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association, attorney, best, blog, boss, career, change, chat room, club, departing, departure, discuss, experience, forum, group, jamie collins, job, law firm, leaving, left, legal, meeting, network, networking, new, office, opportunity, paralegal, relationship, talk, team, tell, top, transition
By: Jamie Collins
Do I have your full attention? I sure hope so. If that title doesn’t reach right across your screen and grab you by the virtual shirt collar – nothing will! Today, I’m here to tell you how I stole your dream job…without even trying.
A few weeks ago, I found myself in the middle of a day that started out like any other day in my life. I was sitting in my office – an office I love – and working intently on the day’s tasks, as I made my way through piles of papers and fielded countless phone calls from a multitude of interesting people; namely, insurance adjusters, clients and a few fellow paralegals. The loud rumbling in my stomach signaled that it was time to leave that pile of papers sitting desk-side, to go in hot pursuit of that mid-day respite, otherwise known as a “lunch break.” I decided to check my e-mail account on my iPhone, prior to tossing it into my handbag that was sitting on the floor beside my desk, and heading out the door.
My eyes gazed down at the screen on my phone and became affixed upon a random e-mail sitting in my in box. It was from an attorney whom I had never met. (Of course the surprising part was not that I had received an e-mail from an attorney, because lord knows I certainly get plenty of those in a work day, but this was from a local personal injury attorney in town asking to take me to lunch). It was clearly a professional invitation. It was well-written, friendly, and offered just enough detail to let me know that he had “found” me online, come across the TPS site, read several of my articles, and wished to discuss a potential opportunity with me. Heck, he was even willing to drive north to the mother land to meet up with me, at my convenience, at a place of my choosing.
I was intrigued.
Many thoughts crossed my mind. First, is this guy a serial killer? (Okay, I’m kidding, but I did Google him). I found myself wondering how in the world this attorney “found” me. Secondly, I wondered if he was interested in me as a paralegal or a writer. That part wasn’t clear…and we all know people are just beating down doors to hire busy paralegal/blogger/writers, at random. (Yes, that was a joke). Lastly, I took a brief, personal moment of reflection, as I chuckled internally, telling myself I must have been dead wrong when I made that mental “note to self” after launching TPS, to place myself on internal notice that most attorneys on planet Earth, as I move forward in my career, may not be entirely thrilled with the idea of hiring someone such as myself, who routinely shares…how shall we put it delicately…honest writing via the internet (which for the record, compels me to use my self-sensor FAR more than one might realize). Yep – dead wrong. The call was coming down. Someone was interested in me for a potential opportunity. One I wasn’t even in search of. Could it be the dream job?
I wasn’t even looking, but I was intrigued.
I enjoy networking with other people, so I figured “What the heck? I’ll respond to see what he has to say.” I agree to meet this guy for lunch. Why not? At the very least, we’ll both walk away knowing someone we didn’t know before. After all, we do work in the same area of law, in the same city.
Now, my expectations for the meeting went a little something like this: He will tell me about this job. I will most likely not be interested in it. We will briefly get to know one another over lunch. I will thank him. Then we’ll know each other going forward.
We met for lunch later that week.
Here’s the thing…the more he told me about the job…the more intrigued I became. Whether I was looking or not, I just couldn’t stop listening. I was hearing about a grand array of benefits – the kind it would take you a full five minutes to tell someone about. I would have (get this) not one, but two assistants to help me with my caseload, and would be the lead personal injury paralegal at their firm, doing the type of work I love to do. Those visions of myself at age 70, as the Wal-mart greeter were fading fast, as I mentally began to prepare myself for my potential departure through those law firm doors, my eyes affixed on visions of a 401k plan, benefits galore…and did I mention the assistants??? The only thing taking this gig down a notch was the fact that the firm’s paralegals were seated in cubicles rather than offices (sigh – oh yeah – a big sigh on that one, followed by a brief period of intense, paralegal mourning for exiting the closed door paradise otherwise known as my Zen-like office that I adore).
Again, I was happy in my current position, but when “the dream job” comes knocking, you at least go to the door. Right? So I did.
Shortly thereafter, I met with a few other individuals from that firm, one carefully planned lunch or weekend tour of the law firm at a time. Tonight, I find myself sitting at my computer and typing this post, as I anxiously sit here knowing that tomorrow, I will tell my boss – a boss I truly enjoy working with, respect, greatly admire, think the world of, and thought I’d always work with/for – that I will no longer be his paralegal.
I’m sure many of you have found yourselves in this spot at one time or another. For those of you reading this that are new to the profession – one day, you, too, will find yourself in this very spot. It is never fun. It is never easy. You give everything you have to give to an attorney, case files, and a firm, for a number of years. Then the day comes when you must part ways, for one reason or another. You will find another opportunity…or it will find you. You will find yourself mentally running through that mental checklist of all the things you plan to say when you have “the big talk,” as you watch your boss’ face instantaneously shift from the look of “I’m listening to you and this is a totally normal conversation” to “Holy crap, this is a really serious talk, and I’m about to lose my paralegal right now” kind of look. It’s never fun. It’s always difficult. It’s in that moment when you both find yourselves crossing that invisible line where business decisions and personal relationships intersect.
I am sharing this post for several reasons. First off, it’s a highly relatable, professional situation each one of us must navigate at one time or another during our legal careers. Secondly, every paralegal on the planet needs to know that LinkedIn truly is a way to make meaningful connections, find opportunities…or have them find you. With that being said, know this: if you do not have a complete and professional profile, chances are, no one will ever find you, and if they do…they really won’t care that they ever did.
A complete and professional profile is absolutely essential in today’s fast paced world. An employer/attorney/editor/HR representative/bestower of the dream job is only going to give your profile about a 3 second glance before deciding if he’s moving onto the next one, for that opportunity that may come knocking on your door – or not.
Will your profile captivate his attention? If not, you’ve got some serious work to do. Remember, your profile is a direct reflection on you as a person, a paralegal, and a working professional.
Want to know how I landed the dream job?
I spent countless hours working on my profile over a period of more than a year, adding a professional photo, filling in my career highlights, listing out past job duties and significant accomplishments, posting darn near every article I’ve ever written, and asking those who knew me well and think highly of me, to write recommendations on my behalf. I wasn’t even looking for a job. It was the farthest thing from my mind. I just didn’t want to put anything up publicly, on a social forum like LinkedIn, that I didn’t take pride in and feel good about. After all, my profile was a reflection on me. I wanted people to take me seriously. I wanted them to know who I am, what I do, and how much I love it.
I didn’t need a job, and I certainly wasn’t looking for one. I was happy. I had a window office with a flat screen television with cable, and as many Zen-like items one could possibly pack into an office space without appearing on a reality show called “Law Firm Zen Hoarders,” including a small, illuminated, (fake) jelly fish tank, a sand garden with a rake for mental therapy purposes (yes, the co-workers rake all day long – you better believe it), and colorful artwork hanging on the walls to brighten the place up a bit. I had fabulous attorneys and co-workers I considered to be my “legal family.” I loved my work. I was close to my clients. Life was good. Yet, I was really planning to walk out of those glass doors for another opportunity.
I found myself walking into my attorney’s office to have “the talk.” (gulp). I closed the door to his office. Not entirely unusual when there is something to discuss with him privately. I then begin telling him that he is not allowed to start smoking again, which, for the record, is never a good thing to do to an esquire who finds himself 2 weeks into the midst of a formal kicking-the-habit venture that is already as difficult as hell-oooo my paralegal friends. He looked up at me and asked, “Why do you say that?” His face then shifted to a look of concern. At which point I, again, attempted to elicit a verbal promise from him that he would not engage in a full-on nicotine feast after this fun little meeting.
Then, in the most poised, suave, professional manner a paralegal could possibly convey to an attorney, I began to tell him, in a serious and appropriate business-like tone, that I was leaving the firm for another opportunity, listing the reasons why “I just couldn’t pass up this kind of an opportunity after being approached with it.” Oh yeah…it was impressive. In fact, so much so that I’m pretty sure a legal seminar group will be beating down my door any day now, asking me to host a “How to Depart from Your Current Position” clinic, for those individuals in need. Well, at least that’s how it went in my mind, anyway.
In reality, I was a babbling, sobbing mess, who barely managed to emit audible words from her mouth, as she attempted to articulate in a somewhat coherent fashion, that she was on her way out, all the while, wiping away tears that were streaming down her face. Oh yes, it was an ugly cry. You better believe it. I packed a full four and a half years of heart wrenching, emotional departure sorrow into a five minute discussion with my boss. (Remember the part about honest writing – there you have it).
