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advice, article, attorney, be a great paralegal, become indispensable, best, how to, how to impress your boss, john cox, pointers, the paralegal society, tips, top, what attorneys look for in paralegals, what to do
By: John C. Cox, Esq. (Guest Blogger)
As an attorney and a friend to The Paralegal Society, I felt it was important to share with others what, in my opinion, makes a great paralegal. In my practice, I have been associated with some of the best paralegals in the industry, and also some paralegals I would not even wish upon my most despised opposing counsel. In the hopes of inspiring you all to greatness in your profession, I have put together a top 5 list of the best attributes top attorneys look for in their paralegals:
1. Be Trustworthy. As an attorney, I seek to develop a paralegal as not just an assistant, but rather an extension of me, because I can’t be everywhere. If I can’t trust a person, there is no way I can make that person an extension of myself.
2. Develop ESP. Ok, so I know this one is not fair, but I need a person that is always thinking about the next step ahead. A great paralegal does not just wait for assignments to be handed to them; they have already thought ahead for the next step, completed that task, and already has it all prepared and ready for my signature (kind of like a real-world “Easy Button”)
3. Establishing a Macro-managed Relationship. Attorneys, by nature, are not very good managers of people. We are taught to be very detailed oriented, so we often find ourselves micro-managing everything in our lives. This includes management of staff. For the most effective attorney-paralegal working relationship, we need to be broken of our micro-management tendencies. It starts by paying attention to the little things – margins, spelling, grammar, etc. But, at the proper time and in the right context, it may also require a conversation initiated by the paralegal assuring the attorney that the paralegal can handle the small stuff, so I, the all-important attorney, can handle all the big picture matters involved in a case file. That conversation is not easy, but one that can develop and maintain a strong working relationship.
4. Serving as a Barrier For Chatty Clients. Nearly every attorney is going to have those 1 or 2 clients at any given time that just love to talk to their attorney. Not necessarily about legal matters, but everything else – the weather, their kid’s little league batting average, global warming, you name it. This isn’t really billable time, and for every minute I’m on the phone with a client talking about non-legal matters, in my mind I am thinking that is another extra minute past 5:00PM I’m going to have to work that day. Serve as a barrier for those chatty clients, and your attorney will work less hours and everyone will be happier as a result.
5. Commit Yourself to “Problem Files”. At any given time, you could probably ask your attorney, “If there are 3 files you wish could disappear, what 3 files would they be?”, and your attorney would be able to give you an answer before you finished the sentence. When we stress outside of work, more often than not, it is about 1 or more of these files. By purposely injecting yourselves into these files, not only do you keep files moving (which often does not happen with these problem files), you become an indispensable paralegal. And come ‘on, being indispensable to your attorney is the best job security you can have, right?
John Cox is a partner at the law firm of Bleecker Brodey & Andrews, a law firm dedicated to creditor’s rights in the states of Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky. Within the law firm, John specializes in the areas of client relations and technology development.
I would like to thank John for taking the time out of his busy schedule to share these great tips with us! As a side note, Jamie used to work for John at her last firm. He was a terrific attorney, phenomenal boss and is now a good friend and victim (I mean contributing writer) for The Paralegal Society! We figured if you want to know what attorneys look for in a paralegal, we might as well ask one. So we did! As always, please feel free to leave a comment if you have any additional advice or tips you’d like to share with our readers! T.G.I.F. Have a terrific weekend, TPS readers!!
The Paralegal Society™ 
I love this post, because often, when your attorney has a problem, he does not believe anyone can be of help. This article allows the support staff insight in to what we need to look for to be valuable to the attorney. Great Article.
