PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE............................................2 TOP 10 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR PARALEGALS.......................................................4 REGULATION ROUNDUP...........................................8 NFPA JOINT CONFERENCE 2022..........................11 DISCRIMINATION IN MEDICAL CARE ..................12 CONTRACT MANAGEMENT AND NEGOTIATION - A DELICIOUS RECIPE FOR SUCCESS.................. 18 SPYCRAFT & BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE............20 CREDENTIAL HOLDERS..........................................22 CASE LAW ALERT: CAN’T DECIDE ON SEARCH TERMS IN DISCOVERY? FIND AN EXPERT........23 BEING AN AIR FORCE PARALEGAL .....................24 YOU, TOO, CAN BE A LEADER!..............................26 AUTHENTICITY & CANDOR - SAY WHAT YOU MEAN...........................................28 IT AIN’T EASY BEING A PARALEGAL ....................31 2022 ANNUAL CONVENTION AND POLICY MEETING - PARALEGALS IN THE “LAND”...........35 VENDOR DIRECTORY..............................................38

ON THE COVER: The NFPA Joint Conference Committee welcomes you to the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis, MN from May 19-21, 2022. See the details on page 11.

President’s Message

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

Many of us put together a laundry list of things we’d like to change and try to commit to changing these things at the beginning of every year. The infamous new years resolutions. Some people do this faithfully every year, others strive to make improvements and new goals throughout the year. In 2022, I challenge you to put your career on your resolution list. Take courage from the “great resignation” to make career development a focus.

Where to start? Branding of course! We are all aware of brands, we see them every day. Think about your favorite restaurant, store or actor. We are bombarded with branding every day. Amazon CEO and Founder Jeff Bezos offered a great explanation when he said, “Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room. Branding applies to our careers too! Personal branding is the practice of people marketing themselves and their careers. The job market can be very competitive, and branding can help you stand out from your peers.

Personal branding will take some preparation on your part but, the return on investment is worth it! Start with some self-reflection.

First consider who you are and what you have to offer. Dig deep, think about your skills, think about what you’ve done lately that helps you stand out – consider special skills, technical, critical thinking, certifications, education.

What makes you unique and relevant? Even if you are new to the profession, you have skills that can translate to legal. Do you have experience dealing with difficult

people, managing deadlines, or research? These should be part of your brand!

Include accomplishments that you are proud of. What is brag-worthy – what do you do that adds remarkable, measurable, distinguishable value? What is your superpower?

The answers to these questions become the basis of your elevator speech. What’s an elevator speech? A 30-60 second commercial about yourself. Start with something like, I’m a 5 year paralegal that specializes in mergers in acquisitions. Add in items like, I assisted in a 16 billion dollar acquisition or I have a unique ability to parse through due diligence in a way that saves my firm’s clients 5% off their expected budgets. Or I successfully led a team of three paralegals during three prior mergers. You get the idea. Think of the “value added” items that might be important to a potential employer.

Practice your elevator speech over and over again – say it to yourself in the mirror. Once you’ve said it a thousand times you’ll be ready to take it into a real elevator! Seriously, the more you practice the less nervous you’ll be and the more polished you’ll sound.

An important part of your brand is your social media footprint. More and more these days employers are combing social media to learn about you even before they request an interview. We are all individuals and have opinions, just make sure what you’re posting isn’t preventing you from getting that dream job. Try to keep in mind that some things are better left said other places. Use social media to connect with like minded individuals and monitor causes that are important to you. Your LinkedIn profile should remain professional at all times, including that gorgeous headshot. Make sure it reflects your professional self and is appropriate for the profession you want to be a part of.

Monitor your brand by Googling yourself periodically. What do you find when you search just your name? How about your name and your city or profession? If you don’t show up, try posting more frequently on LinkedIn. Follow a few professional pages and start by reposting the things that speak to your career. This will help you with networking and getting some exposure for your brand.

Practice your elevator speech, network whenever possible and share your brand with others! You are unique and have so many gifts to offer and pretty soon others will notice that too! Reach out if you have questions.

Lisa Lynch, CRP, CEDS NFPA President

Publisher: National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc.

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