Applied Professionalism- Supporting Your Firm’s Staff April 23, 2015 Welcome to the Indianapolis Bar Association!

Question Of the following groups, which holds attorneys in the lowest regard, according to a task force report done by the Justice Baker: A.General public B.Millennials C.Paralegals and support staff D.Justin Bieber fan club

Question Which of the following groups will likely have the biggest impact on your legal career: A.Judges B.Other attorneys C.Classmates from law school D.Paralegals and support staff

1.Attitude New attorneys with a bad attitude –Attorneys act like they know everything They don’t ask questions Can’t tell them anything –Feel staff “beneath them” Don’t be surprised if a staff member, such as a paralegal, becomes a fellow (usually excellent) attorney in the future –Need to recognize that staff can really help Don’t burn bridges

2.Interaction Not enough –Need more attorney and staff interaction outside of the office Seminars –Paralegal Breakfast sponsored by IndyBar (not well attended by attorneys) Get to know them as a person

3.Communication Never too much Give clear instructions and be willing to answer questions Educate- give context to the task –What you are doing and why (educate) Listen!

4.Respect Problem- not treating paralegals as professionals –Treating them as “gophers” Recognize and utilize the skills of experienced staff to assist you Don’t ask to do personal things/errands Don’t make staff feel like they are a different class of people

5.Prioritize Not everything has the same priority –Clearly communicate the task’s priority Priority conflicts for tasks assigned by other attorneys –YOUR responsibility is to resolve the conflicts with other attorneys –Get additional support if needed Be considerate –They have lives outside the office

6.Timeliness Plan ahead- don’t be a “Four O’clock Flash” –Don’t wait until the last minute to start/give assignments when there is a deadline –Give them time to complete the task –Greater risk of error when work performed under time pressure Things happen, but don’t make this a habit Communicate the deadline

7.Teamwork Treat as a team member –You are both working for the best interest of the client –Teamwork will help you catch each others mistakes Sit down with them and explain how to work with you –How to exchange work, communicate, etc. Give them the tools/support so they can succeed –E.g., if paralegal billing the client, give them clerical support

8.Mistakes Mistakes will happen- no one is perfect –A little forgiveness goes a long way YOU are ultimately responsible for mistakes! –Don’t use them as a scapegoat Communicate mistakes in private –Don’t publicly reprimand –Talk in person- don’t –Give them a chance to respond Never yell, curse, demean, etc. –Unprofessional and it never solves the problem