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Hey, Paralegals — Is this thing on???
Alas, I am back from the long-lost intersection of “Where in the Heck Did Jamie Go?” and “Why isn’t she blogging for us anymore?” I am officially here, back on the screen, to make my triumphant (I mean, at least I certainly hope it’s a tad bit triumphant) return to blogging for all of you here at The Paralegal Society. If you don’t remember who I am, please just know that I am your favorite blogger of all time. Just saying. Let’s go with that. (This is what happens when I get to be in charge of the narrative. Best. Blogger. Ever. Hands down. Tell everyone…)
For starters, I feel a brief bit of catch-up is in order. While I was away, I continued to work in the legal trenches as a litigation paralegal the entire time. I now work at a new firm, which I guess is technically an “old” firm to me because it is the one that I worked at for my second-ever-paralegal-gig back in the day, early on in my career. Kind of a “the prodigal paralegal returns to the firm” type of thing, like 5+ years ago. Anyway, I am excited to be working at a “nice” law firm which is, in fact, called “The Nice Law Firm.” (True story.) I am wearing multiple fedoras between management, a plethora of HR duties, working for the Firm’s owner as the sole paralegal on our litigation team, and occasionally still doing that fun papyrus-filled-five-inch-binders-from-hell-exhibit dance out of our otherwise paperless office to make an occasional visit into the courtroom for a jury trial. I haven’t slowed down a bit. At all. You just haven’t seen me here.
During my leave of blogger’s absence, I have written and published not one, but TWO true crime memoirs: I Am Jessica: A Survivor’s Powerful Story of Healing and Hope, which tells my cousin’s life story, and I Am Abigail: A Texas Woman’s Childhood Nightmare—and Her Escape from Hell as a Sex Slave/Survivor, which tells the riveting story of survival of Abigail Alvarado. These books consumed my twilight hours outside of paralegaling and there simply was not enough words and time left to go around in order for me to continue blogging. But here’s the thing – I cannot apologize for being gone. I simply can’t. Because I feel like I have no business telling anyone else how and why they should go out and pursue their own goals and dreams if I don’t actually go out and live out and pursue my own. And I did. That. All of it. The Full Dream Dance. Twice. It was absolutely amazing to work with these two remarkable women—survivors of the unfathomable—to share their inspiring stories with the world. If any of you ever have any questions about my experience in doing that, I’d certainly be happy to answer them, so feel free to post a comment below or hit me up via a direct message. There are numerous podcasts out there about both stories if you’d like to go listen to them. (If you did/do end up reading either one of my books, pretty paralegal pleeeeeeeease leave a review online at Amazon or wherever you bought it. That would be AMAZING.)
I must admit that returning to blogging is something I have very much wanted to do on the heels of my latest book, but I truly to God swore to myself in my mind two thousand times that I may have actually forgotten how to blog. (I swear. Crazy, I know.) I mean, I’ve only been at this for the better part of two decades (holy moly, that makes it sound like I used to blog on stone tablets in a cave or something….), so why is it that I can write and publish two 400+ page books . . . and somehow still find the blank screen intimidating? Also, I have no idea. Yet here we are. I am back. At long last. I am typing words. You are reading them. We are all still alive. We are not in a mental institution . . . yet. It’s going splendidly. I’ll get better as we go, I triple paralegal promise you.
Thirdly, I find myself wanting to take a pulse on what it is you guys and gals truly would like to hear from me as a blogger—and likely some other contributing bloggers. Undoubtedly, the paralegal humor posts will still be a thing. How could they not be? We want them. We need them. I will somehow manage to find a map to lead myself back into the Land of Jamie’s Hilarity. (I admit I went back and reread some of the old paralegal humor posts and: I. Was. Dying. We need more of that for sure.) But what other types of topics, issues, challenges, problems, crazy things are seeing, hearing, wanting to read, learn more about, rant or rave about, or hear more about from the Fearless Founder? Hit that comment button below – do tell. I assure you that I am an ever-captive listener with the vigilant enthusiasm of a semi-sane person eating Starburst Jellybeans out of a ceramic ramekin on her couch, legs crossed, ten little pigs wearing Bombas socks on a Thursday night at the humble abode of Collins as I type this. Tell. Me. More. What would you like to read about, Paralegal Nation? What did you used to love to read here at TPS? What do you miss? We are open to hearing all the things — about all the things. Hit that button and sound off. Let’s hear it…
I promise to return again soon, my fearless paralegal friends.
