Paralegal corner: respect our time
The average paralegal works for two or three attorneys. Among other things, our job description includes drafting / editing / formatting / reviewing of documents, obtaining records from various sources, disclosure of documentation to all required parties, electronic filing of documents with the court, knowledge of local court rules / state / federal, maintenance / customer organization. files, schedule appointments / hearings / depositions and interact with clients. In smaller companies, it is common for paralegals to use additional functions such as receptionist, accountant, office manager, marketing manager, and many more. We spend our days constantly evaluating where each new task should fall on our priority list and fulfilling them accordingly. To say that we are very busy is an understatement.
Despite all of our duties, clients tend to take our time for granted in various ways without realizing how disrespectful that attitude can be. Below are my personal top five (in no particular order):
- Unnecessary chat
Clients enjoy chatting about non-case matters via email, over the phone, and in person; however, we are not your friend or advisor. While a certain level of conversation is acceptable, even necessary, to maintain a friendly working relationship, there are many circumstances in which it interferes with our job performance. Idle talk that lasts more than a couple of minutes is a waste of time, which we can never get enough of. Asking our advice / opinions on your personal problems and / or using us as your sounding board is inappropriate. Save all of that for your best friend or therapist.
- Be insensitive
When we ask you for additional information or documentation, it is because we need it to advance your case. Forcing us to repeatedly chase you for information or documentation is frustrating and a waste of time. The sooner you provide us with what we need, the sooner we can solve your problem.
- Not being prepared and / or disorganized
Fill out the necessary forms before arriving for your appointment with us. Don’t bring us messy, coffee-stained paper boxes. Please review any documents you will be signing before you arrive so that you can review or answer your questions in advance. If a notary is needed, they will need his identification; be sure to bring it with you. Help us to be more efficient, your wallet will thank you.
- Complain and / or be rude
Do not complain to us about your attorney, case, or hearing arrangement. Take care of your language and tone. Don’t call us or your attorneys. DO NOT SCREAM. Do I need to say more?
- Unreasonable expectations
Yours is not the only case we are working on. We had lunch. Calling us multiple times a day for the same reason will only infuriate us. We will call or email you as soon as we can. Don’t call us just before our office closes and expect us to drop everything to handle something for you, especially if it means we will have to give up our personal plans and stay late to get it done.
Please note that we don’t like to lose either, we will do our best for you. You have placed your trust in our law firm for a reason. Let us, and help us, do our job. Respect is a two-way street and a little common courtesy goes a long way. A little gratitude wouldn’t hurt either.
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