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WARNING: This post contains profanity, swear words, curse words, and other offensive words that may be off-putting to people who are politically correct, super-duper professional, non-swearing folk, those who are easily agitated by content containing cuss words, or don’t find swearing the least bit funny. If profanity offends you—close this post. If you have never uttered a single swear word under your breath in any given work day—close this post. If the attorneys for whom you work have never, ever, ever, ever bellowed a curse word aloud in your paralegal presence during your career—close this post. If you are offended by swear words altogether—close this post. And if you would like to complain about the content contained within this post, please direct your comments to: We. Don’t. Care. Dot. Com. (Because seriously—we don’t.) You have been warned.
I must admit that when I first started this blog, I wondered whether it would affect my ability to secure gainful employment (read: sought after, high-paying paralegal gigs for fun, reputable attorneys in town) moving forward in my career. The answer is no! It appears to be quite the opposite, actually. Not only do the esquired folk seem to be okay with my semi-crazy posts and refreshingly honest rantings, they encourage them. Besides, let’s be real—I do work for the trial lawyers. Have you met them? They are fun, dynamic, witty, and pretty darn charismatic people, who enjoy a good laugh and may or may not be known to say a swear word or twenty-two from time to time. So today I’m dancing way out onto the blogging ledge in honor of our communal sanity. To all of the hard-working, hilarious, fun people slinging paper in legal: This one’s for you.
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THE PC PROBLEMS SECTION:
To kick things off, let’s start by giving a big, warm, heartfelt shout out to the idiot who came up with the super special blue screen below. The guy or who actually thought it would be a GOOD idea. See:”Epic failure” in the dictionary. (Scroll down to take a peek at it, peeps.) I’m pretty sure you can’t read the words on that blue screen without using some type of a sing-song baby voice, because it is absolutely moronic and defies all sanity. The emoticon makes me want to kill people. Namely, individuals who design screens of death featuring sideways sad faces on blue screens.
Imagine you are working away during the 8-5, then you get this screen. You are typing away, then this. Yep, take a closer look. Imagine it. All your work may be gone. Forever. You cannot access it. Wave bah-bye to your project. Your boss is now freaking the hell out, as are you, over some deadline or the motion you were in the midst of typing. Then you get this screen. (Sad face). A+ on the calming blue color, and the only redeeming quality, but I sincerely hope the nameless, blue screen designing idiot has not been stoned to death by Windows users during what can only be described as Upgrademegeddon 10. Did you really think people would find the emoticon above to be cute? Really? Please pull your head out of your ass, buddy. Seriously. Not only is this the scathing opposite of cute, but it tends to make us paralegal folk want to pick those expensive machines up off of our desks and throw them. It. Is. Not. Good. We’ll chalk it up to creativity gone wrong. Way wrong.
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So what happens after the Blue Screen of Death, you ask? Great question! Things progress along nicely to what is now referred to in respectable paralegal circles as the “Black Screen of Death.” The caption for the picture below goes a little something like this: WTF. (No, seriously, WTFF…) THIS is what happens when you upgrade to the new, hypothetically-claimed-latest-and-greatest Windows 10 on an “unnew” computer. And by “unnew” I don’t mean old; I just mean that the damn thing didn’t come loaded standard with Windows 10. No part of this is amusing, people, I assure you. And in case you were wondering how long TBSOD lasts, oh so conveniently, it’s only about an hour and a half. Yes, it’s true. No biggie when you’ve got an esquire perched over your desk, asking you every 3 seconds if “it’s back up yet?” Hell no, it’s not! Please hang your heads in a univeral WTFF moment to pay homage to the Windows Gods. The ones who should now serve as tribute in the legal games. While it now seems Windows has worked out the bugs, TBSOD provided weeks of fun for yours truly. And by weeks of fun, I am here to tell you it’s a good thing my office windows do not open. I knew there was a reason for that. Smart esquires. Smart, indeed. Well-played, Mr. Office Picker Outer. Well-played.
In case you’re keeping score, its:
Paralegals – 0
Attorneys who leased windowed (in more ways than one) barless prisons: 1
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And THIS is what happens next.
Wow. Very comforting, indeed. So reassuring. Thank you, Bill Gates. Never have I felt more calm, relaxed, and happy then when seated in front of these screens for HOURS of my work life. And NEVER had I said such an extensive string of expletives (most of them mentally) that would make even Amy Schumer blush 50 shades of pink. Ever. (I mean, how many swear words can one creatively say in just an hour and a half?! 32,951, in case anyone is counting.)
