direct need of thousands of workers being laid off throughout the Greater New Orleans area and Baton Rouge, Strategic Recruitment Solutions (‘SRS”) is offering a Free Professional Resume Review. The resume review specifically targets professionals in the legal and Informational Technology (IT) fields.

SRS, a leader in executive search solutions specializing in the Legal and IT fields, partners with most of the law firms and technology companies throughout the Gulf Coast region. That is why SRS can provide access to legal and IT jobs that are often not advertised on job boards, or even on a company’s website.

“Many people are being laid off or let go as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. We want to do our part to show we care and are here to help our community,” said Amy Shanks, director of the Louisiana Legal Division at SRS in New Orleans. “Our legal and IT recruiter teams in New Orleans and Baton Rouge are ready to review each resume and offer job seekers our suggestions for improvement. We want to ensure each resume we receive passes the six-second test.”

Most hiring managers make up their minds whether your resume merits a second look within six seconds or less. “That’s why the top of your resume is crucial”, Shanks said. It is vital that your resume is engaging and includes the most polished and concise presentation of your skills, education, goals, and experience. The legal and IT fields are always competitive. However, with the help of SRS’s experienced recruiters, your resume will stand out from the rest.

The Most Common Resume Mistakes

Resumes should be professional, formatted with visual attention-catching information, and be grammatically correct. Most importantly, your resume should focus on the exact requirements of the job position. “We want to make sure your resume highlights your career the way it should,” Shanks said. “We treat each resume as 100% confidential and will not share it outside of SRS.”

About Strategic Recruitment Solutions

For more than a decade, SRS has been helping job seekers find their ideal opportunity. Most importantly, we want to do our part in helping you find employment. If you are a top performer in the Legal Industry or Informational Technology, submit your resume today. Exceptional talent is in high demand at the top-performing companies and we can help you land your dream job.

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