I completely agree, Laurie. TPS is planning to turn this concept into an “attorney advice” series!! Attorneys obviously have tremendous advice to offer us as paralegals, in light of their working relationship with us. We hope to share similar articles from other attorneys in the future…assuming we can find some who are willing to share with us! If anyone knows of any attorney who may be interested, please send them my way! I do have a few in mind. ~ Jamie
Thank you attorney Cox. I appreciate your taking the time to help us and share real life insight on how to work well to support the attorneys we work with and for. Also, I noticed how the points mentioned were not necessarily rocket science, rather more of caring, attention to detail, and taking initiative. Helping the supervising attorney de-stress and be even more successful than he already is (or she).
I think people who are service oriented will probably get this right away and those who aren’t will become enlightened and encouraged to try these suggestions. Another reason I really enjoyed this article is that it doesn’t speak to education and levels of degree—you never said if you have a BA or an MBA it will cause you to be able to do this–it simply says if you are conscientious, insightful, and loyal; can take the initiative and are not afraid of taking a leadership posture you’ll do well by your attorney.
I’ll be your online assistant this once and gently say that in the heading of point #3 the spelling should be micro (it is listed as macro). 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, Jennifer! I really liked your analysis of his message and what you added. I think they are very valid points. As a side note, I think John intentionally said “macro” managed – in that he doesn’t want to micro-manage his paralegal, so he used the term macro-manage as an alternative. Having worked with John for a number of years at a past firm, I am very familiar with his work style and it’s definitely “macro!” (and thank GOD for that!!) I know, that’s a new concept for many attorneys that like to micro-manage, right? Love the macros!
I’m sure John will post responses in one fatal swoop, so please continue to leave your comments everyone!! Happy Friday! ~ Jamie
OOps! I’ll get it right. . . 🙂 Sorry Attorney Cox and thank you Jamie. Looks like It’s not only a new concept of attorneys; I am learning too.
I wanna know how you got him to sit down and take the time to write that. :>
Seriously, this is extremely valuable information, and I, for one, am all for more of it. This would make a great series if you could find some willing victims, I mean attys.
There have been times I seriously wished I could read minds. Shouldn’t be too difficult to figure out those 3 files though heh.
Thanks Jamie and especially Mr. Cox for the insight. I view MY job as making YOUR job easier, so any suggestions toward that end are enormously welcome & enthusiastically encouraged.
Meantime, I AM working on that super human power: mind reading. Takes time & practice, but I believe it can be developed. :>
Cheers,
Sami
John, thank you for taking the time. You know, paralegals go on and on here on the blogs but we seldom get real advice and assistance from the source of our angst – attorneys. I really appreciate the in-put and pointers.
As Sami says, if we could cajole some other attorneys to take a moment and share as well, we’d be way ahead of the game. Hint hint.
Thank you again for taking the time.
Mr. Cox, thank you for taking your time and writing the basic five. I would love to see the list of other credentials that you (and other attorneys) are looking for in paralegals. I cannot agree more that a trustworthy, intelligent paralegal who can go an extra mile to be a barrier between chatty clients, government officials, and mundane tasks will win your heart and attention.
Jamie, thank you for inviting Mr. Cox and starting this series.
I’m reposting this one into a number of discussion groups on LinkedIn and sending it around to my Fundamentals of Paralegal Studies class too. Wow! “Brilliant,” as Harry Potter would say!
Thank you for the article. As I read it, I asked myself a question about each point. Thankfully, my attorney and I have been working through these points for a year now and we didn’t even know it. It’s about the relationship. At every level with your attorney, build the relationship with everything you do.
That’s me!!!
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Great “insider” information! Thanks so much for the article.
Thank you all for the very warm and thoughtful comments, and thanks to Jamie for pinning me down into writing it. In sitting down to write this article, I quickly found that it is really the relationship, and not necessarily the “nuts and bolts” that create the most effective paralegal-attorney work enviornment. I am more than happy to write on any other topics you would find to be useful. Thanks again! JCC
Thanks so much, John, for taking the time out of your busy schedule to share this terrific info with our paralegals! Next time we have lunch, we’ll have to brainstorm a new topic!! (I’ll even let you pick the place!!) Only a stupid paralegal would fail to fully utilize a wealth of information (such as yourself) for the betterment of our readers…and especially one that is volunteering! I know everyone really enjoyed your article. We’ll look forward to any future installments.
