The Way for Paralegals

Para Era powered by Best Era
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Brought to you by Para Era powered by Best Era, this is the show for personal injury paralegals by paralegals and attorneys who believe that paralegals are the lifeblood of law firms and deserve a place to connect, grow, and engage.

Episodes

  1. May 21

    Negotiation Skills Every Paralegal Needs

    What actually makes someone great at negotiation in the legal world? In this episode of The Way for Paralegals, Marisa and Allison break down the real skills behind successful negotiations and why you don’t need to be the loudest person in the room to get strong results. From building confidence and trusting your instincts to understanding how adjusters think, this conversation is packed with practical strategies legal professionals can start using immediately. They also explore how AI tools can help paralegals sharpen communication, refine tone, and negotiate more effectively without losing authenticity or professionalism. Plus, they discuss why thorough investigations, preparation, and relationship-building often matter more than aggressive tactics when it comes to maximizing settlements. Whether you’re new to negotiations or looking to level up your skills, this episode is a reminder that confidence, preparation, and personality can be your greatest advantages. 🚀 Join the Para Era Paralegal Training community here: https://bestera.com/coaching/paralegal-training/

    12 min

  2. Apr 7

    Never Miss a Deadline Again — Expert Calendaring Tips for Paralegals

    Missing a legal deadline isn't just an inconvenience — it can end a case, cost a client their rights, and expose your firm to serious liability. In today's legal environment, paralegals and attorneys who master deadline management aren't just valuable — they're essential. In this episode of Para Era, Allison McKeen sits down with Marisa Rua to break down the exact strategies top legal professionals use to track, manage, and never miss a critical deadline. From distinguishing hard court deadlines from flexible internal ones, to building bulletproof calendaring systems using spreadsheets and case management tools, Marisa shares the practical framework she's developed working in litigation. You'll learn how to monitor court dockets and statutory deadlines weekly, how to set up a communication system so nothing slips through the cracks when team members are out, and why attorney accountability doesn't excuse a paralegal from owning their role in deadline management. This episode is for paralegals, legal assistants, and attorneys who want to run a tighter, safer practice. Whether you're new to litigation or a seasoned pro, the systems Marisa walks through will level up how your team handles deadlines — starting today. Subscribe to Para Era for more expert conversations on building a modern, high-performing legal practice. Learn more at bestera.com

    18 min

  3. Apr 1

    How to Become a Paralegal: Breaking Into Legal Careers

    Allison McKeen sits down with Marisa Rua to talk about how she went from receptionist to paralegal — and what it really takes to break into the legal field. If you've ever wondered how to get into law without a law degree, this conversation is for you. Marisa shares the real day-to-day of paralegal work, the skills that matter most, how to get your foot in the door, and why hands-on experience is everything in this industry. Whether you're just starting out or thinking about a career change, this episode gives you the practical roadmap you need. 🔗 Resources mentioned: • Best Era: https://bestera.com • Connecticut Judicial Website: https://www.jud.ct.gov 📌 CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and Why Consider a Paralegal Career 01:05 Why Become a Paralegal? Rewards and Challenges 02:01 Daily Tasks and Skills Needed for Paralegals 03:09 How to Enter the Paralegal Profession 03:58 Starting as a Receptionist and Moving Up 05:32 Gaining Experience and Career Progression 06:50 Educational Background and Practical Training 08:22 The Culture of Law Firms and Community 09:30 Pathways and Encouragement for Aspiring Paralegals 10:38 Additional Resources and Future Topics

    13 min

  4. Mar 19

    Transforming Legal Teams: From Micromanagement to Trust

    Discover how to transform your legal team dynamics by moving from micromanagement to trust. In this episode, Marisa and Allison explore the common mistakes lawyers make, such as ignoring paralegals and failing to communicate effectively. Learn practical strategies to foster a culture of grace, improve productivity, and build stronger relationships within your team. Perfect for attorneys and paralegals seeking healthier, more collaborative work environments. Learn more about Para Era.

    31 min

  5. Feb 24

    Learning in Legal and Investing in Your Team

    The conversation covers topics such as challenges in legal training, adapting to technological changes, human connection in legal practice, employee retention, and promoting a positive work culture. Marisa and Maggie discuss the importance of leadership, empathy, and continuous learning in the legal field. They emphasize the need for supportive work environments and the value of investing in employee development.Takeaways Importance of empathy and human connection in legal practicePromoting a positive work culture and investing in employee developmentChapters 00:00 Introduction and Community Engagement06:24 Lessons from Healthcare Consulting11:49 Importance of Personal Interaction17:27 Employee Retention and Firm Culture22:36 Networking and Seeking Advice28:24 Investing in New Practitioners33:40 Promoting a Positive Work Culture

    39 min

  6. Feb 17

    The “Stupid” Things Paralegals Do: Boundaries, Blame, and Burnout

    In this candid and relatable episode of The Way for Paralegals, Marisa Rua and Allison McKeen tackle a provocative topic with humor and honesty: the so-called “stupid” things paralegals do, and why they’re actually incredibly human responses to high-pressure work. The conversation explores the habit of blaming yourself for angry clients, taking responsibility for attorney mistakes, staying silent when boundaries are crossed, and pushing through the day without breaks. Marisa and Allison unpack the emotional weight paralegals carry, the importance of documentation, communication, and self-advocacy, and how empathy can coexist with firm professional limits. They also discuss recognizing toxic work environments, asking for education and career growth, and the small daily resets that protect mental health in a demanding field. This episode is a reminder that being a great paralegal doesn’t mean absorbing everyone else’s stress. It means building skills, confidence, and boundaries that let you thrive long term. Join the Para Era Slack community here:https://bestera.com/coaching/paralegal-training/

    32 min

  7. Feb 1

    The Perfect Hire Doesn’t Exist: Building Paralegals the Right Way

    In the debut episode of The Way for Paralegals, hosts Marisa Rua and Allison McKeen tackle a belief that haunts law firms everywhere: the idea that the perfect, plug-and-play paralegal is waiting to be found. They break down why no hire can magically know your systems, your workflow, or your firm’s culture and why intentional training is the real game changer. Drawing from real experience, they explore onboarding mistakes, the value of hiring for attitude and adaptability over resumes, and how structured paralegal training builds confident teams. The conversation dives into practical challenges like templates, demands, liens, and communication gaps that create anxiety for new hires and risk for firms. They also introduce their customized paralegal training approach, designed to bridge the gap between raw potential and firm-ready performance. This episode is a must-listen for law firm owners, attorneys, and paralegals who want stronger teams, smoother onboarding, and a healthier training culture from day one. Join the Para Era Slack community here: Para Era

    23 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

Brought to you by Para Era powered by Best Era, this is the show for personal injury paralegals by paralegals and attorneys who believe that paralegals are the lifeblood of law firms and deserve a place to connect, grow, and engage.

Information

  • Creator
    Para Era powered by Best Era
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Para Era powered by Best Era
  • Show Website
    The Way for Paralegals