What are /r/paralegal's favorite Products & Services?

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only $13.99?! that might be what we have to do. But the attoreny is meeting with the clients again today. I'm gonna punt and explain to the ~~idiots~~ old people computers don't have 3.5" drives anymore and this won't be here until Monday.

(Then once I get it you know damn well us under 40 in my office are booting up this and making the firm pay for it!)

Get one of these for the office and stick it in a drawer somewhere.

I’ve had attorneys hand me client files, depositions and old property reports on floppies quite a few times.

Personal Injury and the Law of Torts for Paralegals https://www.amazon.com/dp/1454873493/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_DX05NZ0GEFV01WF3WJZN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

This book actually helped me a lot when I started PI. I wasn’t trained at all and I had no paralegal background but I had medical background!

A friend of mine used Duolingo to become fluent in German with no knowledge of German. It's completely free and available on PC and mobile.

Learning a new language is definitely time consuming and more difficult as you age, but it's a great skill to have and definitely one that most of us should be considering.

I use the free version of Todoist, and love it! It has a free app for phones phone and you can use it in-browser too. I've got categories ("projects" in Todoist terms) based on our practice areas, and some subcategories on each of those to further organize it. I have some scheduled weekly/monthly/etc tasks that are automatically put on the list (like, "end of month, do X"), and some that are reminders to follow up on certain things (e.g., "left a voicemail on 1/15, follow up" scheduled for whatever day I want to check back in).

In terms of security, since you mentioned it in another comment, it seems to be pretty secure (https://todoist.com/security), but I also typically don't put sensitive information or upload/attach any files. It's just reminders to check in on certain things on certain dates.

Before Todoist, I used a combination of Google Keep and Google Tasks, which was handy because we used Gmail/business suite. It has some nifty features like if you're in an email and make a new note in Keep, it has an automatic link to that particular email. Todoist is overall better, though - more features, and probably easier on the whole.

We do also have a case management software (MyCase), and we do put notes in on each case, time billing, etc. But since we only have 1 login/user shared among the office, it's easier for me to keep my own tasks elsewhere and not clutter things up for the attorney with a million task reminders.

Using it for another purposes now but messages archiving worked pretty well, at least last year. They have a dedicated guide with all the info regarding specific settings and formatting (ignore the name, same steps and options for messages).

Female perspective - I have a structured leather-look tote that can hold my laptop and some random assorted things (notepad, random stationary stuff - and some snacks haha), and I also have a small purse. The few times I've gone to off-site depositions, etc., I took just a padfolio with a notebook, I didn't need my laptop or a briefcase. Mine is pretty basic, kind of like this But your mileage may vary based on the firm's culture and local norms.

I recall you were starting your new position soon and wondering about dresscode - I probably wouldn't go buy a briefcase right now if you're not sure, maybe wait until you've gotten a better feel for the norms there.

If not a sideways mouse, a trackball mouse. It's a night and day difference when I'm using my trackball versus a traditional mouse. With the trackball it doesn't matter what surface I'm on- I can cruise with the mouse on my lap, for instance.

I've been in the software field for a couple of decades, on top of being a big computer person on my own time.

2 monitors for sure. Just can't see enough, and hate flicking back and forth on tabs to get stuff done.

If the pain/nausea, it's something with the setup. Make sure they are similar/same monitors. If they are different sizes, or different refresh rates, then this can be the issue for you. If the firm will splurge for it, look at getting a Desk Mount for dual monitors. You can change the positions a lot better. You'll need to make sure that the monitors can support that mounting bracket (VESA connection), and they aren't overly priced. I bought the mount, and 2 nice monitors last year for ~$400 all in.

This. There are supplies lists and articles on out of town trial logistics. On LinkedIn search for Julie Ruse. It sounds like you'll be with a veteran paralegal. You'll learn lots! This book is out of print but very helpful, especially the section on communication during high stress work hours. Trial War Room Handbook

I am a List person, but I make many lists. Deadlines, projects, admin stuff, etc. I use dotted grid paper, A4 sized, and I can sort of map my week out on one page. Dotted grid allows many options to divide page up, etc. I also use 4 colors, to keep different lists visibly different.

