Sun, 28 Mar 2010 08:00:06 -0600WeeblyMon, 24 Aug 2009 09:27:29 -0600http://www.paralegalprompts.com/1/post/2009/08/goals-visions-trial-error.htmlI don't know about you, but I learn new things by research, watching tutorial videos, and tips from friends.  But sooner or later, I have to just step out and do it!  Since none of us are perfect that means that sometimes my technique has to be perfected through trial and error.  Lessons learned that way seem to stick with us really well!

I got one of those lessons yesterday.  I'm perfecting this web site design.  While working yesterday I accidentally "Published" before I was ready.  Well, I had posted on Twitter that I was working on Paralegal Prompts.  Fast, efficient, quick-on-the-draw Vicki Voisin, a/k/a @VickiVoisin (The Paralegal Mentor), jumped on the site and then tweeted about it.

Not knowing that Vicki had tweeted, I password protected the site so that only I could see the site during the web design process. 

Then Lynne Devenny, a/k/a @ExpertParalegal (Practical Paralegalism), tried to log on to the site and sent me a message.  I adjusted the settings so Lynne could see the site.

This morning I realized that I had made a fatal mistake on the Home Page.  I used the "N" word (non-lawyer).  There have been many blog and Twitter posts about the distaste for that word by paralegals in recent days!  How could I have made such a stupid mistake!  But I did, so to Lynne and all other paralegals who saw the site yesterday, I humbly confess my sin and ask your forgiveness. 

I went back to the drawing board, and I think you'll like the new Home Page much better!  (Sigh!)

If you are not on Twitter, you are missing the action!  Sign up today so you can keep up with hot-off-the-press paralegal news!
 
]]>Sun, 23 Aug 2009 16:10:49 -0600http://www.paralegalprompts.com/1/post/2009/08/post-title-click-and-type-to-edit1.html If you have been following me for a while, you will notice that Paralegal Prompts has taken on a new look after sitting idle for a while.  But let me assure you, I have not been idle!  Let me explain.

For several months now I have been working on a new project.   I have spent a great deal of time researching the subject of virtual paralegals.  I have been networking and have attended more online seminars than I can count on my hands and feet.  And it has been a blast!  Finally, in June I decided to form my own company, Digital Paralegal Services, LLC, to offer virtual paralegal services to attorneys throughout the United States.  Now don’t go wacko on me.  Attorneys have been outsourcing projects for years.  With all the uproar about the new economic climate caused by the recession, attorneys and clients are looking for ways to cut expenses.  By engaging paralegals on a contract basis, attorneys can avoid any of their normal employee expenses. 

Now what’s in it for me?  I get to work remotely from my home office.  A full sized office, decorated the way I want to decorate it.  I choose my own working hours, maintaining some flexibility to attend to family priorities and play with my twin grandsons.  Furthermore, I can choose the attorneys I want to work with.  It gives me the opportunity to develop my career and build many new relationships.  I am so excited!

Initially, I thought Paralegal Prompts would just evolve into the new web site and blog, but now I realize it should continue on its own merits.  I have a fresh vision and much more to share for such a time as this.  See you soon!  Don’t forget to explore the rest of the web site!

]]>Sat, 13 Jun 2009 06:13:26 -0600http://www.paralegalprompts.com/1/post/2009/06/searching-for-a-way-back-in.htmlOnce I felt sufficiently updated on my computer skills to begin my search for a legal assistant position, one of my first contacts was the placement service for the local county Bar Association.  I emailed my resume to the Director, and then we met to discuss my career goals.  The Director then arranged several interviews and before I knew it, I had my opportunity to re-enter the law firm setting. 

TIP:  Test your typing speed at TypingTest.Com so that you can have a true assessment of your skill level in this area.  

]]>Sat, 13 Jun 2009 05:59:11 -0600http://www.paralegalprompts.com/1/post/2009/06/post-title-click-and-type-to-edit.htmlIf you want to be successful in the paralegal world, it is imperative that you stay abreast of technology changes.  That is not an easy task!  Every single day brings new advances, new devices, software updates, and new tech terminology.  I realized this will be an ongoing task as computers are here to stay.  I began noting the software skills listed in the local professional job listings.  Law offices use some version of WordPerfect or Microsoft Word.

A friend had told me about Lynda.Com for software training.  There are literally thousands of training videos you can watch for many different software applications.  Lynda has now added a certificate program which you can use as documentation that you have completed certain training.  I signed up for the no-contract month-to-month plan and began work on those word processing skills.

I now know there are a number of other computer training web sites.  I'm sure some have advantages over others.  The important thing:  Pick one and begin updating your skills!  And don't forget to update that resume noting that recent training has been completed!

]]>Fri, 22 May 2009 10:40:50 -0600http://www.paralegalprompts.com/1/post/2009/05/beginning-the-process-and-taking-action.htmlAs I continued to perform Google searches and surf the net, I came across Vicki Voisin, The Paralegal Mentor.  I quickly learned that Vicki was a leader in the paralegal profession.  She had many years of experience, roots with NALA, was a published author and even had her own web site.  I signed up for a newsletter and continued to explore her background.  By this time I had registered for the CLA/CP exam.  Did you know that I even received a postcard from Vicki wishing me luck???  How in the world does she find time for that?  I believe that postcard was what triggered my desire to follow Vicki's professional activity more closely.   Maybe if I did some things other successful paralegals were doing, then maybe I could get some of that success to rub off on me this time around.  I'm talking about the Law of Attraction.  Surround yourself with what you want to become and you will get there quicker.    To learn more about Vicki Voisin and her journey, please visit The Paralegal Mentor.  You may also follow Vicki on Twitter at @VickiVoisin.  Be sure to register for her e-zine and investigate the monthly Paralegal Mentor Mastermind monthly teleclasses.

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