EMERGING ISSUES
Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for Paralegals BY AMANDA MOSBAUGH AND BERLINDA BERNARD, CP
As paralegals, we are constantly overwhelmed. Whether balancing our workload and personal obligations, it can seem as if we barely have time to think of doing anything differently. However, it doesn’t mean that we cannot set goals for ourselves and take some actions to improve all around. Will this be the year you make a change? The following are the top 10 new year’s resolutions for paralegals. 1) JOIN A PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION OR GET MORE INVOLVED IN YOUR LOCAL ORGANIZATION
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GET CERTIFIED
Obtaining a paralegal certification has become an increasingly popular professional move. You can become certified on the national level through NALA or NFPA. If you want to become certified on a state level, your local bar association may offer their own certification. For example, the Ohio State Bar Association and the Kentucky Bar Association both offer their own paralegal certification program. For any testing, most associations have study materials available and usually offer study groups as well.
grab something, but whatever project I was working on had made me lose all track of time. By the time I finally remembered lunch, it was already late afternoon and I would just skip it entirely. IF YOU WANT TO MAKE SOME POSITIVE CHANGES IN 2022, I WOULD ENCOURAGE YOU TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU’RE TAKING A LUNCH BREAK AT LEAST TWICE A WEEK.
First things first, if you have not yet joined a paralegal association, that is always the best place to start! Most associations offer networking opportunities, special events, a job bank, a resume review team, mentor/mentee opportunities, pro bono opportunities and a massive opportunity for networking. Search associations nearby and consider joining!
There are also other areas where you can become certified. As we all know, eDiscovery has been a hot topic for some time now. ACEDS offers a number of eDiscovery certifications that can be obtained year-round. Maybe this is your year to try something new!
If you want to make some positive changes in 2022, I would encourage you to make sure that you’re taking a lunch break at least twice a week. Getting away from your desk for a few minutes is great for your brain. Take a break from whatever you’re working on, grab something tasty, then head back and you’ll feel refreshed and ready to tackle your project again.
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If you already belong to an association but you haven’t made it to many meetings recently, make a plan to get more involved this year. Check the local event calendar and register to attend some meetings. Not only can you sharpen the tools in your proverbial toolbox but you also open up the opportunity to meet new people that can certainly help or encourage you on your paralegal journey.
One thing most paralegals have in common is that we rarely take our lunch break. Most days are a continuous cycle of putting out fires, responding to emails, billing hours, completing daily assignments and also tackling those rush projects that need immediate attention. That kind of schedule leaves little room for an hour lunch break. Many times, I would plan to heat up my lunch or run out to
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TAKE YOUR LUNCH BREAK
PLAN A FUN TRIP
Along the same lines as taking a lunch break, taking your vacation days is also vital for your overall well-being and mental health. Being a paralegal is stressful. Beyond stressful most days. Managing your mental health and stress levels becomes increasingly important if you’d like to have a happy and long-term paralegal career. Several years ago, I decided to start