Until then, keep doing what you do—slinging those files in the legal trenches, helping people, not stabbing any esquires with objects off of your desk, and finding time to take a lunch break. Really. As in, one AWAY from your desk. Step away. They will survive. Lastly, I’d like to give a shout-out to all of you attending all those law firm meetings via video looking much like a news anchor, with all business up top and your finest yoga pants, sweatpants, PJ pants, or running shorts bringing home the bottom half. We see you. We know you. We are you. (You do you.)
Joy Sarjent said:
Can we talk about the new generation in the work force. The I have no husband no animals can’t come in until 10 leave at 5 want to be on teams for in person meetings… what’s happening… how are they going to take over trials that’s 15 at least hour days?
Jamie Collins said:
Hi Joy! Absolutely, we can. Great topic. Thanks for the idea.
joseph panozzo said:
Thank you Jamie for resuming your gifted blog writing. I would like to read your comments about work-life balance.
Jamie Collins said:
Hi Joseph! I appreciate your kind words. That is an excellent topic idea and one we can definitely cover. Appreciate the suggestion.
Christine said:
Welcome back Jamie! I’d personally love to hear how you wrote your book and became published. I too have a dream about writing a book re a health journey I manage.
Jamie Collins said:
Hi Christine, I’d be happy to share that. And I will say that, in large part, my paralegal/trial skills are what pulled me through that process. Happy to share my experience and answer any questions you (or others) may have.
legalschmegalb61f31efa6 said:
Thank you Jamie! I’d appreciate knowing more re your first steps to how to publish.
Congratulations on your achievements… what wonderful milestones! Will for sure check out your books.
What is the best way to learn about your process ? Id hate to have you post your steps if I’m the only one interested. Happy to connect 1;1 if more feasible.
So happy to see you back as your posts are so relatable to the para profession.
Many thanks,
Christine
Jacqueline Rice said:
Yayyyyyy! I am stoked to see this! We need to talk my friend! ð – Jackie
Jacqueline K. Rice
N.C. State Bar Certified Paralegal
Rose Harrison Gilreath & Powers, P.C.
Deliveries: 700 Blue Jay Street, Suite 1
Mail: Post Office Box 405
Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina 27948
Telephone: (252) 480-1414
Facsimile: (252) 480-1765
Email: jackie@outerbankslaw.comjackie@outerbankslaw.com
http://www.outerbankslaw.comhttp://www.outerbankslaw.com/
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Jamie Collins said:
Hiii. You know where to find me!
Sharon Walsh said:
I’m just here to say I’m glad to have you back, Jamie!
Although if I had to choose a topic, I would go with how to deal with boss bullies and still keep your job.
Jamie Collins said:
Hi Sharon! Great to hear from you. And that’s a great topic idea.
Tracey Woolsey said:
Welcome back, Jamie!! I miss the hilarity! We are all too serious (seriously busy, “doing more with less”) and need something to laugh at, even if it is our own expense.
Jamie Collins said:
Hi Tracey! Yes, the paralegal humor posts are a must. As soon as I make my way back to Hilarity Parkway I’ll be right on it. 🫠⭐️ You can count on it. (And send any ideas my way…)
Bev Linkhart said:
woohoo! You’re back! I was just thinking the other day . . .am I just missing the notifications, it feels like FOREVER since I’ve read Jamie’s blog! I need to download Abigail’s story.
So good to have you back.
Jamie Collins said:
I sure am, Bev! Great to see you on here. My head is full of future blog post ideas. Let me know what you think of Abby’s story.
shebewoman said:
Yippeeeee….. So glad you’re back! Jamie,
I look forward to your blogs and para humor
Jamie Collins said:
Thank you! I love and appreciate your enthusiasm. Humor posts are definitely in our future.
tammiea96eb6ff30 said:
My name is Tammie and I have been a paralegal for over 20 years. I would love to become a member. I tried to find this group on LinkedIn but it will not pull up. How do I sign up?
Jamie Collins said:
Hi Tammie, If you search on “groups” it should pull it up. Membership must be approved and isn’t automatically granted to keep the group limited to legal peeps.
Anna Marie Fiedler said:
Jamie – it is SOOOOOOO good to have you back.
Jamie Collins said:
Aw, thanks so much. Your comment made my day, Anna! I look forward to seeing you “around.”
crellis483 said:
Hi! Glad you are back! I saw the alert for the blog post in my email and was like, whoa! blast from the past! I am glad you are doing well and I am going to check out your books. 🙂
Jamie Collins said:
Yes, indeed. Back on the screen. Looking forward to cobbling future posts for sure. Appreciate you taking the time to share a comment!
Fred Schepartz said:
Just came across your blog. How do I subscribe?