The Paralegal Coach

Ann Pearson
  • 4.9 (71)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Paralegal Coach podcast show is hosted by Ann Pearson, a former paralegal and paralegal manager, turned entrepreneur. Join us to get actionable strategies that will fast-track your paralegal career. We're going to do that with informative interviews, behind-the-curtain tips from management, and solo episodes where we take deep dives into areas that matter most to paralegals. Our mission is to give you tangible things that you can walk away with that add value to your paralegal career.

  1. 15H AGO

    Finding a Paralegal Mentor

    *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "48f823db-2d8a-4734-bd5e-b1147ce52153" data-testid= "conversation-turn-26" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Episode Summary: Finding a Mentor You Can Trust — Part 8 of the Paralegal Survival Toolkit  In the final episode of the Paralegal Survival Toolkit series, Ann Pearson breaks down one of the most overlooked career accelerators for paralegals: finding the right mentor. Get the companion workbook here. Ann clarifies that a mentor isn't someone who magically teaches you everything overnight — it's someone who becomes part of your "survival kit," helping you navigate the unwritten rules of a firm, the invisible expectations no one explains during onboarding, and the people-side of the profession that can make or break your first few years. Ann explains how the right mentor can speed up your learning curve, boost confidence, provide a safe place to ask "embarrassing" questions, and help you avoid common career landmines like suffering in silence or reinventing workflows that have already been solved. But she also emphasizes that mentorship only works when you're selective: the wrong mentor can be worse than no mentor at all. Ann also covers the mentee's responsibility: being coachable, respecting the mentor's time, showing effort before asking for help, taking notes, applying guidance, and protecting the relationship with integrity. Finally, for listeners who don't have a formal mentoring program (or were assigned someone who isn't truly supportive), Ann encourages building informal mentorship through conversations, coffee chats, and mutual value — because it's your career, and you don't have to build it alone. Key Takeaways: The right mentor speeds up learning and reduces mistakes Mentors help you avoid "career landmines" like staying silent when overwhelmed, assuming you should figure everything out alone, or reinventing processes. Choose carefully — the wrong mentor isn't worth it A poor mentor wastes time and can do more harm than good. If your "mentor" is just an onboarding checkbox, you may need to seek mentorship elsewhere. Look for character and judgment, not just skill A strong mentor is generous with knowledge, remembers what it's like to be new, stays calm under pressure, models professionalism, and avoids gossip and toxicity. Mentorship is a two-way relationship Be coachable, avoid constant "yeah-but" responses, respect their time, come with specific questions, show effort, and apply what you learn. No formal program? Build informal mentorship Start with coffee or lunch, ask thoughtful questions over time, and offer value in return (help on projects, support where appropriate). Mentorship can evolve naturally. Get more free paralegal resources: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources For all of our paralegal podcast episodes: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/

    15 min

  2. FEB 3

    Fast-Track Your Tech Learning

    Episode Summary: Mastering Legal Tech Without the Overwhelm — Part 7 of the Paralegal Survival Toolkit In this episode of the Paralegal Coach Podcast, Ann Pearson continues the Paralegal Survival Toolkit series with a topic that causes anxiety for nearly every new paralegal: legal technology and the steep learning curve that comes with it. Aimed at both brand-new paralegals and those starting at a new firm, Ann addresses the quiet fear many feel when confronted with unfamiliar systems, procedures, and software. She reassures listeners that feeling lost isn't a failure; it's a normal part of being new in a profession where legal tech is anything but intuitive. To bring clarity and confidence to the process, Ann introduces a four-step Tech Mastery Plan designed to help paralegals learn technology strategically instead of trying to absorb everything at once. By focusing on core systems, mapping workflows, using screen recordings as learning tools, and tracking progress over time, paralegals can build real tech fluency without burnout. Ann also reframes learning through the lens of progress, encouraging listeners to shift their mindset away from comparison and toward growth. Mastery doesn't come overnight — it's built through intentional learning, repetition, and recognizing how much you've already gained.  Key Takeaways: You're not behind — you're new Every paralegal, no matter how experienced, has had moments of confusion with legal technology. Struggling at the beginning is normal. Map workflows, not just tools Understanding how tasks flow across multiple systems makes technology easier to learn and remember. Context matters. Screen recordings accelerate learning Recorded walkthroughs — from coworkers or yourself — create reusable training resources and reduce repeated confusion. Track your growth to build confidence Keeping a tech log of skills learned, workflows mastered, and mistakes corrected provides visible proof of progress. Shift from "the gap" to "the gain" Comparing yourself to senior paralegals erodes confidence. Looking back at what you've learned restores it.   Get more free paralegal resources: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources For all of our paralegal podcast episodes: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/

