The Paralegal Voice

Host Carl Morrison reaches into his paralegal grab bag to bring you time management tips and tricks, current association trends, and predictions for the future of the paralegal profession. Tune in as Carl shares valuable advice that all paralegals can use, from tackling time-wasters to engaging a younger generation of lawyers.

Disclaimer: This episode was originally aired on September 29, 2017.

From Erin Brockovich to My Cousin Vinny, paralegals have often been depicted in movies and TV, but is it an accurate picture of the life of a paralegal? In this Paralegal Voice, host Carl Morrison talks to Lisa Stone about paralegal representation in pop culture, whether it’s accurate, and where it could improve. They also discuss whether these depictions help or hurt the profession they represent.

Host Carl Morrison talks to Lisa Vessels about the characteristics that make a paralegal a strong leader. From volunteering with the Girl Scouts to effectively communicating with subordinates, they discuss Lisa’s experience becoming an effective leader. Additionally, Lisa gives her tips and tricks to improve leadership skills through understanding people’s personality type.

Carl Morrison talks to Andrea Grabow about her experience as a government employee, what law firm knowledge has prepared her for her current position, and what was challenging about the transition from law firm to government. Andrea also shares advice for paralegals interested in making the switch. Stay tuned until the end for Listener’s Voice, Carl’s recurring segment featuring audio questions or comments from a listener. To send in your own question email Carl at [email protected].

As solutions to the access to justice gap have been proposed, it has been increasingly clear that there will not be a single solution to the issue. Along with a variety of technology solutions, limited license legal technicians (LLLTs) have emerged as a potential answer to solving access to justice issues. In this episode of the Paralegal Voice, host Carl Morrison talks to Patrick Palace about what LLLTs are and how they provide access to justice in a unique and powerful way. LLLTs provide lower costs, better access to rural areas, and wide-ranging services. There are many situations in which a fully qualified lawyer just isn't necessary; LLLTs can provide legal advice in these cases. Stay tuned until the end for Listener's Voice, Carl's recurring segment featuring audio questions or comments from a listener. To send in your own question email Carl at [email protected].

Patrick Palace is a plaintiff’s trial lawyer with an emphasis on workers’ compensation, personal injury, civil rights and social security matters.

Special thanks to our sponsors NALA, Thomson Reuters Firm Central, and ServeNow.

Being a good paralegal requires more than just an eye for detail and an adaptable personality. Quality education is vital to a successful career as a paralegal. In this episode of the Paralegal Voice, host Carl Morrison talks to Lisa Myers about her experience as a paralegal educator, why she’s passionate about teaching, and why it’s vital for aspiring paralegals to obtain a solid educational foundation. Together they discuss how a successful program can explore innovation by enacting hands-on experience and lab-based teaching styles. They also address the hot-button issue of whether or not state licensing should be required for paralegals.

Lisa Myers is the legal studies program director for Northwest Career College in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Special thanks to our sponsors Boston University, NALA, Thomson Reuters Firm Central, and ServeNow.

Translated into Latin, pro bono means “for the public good.” Pro bono work is a way for lawyers and paralegals to give back to their communities but is by no means a requirement for legal professionals. In this episode of the Paralegal Voice, host Carl Morrison talks to Conni Hebert about why paralegals should be investing their time in pro bono work and the importance of finding pro bono activities that empassion and engage you. They also discuss the fine line between volunteering your services and the unauthorized practice of law.

Conni Hebert is a paralegal at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck and currently serves as the chair of the State Bar of Nevada Paralegal Division and is the NALA Liaison to the Las Vegas Valley Paralegal Association.

Special thanks to our sponsors Boston University, NALA, Thomson Reuters Firm Central, and ServeNow.

From Erin Brockovich to My Cousin Vinny, paralegals have often been depicted in movies and TV, but is it an accurate picture of the life of a paralegal? In this Paralegal Voice, host Carl Morrison talks to Lisa Stone about paralegal representation in pop culture, whether it’s accurate, and where it could improve. They also discuss whether these depictions help or hurt the profession they represent.

Lisa Stone is a senior paralegal for T.D. Williamson and the NALA Liaison​ on the board of the Tulsa Area Paralegal Association where she also maintains a blog.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Boston University, NALA, and ServeNow.

After eight years, the Paralegal Voice is gaining a new host. In this bittersweet episode of the Paralegal Voice, Vicki Voisin hands the hosting reigns over to Carl Morrison who turns the questions on her. In their discussion they talk about the origins of the Paralegal Voice, notable guests, and the challenges she faced in the making of the podcast.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Boston University, NALA, and ServeNow.

Litigation paralegals are an essential cog in the trial machine, but handling this responsibility often comes with a large amount of stress. In this episode of the Paralegal Voice, host Vicki Voisin talks to Tracy Mosz about her experience as a litigation paralegal, including handling the stress and maintaining all the necessary documents for trial. Together they discuss keeping an organized trial notebook, creating demonstratives, and using technology.

Tracy Mosz, ACP is a certified eDiscovery project manager with Brewster & De Angelis where she has been since March 2011.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Boston University, NALA, and ServeNow.