Moving on…
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You ever noticed how there are ALWAYS enough deadlines to go around in legal? Definitely NO shortage there. Ever. Call it a curse…
Our bosses and Oprah just want us to be happy. Really. Job security at its finest hour. Plus you. It’s grand.
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I have spent many a day attempting to save (and not kill) people in the legal trenches, realizing full well that I am nothing short of a legal gladiator on certain days from helllooo, my paralegal friends. I’m pretty sure we all are…
Accurate? We think so. We just call it like we see it. It feels more refreshing that way, don’t you think?
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Do you like to drink wine? Me, too! We’re all about encouraging fun crafts and bonding experiences here at TPS. Here’s the best idea we’ve seen yet – paralegal hands DOWN. Imagine it in your home. In your office. Or in your home office. In the break room. In your back yard. In the back seat of your car. Who cares where you put it? It is AWESOME!
Cheers! I’m pretty sure “No Domestic Diva” is our new hero. (I wonder if she’ll let us join her in the clubhouse? Paid admission, maybe? I am so down.)
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THE “BOSS FROM HELL TODAY” SECTION:
(Not that any of us would know a THING about THAT.)
You always gotta love it when they tell you how long they THINK it will take for a paralegal to complete a project they have NEVER completed a single day in their lives. Yep. You know, the ol’, “This should only take you 5 minutes.” Ha. That is seriously laughable. Every. Single. Time. It’s the events good stuff are made of. We. Love. It. How we have worked in legal for this long without managing to kill people, I do not know. It truly is a mystery. Someone please call Unsolved Mysteries immediately, we have a show to pitch…
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Below is what it looks like when you piss your paralegal off for the day. Perhaps she spent the whole day “hangry” because she was working tirelessly (and breaklessly) on an important project that had to be done by a hungry soul who worked through lunch. Or maybe you knew she needed to leave the office at a certain time that day and made the “just real quick” approach at 5 until her planned departure with that fabulous last minute project that just HAD to be done. Or maybe, just maybe, you were acting a wee bit like a jackass. (Crazy, we know. heh.) In the event any one of these things (or an exhaustive list of others ) occurred, THIS is what you’ll see the rest of the day, Mr. Boss Man:
We present to you Exhibit A:
The Pissed Off Paralegal
We highly recommend letting her leave early or bribing her with a Starbucks drink. Prada handbag. A gift card to White House Black Market. The day off. Your resignation. All in our expert opinion, of course…
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No additional commentary needed. Just THIS:
(Actually, we’re pretty darn sure this is definitely a sure way that you, as a boss, end up in the meme featured above. Dead man walking for at least 5 hours straight. Maybe longer. The paralegal death stare. It happens.)
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THE ANNOYING CO-WORKER SECTION:
You remember the Dark Clouds a/k/a those pesky Keepers of the Misery we all know and don’t love? Yep, they’re out there. In droves; in law firms all across America, and beyond. Taunting us. Making our work lives suck. Draining every ounce of pleasantness out of a law firm for all those who surround them. The struggle is real. We hereby dedicate the picture below to EVERY paralegal out there with a Dark Cloud a/k/a Keeper of the Misery, past or present:
Yep.
We’re. Just. Saying. Even the attorneys wonder.
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And then there’s this one, for those days when you SWEAR you cannot explain one more thing, to one more person, one more time, or you are going to lose your shit.
No, that doesn’t really work. And no, you don’t really get to say it to anyone. At least not out loud. Train on, paralegal soldiers. Train on. Your Dumb Ass Whisperer badge is on the way. Get your lapel ready…
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Below is a depiction on how to survive working with stupid people. Yep. That. Consider it a crash course on living in legal made easier. Well, at least easier for the stupid people, anyway. Us? Not so much.
Let’s practice: Okay, great! (See how easy that was. Rolls right off. You’ll be a pro by the end of the hour.)
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And lastly, that moment when you realize you seriously thought it was Friday all damn day, but you were dead wrong; it’s not. Seriously sucks. Bad. An epic failure in weekend prediction, my friend. You. Lose.
It’s a good thing we are masters of pulling it all together, handling things in the clutch, and saving the sanity of ourselves and those around us on the daily, peeps. I’m pretty sure we’re all unmasked super-heroes, sans capes……in waiting. As in “waiting on a margarita or the next arrival of a Friday.” Woot, woot! Yep, that’s us. Steadfast ninjas, at your service. Unless it’s Friday at 5:00, in which case, we’ll see you on Monday, suckas!
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And my favorite one:
Yep. What he said.
