The Top 20 Things I Wish I Would’ve Known as a New Paralegal

​By: Kylie Clayton

Do you ever sit back and think to yourself, “I would have done this so differently, if I just would have known _______?

That was my first thought when I was asked to present to a college paralegal course. What better way to educate the next group of paralegals than to tell them what I wish I would have known. When I reached out to an online group of paralegals, the responses were very quick and on point.

In no particular order, the top 20 things I wish I would have known are:

1. Be nice—especially to the court clerks and the bailiffs. They are your lifeline with the courts.
2. Document everything—each time you touch a file, notes, and time entries for referencing back to.
3. Double-check your calendar hearings, dates, and deadlines.
4. Admit to your mistakes—right away! Someone will find them. Better you point them out instead of opposing counsel.
5. Embrace change, nothing stays the same.
6. Always be prepared when you meet with your attorney.
7. Know your courts! They all have different local rules and Judges want different things in different ways.
8. Do not wait until you are swamped to let your attorney know you are behind, ask for help when you need it.
9. Slow down—proofread again and again.
10. Ask questions and take notes—each firm does things differently, be a sponge and learn all that you can from day one.
11. Create a procedure book for yourself for all you do for quick reference. At some point you will be asked to train a new paralegal, and this will be a major time saver.
12. Take pride in your work—when your attorney looks good, you look good!
13. Follow your gut—if something seems off, say something.
14. It’s okay to play the devil’s advocate with your attorney—sometimes a new perspective on an old case can make all the difference.
15. Never give your attorney originals of anything.
16. Know your worth, don’t let people walk all over you.
17. Save as a template every type of document that you prepare, with all confidential information removed for future use.
18. Learn on the job—what they teach you in school is not generally what you will be doing on a day-to-day basis.
19. Don’t take an attorney’s bad day personally—we all have them.
20. Breathe—it will all be okay.

All in all, when it comes to a new paralegal the most important thing is to know that you are not alone, and we have all been there. There are now so many great resources and mentors ready and willing to assist in all aspects. We have been in your shoes and are excited to help bring up the newest group of paralegals into the ever-growing profession.

About the Author:
Kylie Clayton has worked in finance and debt resolution for over 15 years. As the paralegal at Patino Law Office, Kylie supports clients in all types of debt resolution cases from Chapter 13 plans for individuals to complex agricultural and business workouts. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and completed her paralegal certification through the College of St. Mary. 

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Source: Paralegals Connect Newsletter, Volume 8, Second Quarter, June 2020.