    14 min

  3. JAN 20

    How to Survive a Toxic Work Culture as a New Hire

    Episode Summary: How to Survive a Toxic Workplace — Part 6 of the Paralegal Survival Toolkit In this episode of the Paralegal Coach Podcast, Ann Pearson continues the Paralegal Survival Toolkit series with a topic that hits close to home for many legal professionals: how to survive a toxic workplace. Get the free companion workbook for the Paralegal Survival Toolkit. Ann acknowledges what so many paralegals quietly carry - the stress of unhealthy office dynamics, confusing politics, gossip, favoritism, and cultures that make Sunday nights miserable. Drawing from her own experience in a firm with intense internal politics, she explains a hard truth: it's not your job to fix workplace culture, but it is your job to learn how to navigate it so you can protect your energy, your reputation, and your career. Throughout the episode, Ann emphasizes that feeling out of place doesn't mean something is wrong with you. Often, it simply means you're adjusting to a culture that never explained the rules. By observing first, choosing carefully who you trust, setting boundaries around gossip, and making intentional choices about your future, paralegals can stay focused on growth - even in difficult environments. Tony Sipp Episode mentioned by Ann in this episode: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegalpodcast-episode115/  Key Takeaways: You are not the problem If a workplace feels tense, chaotic, or unwelcoming, it doesn't mean you're failing. Often, you're simply adjusting to a culture that never explains its rules. Observe before you engage When you're new, take time to study the landscape. Notice who shares knowledge, who hoards it, who stirs drama, and who consistently acts with professionalism. Negative energy is contagious Spending time with constant complainers can slowly change how you see a job you might otherwise love. Decide your next step intentionally Every situation leads to one of three choices: grow, shift how you navigate, or exit. You don't have to stay somewhere that makes you miserable. Workplace culture affects career growth Healthy environments accelerate learning and confidence. Toxic ones slow both.   Get more free paralegal resources: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources For all of our paralegal podcast episodes: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/