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Have I officially lost my mind? It’s time to do the BIG reveal – did you enjoy today’s post? Did the risk pay off? If so, do tell by liking it, sharing it, or leaving a comment, all of which shall only serve to further fuel the fearless founder’s future ridiculousness. (Believe. It.) At a minimum, forward it via email to those paralegal souls whom you know in need of a laugh, or even send a private message to me at: jamietheparalegal@yahoo.com.
And to those peeps who found a little stress relief here on the big screen today, you’re welcome. We’re totally with you. We are you. Enough laughing. Get back to work! And be sure to mumble those choice words…oh so quietly.
Absolutely loved it! Thanks for the laugh! 🙂
I’m so glad! Thanks for breaking the radio silence, Michelle.
not bad.
A person of few words. But A+ for posting a comment. Thanks for reading!
Jamie..thanks for this one. I can just imagine what these paralegals go through. LOL !! Can I get info on litigation and intellectual property? Looking to be a paralegal. Thanks.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Katie. We don’t really have any info., outside of what we share here on the blog. If you take a look at the category menu on the right of our site, you may be able to find more posts geared toward your areas of interest. I know we have a tab for “litigation.” You may also want to look under “aspiring paralegal.” Good luck!
So true on so many levels – thanks for the laughter!!
You are very welcome, Jayne. And you are NOT alone.
Totally enjoyed it!!!
I’m happy to hear it, Patti! Thanks for your comment.
This is amazing! I had to hide my giggles for fear of others in the office giving me strange looks. So. Much. Truth. in this post!
Welcome to the tribe, Kristen. You found “your people!” 🎉 I’m glad you found it humorous. Thanks for stopping by!
Jamie, when will the dumb-ass whispere pins be availble? Lapel is ready!
On a Tuesday. There will be an official ceremony and everything. 🙌
Please put me down for one! Once again a great article! Thank you for making me smile! Even though I am in a corpoate setting I can certainly relate!
Cheri – 1 badge, corporate elite, somewhere in America, got it!
I appreciate you taking the time to banter with me! Have a great one.
Funny but oh so accurate! Thank you for the laugh to start my day!
Glad to see we keep great company, Dena! Thanks for stopping by and sharing a laugh today.
Thanks for joining me out on the ledge, people! Thought I was gonna be hanging out all alone for a minute there. (Insert Jamie wiping brow here.) But nope, I have a tribe. And: They. Are. Fabulous. 👠
Oh my goodness! Seriously sums up the paralegal life in meme form. LOVE IT!
It’s grand, right, Tanya?!
YES! I think my favorite one has to be the “Pissed Off Paralegal”. I may or may not have utilized “the look” this week. LOL
“I have NEVER given the look,” said no paralegal, ever.
Great stuff, Jamie.
On one point, seriously, there are other computer operating systems that are far more stable than Windows and don’t gratuitously interrupt with BSODs. Granted, some of them don’t operate all legal software, but they operate much of what one needs. And, some of them are free!
Thanks, Bob! Thankfully, Windows 10 and I are now getting along. But it was definitely sketchy in a big way for a while.
Hilarious! We don’t have Windows 10 at our office, but on the eve…or morning of trial (it was past midnight) one of my trial laptops went on the fritz and displayed a very pretty but very aggravating rainbow colored noise pattern. I fixed it…but it sure didn’t help to have anxious attorneys breathing down my neck the entire time, lol.
I’m going to implement the “ok great” technique pronto. 🙂
Oh my god, Jamie, you are hilarious! And yes, every SINGLE thing you’ve said is true … 26 years in the trenches God Help Me and I’m still doing it … YOU ROCK SISTER!
This is me formally taking a bow. Thank you kindly, Tracey! Glad to have you among us here on the paralegal playground!
Hysterical! You nailed it! As a member of The Tribe, I thank you for the laughs and encourage you to keep up the great work! It helps to know we’re not alone…
Thanks so much! And you aren’t even close to being alone, Leigh. Paralegal Nation runs DEEP! Thanks for being an honorary member of the tribe!
Literally my life 3 out of 5 days LOL! Thanks for cracking me up and knowing I’m not alone!
It was my pleasure, Krista! Welcome to the club.
Love the time “guess” on an assignment they have NEVER done. And they think that’s all you should bill for it!!
Good thing you’re a miracle working ninja, Elizabeth! Too funny. And sad. Yep, let’s all hang our heads in a moment of solitude for our own sanity. It was all too brief. 😜
There’s a meme on Facebook that says something like “I’d just like one day where I don’t utter the word ‘fuck’ in long, slow syllables under my breath”. That’s me in a nutshell. Thanks for letting us know we’re normal!
I’m pretty sure we need a stronger word. Thanks for stopping by, Sharon! Stand strong.
