DEFINE YOU
It Ain’t Easy Being a Paralegal by Pamela Starr
Being a paralegal is challenging –no matter what area of law you’re in. We are the holders of knowledge and guardians of the gate with mystical abilities, many times undervalued and underpaid. Whether traditional paralegals or freelance/virtual/contract paralegals, we know every day will have its “Srsly?!” moments. I submit the following for your consideration: THE DISCLAIMER IS THERE FOR A REASON It had been a quiet afternoon and I was catching up on admin and drudge work. YOU’VE GOT MAIL! The subject line referred to an upcoming hearing in bankruptcy court. Yay, my forte!
Ms. Starr: I really enjoyed your web site, truly texan. It conveyed that you are good at what you do and there is no doubt that you speak your mind. Not to waste your time, I am NOT an attorney. I am a small [businessman]. I am asking for your recommendation. Can you recommend a paralegal that could attend a bankruptcy Hearing being held --- Thursday --- [in] Houston Texas (see attached)? (The attachment was a Chapter 11 341 Notice) The execution of a Settlement with the Debtor is possible. The person would need to be a notary. Also would like to know what the anticipated charge for their services will be.
OH! THE HUMANITY! I wanted to speak my mind; hit him with both barrels. Instead, I shared the redacted email on Facebook.
My high school crush posted: “I fixed the error. The author wrote ‘texan.’ Who doesn’t know that ‘Texan’ is always capitalized??” One of my bankruptcy attorney colleagues quipped sarcastically: “I also like the part where he wants the person practicing UPL to attempt to collect on a debt by “settling” it, because that’s not a stay violation.” I crafted and sent my response: “I’m flattered you like my site and my style. I am good at what I do, which is why I recommend you hire an attorney. You need one – especially in a Chapter 11. Paralegals are not permitted to work for non-attorneys – even in Texas. It would be unethical for me to suggest another paralegal provide services that fall under the umbrella of practicing law. Even if a freelance paralegal were to attend the Meeting of Creditors ‘on your behalf,’ (s) he would only be allowed to report what was said – not answer questions or interpret the facts and, most definitely, not permitted to ‘represent your interests’ regarding a settlement.” ‘NUF SAID? RIGHT?
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