It was in that moment that my boss and I both decided that we wouldn’t be parting ways, after all. I thought I was ready to close one chapter to begin the next. There were certainly a lot of variables in play. What I realized is that I could realistically work another 20 years in search of the same type of attorney/paralegal relationship I already have…right here…right now…with this boss…at this firm…in this moment.
A few weeks back, I remember my dad (the pilot) telling my husband and I a story at dinner about his experience flying Cobra attack helicopters during flight school. When they flew in formation, they, as pilots, always instinctively knew where the other would be, and where they needed to be, in order to execute each mission successfully. To a bystander observing these types of amazing aerial feats, it’s hard to believe they never crash into one another, and never deviate from the expected plan. They know where the other is, and where they need to be, at all times. I still find myself mesmerized anytime I attend an air show to see the pilots put their intuitive abilities on full display, as they zip across the blue skyline. I guess what I realized from this experience, is that’s exactly what my boss and I have.
It’s something special. It’s that once in a lifetime (maybe twice, if you’re lucky) magical type of working relationship every attorney and paralegal in the world hopes to have, wishes for, goes in search of, and attempts to obtain. The one that allows you to intuitively fly in formation together, tackling anything and everything that comes your way, as a lethal and savvy team of two, with absolute confidence, in an impressive display of competence and skill, knowing exactly where you need to be, and when, in much the same way those fighter pilots manage to fly so perfectly in formation, so close, but never colliding.
And for the record, I must admit there are times when it’s a really good thing those imaginary, legal gunships aren’t armed with missiles, because you better believe there are fleeting moments when one of us (the esquire or his trusty paralegal) might just feel a wee bit inclined to hit that “launch” button on the other while we’re flying in formation! But we don’t. And we won’t. And we wouldn’t. And we continue to do what we do best – flying in formation, close, but never colliding, to fight yet another battle in the legal arena…together.
In the title of this post, I promised to tell you how I stole your dream job.
The truth of the matter is…I had it all along.
____________________________________________________________________
(Figured this would be an appropriate time to share a photo of “The Dynamic Duo,” me and the boss, in New Orleans last year on vacation with our significant others, who do not fly imaginary, legal gunships, and are not pictured).
Laurie said:
Each time, I read a post by you, I learn something new about drive and determination. I also learn little things I need to tweek to stand out. For that I thank you. However, on another note, I had a teacher who encouraged me to be a blogger, BUT I know nothing about it, can you share tips on how to start. She said I have alot to share and offer and that being a good writer is imperative in the business world. In my case, the Legal Profession. Thank you for your great insights.
Laurie
Cynthia said:
This is my first time reading one of your articles. This was enjoyable and something I could relate to – keep writing. Peace and prosperity.
T said:
This is my first time reading one of your articles as well and I must say that this article is by far the most intriguing article I’ve ever read for self motivation. It is such a powerbooster and will make anyone want to step there game up. J, you give me motivation… I look forward to reading more of your articles…congratulations and keep up the good work
Stayce said:
Congratulations Jamie! Fantastic!
Debbie said:
You never disappoint me when you share. Thanks
Gina said:
I have worked for the same attorney for 25 years (as well as the other litigators in the firm). I never imagined I would be here this long, but I was fortunate to land in the right place at the right time. I feel incredibly fortunate.
Bev Linkhart said:
Congratulations Jamie! It is an awesome feeling when you know you have a dream job. And even better, when you not only do you enjoy working with him, but to spend your free time with him as well on vacation! that is truly amazing.
Stephanie said:
Absolutely amazing article, much needed and appreciated! I have been with my group of Attorneys for 10 years and in the legal field for a total of 12 years. I must say that when I thought it was time for me to pursue other ventures God had His way of showing me that I am right where I belong. It is truly pricelss to have a job that you love. In fact..when you wake up each morning to pursue a passion it really isn’t a job. I can relate 110% to your Article. My Attorney and his wife are very encouraging to me. When I started working for him I was just starting College. I have since earned my Assoc. Degree in Paralegal Studies, I took a break to start my family and now I am completing my Bachelor’s Degree and preparing for law school. I have not only gained work experience from my Attorney but wisdom and life experiences that I would never trade. I salute you my fellow Paralegal.
