Prudent Paralegal Services

The attorney's career is on the line!

Lawyers are held responsible for the work of their paralegal. Mistakes on the part of the paralegal may cause the attorney to become liable for malpractice lawsuits or sanctions, and in some cases could result in disbarment of the attorney. Therefore, it is incumbent on the attorney to ensure all of the work of the paralegal is accurate and meets the attorney's own standards. This responsibility means that the paralegal - attorney relationship requires a tremendous amount of trust.

Take feedback professionally, not personally!

Some paralegals marginalize the ethical burden of the attorney, and when the attorney holds the paralegal to their rigorous standards, the paralegal assumes that the attorney is micromanaging or being hypercritical. Harmony is increased in the law office when the paralegal is aware of the true weight of the ethical requirements and communicates consistently with the attorney to increase trust and transparency. Instead of taking correction personally, please take it professionally and know that being transparent and teachable will dramatically increase your attorney's trust in you.

Communication and transparency drive understanding

One method I've used to ensure I'm transparent with attorneys is to habitually email them every time I finish any project or task. This informs them it is time to review my work and the ball is in their court, so to speak. It also gives them a sense of what I am working on and whether my priorities are in line with the most important approaching deadlines. By openly and actively seeking to keep your attorney apprised of what you are doing, there is no room to suspect that you aren't working diligently or efficiently. Also, sending them notice via email provides a paper trail for you to demonstrate when you handed a project back to the attorney.

Build trust by learning from your attorney

Another great way to build trust with your attorney is to proactively engage them in teaching you. By asking questions of your attorney and setting aside time to review frequently used practice guides, you demonstrate an interest in learning and improving. A majority of my competency is due to the willingness of many attorneys to take a few moments during the course of business to explain procedures, methods, and techniques. Most attorneys are more than happy to share their knowledge and expertise, which they have taken years to develop. They can recognize how an investment in your knowledge will benefit them directly. This investment in turn makes you a more confident and effective employee, which makes any job more satisfying!

Build trust by soliciting regular feedback

One final method I often use in building a trusting relationship with attorneys is to actively and sincerely seek feedback every two months (or more frequently if needed.) One of the most difficult aspects of employee management is providing negative feedback, and attorneys don't learn management techniques in law school, so by giving them an easy, open, and sincere opportunity to express any negative feedback that might be brewing, you often are saving yourself the tension and short temper that come with unexpressed criticism. Also, some attorneys don't think about providing positive feedback, although we all need it from time to time. By approaching them proactively, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised to receive positive feedback and encouragement!

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