The average paralegal works for two or three attorneys. Among other things, our job description includes writing/editing/formatting/reviewing documents, obtaining records from various sources, distributing documentation to all required parties, electronic filing of documents with the court, knowledge of court rules local/state/federal, maintenance/customer organization. files, scheduling appointments/hearings/depositions, and interacting with clients. In smaller companies, it is common for paralegals to wear additional hats such as receptionist, accountant, office manager, marketing manager, and many more. We spend our days constantly evaluating where on our priority list each new task should be and accomplishing those tasks accordingly. To say that we are very busy is an understatement.
Despite all our duties, clients tend to take our time for granted in a variety of ways without realizing how disrespectful that can be. The following are my personal top five (in no particular order):
- unnecessary chat
Clients enjoy discussing matters unrelated to their case by email, over the phone, and in person; however, we are not your friend or advisor. While some 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, of which we never have enough. Asking our advice/opinion about your personal problems and/or using us as your sounding board is inappropriate. Save all of that for your best friend or therapist.
- Do not answer
When we ask you for additional information or documentation, it is because we need it to move forward with your case. Forcing us to repeatedly chase you down 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
Please complete all necessary forms before arriving for your appointment with us. Don’t bring us boxes of messy, coffee-stained papers. Review any documents you come to sign before you arrive so you can make any revisions or answer questions ahead of time. If a notary is needed, they will need your ID; be sure to bring it with you. Help us 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. Watch your language and tone. Do not call us or the names of your lawyers. DO NOT SCREAM. Need I say more?
- unreasonable expectations
Yours is not the only case we are working on. We have lunch. Calling us multiple times a day for the same reason will only infuriate us. We will call/email you back 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’ll have to give up our personal plans and stay late to get it done.
Keep in mind 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. Leave 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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