That wet cat picture was me this a.m. when the boss asked if I had wifi and could work on my vacation next week. Thanks for the laugh!
Oh no! I once pretended I didn’t have a cell phone and hid it at all costs for a number of years from a particular Godfather type. Yep. I feel your pain, Brooks! I can’t believe your wifi just went down…😬
I’ll barely be able to work, spotty service and only on a tablet. Yep!
What happens on TPS stays on TPS. Let’s never speak of this again. #Vegas
Hi-frickin-larious!!! Thanks for the laughs!
Thank you kindly, Amy! Happy High Heel Friday! 👠
Thanks, Jamie, for an incredible post, as usual. What a great way to start the week! It’s so great to know that I’m not alone!!!
Uh, you aren’t even CLOSE to being alone! Paralegal Nation is with you, Beth. Today and always. Hee hee.
Have a great day in the trenches!
Has anyone ever noticed the “E” in DELL is the same as the one used by ENRON….?
Jamie- These are HILARIOUS, but my favorite is “The Pissed off Paralegal”, the pics are funny, but the commentary is monumentally hilarious and my thoughts exactly! Love it! Thank you for the chuckles…no I mean ROTFLOL…LMAO
Well, I take this whole paralegal counseling to the insane gig VERY seriously, Lydia! Ha ha. I’m so glad you found it enter-damn-taining! 😬
Although I am not a paralegal by title, David the Destroyer, Records Destruction Specialist here. Excellent and hilarious post and it applies to
David of the House Destructicon, We’ve been waiting for you! Welcome to the fold.
… Records destruction and Legal Records Management.
Jaime sorry for the absence. I had mass destruction and a little thing called moving legal offices after 40 years in one location to a brand new “green” office building to contend with here in downtown Portland, Oregon.
“Moving the law office is a good time!” ~said no paralegal, ever. 😬
Oh. My. Goodness. I am so glad I took the time to read this today! Two twelve hour days down getting ready for a trial, two attorneys short at the office, only one paralegal (me) and a partner who really does think “everything is ok, here’s some more work to do”, because I’m sitting here on pins and needles with nothing to do and hoping you’ll give me more projects. Meanwhile, the legal secretary next door is high as a kite on her Klonopin and it’s like 365 First Days EVERY day she comes into work. Basically, I can relate to EVERY SINGLE picture quote in this article. Love your articles Jamie, have a fabulous week!
Whew, Trial Paralegal walking…I know what THAT is like. Stay strong. Eat chocolate. Drink caffeine. Don’t kill anyone. (More of a challenge than some might think.) Great to see you around TPS, Kelli!
Masterful! and. every bit. so. true.
Thank you kindly, April!
genius. absolutely genius! -Lee, Houston, TX
Thank you for your ringing endorsement of my ridiculousness, Lee!
you must have a webcam inside my brain. oh wait, let’s not even mention this as an option…if “they” find out, we’re all doomed. lol
Your secrets are safe with me. (I accept payment in the form of unmarked chocolate bars.)
Thank you Jamie for this article and your other great articles.
Thank you for your kind comment, Joseph. Much appreciated.
Are you sitting behind me? Are you sure? These ALL made me laugh (or cringe and then laugh). You are the best!
In the cork clubhouse? You betcha. Bring the wine, sister…
I am laughing so hard that I am crying. Well done, Jamie and an excellent choice in visuals. My top 3: The Cork Clubhouse; the mad cats, and the “ok, great” suggestion….ha ha ha ha. Priceless! I am going to practice saying that at home tonight, while building my first cork clubhouse.
Tears of joy – my favorite! I’m glad you found it amusing, Lesley. I’ll be over at 10pm, with wine corks in hand. Friends don’t let friends build clubhouses alone.
Jamie, I wish this post were available this year when I’d finally terminated an endless call with a potential client who, in addition to being a convicted mass murderer, was undergoing a sex change, and wanted to sue the state for not agreeing to pay for his “operation.” Keep up the great work!
Sounds like a fascinating day on the job. That, my friend, is precisely WHY you need a wine cork clubhouse! To hide from the crazies. I mean, everyone, actually.
Jamie, do you have a camera hidden in my office? Seriously, I need some tips on how to get that Prada bag! Thanks for the laughs!
Okay, I’m gonna do the big reveal…you ready? You work for the SAME boss for 10 years, and you work, and you don’t kill him, and you work some more, and you don’t kill him, this goes on for a really long damn time, and one (glorious) day, a little, red Prada bag shows up on your 39th birthday. Ha ha. In my experience. But the NOT killing the boss part is key.