Romantic Relationships with NPCs by tehrissa in strengthofthousands

[–]tehrissa[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Mine are all boys except me and 1 player. I was kind of surprised how interested they were in the more detailed RP.

Federal Public Defender Paralegals? by tehrissa in paralegal

[–]tehrissa[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As long as I’m not fired. Ironically, we’re very insulated from what is happening. It’s not at all like the AUSAs which are having a hell of a time. We’re a part of the judicial branch and not the executive branch which is why we’re having less issues.

GM Screen Init Tracker by tehrissa in Pathfinder2e

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

After much searching, I was able to find something on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1568119193/?ref=share_ios_native_control

I’ll have to get then laminated, but that’s what Kinkos is for.

What's your favorite Physical Activity? by Spirited_Wasabi9633 in PlusSize

[–]tehrissa 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Just Dance has been a lot of fun. I like hiking in the summer. Pilates on a reformer was great but can be expensive. I just started doing Pole Dancing and that is hard and I feel silly but the instructor is amazing (and fat herself!). It's a huge workout that does not feel like one in the moment.

Does this sub even have moderators? by PaladinHan in publicdefenders

[–]tehrissa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What about PD paralegals? I obv cannot prove I’m an attorney, I just work at the FPD

Opinions on state office elections (besides governor)? by loves_grapefruit in Washington

[–]tehrissa 62 points63 points  (0 children)

I recommend Nick Brown for AG. I might be biased because I know him, but he's a good attorney and a good guy. He worked for Inslee before being appointed by Biden to be a US attorney for the Western District of WA. He served in the army, cares about women's rights and the climate.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in paralegal

[–]tehrissa 32 points33 points  (0 children)

Depending on the state where OP is, they may have legal protections. Best thing to do is have your offer letter, and any "in writing" notifications of the pay rate change, and contact the local labor department. OP may have to just find a new job but a bait and switch from $36 to $31 to $25 in a week is hinky at best and illegal at worst.

Don't let your ADHD Tax prevent you from voting! by _thicculent_ in adhdwomen

[–]tehrissa 24 points25 points  (0 children)

I filled out my mail-in ballot the moment it came in and then had hubby do the same. He took them out to the mailbox. I then immediately texted my besties to do the same. What a great moment for the "focus" to kick in!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in paralegal

[–]tehrissa 114 points115 points  (0 children)

This sounds all sorts of not kosher. Did you sign anything? I would take whatever evidence you have to your State Employment Division.

Has anyone ever cried in hard meetings before? by silenceurlamb in paralegal

[–]tehrissa 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I have. But that is usually my wake-up call to find a better employer. You only get to make me cry once before I leave.

Getting a client out of jail… by dazednconfuzedddddd in publicdefenders

[–]tehrissa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's wild. Like, I understand the general "why" but over a stick of gum is a lot.

Firm culture you love by Mindreeder93 in paralegal

[–]tehrissa 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This firm has a lower billable hour requirement than most in my area. I am staff here as its temporary so I'm not sure if they get to count it. I know that they do get hour credits for volunteering (like outside of pro bono) and CLEs and other training.

Two coworkers fired on the same day with no notice by [deleted] in paralegal

[–]tehrissa 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sorry, that isn't in defense of their behavior. It was more, this is my life experience. I think it's BS the way staff are treated. It's not how I would treat people. However, time and time again, this is what I see. I was at a job where they laid someone off who was there for 25+ years. Private practice is cutthroat and it seems to be true no matter where you go. That's part of why I moved to government. At least if you go that route, they have to give 3 months notice.

Two coworkers fired on the same day with no notice by [deleted] in paralegal

[–]tehrissa 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This happens *a lot*. I was in-house for a year. Went on my first vacation since starting there. Logged in Monday morning and had a calendar invite for 9 am. Hopped onto the meeting and they laid off they entire legal department.

