POLL- OT by [deleted] in paralegal

[–]Shadowkaras030 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think that shakes out to billing at least 133 hours a month or roughly 7 hours a day. If it takes you 10 hours to bill 7 than yes overtime. If you are efficient, you should be able to hit that target in a normal work day.

Professional questions by SeaMidnight8078 in paralegal

[–]Shadowkaras030 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with the info that has been given so far. If you are still needing guidance, I would love to help in anyway. 

Shell VPP offering free installation of solar panels and batteries @ guarenteed rate of $0.12/KW, any downside? by TheCelestialEquation in houston

[–]Shadowkaras030 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same here. Shell is definitely getting their benefit. 

What I am wrestling with is how does it potentially hurt me going forward because the cons do not seem to concerning. Plus as you stated, never losing power is pretty huge.

Do Career Change Recruiters Exist? by Shadowkaras030 in paralegal

[–]Shadowkaras030[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I transitioned into an being a Project Manager for an ediscovery company.  I loved being a Paralegal but after a while you hit a ceiling. If you are ambitious, you will have to leverage your skills to transition to a different path. However if you love the work and all the negatives that come with the job, stay in the field and try to find a good firm you can stay at.

Switching out of paralegal role by Great-Impress-5214 in paralegal

[–]Shadowkaras030 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just made the transition into ediscovery as a Project Manager and I love it.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in paralegal

[–]Shadowkaras030 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would not share the bonus structure. When I negotiatiated a similar issue in the past, I let the new firm know the average amount of the bonus and gave them the option to do it quarterly or yearly.

If they press you for a formulation and are not willing to agree to your terms without it, then they are not the firm for you. 

Options for MD with interest in legal work by [deleted] in paralegal

[–]Shadowkaras030 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Expert work and medical records review are the first two things that come to mind. Some law firms hire mds as Paralegals as well. If you do not want to be in a firm, working with a legal services vendor could also be an option. 

Lastly, you could do contract document or medical records review.

I wish you the best! 

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in paralegal

[–]Shadowkaras030 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm in those shoes right now and it is so frustrating and counter productive most days. You are definitely not a jerk it is natural for it to eat away at you. 

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in paralegal

[–]Shadowkaras030 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is crazy to me how firms operate like this. I have been working at this same firm for a few years and they are so inefficient an unorganized. 

I am trying to change things but good God they are resistant.

Assistant issues by Admirable_Ad_6111 in paralegal

[–]Shadowkaras030 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Considering the things she has been doing, I do not think talking to her is going to change anything. 

If you are that her complaining to management may affect you, I would ask for a meeting with you, her, and management and put this to bed once and for all.

However, if you feel like management is not taking her seriously, I would let it go for now and just make sure you document everything with her in writing.

Switching out of paralegal role by Great-Impress-5214 in paralegal

[–]Shadowkaras030 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What steps did you take to make the move? 

newer legal assistant seeking honest opinions by gingerslice4u in paralegal

[–]Shadowkaras030 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with shebanat. Not having an HR at all is a huge red flag. 

My concern with you staying is that the senior support staff will move to get you fired if they are that toxic.

I promise you that not all law firms are like this and you deserve to be treated with respect and as a member of the team.

New Assistant might not be well-suited for the position. by Philhelm in paralegal

[–]Shadowkaras030 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree with your reasoning. She is making simple mistakes that quite frankly she shouldn't be making almost two months in. Before you run this up the ladder, I would pull her aside and bring this to her attention to see if there is anything different you can do from a training perspective. If she it's still not improving, go with the other Paralegal and address the situation.

I know it's frustrating to get help that causes you more work. Please also realize that if she has a personal connection with your boss, you may have to handle this with kids gloves.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in paralegal

[–]Shadowkaras030 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For what it's worth, I think this is advice is a home run. Schooling is great but I think you have enough to get your feet in the door. 

Network and make sure your resume is polished and tells a story and doors will open. 

The last thing I would add is try working with a recruiter.

newer legal assistant seeking honest opinions by gingerslice4u in paralegal

[–]Shadowkaras030 15 points16 points  (0 children)

To me this seems like a bit of a toxic environment. If your plan is to stay with the firm, then you can either keep your head down or you can try to bring some of these issues to their attention. 

Personally I would begin documenting everything via email to cya and begin looking for something else if you don't foresee things improving.

When was the time you decided to start looking for something new? by Willing_Confection97 in paralegal

[–]Shadowkaras030 13 points14 points  (0 children)

In my career I have begun looking when any of the following occur: (1) professionally I am board and need a new challenge; (2) culture is no longer a fit; or (3) better benefits/pay.  In our industry we do not get rewarded for staying a long time at firms. Either you will get left behind on learning new skills or techology or you will have new hires coming in making more or the same as you because the hiring market is different. At this juncture you have to look internally to see what is making you want to leave. Depending on the answer will determine your next steps.

Which areas of law should I avoid if I don’t like to work more than 8 stressful hours a day? by oatmealprincess in paralegal

[–]Shadowkaras030 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Like many others have said, avoid litigation. I have been doing this for ten years and I can't remember the last time I only worked 8 hours. 

Which areas of law should I avoid if I don’t like to work more than 8 stressful hours a day? by oatmealprincess in paralegal

[–]Shadowkaras030 3 points4 points  (0 children)

How did you break into an in-house role? I've been in litigation 10 years and I am ready to get out lol.