When I started out as a new paralegal, I didn't really know what to expect from my boss, who happened to be a former government official and the Managing Partner of the law firm. I understood the topics I studied, but applying them in the context of a job was an entirely different thing. It took me awhile to learn how to speak with my boss, and to develop good ways to work with the Partners and the Associates.
What I found is that the biggest challenge new paralegals often face is developing effective communication and working relationships with the attorneys they support. Overcoming this challenge typically requires a combination of clear role understanding, proactive communication, and emotional intelligence.
Establishing Clear Roles and Responsibilities
One major hurdle for me---and for new paralegals---is fully understanding the scope of their duties and responsibilities in supporting attorneys. There can be misunderstandings about what tasks paralegals should handle versus attorneys. To overcome this:
Review the paralegal job description thoroughly to understand expectations
Observe and ask questions of experienced paralegals about their role
Discuss role boundaries directly with the attorneys you support
Improving Communication
Breakdowns in communication between paralegals and attorneys can lead to frustration, missed deadlines, and mistakes. Paralegals should:
Ask clarifying questions when instructions are unclear, but judiciously after researching first
Provide regular status updates to attorneys on projects and deadlines
Communicate proactively about potential issues or roadblocks
Match communication styles (e.g. email vs phone calls) to attorney preferences
Developing Emotional Intelligence
The attorney-paralegal relationship can involve tensions, conflicts, and power dynamics. Emotional intelligence helps navigate this by:
Remaining calm and professional even when criticized or under stress
Empathizing with the high-pressure situations attorneys face
Building trust and rapport through reliability and competence
Separating professional conflicts from personal conflicts
Ultimately, being an effective paralegal requires excellent communication, organization, and the ability to develop positive working relationships with attorneys. With time, experience, and emotional maturity, new paralegals can overcome the relational challenges of the role.
HACK: read up on developing your EQ or Emotional Intelligence. Talk to more experienced paralegals in your firm about their understanding of what the attorneys want and how they operate.
I will be publishing a series of short-to-medium-length books for freshly-graduated and new(er) paralegals in a variety of legal settings on KINDLE DIRECT PUBLISHING. My first book, "The Path Towards a Civil Lawsuit," will be published in June 2024 and will sell for $1.99. A new book will be published approximately a month later, and box sets will be available in a few months.