Thanks again. ~ Jamie
I appreciate an assistant who thinks ahead, and who prepared documents fo the next step. My practice is Wills, Trusts and Estates, There is often more than one way to proceed, Thus, the next step would often be to prepare a chart of the pros and cons of each series of steps, with notations as to information needed to help weight the decision. If there is a clear winner, have documents ready for that choice and point out way the one is a clear winner.
Attorney Greenwood:
I like the thought process and steps to making the right decision–because there are steps that don’t just happen by osmosis someone has to take them. I have a question–is this a system that is generally used specifically in your area of practice or is it the system that you and your paralegal worked out? Or that you found, through trial and error, works best for you?
Short and sweet!..Listen it, get it and do it! Thank you Mr. Cox for sharing with all of us this article. Priceless!
Sincerely,
Gjineta
Attorney Cox is quite a successful lawyer because he understands Divisions of Labor, as well as his own. His treatise on the functionality of paralegals in a law office in fact parallels what I’ve taught paralegals for 27 years. I’ve dubbed the principle “The Judge Broady Principle”. See my treatise on the subject matter at Paralegal Brain Blog: http://bit.ly/w1Bj7K. As Attorney Cox infers, that breadth of real-world, law office functionality can only be gleaned from having worked in a law office and developed the art of the practice, e.g., staying a step ahead of a lawyer. That is textbook learning in a law office and I’m so glad he said it. One of the commentators stated that she was developing the art of staying a step ahead of the lawyer. That’s precisely what she must do. Lawyers want paralegals who know how to take charge and do those things that will then allow him, to address his core competencies, to-wit: (1) go to court; (2) discuss case strategy with his clients; and (3) collect money. Everything else is left to competent legal staff within the law office. (That’s “The Broady Principle”) and is closely akin to Attorney Cox’s discussion. I wish that more paralegal instructors would take the time to work in law offices and appreciate the nuances of the business. Then they’re able to teach the principles to paralegals who will know these functionalities BEFORE leaving the classroom and transitioning to the law office. It is Lawyers who are the End-Users of paralegal education and lawyers have an expectancy interest, and had it for the past 30 years, in the belief that maybe, just maybe, paralegal instruction would have as their end-goal, better preparation of paralegals. Think of the accelerated functionality in the law office–the increased profits–the pay increases for paralegals, if these principles espoused by Attorney Cox were implemented in the classroom. After all, students have an expectancy interest that they’ll be functional to begin earning a living upon matriculation. Save and excepting my classroom that’s a virtual law office, I know of few other classrooms in 27 years of teaching that take on the yoeman’s task of teaching substantive law and in tandem teaching law-office-practice-skills-sets. The business of teaching really is about more than just a paycheck. It’s about educating; and the purpose of a paralegal education is for the student to obtain instant functionality upon leaving the classroom and entering the law office. THAT is paralegal education, and nothing less than that. Such a necessity of instruction, however, is not contained in the instructors’ pay; and explains the deficits. That’s not teaching, however–not if it doesn’t result in the objective to be obtained. I’m one of the Thought Leaders and Change Agents who has spent 44 years in law offices, while in tandem, teaching working-knowledge law-office-practice-skills-sets to paralegals IN the classroom for 27 years. My former students’ employment success with law firms such as Sheppard-Mullin, Manatt-Phelps; Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher; Hulsy & Hulsy; the Colorado State Attorney General’s Office and the Hawaii State Attorney General’s Office ferret out the facts that it’s in the teaching methodology that is employed by the instructor; and instructor competence is critical. Students do not know what they’re suppose to be learning unless they have lawyers who are close friends or relatives. Hence, it is the integrity of the legal functionality of the teacher herself that defines the end result. Student instruction has been limited in that regard; and that’s regrettable. Given the state of the Economy and the devastating result that student loans are going unpaid because students cannot find jobs — is a national disgrace. No, it’s an American disgrace, and borders on the actionable for failure to perform. I’m still a Change Agent that is “outting” the pretense of viable paralegal instruction; and encouraging alleged paralegal instructors to take the steps to become functional in the very subject matters it’s otherwise IMPOSSIBLE to effectively teach. A law degree or paralegal degree does not a paralegal instructor make. Eighty percent of the teacher’s effectiveness must be tied to law-office functionality of the teacher. It’s time to elevate the dialogue about paralegal functionality before students leave the classroom. That is what students are paying for. Is it not?
