What’s *really* holding back your paralegal career? Spoiler alert: It’s probably not your boss. In this solo episode, I’m diving into five sneaky career stallers that might be quietly sabotaging your growth—and what to do about them.   Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned pro, this episode is your wake-up call to shift gears and reignite your paralegal career path.   Grab the free 3-Step Roadmap for new litigation paralegals: paralegal-bootcamp.com/3steps   SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT This episode is brought to you by Raise the Bar Media - a weekly newsletter for legal professionals that want clear, relevant updates without the clutter. Each issue delivers practical insights on firm management, legal tech, hiring, billing, and client service, curated by industry pros who get the realities of running a modern legal practice. Get the newsletter here.

Going to trial for the first time as a litigation paralegal? Deep breaths! This episode is for you.   In this episode, I'm sharing the 5 most important things that every litigation paralegal should know before their first trial to help you. And even if you've already been to trial, maybe you need a refresher or want to hear a funny trial war room story!   SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT This episode is brought to you by Raise the Bar Media - a weekly newsletter for legal professionals that want clear, relevant updates without the clutter. Each issue delivers practical insights on firm management, legal tech, hiring, billing, and client service, curated by industry pros who get the realities of running a modern legal practice. Get the newsletter here.     To get all the information mentioned in the episode, go to this episode page here: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegalpodcast-episode152   Other episodes/Resources mentioned: Episode 146 with Vincent Ascolese, the video interview version  One Lesson I Learned at Trial Litigation Paralegal Boot Camp 3-Step Method to Better Case Management

The AI Boot Camp for Legal Professionals is open for enrollment! Go to ai-trainingbootcamp.com to learn more!

In this solo episode, Ann talks about paralegal mistakes. Let's face it: mistakes happen. Especially when you're new in your paralegal career - or juggling a dozen high-priority tasks at once.

We all make mistakes. What matters most is how we react to them.

In this episode, Ann shares real-world stories of paralegal mistakes (including her own!) and more importantly, how to recover, rebuild trust, and grow stronger from them.

Key quote from Ann: One mistake doesn't define you. And if you did get fired for a single mistake? That says more about the firm than it does about you!

Key Takeaways:

• Why learning from your mistakes can be a career accelerator rather than a career-ender.

• What NOT to do when you make a mistake is just as important as what to do.

• A 3-step framework to help you through any mistake.

Get more free paralegal resources:  https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources

Announcement: Join Ann in the free AI Masterclass on Saturday, April 19th: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/ai-masterclass 

In this episode, we dive into an inspiring conversation with Christina West, a seasoned paralegal and blogger. Ann and Christina discuss the significance of becoming a well-rounded paralegal, drawing from Christina's diverse experiences across different fields of law. 

Prefer to watch the podcast episode's video interview: https://youtu.be/SPWxY3ewJRc 

Key Takeaways:

• Be in the Know: Diversifying your legal knowledge enhances employability and adaptability in different legal settings.

• Be a Part of Something Bigger: Engaging in community service and legal associations can ground legal professionals and provide a sense of purpose beyond corporate work.

• Be Self-Aware: Understanding one's impact in a team setting is critical for fostering a collaborative and respectful work environment.

• Be Courageous: Taking risks and seizing opportunities, even after setbacks, is vital for personal and professional growth.

About the Guest:

Christina West is an experienced paralegal from Sussex County, Delaware, known for her versatile background in personal injury law as well as her contributions as a guest blogger for the Paralegal Boot Camp. Initially starting her career at a small firm after a serendipitous meeting during a class action settlement, Christina has since expanded her expertise across various legal areas such as real estate and general paralegal duties. Her journey through different roles and her active participation in community programs have enriched her understanding and skill set, making her a well-rounded paralegal.

Get more free paralegal resources:  https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources

 

 

Episode Summary:

Join guest host Linda Odermott as she interviews Michael Houlberg, Director of Special Projects at the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System (IAALS).

IAALS is a national, independent research organization that innovates and advances solutions that make our justice system more just. They believe that justice and access to the justice system can be a reality for everyone.

This episode highlights IAALS' forward-thinking approach to addressing the access to justice crisis through innovative projects such as regulatory reform initiatives, community justice worker programs, and alternative licensed professional programs.

To learn more about IAALS and their projects: https://iaals.du.edu/

 

About the Guest:

Michael Houlberg is the Director of Special Projects at IAALS, focusing on family justice and regulatory reform work, and promoting greater accessibility, efficiency, and fairness to everyone involved in the legal system. Mr. Houlberg graduated from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2015. He received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Brigham Young University and is a member of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology.

Paralegal Boot Camp sponsors the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show.

Sign up for the five-day Bootcamp Challenge at https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/challenge

 

In this episode, Ann announces an exciting opportunity—a free five-day Bootcamp Challenge starting soon—offering paralegals a chance to fast-track their career growth easily and effectively. She curates six insightful tips, compiled from top paralegal minds, designed to nurture growth, adaptability, and invulnerability to common industry pitfalls.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace Multiple Career Paths: Stay open to different practice areas as your first job might not be the right fit.

• Maintain Composure: Project calmness under pressure to prevent increased stress for both you and your attorney.

• Verify Information: Double-check procedures and information using authoritative resources, not hearsay or social media.

• Stay Updated on Technology: With rapid technological changes, integrating tools like AI can give paralegals a competitive edge.

• Prepare Early for Trials: Start your trial notebook immediately to stay organized throughout the life of a case.

If you want to watch the video interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8Ro8P0SLV3E 

"There is no failure if you don't quit," is a recurring lesson in Kat's life, driving her to face challenges head-on and adapt to achieve her goals. 