    15 min

  4. JAN 13

    How to Earn Respect Faster, Part 5 of the Paralegal Survival Series

    Episode Summary: How to Earn Respect Faster — Part 5 of the Paralegal Survival Toolkit In this episode of the Paralegal Coach Podcast, Ann Pearson returns to the Paralegal Survival Toolkit series with a topic that resonates deeply with paralegals at every stage of their career: earning respect in the legal workplace. Ann acknowledges a reality many paralegals experience, especially early on — feeling overlooked, undervalued, or treated as "just the assistant." Drawing from years of industry insight and paralegal feedback, she reframes respect not as something granted by title or tenure, but as a skill set that can be learned and practiced. To make this actionable, Ann introduces a practical framework built around the word R-E-S-P-E-C-T, outlining seven behaviors that help paralegals move from overlooked to trusted. From delivering consistent results and building credibility in small moments, to taking initiative, preparing thoroughly, and communicating wins, Ann shows how respect is earned through visible, repeatable actions — not waiting to be noticed. Throughout the episode, Ann emphasizes that attorneys are trained to look for evidence. Paralegals who want respect must show it through reliability, ownership, and confidence in how they approach their work. She also challenges listeners to take ownership not just of their tasks, but of their careers, encouraging proactive feedback conversations instead of waiting for annual   earning respect at work, paralegal professionalism, building credibility, workplace respect, paralegal career growth, paralegal confidence, initiative at work, communication skills, ownership mindset, professional boundaries, working with attorneys, law firm culture, legal workplace communication, attorney-paralegal relationships, Paralegal Survival Toolkit, Paralegal Coach Podcast, paralegal career advice, legal professional development reviews. Key Takeaways: Respect is a skill, not a personality trait Feeling overlooked is common, especially early in a paralegal career - but respect can be built intentionally through behavior and consistency. Micro-moments matter more than big wins Respect is built in everyday actions: clean drafts, clear updates, anticipating next steps - not just in rare, high-profile moments like trials or closings. Ownership earns trust Taking responsibility, following up, addressing issues early, and bringing solutions strengthens trust and professional respect. You must own your career, not wait for validation Respect doesn't arrive on its own. Asking for feedback, setting standards, and proactively improving your performance puts you in control of your professional growth. Get more free paralegal resources: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources For all of our paralegal podcast episodes: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/

    17 min

  5. JAN 6

    Why Your Job Title Matters Less Than You Think in a Law Firm, a discussion with Jacob Reeder

    Episode Summary: Prefer to watch the video interview: https://youtu.be/l99EN275AYI  In this episode of the Paralegal Coach Podcast, Ann Pearson sits down with Jacob Reeder, Director of Operations at Kalikhman and Rayz, a Philadelphia law firm. In the interview, Jacob challenges a common belief many new paralegals carry: that you need the "perfect" first job, the exact experience level, or even a paralegal certificate, to build a successful legal career. Jacob shares how he entered the legal world unexpectedly, starting at the front desk with no formal paralegal training. Rather than waiting for an ideal title or role, he focused on executing every task well, improving small systems, and proactively solving problems. Within a year, that mindset helped him move from receptionist work into paralegal responsibilities, and over time, into operations leadership. Together, Ann and Jacob unpack what makes someone stand out in a law firm: not flashy credentials, but reliability, process thinking, and an ability to make the work run more smoothly for everyone downstream. They also discuss why small firms can offer unusually powerful growth opportunities, especially for people willing to learn multiple parts of the business and help build systems from the ground up. Key Takeaways: Your title doesn't define your trajectory Jacob's career shows that you can build a paralegal career and beyond, even if your first role is a receptionist, file clerk, or admin support. Excellence on "small tasks" builds trust fast Doing basic work carefully and consistently (mail, scanning, document organization, intake support) creates reliability, and reliability earns opportunities. Improve systems by focusing on downstream impact Instead of trying to "get credit" for tasks, Jacob focused on outcomes: faster access to documents, fewer bottlenecks, smoother trial prep, and fewer questions from attorneys. Small firms can accelerate learning In a smaller firm, you may gain exposure to work and responsibilities that would be siloed at larger firms, building skills faster and more broadly. Problem-solving is a career multiplier Ann reinforces a core professional advantage: people who solve problems proactively (without waiting to be asked) become indispensable. Get more free paralegal resources: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources For all of our paralegal podcast episodes: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/