I couldn’t connect to your blog through the given link – is it correct?
You make some great points, Barbara. Thanks for sharing them with us! ~ Jamie
I just startedn looking for feedback on this very topic today! I am starting a Paralegal Studies program next month and looking into preferred qualifications for the role. No job description has been as thorough as this post, but I guess those may be things discussed during an interview?
Thanks!
Enjoyed Mr. Cox’s article. I hope that once an Attorney finds a great Paralegal that they reward their Paralegal accordingly. I have experienced the opposite, which is so unfortunate.
This is very helpful. I’ve been worried about did I have what it takes to be a Paralegal. But everything Mr. Cox stated are things I learned to do long ago for the owners of the businesses I worked at. I was not doing Paralegal work, BUT, I understand what my superiors want, and I am happy to do the tough stuff (I used to do collections, and there isn’t much tougher than that!) This post came at a great time for me, wondering if I did indeed have what it takes. I just wonder, is this the norm among Attorneys or are these things the exception? The only real exposure I’ve had with Attorneys are as my Professors! Each Professor is totally different in what they want, how they want it, and some are lenient, some are super strict. I’ve always worked as an Administrative Assistant, Receptionist or Office Manager, I’m glad I have these skills, but I still wonder HOW do we find out if the Lawyer we go to work for feels the same way?
Having worked in every kind of office (from large Dallas, TX firms to AIG Staff Counsel to solo practitioners), I agree with Attorney Cox’s article. It is very true and, when you have a good working relationship and professional respect between Attorney and Assistant), ESP becomes second nature!
I 100% agree with this article. These are the reason why I have job security at my law firm. The truth is, attorney’s need their paralegals to be their decision for what needs to be handled right away and what doesn’t. They need to take the initiative to help bring in more clients. I myself handle all client calls. If they need something, I am available 24-7. I will text their questions or talk in person to their attorney. Once I have an answer I will call the client back and relay it to them. This, in turn, allows the attorneys to focus on what is pressing.
Very true, thank you Attorney Cox for your article. Yes trustworthy is number 1 as I was told by me attorneys many times. And the rest very indispensable. Excellent article. My attorney(s) valued and still value me and I have been here for years.
I found this information to be very informative, as a recent graduate with her AA in paralegal studies I feel that I can use this information to help with the interviewing process….
How did I miss this article! It’s wonderful. Thank you Mr. Cox for your outstanding articulation of what a Paralegal SHOULD be. My Esq. (whom I’ve been with for 8 years now) calls me “Della” and says that I am his “Radar” to Col. Potter. Well, he WAS a marine and does fancy himself to be Perry Mason at times. So, in a twisted sort of way – I feel loved and appreciated. Most of the time. I can easily relate to the “Chatty Cathys” and the one-step ahead approach. I look forward to more of these Victim. . . ahem, I mean contributing writer articles!
Thank you Mr. Cox! Very informative and helpful for us new into the field.
I like that you provided some qualities that attorneys look for with their assistant paralegals such as being trustworthy. It is important that you are able to earn the trust of your attorney to ensure a good working relationship with each other. You certainly would like to work with someone whom you can rely on especially when it comes to important legal matters involving your firm’s clients. If I were to work as an assistant paralegal, I would make sure to keep this in mind. Thanks.