“It’s not easy being green.” Kermit the Frog “Green” as in different, out of the ordinary; not “green” as in inexperienced. When I attend local CLE’s or networking events, I am usually the only paralegal not employed by a law firm, corporation, or government agency. One of the most shocking things about working as a virtual…
My Newest Addition
No, I did not have a baby. I did something much easier and less painful; I purchased a new piece of office equipment. Last year, I read an article from Men’s Health on the health hazards of sitting at your desk all day (link below). Since then, I have been looking for the perfect way to work…
Should Attorneys Be Concerned with Paralegal Certification?
More than ever before, your clients are demanding lower-cost, yet high-value legal services, which is exactly why you should be concerned with the certifications of the paralegals you work with. Whether you are are a solo or in a large firm; employ one paralegal or one hundred paralegals; occasionally contract with freelance paralegals or use…
Lawyer Burnout? Change It Up.
The very things we thrive on in the legal profession such as the adversarial nature of the system; the duty to provide competent representation; and the ability to manage complex information, situations and people are also the things that can drive us down the road to burnout. I am not a counselor, psychologist or life…
Welcome to My Paralegal Blog!
Welcome and thank you for checking out my paralegal blog. I wanted to have several posts written before my “grand opening” so that you could browse around and get a feel for what I have to offer. Here are a few things I hope to accomplish with this site: to help you make the most…
I’m Not Erin Brockovich
There are plenty of famous movies about attorneys, but really only one about a paralegal. I recently re-watched the movie Erin Brockovich. The first time I saw it in 2000 I was entertained by it; this time I was inspired by it. I also noticed some traits I share in common with Ms. Brockovich, as…
Risk a Little, Improve A Lot
Attention attorneys: Every improvement you make to the way you practice law will involve a little stretching, a little risk-taking. Your practice will never reach its peak without a willingness to try new things. If you have never worked with a freelance or virtual paralegal is it because: (a) Your practice is not busy enough…
Paralegal Potpourri – Titles, Types, and Tribes
The legal profession has seen a proliferation of paralegal titles and job descriptions. The trend will continue as several states consider regulating the profession and making distinctions between various types of paralegals. There has been much debate over who can and cannot call themselves a paralegal. This article will take a look the most common…
The South Side of The Law
It is no secret that I am a very Southern girl. I hold many Southern ways close to my heart: I speak with a Southern accent; prefer a slower pace; and serve my chicken fried. I am writing from my front porch while sipping sweet tea (seriously). There are however, some parts of Southern…
Spilling the Beans on Hot Coffee
I believe the infamous McDonald’s hot coffee case has spiraled into an urban legend. While most urban legends are harmless and entertaining, this one can actually cause harm to the justice system and ultimately, the American public. The hot coffee case has become the poster child for tort reform based entirely on a lack of accurate information. HBO released…
About
Misty L. Sheffield is a freelance paralegal helping solos and small law firms in civil litigation. She has been assisting attorneys for over 12 years. Read More »
