Mentor Blog

WHAT MAKES A GOOD LEADER?

Cindy Welch, NFPA Region II Director
(iidir@paralegals.org)

            We can all name several people, locally or nationally, who we admire for their leadership qualities, and it always interests me how they acquired those skills.  Unfortunately, there’s no exact recipe; 1 tablespoon of intelligence, ¼ teaspoon of wit, ½ cup of respect, because none of us come to the table a blank slate.  We have both personal and professional life experiences in our history so we are left to figure out what we need more of and in what quantity!  Oh, yes, that’ll be easy… What I can offer is some suggestions of the “ingredients” needed – the quantities will be up to you.

• THE ABILITY TO LISTEN.  When someone says something, it isn’t just the words they are sharing; it’s a feeling or a passion or even a lack of passion.  If you’re unsure what the other person really means by their comments, repeat their statement back to them in your own words to see if you’ve got it. 

• THE ABILITY TO “NOT SPEAK.”  What?  While serving as a member of my local association and as a current member of the NFPA board, I’ve watched observed leaders “not speaking.”  This not only creates more opportunities for others to voice their opinion but it gives everyone a moment to reflect on previous discussion.

• THE ABILITY TO SHARE.   No one person makes up a board or committee so when your goal is reached or the event is a success, share the accolades with the others on your team.  Maybe even incorporate the royal “we” into your vocabulary now and then.

• TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.  Whether you are the committee chair or the president of your board, if a project fails, take responsibility.  Everyone know that typically it’s not just one person’s fault when an action is unsuccessful, so the members of your team will respect the fact that you are willing to step up and not point fingers at others.  You and your team can disect the situtation in private so you can do a better job next time.

• BE OPEN TO IDEAS.  Just because you didn’t think of it first doesn’t mean it isn’t a great idea.  Consider the new team member who makes a suggestion and three or four of the long-time members immediately shut it down “because we tried that and it didn’t work.”  Talk it out-while it may not have been successful many years ago, that same idea might work now if tweaked a little.

• LEARN ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION.  While I had been a member of my local association for over a dozen years before I became president, I was truly surprised at how much I didn’t know about it.  I made a point of visiting specialty sections I hadn’t attended before, welcoming each new member (via email,) meeting the attendees as they arrived for meetings, reading and re-reading the procedures and the bylaws and helping our executive director with registration,

• TRUST IN THE OTHERS ON YOUR TEAM.  Trust that since they volunteered for that job or position, that they feel they can handle their duties.  Give them a chance to succeed – they might surprise you.  If you feel they need some assistance, give them a “buddy” on the board.  Likewise, find yourself a buddy or mentor if you need help in a specific area.

• RESPECT OTHERS.  There is no rule that says you have to be best friends with those on your team – or even like them - but you do need to respect them.  Respect their ideas, their commitment to the board, and their time and efforts.

• LEAD BY EXAMPLE.  Just as children learn this way, so do adults.  Your respect and trust of others will be reciprocated.  If you expect your team members to finish their assignments on time, then you need to do the same.  The supervisors that I respected the most always got in the trenches with their employees.

    Try tackling one of these attributes every month and even ask for some suggestions from your group.  Make it a safe place for them to speak their mind and for you to shine as a leader.

Five Reasons Why Double Is Better
By Vicki Voisin, ACP

A question was posed to me recently while I was doing one on one coaching with a paralegal who wanted tips to get her career off dead center and moving forward. She asked me:

 "Vicki, do you think I should get state specific certification or take a certification exam offered by a national paralegal professional association?"
 
My answer? "Both!" Double is always better. Here are five reasons why you should double up on your certifications.

Credible. Certification typ ically consists of the "3 E's": Education, Experience and Exam. You are not able to take a certification examination unless you meet certain criteria. It is a career-long commitment that demonstrates to your peers and your employers that you have mastered core principles and that you are dedicated to staying current in your profession.

Certification gives you expert status which translates to credibility. Having that on a state level is definitely a plus. You double your credibility when you take that expert status to the national level, showing advanced analytical abilities and writing skills, as well as a broad understanding of laws and procedures nationwide.
 
Marketable. Whether you're job hunting or job hopping, you are more valuable if you have doubled up on your certifications. Thi nk of it this way:

(a) almost everyone acquires a certificate or degree in paralegal studies prior to entering the profession; if everyone has a paralegal certificate, they have identical qualifications and are on a level playing field;

(b) state specific certification hikes you up a notch and gives you a leg up on someone with only their basic education;

(c) doubling up with your national certification puts you on top of the heap.

