Paralegal Archives

Paralegal Corner: Meet Dennis Hanshew

In my interview of BASF Paralegal Section’s Education Coordinator Dennis Hanshew, he discussed his unique path to becoming a paralegal, the most important skills paralegal need, and how to avoid burnout. Education I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts from…

Contract Paralegals are a Great Resource for Hire

What is a contract paralegal? Unlike any other state, California is the only state that requires paralegals and legal assistants, which are synonymous (Business and Professions Code §6454), to meet certain educational requirements in order to be considered a paralegal.…

Paralegal Corner: Guidelines for Respectful Attorney-Reporter Relationships

A litigator schedules a two-hour deposition beginning at 4:00 p.m. The court reporter arrives at 3:30. Counsel agree at 6:00 to continue for another hour. At 7:00, the witness’ attorney asks, “How much longer?” The questioner answers, “Just one more…

Do You Know What MCLEs Your Paralegal Needs?

Every paralegal knows the MCLE requirements and reporting period for his or her attorney. They are familiar with the various ways attorneys earn MCLE—attending live seminars, webcasts, webinars, in-house programs, or self-study—and who the MCLE provider is. As an attorney,…

Wanted: Certified Paralegals

I often see ads on job boards seeking “certified” paralegals. In the words of Inigo Montoya, “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” So what does it mean for someone to…

Paralegal Corner: Collaboration of Legal Nurse Consultants with Paralegals and Attorneys

A Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC) can take any litigation case and review the medical records to provide valuable analysis for the legal team. Any case that requires medical record analysis can be improved by an LNC analysis. The LNC can…

The Court Reporter’s Dilemma: Interrupt or Drop

No one likes to be interrupted, least of all the litigator who is hot on the trail of a crucial answer from a witness. Words are flying like bullets. Suddenly, a voice asks him to repeat the question. He…

Five Tips for Creating a Marketable Legal Professional Resume

Most people can agree that it is a difficult task creating a marketable resume. How does one decide what to include, or determine what to take out? How is it possible to get everything on one page? My best advice…

Elizabeth Tippin Speaks to San Francisco Legal Professionals Association

Thanks to BASF Mediation Services panelist Elizabeth Tippin, who recently presented an informative talk on mediation and arbitration to the San Francisco Legal Professionals Association at their monthly “Lunch and Learn” meeting. The meeting was held at the law office…

Celebrating Your Paralegal and Non-Attorney Staff

Every April, a week is set aside to acknowledge the contributions of your administrative staff. Boss’ Day is celebrated every October. When do you celebrate and show your appreciation for your paralegal/legal assistant and other non-attorney staff members? Did you…

BASF’s Newest Section Draws 85 Guests at CLE Seminar for Paralegals featuring Therese Cannon

BASF’s Paralegal Section was launched in January and, to date, there are more than 80 members. I am proud to say that one of the first firms to support this newly created section was my employer, Keker & Van Nest.…

Paralegal Section Kicks Off with Mixer

More than 120 people were in attendance at the kickoff mixer for the newly established Paralegal Section on February 25. The mixer was held at the BASF Conference Center and sponsored by Nelson Staffing and File and ServeXpress and was…

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