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Paralegals & Legal Secretaries

: Practical Paralegalism

Maximizing the Use of Paralegals Podcast

By Lynne DeVenny

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Maximizing the use of paralegals is more important than ever - possibly the most critical it has ever been due to the poor economy and the havoc it has wreaked on law firms.

A well-trained and highly qualified paralegal staff can lessen the effects of associate downsizing and hiring freezes, as well as help satisfy budget-conscious clients asking for alternative fee arrangements, or if paralegals with lower billing rates can perform tasks.

So when I was asked to do a podcast for LexisNexis titled "Maximizing the Use of Paralegals," I leapt at the opportunity, not only because I believe in the power and productivity of a successful attorney/paralegal team, but because I think there are a lot of talented but underutilized paralegals working today. (Some of you may feel over utilized, but that's a topic for a different post).

When I was preparing for the podcast, I thought about what "maximizing the use of paralegals" means to both lawyers and paralegals. Not only do lawyers need to make the best use of their paralegals' skills, but paralegals need to be an active part of the process as well, and show attorneys what they can do.

This podcast isn't just for lawyers looking for ways to see their paralegals in a new light, but for paralegals to think about themselves in a new light, too, and evaluate areas in which they can grow as well.

The podcast covers:

Review of tasks currently performed by paralegals
Consideration of tasks that aren't being performed by paralegals - but could be
Evaluation of the firm's current technology
Talking with your paralegals, as well as other firms that utilize paralegals well
Investing in your paralegal staff's continuing legal and technological education

Paralegals will play a key role in the rapidly changing legal landscape, as clients demand more economical legal services, and firms have to carefully scrutinize their use of technology and staffing resources to become more efficient and profitable. Maximizing paralegal training and skills is a critical part of the process.

You can find the podcast at the LexisNexis UCC/Commercial Law Center and Litigation Resource Center.

Of course, I got really excited about the topic, and finished the podcast thinking "but I've only covered the tip of the iceburg!" I'd love to hear your thoughts about how law firms can maximize the use of paralegals - and how you can help attorneys best use your skills, too.

Full post as published by Practical Paralegalism on December 09, 2009 (boomark / email).