Portable. Your state specific certification will serve you well so long as you never move to another state. For instance, if you move from North Carolina or Ohio to Texas, you will be competing with paralegals who may already have that state's certification.

Since you will need all the ammunition you can muster to land a job in a place where virtually no one knows you, your very portable national certification will give you the credibility you need for employment in your new location.  

Profitable. Salary surveys illustrate the value of your certification. If you're a paralegal with one credential, you will certainly earn a higher salary than a paralegal with none. However, if you're a paralegal wi th double certifications, you are in a position to demand an even higher salary. In this case, certification makes both sense and cents.
 
Recognizable. Certification is a standard by which employers can judge the competency of a potential employee and the value of a current employee. You can be very proud of the letters displayed after your name. They demonstrate your advanced abilities, your depth of experience, and your knowledge.  Double the letters translates to double the recognition of your advanced skills and knowledge.  

A handful of states have state specific certification. There are different qualifications for taking each. Some require you to have up with national certification to qualify, others do not. Wherever you live, national certification is available and acces sible.

How do you "double up" if you have no state certification available? Move on to advanced certification (NALA has 17 ACP areas; NALS has a Specialty Certificate Program) or work on some other industry certifications. For instance, if you work in insurance defense, a CRM (Certified Risk Manager) might be helpful. Do you work with employee benefits? You might look into a PHR (Professional in Human Resources).

There are also certifications in the computer and medical fields that could be beneficial. You will want to be sure that the certification you seek has value in your specialty area and enhances the scope of your work. The only other precaution is to be sure the certification is professionally managed and administered.
 
Do you want to move your career in the right direction? A single certification will do that. Double certification will make you more credible, marketable and noticeable. You will find it is both portable and profitable. Double certification will move you miles ahead. Double is definitely better!

© 2012 Vicki Voisin, Inc.

Vicki Voisin, "The Paralegal Mentor", delivers simple strategies for paralegals and other professionals to create success and satisfaction by setting goals and determining the direction they will take their careers.

Vicki spotlights resources, organizational tips, ethics issues, and other areas of continuing education to help paralegals and others reach their full potential. She publishes a weekly ezine titled Paralegal Strategies. Information is available at www.paralegalmentor.com

She also co-hosts a monthly podcast on Legal Talk Network (www.legaltalknetwork.com).

You may absolutely share this newsletter with people you think might enjoy it. When doing so, please forward it in its entirety, including the contact and copyright information. Thanks and enjoy!

Vicki Voisin, Inc.
PO Box 743
Charlevoix, MI 49720
support@paralegalmentor.com
www.paralegalmentor.com

Certification: Which Credential Is Right for YOU?
By Vicki Voisin, ACP

In last week’s issue of Paralegal Strategies, I discussed the reasons why you should pursue certification.

There are many choices for certification credentials, so today I’m focusing on how to choose the one that is right for you. This is a very personal decision.

Choices:  National paralegal associations provide certification examinations (ie NALA, NFPA, NALS).There are also several levels of examination, which provide you with the opportunity to obtain basic certification and then move on to more advanced certification. For instance:

NALS offers

• ALS ~ Accredited Legal Secretary
• PLS ~ Professional Legal Secretary
• PP ~ Professional Paralegal and
  
• The Specialty Certificate Program

NFPA offers

• RP ~ Pace Registered Competency Exam
• CRP ~ Paralegal CORE Competency Exam

NALA Offers

• CLA/CP ~ Certified Paralegal
• ACP ~ Advanced Certified Paralegal (choose from 19 ACP designations)

In addition to the national associations, there are voluntary certification programs offered by some states...examples are Texas, North Carolina, Louisiana, Kentucky and Florida (there are others!). And even some cities: in Houston you can become a Professional Houston Paralegal (PHP).

All have different structures and eligibility requirements, as well as different continuing education and re-certification requirements.

The credentialing organization you choose must be a bona fide entity. A certification examination is not something that is thrown up overnight. This process takes a great deal of planning. Further, there are standards for certification exams. It is crucial that

• the organization prepares an examination under the guidance of professional testing consultants,
  
• the exam be continually reviewed for accuracy, and that it be updated on a regular basis.
• the exam be administered under rules and regulations in accordance with governmental acts and with such issues as anti-trust and fairness. 
• the organization agrees to keep applications and records confidential

Now that you understand some of the things to look for in a certifying entity, there are some things to think about that relate just to you:

• Which credential is most recognized in the area where you live?
• Which credential will be of most use to you in your work? For example, if you focus on litigation, you probably would not pursue certification in bankruptcy.
• Will you have adequate study support? Is there a study group available through your local association? Does the national association provide a study course?
  
• What expenses are involved? Be sure to consider whether you have to travel to take the exam and what study materials you need to purchase
  

There are some wrong reasons, too:

• Do not look for easy. If certification were simple, everyone would have the credential. You want your credential to set you apart, to say that you are special.
• You're not doing this for an increase in pay. While a nice raise may be a result of certification, you cannot depend on it. Instead, pursue certification for your own satisfaction and, remember, it may help you get a new job down the road.
  

Your challenge: If you already have a professional credential, congratulations! If you don't, please put that at the top of your list of professional goals and start thinking right now about which credential would be right for you.

==========================
© 2012 Vicki Voisin, Inc.

Vicki Voisin, "The Paralegal Mentor", delivers simple strategies for paralegals and other professionals to create success and satisfaction by setting goals and determini ng the direction they will take their careers. Vicki spotlights resources, organizational tips, ethics issues, and other areas of continuing education to help paralegals and others reach their full potential. She publishes Paralegal Strategies, a weekly e-newsletter for paralegals, and co-hosts The Paralegal Voice, a monthly podcast produced by Legal Talk Network.

More information is available at www.paralegalmentor.com where subscribers receive Vicki's 151 Tips for Your Career Success.

  New Year...Fresh Start
                                                      Vicki Voisin, ACP


As 2011 ends and 2012 begins, it's tempting to make resolutions for the New Year. Organize your office? Increase your billable hours? Lose weight? Be on time for work? Sit for a certification exam?
Whatever you have in mind, read on...
It's common knowledge that resolutions rarely work. All those good intentions seem to fall by the wayside by the middle of January...all that's left are guilt and regret that once again you're not able to keep your resolutions. By next December you'll be making the same resolutions all over again.
 
It's time to change the pattern. Resolutions don't work because they're usually a very broad st atement: This year I'll lose 20 pounds. This year I'll learn to speak French. This year I'll look for a new job. You've got the want down...you know what you want to do. The problem is, you're only looking at the big picture.
 
Instead of making resolutions, set goals. A goal is something you commit to fully and work toward all year long. Take a few minutes right now to visualize your top three goals for 2012. Then write those goals down on a paper.
 
Make a plan. Once your goals are set, decide what you have to do to reach each one and then plan each step toward your goal from beginning to end. For instance, if you want to learn French this year your first step might to be to search for a class. The next step might be to enroll in the class. The next step mig ht be to buy your your study materials. The next steps would be to attend each class and do your homework.
 
Do you see how each step you take helps you reach your end goal? This process will work for any goal you might want to reach.
 
Take this one step further. Schedule each step in your planner...make an actual appointment. This ensures you will set aside the time to accomplish each step. Don't make the mistake of putting the steps on 'to do' lists because a 'to do' list is just a wish list and you will invariably run out of day before you run out of list. The 'to do' list just goes on and on. Your planner is a real guide for accomplishing your goals.
 
Your challenge:</> Plan to make 2012 your best year ever. Take a few minutes to set your goals. Break the goals down into achievable mini-goals. Decide when each mini-goal must be accomplished to reach the main goal by the end of the year. Enter those mini-goals in your planner. Make appointments with yourself for completing each one.
 
If you do your planning and then do your scheduling, you can accomplish absolutely anything you want and this time next year you'll be celebrating the fact that you actually reached your goals.

Here's to out with the old...in with the new...to a new year and a fresh start. Happy New Year!
 
==========================
© 2011 Vicki Voisin, Inc.

Do you want to use this article in your newsletter, ezine or Web site? You can, so long as you include this entire blurb with it: Vicki Voisin, "The Paralegal Mentor", delivers simple strategies for paralegals and other professionals to create success and satisfaction by setting goals and determining the direction they will take their careers. Vicki spotlights resources, organizational tips, ethics issues, and other areas of continuing education to help paralegals and others reach their full potential. She publishes Paralegal Strategies, a weekly e-newsletter for paralegals, and co-hosts T he Paralegal Voice, a monthly podcast produced by Legal Talk Network.
More information is available at www.paralegalmentor.com where subscribers receive Vicki's 151 Tips for Your Career Success.

 

Do visit www.paralegalmentor.com where new subscribers can access the special report titled "Is Your Computer Talking Behind Your Back'" This report is available at no cost and offers inside information on how the careless use of technology can result in the disclosure of confidential client information and/or privileged documents and information.

The Paralegal Mentor Blog is now available. I'll be looking forward to your comments as I post more information and pictures there.

Vicki Voisin, "The Paralegal Mentor", delivers simple strategies for paralegals and other professionals to create success and satisfaction by setting goals and determining the direction they will take their careers.

Vicki spotlights resources, organizational tips, ethics issues, and other areas of continuing education to help paralegals and others reach their full potential. She publishes a weekly ezine titled Paralegal Strategies. Information is available at www.paralegalmentor.com

She also co-hosts a monthly podcast on Legal Talk Network (www.legaltalknetwork.com).

Vicki Voisin, Inc.
PO Box 743
Charlevoix, MI 49720
support@paralegalmentor.com
www.paralegalmentor.com

Where are your old work horses?
Don't put them out to pasture! Make them leaders for life.
By: Vicki Voisin, ACP
 
Where do the officers of your association go when their terms of office are completed?

Are they turned out to pasture like these old horses, simply roaming free and no longer concerned with the future of the association?

You may think your past officers have earned the right to roam free, but what they have really earned is the privilege of not working quite so hard.

These past leaders remain vital to the continuity of the association. Their leadership skills, talent and expertise are needed to keep your association moving forward.

Instead of squandering all that knowledge and experience, harness those old horses and bring them back to the barn. Appoint them Leaders for Life and keep them involved.

This doesn't mean the past leaders should be circulated back through the chairs, though. Your association will fold if the same old horses keep on doing all the work.

How should you use your Leaders for Life? This is simple. Tell them how valuable they are to your association and ask them what they'd be willing to do. You'll be pleasantly surprised that they're not exactly happy out in the pasture and are willing to help in any way they can.

Here are some excellent ways to use the talents of your Leaders for Life:

• Planning meetings and educational events. Past leaders are pros at planning and they usually have the connections to draw upon to make your conventions a smashing success.

• Speakers. Past leaders usually have a wealth of professional knowledge and experience and make excellent speakers for your seminars.

• Ad Hoc Committees. Do you have a short term issue that needs to be handled? Appoint the past officers.

• Special Committees. Past officers make excellent members of special committees, such as those for scholarships and awards.

• Liaisons. Appoint the past officers liaisons to special groups, such as the bar association and paralegal schools.

• Officer orientation. Past officers have extremely valuable experience and knowledge, not to mention their finely honed leadership skills. Bring them in to share this with the new officers as they're taking the reins.

• Mentors. The experiences of the past offices, as well as their tactful counsel, make excellent mentors for current and upcoming leaders.

• Certification review courses or other certification-related issues. Your past leaders have "been there, done that" so they are perfect candidates for leading review courses and they're also great cheerleaders for those who are seeking certification. Their history makes them perfect choices when your association has certification-related issues.

There are also tips for the Leaders for Life who have been corralled:

• Become a member of the team. Let them know you will help and assist any way you can. Be available when they need you.

• Become a steady resource. Nurture, encourage and empower the members and officers. Be sure they're comfortable asking for your advice and direction but don't insist that they do everything your way.

• Be gracious. You may not always agree with the new leaders, but allow them to forge their own future. Don't say "we did it this way" or "our way was better". Times do change...they need to change...and the 'old way' may not be the best way any longer.

• Give only what you can. You may not have the time or the energy you once had. That's OK because you can help on many levels. Anything you do for the association is needed and will be appreciated.

• Be miserly with your criticism and lavish with your praise. Leaders for Life boost members' self-esteem and help them reach their full potential. This is how future Leaders for Life get their training.

• Set a good example. The members and current officers will learn from your style and your grace.

• Try not to serve on the Board again. If it becomes necessary for you to take a Board position, do your job without taking over. Let the new leaders have the limelight.

Former officers and board members should not simply sit back and let the newer members fend for themselves. While their terms of office are over, they are still leaders of the association and the profession. Their knowledge and expertise, as well as the history they share, are still very much needed. It's up to the current leaders and members recognize their value, invite them back, make them useful, and insist that they be Leaders for Life.

==============================

© 2011 Vicki Voisin, Inc.
Vicki Voisin, "The Paralegal Mentor", delivers simple strategies for paralegals and other professionals to create success and satisfaction by setting goals and determining the direction they will take their careers. Vicki spotlights resources, organizational tips, ethics issues, and other areas of continuing education to help paralegals and others reach their full potential. She publishes Paralegal Strategies, a weekly e-newsletter for paralegals, and co-hosts The Paralegal Voice, a monthly podcast produced by Legal Talk Network.

More information is available at www.paralegalmentor.com where subscribers receive Vicki's 151 Tips for Your Career Success.

This article was reprinted with permission from The Paralegal Society™
a forum created to educate, motivate and inspire paralegals.
Be sure to check it out at: www.theparalegalsociety.wordpress.com!

As a mentor and President of New York City Paralegal Association, I am often approached by members and non-member of our association with a request to assist to find a job or, at least, an internship. They tell me that they sent dozens of resumes weekly and didn’t receive even a single phone call in return. They blame economy, greedy employers or lazy agents, their decision to become a paralegal and even the time of the day and weather conditions.

My first question to them is always the same: “Can I see your resume?” Some responded “oh, my resume is perfect” and others say “my resume was professionally prepared” or an even better one: “I used it 20 years ago and got a job at a first shot.” I believe all of you, but another pair of eyes never hurts. You will be surprised at what people call a “perfect” or “professionally prepared” resume. And forget about those resumes that landed you a job in the last century. 

There are so many reasons for lack of response from prospective employers that following a few simple steps and avoiding some common mistakes will leave your wondering of why you didn’t think about them before hand. Your resume is your first and foremost marketing tool. It is your PR representative and you want it to look the best.

So, if you are ready, let’s look at some mistakes that candidates make on their resumes:

It is all about me: wrong. Remember, it is not about you or that you need a job – it is about the prospective employer and their business. Your summary should reflect what they are looking for, not that you are looking for. Instead of “looking for a paralegal position where I can professionally grow,” think about how the employer can benefit from hiring you by showing them that your education and experience will save them money, streamline process and bring value to the company.  However, don’t make your summary too long ever. In the best case, nobody will read it. In the worst case, it will be the end of your application process.

Remember, employers and agents review hundreds of resumes a day and you have only 10 seconds to grab their attention. Your summary should be written around the specific needs of the employer, but, if it won’t be read, it shouldn’t squash your resume.  Avoid that generic “paralegal school graduate looking for an entry level position,” summary tagline, even if you graduated with 4.0 GPA and your school is the cherry on the top on the paralegal sundae. If you won’t be looking, why do you need to prepare your resume in the first place?

I have a lot of experience: do you really want to list them all? Chances are that if your resume is more than one page, nobody will read past first one. (I heard from many agents that two pages are ok, but I am a strict stickler to one page only). Once, I saw five pages resume where a candidate spelled out all her jobs starting from a high school assistant to a cheerleader (huh? An assistant to a cheerleader?) and had held about 25 jobs in the past 35 years. There are many problems with listing all of them. First of all, her experience as an assistant to a cheerleader 35 years ago is irrelevant to the position of paralegal in that multinational law corporation she is dreaming about. Secondly, she just showed her age. Yes, I know, it is illegal to discriminate by age, but…for an entry level paralegal, they can find a young fellow with a college degree, don’t they? The next turn-off point: was she a job-hopper?

SO, what is the best option? Keep it short. Instead of a chronological resume, use a functional one. List the last 10 to 15 years of your experience and, if possible, combine your jobs. For example, one of members told me that her company merged three times and she survived all merges. She listed all of companies separately and it looked like she changed her jobs three times. In reality, she worked for a company for more than 10 years, growing from an entry level paralegal to an office manager. The solution: combine them all as “ABC Law Office formerly CBA Law Office; firm merged with Law Office of AAA in December 1999.”

But what about my age? If you don’t bring it up on your resume, nobody will penalize you for it. Your first job is to get that interview, isn’t it?

I have a degree in anthropology and paralegal certificate. I will list my BS in anthropology first: wrong. Are you applying for a position in a museum of natural history or for a paralegal gig? List your most relevant degree first. If you have a high GPA – don’t forget to add it. AND if you graduated from an ABA-approved program – make it visible.  

I don’t have a real life experience. I only volunteered in the court. Was that court a fake one? Didn’t you assist attorneys, judges, claimants and court personnel? Or did you just sit in a chair and read your favorite magazine a whole time? Nobody asks you to list your salary on a resume. You need to show your experience not how much you earned. Assisting in the court is your experience. Participating in pro bono clinics run by your college, local paralegal association or Bar association is your experience. List them all in the proper form and order.

I don’t need to proofread my resume. English is my first language. English is not my first language and I am not prone to misspelling words. I don’t need to spell out here that some words can’t be picked up by a spellchecker as they were spelled correctly, but misused. Somehow, I see someone’s mistakes faster when my own. The employer has the same if not better “magic” vision for all your misspelled words, grammatically incorrect structures and missed comas and periods at the end of sentences. Proofread it! Have someone else proofread it! Period. 

I have a great resume that I send out as my response to all open positions. Really? I don’t believe that there is a “one size fits all” resume, as I don’t believe that aspirin is the best medicine (but I do believe that chicken soup is a magic elixir)!  I believe that if your resume clearly matches the needs of the employer, you will get that long awaited phone call or e-mail. If you don’t customize your resume each and every time you are sending it out (and your cover letter too – but this is a part of a different story), you have lost your “elevator pitch” – that ten second window when you actually had a chance to grab an employer’s attention. The employer has moved on to another one already…

I like to knit and hike. Great! But does your future employer really looking for your hand knitted pair of mittens or that you hiked Himalayans Mountains last summer? It would be a great addition to a “water cooler” talk when you are hired, but keep it off your resume, please. However, if you are a member of a professional association or have awards, don’t forget to list them. Just don’t keep them on the top of your resume. They belong next to your skills…that brings me to the last, but not the least crucial mistake that some make on their resume.

I am hardworking multitasking team player that works well under the pressure. Excellent! We need people like you, but keep those skills for your cover letter and interview. We are talking about your technical skills here: knowledge of software and research engines (Microsoft Office, Lexis-Nexis, Westlaw, etc.), some other field specific programs and another language. Just remember: fluent in language means “fluent.”  If you understand the “kitchen talk,” but can’t translate a document or assist during the meeting with a client undefined you are not fluent. You can list it as “some conversational” language if you think it will assist you.

There are many, more points that can make or break your resume, and I will bring them up to you under separate cover (yes…please look forward to another fabulous article authored by yours truly in the future).

However, there is one key piece of advice that I would like to emphasize prior to us parting ways: “Don’t lie!!!” Never, ever, ever lie on your resume! If you didn’t graduate, don’t say “graduated.” You can list the name of the school and number of credits. If you worked for two months, don’t stretch them to one year. It is better to have a two month gap on your resume. Remember: all information can be verified. Think twice!

Good luck and looking forward to hear from you!

© The Paralegal Society – All Rights Reserved – Reprinted with Permission

This article was first posted at http://theparalegalsociety.wordpress.com/2011/08/29/are-you-sure-you-have-a-winning-resume/

12 Career Lessons from the Garden

By: Vicki Voisin, ACP

As I was working in my garden this past weekend...digging, weeding, planting and transplanting...I noticed the parallels between all the flowers and a paralegal career.

There are lessons to be learned from the soil and the plants:

1. A successful garden involves careful planning and consistent action, as well as dreams and anticipation. Gardens don't grow and flourish without a little help from a skillful, attentive gardener who thinks about what will grow best, plans for successful results, dreams of a bountiful harvest, and looks forward with anticipation to the good results.

Your career requires the same planning for the future, dreams of what your career should look like, the knowledge that the steps you take today will impact your future, and consistent action to bring your dreams to fruition.

All of the flowers of tomorrow are the seeds of yesterday.
~Proverb

2. Regular maintenance is essential. Just as gardens require regular, ongoing maintenance such as weeding and feeding, so does your paralegal career. Your career's "regular, ongoing maintenance" should include continuing legal education, particularly ethics education, reading Lawyer's Weekly and your State Bar's publication so you're on top of case law and changes in court rules, and attending live meetings and conventions...for two purposes: learning and networking.

3. The growing process can't be rushed. Every plant begins small and takes the season, sometimes several seasons, to reach its full potential. A paralegal career develops over time...and usually slowly... beginning with education, then a job, and then all of the experience and experiences necessary to reach your full potential. Be patient but be sure you working on your career growth every day.

Growth takes time. Be patient. And while you're waiting, pull a weed.
~Emilie Barnes

4. Put down roots. The deeper a plant's roots, the more stable it becomes and the more nutrients it can reach. Your paralegal career needs the roots you put down when you join local, state and national associations. Beyond joining, though, become involved and your "roots" will reach all the nutrients you need for career growth and satisfaction.

5. Nourishment is required. Gardens need just the right amount of water and sunshine to nourish the plants. Your career also requires nourishment...you can't stop in your tracks once you get your first job or your career will wilt on the vine.

Taking a certification examination is the best nourishment for your career. This will demonstrate your skills and expertise and set you apart from paralegals that fail to nourish their careers.

6. Stretch! Tiny plants are drawn out of their comfort zone by the sunshine as they grow and thrive. Take the time to "stretch" in your career. If you stay in the same place forever, if you don't reach toward the sunshine and take a few chances, your career will be stale. Growth is good!

Every gardener knows under the cloak of winter lies a miracle...
a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to light, a bud straining to unfurl.
And the anticipation nurtures our dreams.
~Barbara Winkler

7. Make the most of a difficult situation. Flowers deal with inclement weather, nasty weeds, poor soil, and persistent insects, yet they grow and flourish. Like flowers, paralegals may not always have ideal working conditions. There may be difficult co-workers, endless responsibilities, impossible deadlines, etc.

To flourish in your career, end your arguments with reality and look for ways to deal with...and overcome...those difficult conditions and obstacles. When you do, your career will thrive and to grow.

The fair-weather gardener, who will do nothing except when the wind
and weather and everything else are favorable, is never master of his craft.
~ Henry Ellacomb

8. Create a network. A single Daffodil doesn't attract much attention. A bed of Daffodils makes a dramatic statement. The same goes for paralegals.

If you isolate yourself, you might think no one else understands your challenges or has the same issues as you. When you join other paralegals...either in person or online...you'll impact the direction of both your career and the profession.

9. Pay attention to your instincts. Plants seem to know when to grow and when to take a rest for the winter. Paralegals need to pay attention to their instincts so they recognize industry trends and hot specialty areas to position themselves to take advantage of change.

Reviewing salary surveys, subscribing to legal blogs, and reading journals from professional associations, such as NALA's Facts & Findings, the NALS Docket, or NFPA's National Paralegal Reporter, can accomplish this.

One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides.
~W.E. Johns, The Passing Show

10. Transplanting can have big results. The Peonies in my garden grew so large that they were bursting out of their space so I moved them to a new area and they're thriving. Your career may need a 'transplant' to a new locale...either a new specialty area or even a new work environment...so that it continues to thrive. If there is no 'transplant', your career could become root bound and stop growing altogether.

11. Sharing brings great rewards. When flowers and plants are shared with others, the joy is spread to many. When paralegals share their knowledge and expertise with their peers and with those who are new to the profession, they experience personal growth and they ensure the continued success of the profession.

12. Perennials are committed to the long haul. There are two types of flowers: annuals and perennials. Annuals put on a show for one season but perennials return year after year and grow stronger over time.

Paralegals who plan to be 'perennials' have vision and understand it takes time for a career to take root. They know that the steps they take today will impact their career tomorrow.

Gardens require hard work, planning and constant attention. Ignore them and weeds will take over. Nurture them and you'll be rewarded with beautiful flowers. Your career is your garden. You have the talent and ability to survive and to thrive, to produce a career that is beautiful and satisfying. Will you choose flowers or weeds?

The most noteworthy thing about gardeners is that they are
always optimistic, always enterprising, and never satisfied.
They always look forward to doing something better
than they have ever done before.
~Vita Sackville-West

Your Challenge: Follow these 12 lessons to establish a flourishing paralegal career.

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© 2011 Vicki Voisin, Inc.

Vicki Voisin, "The Paralegal Mentor", delivers simple strategies for paralegals and other professionals to create success and satisfaction by setting goals and determining the direction they will take their careers. Vicki spotlights resources, organizational tips, ethics issues, and other areas of continuing education to help paralegals and others reach their full potential. She publishes a Paralegal Strategies, a weekly enewsletter for paralegals and co-hosts The Paralegal Voice, a monthly podcast produced by Legal Talk Network.

More information is available at www.paralegalmentor.com where subscribers receive Vicki's 151 Tips for Your Career Success.

Click the link to read an article on HOW DO YOU BECOME A LEADER shared by Cindy Welch, RP, Director, Region II. Your involvement with the Association will let you network with your piers, grow professionally and personally, give to the community and enhance your resume. Why wait?