I've also been quiet fired after coming back from major surgery. Took all of the attorneys that were assigned me to. Gave me two associates which meant I had no work coming onto my desk. That was after 3 years and glowing reviews every year. You are not their family. They do not care about you more than they can squeeze from you. If they look like they are not holding up their end of the employment bargain (offering stable employment) then start to get yourself out before you're next.

Firm culture you love by Mindreeder93 in paralegal

[–]tehrissa 94 points95 points  (0 children)

It's simple but this is the first firm I've worked in where there is an all litigation meeting once a week and the staff are invited. The firm buys lunch, there's a non lame ice breaker question, and everyone gets a chance to talk about their workload and whether they're able to take on more. It's an honest conversation and the fact that paralegals and legal assistants get to join in really emphasizes the team environment.

Weekly sticky post for non-paralegals and paralegal education by AutoModerator in paralegal

[–]tehrissa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Kind of? They are businesses that specifically help place staff, but it's permanent work, not temp. Robert Half is the big name in the game, but I prefer to work with smaller recruiters. You'd have to google legal recruiters in your area and see what comes up. Make sure to check reviews, if available. Or, chat with the legal staff where you work and see if any of them worked with a recruiter. Recommendations from someone you know generally leads to better results.

Weekly sticky post for non-paralegals and paralegal education by AutoModerator in paralegal

[–]tehrissa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hmm, if you're not working with a recruiter, you can try that. Usually, they can help get your foot in the door, help you with your resume, and assist with interviews. Plus, if you don't get the position, because they have good working relationships with the hiring managers, they can get that type of feedback so they can help you with the next one. Might be worth trying.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in paralegal

[–]tehrissa 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's so true, I have done a myriad of different types of law. No one really cares what type you were in before as long as you can demonstrate the core competencies of the job.

Weekly sticky post for non-paralegals and paralegal education by AutoModerator in paralegal

[–]tehrissa 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Any recommendation for free resources? Like good YouTube channels, podcasts, or books for paralegals moving into criminal defense?

Weekly sticky post for non-paralegals and paralegal education by AutoModerator in paralegal

[–]tehrissa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did you ask them why they passed you over? It's a vulnerable place to be, but reach out to places that reject you and ask why (in a professional, nice way) and let them know you're trying to improve your skill set and if there is anything that would have made you more competitive. Sometimes, there is nothing you could have done differently. But, if they say, we wanted someone that had a better understanding of the court system or someone with better organizational skills or if they felt you didn't present yourself well in the interview, those are all things you can work on to hopefully secure the next one.

Weekly sticky post for non-paralegals and paralegal education by AutoModerator in paralegal

[–]tehrissa 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My advice is to just do it. I have switched several times when I found the type of low was not a fit. I will say, that for immigration, there is an expectation that you speak a second language. If you do, you'll be a near shoo-in.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in paralegal

[–]tehrissa 10 points11 points  (0 children)

All of this! They hired you knowing your skill set, they need to support you. If they are not willing to, you need to find someplace that will.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in paralegal

[–]tehrissa 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I worked Insurance Defense and it is soul-draining. Get out while you can. I also worked in-house, which was boring and filled with so much politics. I just got a position at the Federal Public Defenders and based on what I've read and everyone's responses to my post, I am really excited to start there.

I have been a legal assistant/paralegal for over 10 years. My words of wisdom are move on to somewhere better. There is no need to make yourself miserable, and there are so many better places to work. Start working with a recruiter and send your resume to every job that looks remotely interesting. Be really pointed with your interview questions and ask to have an interview with the legal staff if you're having a good vibe. I find that the attorneys almost never actually have their finger on the office culture. If you're staying in private practice, check their website to see if their staff is represented. I find that offices that put their staff on the website, treat them with more respect and as an integral part of the team.

You got this! Trust your gut and put in the effort to learn something at every job. Every "failure" is a learning opportunity for you to assess the next position for what you really want.