I like these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YQMBTSD?ref\_=cm\_sw\_r\_cp\_ud\_dp\_9VE8R5YSJY8CQ5D67KDA

I bought this bag and I LOVE IT! I also get many compliments on it. ECOSUSI Laptop Tote Fits Up to 15.6 Inch Briefcase for Women Office Handbags large Capacity with 3 Layer Compartments https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WNV5KXQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9TEXKCBP40ZGTCQSYMFB?psc=1.

Ringsun Genuine Leather Portfolio Binder with Zipper, Full Grain Leather Padfolio for Men Women Business Resume Portfolio for A4/Pad, Leather Portfolio Folder Organizer with Writing Pad, Brown, RS01 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08N46B7HJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_S81PA3GWD5J377MX5WFV?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

There is no substitute for getting away from the person. When they cannot be avoided, I've found Bill Eddy's techniques really helpful:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NMTN0Y4/ref=dbs\_a\_def\_rwt\_hsch\_vapi\_tkin\_p1\_i3

When my desk is really messy, I start fantasizing about a bonfire...

For a serious answer, I have a counter near my desk with a few file holders similar to this plus a freestanding file frame thing. There's also a file cabinet. My desk itself is tiny so I try to keep files off it unless it's one I'm actively working on.

I am glad you found another job where hopefully you can take the time to learn more. It’s hard being new to the legal field. You have to keep up to date on technology and be good at proofreading and double checking your work product. There are some books I would recommend. You might buy them if you get some extra cash. Good luck!

Legal Secretary's Complete Handbook, Fourth Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/0135298768/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_RS4ZF32M7DWFTDVBA9NB

The Infographic Guide to Grammar: A Visual Reference for Everything You Need to Know https://www.amazon.com/dp/1507212380/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_85G1J667MEP6Y6X6CVWM

> at least have basic skills to greet someone at the door, process payments, explain your Spanish is limited, and schedule appointments/say they have court on a specific date.

That's is how a popular polyglot on YouTube does it--writes everything down he wants to learn, and then I think he leans more on italki than GT.

I wouldn't get a dictionary before you start taking a class, or your grammar could be seriously messed up. (Laughing as I type that, because that was me before high school Spanish.) I would also recommend getting (this book)[https://www.amazon.com/501-Spanish-Verbs-Barrons/dp/1506260608/] (you can buy mine if you don't go digital...I don't use it anymore) if you take a class. I wish I'd known about it in high school, and it's so good, it even helped my college profesora (a Columbiana) with a conjugation she wasn't sure of.

I’m in the same position and had no experience prior. I searched (even here) and asked another senior paralegal what books she recommended and there isn’t much for PI. What I ended up doing is buying this:

Paralegal Practice & Procedure... https://www.amazon.com/dp/0735204330?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

And then I also found the PDF of a paralegal textbook that goes over torts pretty extensively and is a nice general overview. I actually force myself to read it and take notes on my iPad like I’m in class… lol.

I can send you the PDF of the textbook if that would be helpful at all!

I hate MSWord. I got a subscription this year just because it's a standard & I need to fluent.
It's always been a pia. (How bad is it when ^C & ^V work better than the cut & paste functions?) I love WordPerfect, & I've got an old version at home. "Reveal codes" is the bomb. It's allowed me to fix so many things. Also, outlining is super easy. That said, my employer is cheap. I use LibreOffice there. It's free. You can send them a donation if you want. It has more features than Google Docs. No reveal codes. Outline function works much better than Word. So do tables. https://www.libreoffice.org/download/download/

Not on your list but I recommend getting Paralegal career for dummies book. I bought it when I started working at a law firm to essentially teach myself but ended up attending Auburn University's Paralegal Certificate program which had this book as a requirement. Loaded with tons of great info. Good luck on your journey

Dude, 30 "credit hours"... that's a full time schedule for a year in college. http://www.wikiwand.com/en/Course_credit

