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advice, article, attorney, blog, employment, first job, help, how to, jennifer macdonnell, new job, office survival basics, paralegals, pointers, the paralegal society, the unwritten rules, tips, tips for new paralegals
By: Jennifer MacDonnell
You are giddy. Your adrenaline is pumping with anticipation. In that exact moment, you have never wanted an opportunity so badly. After endless months of searching, faulty interviews, and crushing let-downs, you finally hear those sweet sounding words, “You’re hired!” No, this isn’t the season finale of “The Apprentice.” This is reality.
As you firmly shake the attorney’s hand, agreeing to accept your very first paralegal position, a sense of sheer panic starts to set in. Yes, you have conquered the endless interview questions, but now there are two more things left to do. Show up for work and keep your job.
The first day of work is nothing to fear! Just remember, the attorney hired you for a reason. However, just because your initial first impression satisfied the supervising attorney, you must remember there are unwritten rules that must be followed. Following a few office survival basics for the new paralegal will allow you to maintain a great first impression and help to secure your future at the firm.
Reliability: Don’t arrive on time — arrive early. If you make the attorney question your attendance, you will quickly see the reputation you defended during the interview process become a questionable lie. You should consistently arrive 15 minutes early every day and back up your reputation of being a reliable employee.
Professionalism: Wondering what to wear to work shouldn’t push you into the latest Kardashian fashion or Emo pencil pants. Even if the office permits “casual days,” remember you will never get a second chance to make a first impression with prospective clients and co-workers. Perception is in the eye of the beholder, so rock your big-girl or big-boy suit proudly!
Maturity: Silence the geek in you. Really people… leave all your electronic devices that text, tweet and beep on silent. Also, just because they let you use a computer, with internet access, does not give you a free ticket to cyber space. If you want to be considered a mature adult, then don’t text, send personal e-mails, or internet surf while at work.
Confidentiality: You did not get the job because you are a professional gossip. In fact, be very cautious of individuals who unload their office baggage while prompting for your opinion. You do not what your reputation associated with gossips, especially if those individuals are involuntarily on their way out the door.
Discretion: If you are successful you do not have to brag or act like a know-it-all. It does not matter what you have accomplished in the past, unless you can replicate that performance just as well now. Instead of insisting on being in the limelight, just listen your way to success.
Team Player: Attitudes can be taken at face value, literally. You may think that no one saw you roll your eyes at your co-worker’s latest idea or at the comment about your boss, but someone did. This can hurt your reputation just as fast as spoken words. By consistently having a positive attitude in awkward or difficult situations, you will set the example of a valuable team player.
Time Management: The one-million dollar question is only for TV audiences. The last thing you want to do is walk into the attorney’s office every single time you have a question. If the attorney has given you multiple projects, review all of them and write down all your questions. You may find some of the questions you had were solved by simply taking the time to review the material. In turn, you will feel accomplished and the attorney will appreciate your ability to problem-solve on your own.
Dedication: Finishing the race on time does not make you the winner. It is not uncommon for employees to consider staying late at work to be a form of torture. Often, the most valuable lessons can be learned if you stay a little later. Last minute projects are getting finished, delegated, and explained. Do not miss out on the opportunity to learn something new and also be viewed as a dedicated employee.
Don’t let the thought of showing up for your first day of work launch you into a full-blown panic attack! Remember — the attorney does not expect you to solve the world’s problems on your first day. Simply follow these unwritten rules and you’ll maintain a great first impression, secure your future with the law firm, and maybe even make a few friends along the way!
Jennifer, Brilliant! Every single point was perfect and well said. This is not just for the newly hired, new paralegal, this is for all of us. Sometimes we get comfortable, sometimes we’ve been “there” so long – we forget these important points. Excellent article – thank you for the reminders.
Hello Karen! It is true that we forget that it is not all about “us”, but the client! Thank you for your positive review of the article! I am honored!
Perfect post, Jennifer! Words to live by whether you’re a paralegal, chief cook or bottle washer! Great job!!
Thank you for your article, Jennifer. As a new paralegal student, I haven’t been in the trenches yet but I am inspired by your words. Definitely what I need to hear and know when I get there. I would like to copy this article and keep it with me as a constant reminder and guideline to follow.
Brilliant! Thank you, Jennifer. The words speak to all of us, not to newly bees only.
Thank you to Ann and Mariana for the positive comments!
David, I am so glad that you found inspiration in the article! Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss dilemmas not covered by the article! I am happy to help with your future endeavors!
Excellent article, Jennifer – employment tips not only for Paralegals (new and not so new) but also for anyone who is newly hired for any job on the market. You have created a beautiful pocket-book memo for Human Resources Development in any workplace. I sincerely would like to share the article with my friends here in Ontario (particularly in Toronto, Canada) with permission from yourself and TPS. And TFS …hats off to you and the TPS!!
My Quote: You never know how good is the coffee until you taste it.
Hello Ontario! I am so glad the you found the article inspiring and informative. Please pass the article around to your friends! I look forward to hearing more from Ontario!
Best,
Jennifer
Thanks for your kind words about TPS, Leonard! It’s good to know we have a friend in Canada! Please feel free to share this TPS article (and any others) with your co-workers!! Please just add the following language to it: “This article was reprinted with permission from The Paralegal Society at http://www.theparalegalsociety.wordpress.com.” We hope they enjoy it!
By the way…love your quote. Does this mean you finally drank the TPS coffee? 🙂
Great article! The point of reliability is right on target. How simple it is to arrive early and make a statement of professionalism and yet so few do it. I find it not only appreciated by my employers that I arrive early, I get a jump start on the voluminous emails I get every day.
Thank you Denise for your positive comment! Also, you are so right on point regarding arriving early for work. Employers notice efforts made to make a work day more productive. Great addition!
Best, Jennifer
Nice job Jennifer, I really liked the article.
Especially the part about professionalism.
I am glad you liked the article Luis. Yes, dressing appropriately for work should be a priority. I remember practicing my professional attire in the classroom first. Not for the compliments, but for added confidence. Also, it is a great way to get noticed by potential classmates who know of job openings, internships, etc.
I really like the design of your site. I value the excellence of the information. You have done a first-rate job. Thank you very much.
Thanks so much, Genevive! We really appreciate your kind words regarding our blog. Thanks for reaching out to share your comment.
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Another rule should be to treat other professionals in the legal field as professionals. I refer to court reporters, private investigators, and private process servers. I run a process serving business. My people are professional and knowledgeable. I myself am a former legal secretary and understand how a law office operates. We encourage a team relationship with our clients. While I appreciate all the information a client can provide to assist in locating and serving a subject, I do not care to be treated in a rude or unprofessional manner, and I may not accept further work from that client. What particularly astounds me is paralegals and legal admins who request me to perform tasks, such as locating someone, without compensation, or who take it upon themselves to inform me, after fees have been discussed and work performed, that “I think you’ve been paid enough,” and refuse to pay my invoices. Oh, yes, ladies and gentlemen, payment is important to all of us.
You are absolutely right Laura. Vendors and other professionals in the legal field deserve mutual respect from the legal field and payment for services. I commend your process serving business for promoting a team atmosphere with your clients. As you know, many vendors do not give this type of service. Also, I believe it is important to make a good first impression that lasts throughout the working relationship. You never know who will be influential to your career advancement! Thank you for your insightful comment Laura! Your additional rule is an absolute basic to survive in the office.
Especially, Jennifer, if you define “the office” as the larger legal community. I need my clients to trust me to know my business, as I trust them to know theirs.