    51 min

  6. 12/30/2025

    Brave Boundaries For New Paralegals

    Episode Summary: In this episode of the Paralegal Coach Podcast, Ann Pearson continues the Paralegal Survival Toolkit series by addressing one of the most common and quietest causes of burnout for new paralegals: saying yes to everything because you think you have to. Ann explains how the desire to prove yourself, avoid disappointment, and appear capable often leads paralegals to overcommit, work unnecessary late nights, and sacrifice both accuracy and personal well-being. Through a candid story from her early career, she illustrates how failing to pause and clarify deadlines resulted in missed personal moments, avoidable mistakes, and work that wasn't even truly urgent. Key Takeaways: Saying yes to everything leads to burnout: Overcommitting out of fear or guilt results in rushed work, mistakes, exhaustion, and missed personal priorities - without actually increasing your value. Review your current commitments honestly: Before accepting new work, consider what you're already responsible for, what requires more time than expected, and whether the new task should take priority over existing deadlines. Communicating bandwidth builds trust: Voicing your workload professionally doesn't make you look weak. It makes you appear organized, reliable, and strategic. Boundaries don't mean saying no: Effective boundaries often sound like deadline clarification, timeline adjustments, or offering partial solutions — not outright refusal. Intentional yeses make you indispensable: Saying yes thoughtfully - to work you can complete well, on realistic timelines - is what truly builds credibility and long-term career success.   Get more free paralegal resources: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources For all of our paralegal podcast episodes: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/

    13 min

  7. 12/23/2025

    The Communication Skill That Saves Paralegal Careers

    Episode Summary: In this episode of the Paralegal Coach Podcast, Ann Pearson continues her Paralegal Survival Toolkit series with a skill she calls career-saving: courageous communication. Ann explains why silence, while tempting, is the most expensive mistake a paralegal can make. Drawing from a powerful real-world story from her time as a paralegal manager, she illustrates how two capable paralegals nearly derailed a major arbitration and their own careers, simply by not asking for help soon enough.  As part of the larger Paralegal Survival Toolkit, this episode reinforces a core message: while legal work will always be complex and demanding, paralegals who communicate early become the calm, trusted center of even the most chaotic cases. Get a copy of the 40-page companion guide to the Paralegal Survival Toolkit Series here. Get more free paralegal resources: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources For all of our paralegal podcast episodes: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/

    14 min

  8. 12/16/2025

    How New Paralegals Learn Fast Without Burning Out

    In this episode, Ann Pearson tackles one of the most common and most discouraging experiences for new paralegals: being thrown into the role with little to no onboarding. Ann calls it the "sink or swim" training model, and she reassures listeners that feeling lost or unprepared isn't a reflection of their ability. Instead of waiting for a better onboarding system, she introduces her FAST Learning Method: a four-step framework designed to help new paralegals self-onboard quickly, confidently, and strategically. This episode also ties directly into the free Paralegal Survival Toolkit, which includes worksheets and templates for implementing the FAST method.  Key Takeaways: The lack of onboarding is a system problem, not a you problem: Most new paralegals are thrown into the role without training. Feeling unprepared is normal, widespread, and solvable. Ann's FAST Learning Method accelerates your learning curve: Familiarize: Get a high-level understanding of people, systems, preferences, and workflows before you dive in. Ask Early:  Prevent mistakes by asking clarifying questions at the start of every project. Shadow Smartly: Observe not just what experienced paralegals do, but why they do it. Track the Wins: Build confidence by documenting your daily progress and learning. Experienced paralegals ask more questions, not fewer: Asking early, targeted questions shows initiative and prevents rework, misunderstandings, and wasted time. Self-onboarding is possible with the right framework: Even without a structured training program, new paralegals can quickly gain clarity, competence, and confidence using FAST. Download the free Paralegal Survival Toolkit: This episode's tools, including checklists, templates, and prompts, are available at ParalegalToolkit.com and pair with this and upcoming episodes. You are not behind, you're just new. Mastery takes time, and progress compounds quickly when you organize your learning and acknowledge your growth. For all of our paralegal podcast episodes: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/

    12 min
See All (100)

4.9
out of 5
71 Ratings

About

The Paralegal Coach podcast show is hosted by Ann Pearson, a former paralegal and paralegal manager, turned entrepreneur. Join us to get actionable strategies that will fast-track your paralegal career. We're going to do that with informative interviews, behind-the-curtain tips from management, and solo episodes where we take deep dives into areas that matter most to paralegals. Our mission is to give you tangible things that you can walk away with that add value to your paralegal career.

Information

  • Creator
    Ann Pearson
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021-2025 all rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Paralegal Coach

You Might Also Like