It's not actually 30 hours for everything, its a year of attending class for 2 or 3 times a week for about 4 months. It's college classes that are 3 credit hours each, like any other university. It's just the core requirements without the General ed part that is part of the paralegal associates degree, I'll even throw you a bone and link the program at the community college where I got the ABA certified certificate. http://catalog.cnm.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=3&poid=445&returnto=116

That means a 30 hour program is 10 college classes if they are general 3-credit hour classes. You are attending full time as long as you take over 12 credit hours at any university in the United States. So for one 3 credit hour class that's either two 1 hour 15 minute classes a week or 3, 45 min classes per week, for an entire semester. So in order to complete a 30 hour program in a year, you need to take 5 classes a semester(15 credit hours), which are multiple times a week for an entire academic semester.

Took me a year and a half to complete my program, due to not being able to work and take 15 credit hours a semester.

Also, your funny: "A science degree has zero transferable technical skills that can be used in a field as highly specialized as the law." It's a B.S. in sociology and a minor in political science, it is probably the core element of making it into a paralegal position in less then 8 months at my firm, as well as being a highly technically savvy person.

This staple remover is the easiest way to defeat staples, and is worth every dollar.

https://www.amazon.com/Bostitch-Premium-Staple-Remover-Chrome/dp/B0006HVUS8

Also doubles as a prybar for various office tasks.

I hear that! For years I was my mom's paralegal. I had to learn to do IT along the way because neither of us wanted to hire someone, haha. I had to deal with a lot of internet issues over the years.

If plugging your computer straight into the router works, then it is clearly an issue with the router's wifi. If you want wifi, an easy fix would be to buy a separate router to plug into the router provided to your office. You can get a cheap one for $25 on Amazon or pay a little more to get a better Router on Amazon for $60.

If you're serious about this, find a used copy of an introduction to paralegal studies textbook. I have worked in the legal field for about 5 years now, and it's a crazy field and won't be what you think it is.

Here's a good place to start off:

https://www.amazon.com/Paralegal-Career-Dummies-Zimmer-Hatch/dp/1119564913/ref=sr_1_4?crid=NEPN2LSF1M5W&dchild=1&keywords=paralegal+for+dummies+2021&qid=1628451629&sprefix=paralegal+for+%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-4

I like this one for sitting at my desk. I work from home. I like a plug-in model because I never have to worry about charger or the bluetooth connection. The sound quality is great. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088D1JMQF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_JQVF44PWPCVQ2PPN8F36?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Hey! I'm not sure if I can be of help, as I'm not a bigger gal, but I started developing some really awful sciatic nerve pain at my paralegal job, and I bought the cushion that I'm linking below from Amazon end of 2017, and it is still working wonders for me. It helps align your hips and keep pressure off your lumbar spine and coccyx.

This is the cushion that I use ComfiLife Coccyx Orthopedic... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010TLSFA6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Hope this helps!!

I downloaded an ebook version from amazon when I needed that for class earlier this spring.

Paralegal Today: The Essentials link

Ive worked for a variety of offices and nobody has told me what clothes would look good on me....ewwwww

I mean slacks, skirts, dresses is office wear.

Also, there are some functional "loafer" style shoes. Fun story: I was ordering basically the shoes linked below. My coworker, who wears heels EVERY DAY, said they were the most boring shoes shes ever seen. The first day I wore them to the office she apologized and actually ordered a pair for herself. Now I'm a lawyer and I wear them to court. If they are good enough for court they are good enough for the men in the office.

https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Essentials-Womens-Loafer-Black/dp/B07NQ55WZ1/ref=sr_1_22?dchild=1&keywords=office+shoe&qid=1592425417&sr=8-22

Are you currently employed as a paralegal? If so, you need to be very conscious about issues with conflict of interest. Ideally, keep your freelance work in entirely separate fields from your day job: i.e., your day job is IP law - do family law as your freelancing, or something along those lines.

I read this book when I was considering going back to freelance work to see if there was anything else I should know; I feel like it's a really good resource. It's not very in depth, but it's a good general outline of what you should be considering.