Summer may have reached its end, but we’ve got something hot for you in October. The Paralegal Section is holding an all-day conference – Anatomy of a Trial – on October 18th at BASF’s new headquarters. We have a full…
We Need to Talk About Your Special Interrogatories
This month, I’ve seen three sets of poorly written special interrogatories from different attorneys. These are not inexperienced, first year attorneys, but seasoned family law attorneys with an average of 15 years of experience. I get it, it’s easy to…
For Working Parents, Balance IS Possible!
As the debate over paid family leave swirls around as a “hot topic” debate in our country, this seemed like the most appropriate time to share my personal experience with being a working professional, a new mom, and trying to…
The Meet & Confer Letter – Setting Your Attorney Up For Success
You’ve received discovery responses from opposing counsel, so what’s your next step? Since you’re a paralegal extraordinaire, you know that you’ll only have 45 days to file and serve your motion to compel. It’s time to get cracking. If you…
It’s Time for Lawyers to Commit to a “Duty of Professionalism” Toward Court Reporters
Every day, in countless rooms and Zooms, court reporters encounter situations like these true stories: As she walked into the conference room, the noticing attorney looked her over and remarked in front of everyone present, “Guess I got the short…
Technology in the Legal Workplace
Often I am asked what is an important skill a legal professional should possess. We think of billing, right?! Legal professionals should really know how to effectively bill their time. Time is precious and in a .1 environment it is…
Spring – A Time for Connection and Re-engaging!
Here we are again with a gorgeous Bay Area spring! The sun is out and more and more of us are getting our vaccines. It’s time to re-engage with the world! Although a lot of us are suffering from Zoom…
The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly: The Remote Paralegal
Nearly a year ago, March 17, 2020 to be exact, I started my remote working experience as a paralegal. The COVID-19 pandemic has not been easy for any of us. It has disrupted and affected our lives in profound ways. …
Are You Working on a Project That You Could Have Given to Your Paralegal?
The primary job of a paralegal is to lighten the workload of their attorney. Your paralegal can be an invaluable asset to your practice if you are using their skills correctly. You can have them review and organize client files,…
Perseverance in the Face of Challenges: Paralegal Section Proves They Are a Force To be Reckoned With
The year 2020 has come and gone. We started the year declaring optimistically that 2020 would be the year of ‘perfect vision.’ But between a global pandemic and an exhausting presidential race, the optimism became an afterthought as we were…
2020: A Year in the Rear View
For many, 2020 has proved to be a year they’d much rather throw in the circular file. But this year was not without some bright moments, especially for the Bar Association of San Francisco’s (BASF) Paralegal Section’s Executive Committee (ExComm).…
Adjust and Grow: The Paralegal Section’s Strategy on Succeeding During Uncertain Times
It’s hard to believe the fall season has arrived as many of us are still learning how to navigate this new reality imposed on us by COVID-19. Since March, when the shelter-in-place orders were first issued, local courts have implemented…