Mirror, Mirror

Kim Walker, senior litigation paralegal with Berger & Montague, is a veteran of complex class action lawsuits and serves on the board of the Philadelphia Association of Paralegals.

For an article in The Legal Intelligencer, Walker posed this question to lawyers at three Philly law firm: "What do you wish your paralegal knew?"

The answers provide a virtual Rorschach test of both lawyer and paralegal psyches and frustrations -- but also provide a road map of opportunity for savvy paralegals:

Among the responses:

• I wish my paralegal knew, or at least had a basic understanding of, all the new software and technology used in law offices now. I just don't have the time to learn it myself.

• I wish my paralegal knew how to research any topic and find the information I need.

• I wish my paralegal knew how to file a complaint in federal and state court, knew how to get and serve subpoenas in federal and state courts, knew how to manage an online database, knew how to search and retrieve dockets, knew how to cite-check, proofread and create a Table of Citations.

• I wish my paralegal knew how to clearly and concisely digest a deposition and describe relevant documents in a short memo.

• I wish my paralegal knew that it's OK to make mistakes and that I should be told immediately if a mistake has been made.

• I wish my paralegal kept up to date on latest case law regarding our practice.

• I wish my paralegal would dress professionally.

• I wish my paralegal wouldn't leave in the middle of a work emergency.

• I wish my paralegal knew how important it is to get along with other people in the firm. It makes my life easier.

• I wish my paralegal knew Alan Ball and would give me "True Blood" spoilers.  

Walker analyzes the results and offers concrete suggestions on how paralegals can learn from the list. Not surprisingly, she emphasizes technology training: 

"Keeping abreast of the latest technology should be on the top of your priority list. It goes without saying that you should already know how to manage an online database, online deposition repository and any software that is geared toward your particular practice area. Not only should you know it, but you should keep updating with training. These software packages change rapidly. Sometimes for the better, sometimes not," she writes.

"Another thing about technology to be aware of is that LexisNexis and Westlaw are buying out smaller companies and making that company's content part of the Lexis or Westlaw content. It's always a good idea to know where to look for information. So, signing up for some free Lexis or Westlaw training every few months never hurts." 

As for Alan Ball, well maybe he's related to our e-discovery columnist, Craig Ball. Lemme ask :)