In this interview, Kat shares:

• The powerful story behind why she’s taking on this challenge
• How she overcame adversity, lost nearly 100 pounds, and built confidence along the way
• The reality of searching for a job as a legal assistant in today’s market
• Career advice for legal professionals looking for their next opportunity
• How you can support her mission and help raise funds for domestic abuse survivors

Want to follow Kat’s journey?

Subscribe to her YouTube channel: KatWoman Hikes Follow her on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook: @KatWomanHikes Donate to help fund her journey. Most of the hikers on the Appalachian Trail don't make the journey because they run out of funds! Even just $5 or $10 can help buy Kat a sandwich or a night in a hostel on this hike from Georgia to Maine.

 

About the Guest:

Kat Bell: Kat Bell is an experienced legal assistant with over 27 years in the legal field. She is also an aspiring Appalachian Trail hiker, driven by a passion for exploring the outdoors and inspiring others through her journey. With an educational background in legal secretarial studies where she graduated top of her class, Kat has faced personal challenges, including overcoming a background of abuse, and is now focused on achieving her dream of hiking the entire Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. She is a staunch advocate for domestic abuse survivors and is engaging in this monumental hike to support related charitable causes.

Get more free paralegal resources:  https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources

About the Guest:

Vincent Ascolese graduated from St. John’s University in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, an ABA approved program.  He is a current Paralegal Association of New Jersey member, a previous member of the Board to the New Jersey Paralegal Convention, and a previous member of the Paralegal Committee of the New Jersey State Bar Association.  He was also a past Trustee-at-Large on the PANJ Executive Board.  He currently works as a paralegal for McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, LLP.

 

In this episode, Ann sits down with Vincent Ascolese, a paralegal who reveals how integrating mindfulness into daily routines can drastically improve work productivity and mental health, especially for professionals in high-pressure careers like paralegals. This conversation navigates through the significance of practicing mindfulness during both high and low-stakes periods, reinforcing the notion that a consistent mindfulness practice can boost performance during demanding times.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Mindfulness for Stress Management: Implementing mindfulness techniques during low-stress periods can enhance performance during more stressful times.

• Practical Mindfulness Strategies: Vincent emphasizes informal ways to practice mindfulness at work, like being conscious during daily tasks such as climbing stairs or going for a brief walk.

• Improving Productivity: Practicing mindfulness can help reduce mistakes, enhance focus, and improve overall productivity by narrowing one's focus and minimizing distractions..

• Mindfulness Apps and Resources: Insight Timer, Headspace, and Calm are recommended apps to guide and sustain mindfulness practice.

Get more free paralegal resources:  https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources 

 

Watch the video Interview Here. About the Guest:

Nikole Nelson is the founding CEO of Frontline Justice and former Executive Director of the Alaska Legal Services Corporation. She has dedicated 25 years to enhancing access to justice, especially in rural communities, by developing innovative legal aid solutions that are community-led and people-centered. Nikole was instrumental in launching the Partnering for Native Health initiative, a medical-legal partnership that received the 2019 World Justice Challenge Award. She has also driven significant reforms, including changes to unauthorized practice of law regulations that benefit justice workers in Alaska. Nikole is actively involved as a member of the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigenous Defense (SCLAID) and the Legal Services Corporation's Rural Justice Task Force.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Linda Odermott, host of the Paralegal Real Talk series, introduces Nikole Nelson, a pioneering advocate in the field of legal aid. Nikole shares insights into the development and success of Alaska’s groundbreaking Community Justice Worker (CJW) project. Alaska's unique challenges, with vast remote areas and limited legal resources, led to innovative solutions that leveraged local community structures in bridging the justice gap. Nikole discusses how collaborations with the healthcare sector inspired strategies that train non-attorneys to deliver vital legal aid.

The episode dives deeply into how these efforts first began with the establishment of the Partnering for Native Health project — a collaboration with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium — and how this initiative achieved remarkable success by extending legal assistance through trained community justice workers. This innovative model of delivering legal aid has not only enhanced accessibility in underserved regions but also set a precedent across multiple states now looking to emulate Alaska’s success. Nikole passionately describes the vision of Frontline Justice to expand this approach nationwide, ensuring that every community receives the legal care they need.

Key Takeaways:

• Alaska's Community Justice Worker project aims to bridge the justice gap by training non-attorney community members to provide essential legal services in rural and underserved areas.

• The success of this program leaned significantly on partnerships with existing healthcare infrastructures, demonstrating the power of cross-sector collaboration.

• Nikole Nelson emphasizes the importance of starting pragmatic, incremental steps in addressing legal needs rather than attempting to solve all complex legal problems at once.

• The program has enabled millions in SNAP benefits to be accessed and has seen a 100% success rate in the cases it has taken on.

• The discussion expands into the national landscape, where Frontline Justice is helping other states look to adopt similar community-led justice initiatives.

Get more free paralegal resources:  https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources 

 Sign up for the AI Bootcamp here!

This week, Ann introduces a groundbreaking discussion about AI's role in redefining the paralegal profession. Pulling in content generated by AI tools, this episode delves into how AI technologies are reshaping traditional legal tasks and what that means for paralegals looking to stay ahead of the curve. If you're curious about how AI will impact the future of legal work, this episode is a must-listen. The episode presents a fascinating dialogue, created through AI, between two virtual speakers exploring the advent of artificial intelligence in the legal field.

Key Takeaways:

• AI is transforming the legal profession significantly, especially in tasks like document review and legal research.

• Embracing AI tools enhances efficiency and value, creating a win-win situation for clients and legal professionals alike.

• Ongoing education and AI literacy are crucial for paralegals to remain competitive and relevant in their careers.

• Ethical considerations must be addressed to ensure that AI is used responsibly and effectively in the legal field.

Get more free paralegal resources:  https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources