Paralegals

Fired BigLaw paralegal must pay $35K sanction in dropped suit against law firm, 7th Circuit says

On Friday, a federal appeals court upheld a sanction requiring a paralegal who filed a $200 million bias suit against Baker McKenzie to pay the law firm’s attorney fees. The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals at Chicago upheld an order requiring the paralegal, Elena Stephens, to pay about $35,000.…

Apr 29, 2019 9:16 AM CDT

With November losses, legal services industry has 100 fewer jobs than a year ago

The legal services sector lost 2,400 jobs in November, eliminating job gains for the year. The legal services sector had 1,135,700 jobs in November, down from 1,138,100 jobs in October and 1,135,800 jobs in November 2017. That’s a loss of 100 jobs since the same time a year ago. The…

Dec 10, 2018 9:10 AM CST

Can licensed legal paraprofessionals narrow the access-to-justice gap?

Proposals for addressing the commonplace civil legal needs of low- and moderate-income persons by authorizing limited practice by licensed nonlawyer paraprofessionals have been gaining acceptance. Unlike paralegals, such paraprofessionals provide services without supervision by an attorney. Two state supreme courts have embraced the licensed legal technician concept, and other jurisdictions are closely studying it.

Sep 6, 2018 6:05 AM CDT

First paralegal practitioners in Utah are expected to be licensed in 2019

The first paralegal practitioners in Utah are expected to be licensed in 2019, making the state the second to license nonlawyers to practice law. New rules regulating paralegal practitioners are set to take effect Nov. 1, LawSites reports. They will allow law practice without a lawyer’s supervision in three areas,…

Aug 7, 2018 9:04 AM CDT

Remainder of product liability group from Quinn Emanuel follows Sheila Birnbaum to Dechert

Dechert has added the remainder of the products liability group from Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan after acquiring its two co-chairs and another partner in May. The entire group consists of 29 people. The move is one of Dechert’s largest lateral acquisitions to date, according to a press release from…

Jul 20, 2018 10:29 AM CDT

$11M a year for a lateral hire? Star partners are valued ‘like Hollywood celebrities’

At Cravath, Swaine & Moore, partners earn a hefty $4 million a year, on average. But that pales in comparison to reported compensation for some former Cravath partners hired away by competing law firms, the New York Times reports. “The money involved is so big,” the newspaper reports, “that star…

Apr 30, 2018 10:21 AM CDT

Paralegal injured playing softball for law firm team isn’t entitled to workers’ comp, court rules

The executive director of the Delaware law firm Morris James thought softball was so important to team building that she asked job candidates whether they played. She was the softball coach, after all.

Apr 5, 2018 7:00 AM CDT

Sex trafficking survivors in Nepal receive legal training

A project developed with the ABA empowers sex trafficking survivors in Nepal with legal and job training from paralegals.

Mar 1, 2018 2:45 AM CST

Technology has not replaced need for paralegals

Although more lawyers are performing the work of paralegals, job prospects for trained assistants seem good.

Feb 1, 2018 1:15 AM CST

Supervision is key to effective employment of paralegals

Ethical issues can arise from using paralegals and legal assistants. Under the ABA Model Rules, lawyers must make reasonable efforts to ensure those working under them comply with “professional obligations.”

Jan 1, 2018 3:05 AM CST

What do you love most about being a lawyer?

Last Friday was “Love Your Lawyer Day,” an annual day of appreciation promoted the by American Lawyers Public Image Association to honor those in the industry. The campaign outlined different ways to show your appreciation, from taking lawyers to lunch to making donations in their name to a favorite charity…

Nov 8, 2017 10:51 AM CST

Mayer Brown isn’t liable for $1.5B error that erased security interest in loan, 7th Circuit holds

Mayer Brown isn’t liable for a paralegal’s error that canceled a security interest in a $1.5 billion loan to General Motors because the law firm didn’t represent the lenders, according to a federal appeals court.

Jul 5, 2017 8:00 AM CDT

Despite kinks in program, nonlawyers successfully providing some legal services in Washington state

Limited license legal technicians in the state of Washington are succeeding at helping clients who can’t afford a lawyer while staying within their limits as practitioners, a new study has found. Conducted by the American Bar Foundation and the National Center for State Courts with support from the Public Welfare…

Mar 29, 2017 4:45 PM CDT

Morgan Lewis tax lawyer is in spotlight for helping Trump with asset trust

A tax partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius took center stage on Wednesday when she appeared at a press conference to explain the steps the president elect is taking to deal with conflicts issues related to his business. The lawyer, Sheri Dillon, is tax counsel for Donald Trump and the…

Jan 13, 2017 9:15 AM CST

Utah Supreme Court backs licensed paralegal practitioners

Corrected: The Utah Supreme Court has given the green light to allow licensed paralegal practitioners to help clients navigate the legal system, though the new professionals won’t be allowed to appear in court. The new LPP could help clients fill out legal forms, prepare settlements and represent them in mediated…

Dec 16, 2015 5:45 AM CST