Pam Shropshire said:
Congrats on your “dream job.” Six years and five months ago, I answered a phone call that changed my life – when my current boss called me for an interview. We, too, have that magical kind of working relationship. Among other things, he encouraged me to get formal paralegal training and actually paid my tuition for the Legal Assistant Program at the University of Oklahoma (which I completed last year). Every time one of my professors asked about my career plans, I told them I already had my dream job. I plan to stay with my boss until he retires (he’s 60) and hope he is able to practice until he’s 80, if he wants to.
sherry said:
what a wonderful and thought provoking article. Thank you
MAK'S VA Services said:
Haven’t been here for a while, congratulations on your new opportunity !!
Karen George, FRP said:
I’m so happy it worked out for you. Quite the roller coaster ride for a while wasn’t it? I hope your boss now knows how lucky he is. Like all bosses, they sometimes need a reality check. He could have lost the best thing that ever happened to him, professionally.
Donna Erasmous said:
Great article but I think the thing that impressed me most is the picture of you and your boss on vacation together. I’ve worked with some amazing lawyers that I’ve had close professional relationships with but never wanted to go on vacation with them. You really do have something special. Congrats!
Mary said:
Good for you! Harmony in the workplace is an important part of any job and you can’t really put a price on that.
Tracy McCullough said:
Thanks for sharing, Jamie! And the next time you’re in New Orleans, please let me know you’re coming!
Jenn said:
Wow, Jamie, great story and really good advice about updating your linked in profile. I too remember the day that I went to one my favorite attorney’s and told him I was moving on. My wonderful firm, that I called home for four years, was being bought out by one of those huge firms that could care less about you. He was totally surprised but I think he also understood that it was time for me to move on. I have been at my current place of employment for six years and am happy to report that my favorite attorney is now a Magistrate Judge.
Amy Bowser-Rollins (@LitSuppGuru) said:
Jamie – I am so proud of you and happy for you. He is one lucky attorney to have you and we are lucky to have found you and your heart.
Marlene said:
I love this article – honest writing and real paralegal life experience at its best!
Taye said:
Go, Jamie! Congrats!
Veronica Gonzalez said:
Awesome story, it was priceless. Thank you for sharing it 🙂
Maritza said:
But…I’m stealing it back! Ha, ha! Just kidding.
Shari Turner said:
Thanks, Jamie. I needed to read this. I have been doing a lot of soul searching these days. I love flying imaginary legal gunships. However, I lost my beloved pilot who was appointed to the bench. I am now flying, more like floundering, in the same firm, who love me dearly and appreciate my talents. However, I am feeling like my wing is a little broken and not sure where to go from here without a specific co-pilot. It was very reassuring to read your article.
Faye Turner said:
Jamie, great article. I agree that you should have a great online presence, I have found 2 jobs that way.
I just got a call out of the blue and they said hey you want a job. In one of the cases I rejected them straight out, then low and behold I was RIF’ed (reduction in force) about 6 months later.
This particular job told me they would keep me on file and call me every now and then (she said you never know). She did call and it just so happens that I was out of work at the time. She hired me on the spot and I was told that they were not giving up on me until I said yes. What an ego booster!
With the other job, I never even put in a resume to their company (regional bank) they just call me out of the blue because I had Trust experience (very specialized area of law). I was looking for a job at the time and my bank account was down to $200.00, I stayed there for 5 years.
Faye
junebugroseanne said:
This was a good article, and you’re a good writer. I am glad I ran into your blog this evening. I love my current job and my boss and my co-workers, but after reading your article, I’m going to update my Linkedin page.
Larry said:
I absolutely enjoyed your article! It reminded me again why I love my job and the wonderful boss I have. Thank you!
Julia said:
I enjoyed your article. I have been with my current boss and firm for 14 years….and my situation changed drastically two weeks ago. My situation is reversed because my boss told me he was leaving for a different opportunity! This is the second time in my 22 year paralegal career that I have lost a boss I have loved working with as they seek a different opportunity…one in which they can’t take me with them. Although I don’t think I will ever vacation with either of them, I have and will maintain close ties to both. Hopefully, I will be lucky enough to find that wonderful boss and employee connection again…for a third time.
Maria said:
I have never read your posts before, you were right that the title to this one would have my attention. I look forward to reading more and I am inspired to better myself from this point forward professionally. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts.