Paralegals on Fire! with Ann Pearson

About the Guest(s): Sateesh Nori is a multifaceted professional renowned in the legal field. He is a lawyer, law professor, and author, serving as a Senior Legal Innovation Strategist at Just-Tech LLC. With a substantial career spanning two decades, Sateesh has dedicated his efforts to representing tenants across New York City through various legal services organizations. His roles have also included Commissioner of the 2019 Charter Revision Commission and a member of the ABA Commission on Homelessness and Poverty. He co-created and co-teaches the Housing Rights Clinic at NYU Law. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and NYU Law, Sateesh has been celebrated as a Rising Star by the New York Law Journal and one of Queen's Power 50. His accolades include features in the spring 2021 ABA Journal as a Legal Rebel and receipt of the New York City Bar Association's Legal Services Award in 2023. Satish is the author of "Sheltered 20 Years in Housing Court,” and in 2024, he delivered a TEDx talk titled "How a Chatbot Can Stop Homelessness." Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of Paralegal Real Talk, a series contributing to the Paralegals on Fire podcast, host Linda Odermott sits down with the esteemed Sateesh Nori. The duo explores the evolving landscape of the legal profession, with a particular focus on how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing access to justice. Sateesh, an influential force in legal innovation, shares insights from his groundbreaking work, including the creation of apps aimed at empowering tenants in New York City. The discussion is a deep dive into how technology can reshape the traditional practices of law, providing a more equitable legal system. Takeaways : Sateesh Nori highlights the urgent need for legal innovation to address the crisis in access to justice, particularly through the use of AI. The apps, Roxanne AI and Depositron, demonstrate how technology can empower tenants and assist in recovering security deposits, bridging gaps in traditional legal services. Paralegals are encouraged to adopt AI tools in their practices to enhance their work efficiency and contribute to their communities. The legal profession is on the cusp of significant transformation, and embracing AI could lead to a more accessible and equitable system.   Get more free paralegal resources:  https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources  For all of our paralegal podcast episodes: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegals-on-fire-podcast 

Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode of the Paralegals on Fire Podcast, Ann Pearson shares her personal journey from working as a full-time paralegal manager to becoming the CEO of her own paralegal training business. Ann offers an honest look at the emotional and financial challenges that come with leaving a stable job with benefits and job security. She also reflects on the freedom, fulfillment, and impact that have come from building a business aligned with her passion for educating and empowering paralegals. This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a career pivot or dreaming of becoming their own boss. Key Takeaways: Leaving a full-time job with benefits can be one of the most difficult decisions, especially when stepping into the unknown of entrepreneurship. Ann shares the mindset shifts and practical steps she took to build confidence and financial readiness for her career transition. Running a paralegal training business has allowed her to align her work with her passion, while also creating a broader impact in the legal field. Entrepreneurship offers flexibility and purpose—but also comes with risks and responsibilities that require careful planning. Get more free paralegal resources:  https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources  For all of our paralegal podcast episodes: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegals-on-fire-podcast 

Episode Summary: This episode of the Paralegals on Fire Podcast, hosted by Linda Odermott, takes listeners through Minnesota's innovative strides in enhancing access to justice through the Legal Paraprofessional Program (LPPS). Designed to boost the representation rate among underserved communities, the LPPS has already transitioned from a pilot to a permanent program as of January 2024, thanks to its promising results and positive feedback. Linda discusses the intricacies of this initiative, emphasizing the significance of Minnesota's data-driven approach that considers both qualitative and quantitative metrics to measure the program's effectiveness.   Key Takeaways: Minnesota's Legal Paraprofessional Program (LPPS) has evolved from a pilot initiative to a permanent, state-endorsed project. The program bridges the justice gap for low and modest-income individuals by enabling legal paraprofessionals to provide court representation. Quantitative and qualitative data collection has been crucial to evaluating the program’s success and expanding its scope. Significant feedback from legal professionals and judiciary members indicates increased satisfaction and efficiency in court proceedings. There's potential for other states to emulate Minnesota's model, emphasizing data-driven reforms to expand access to legal services. Get more free paralegal resources:  https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources  For all of our paralegal podcast episodes: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegals-on-fire-podcast 

Episode Summary: In this episode, Ann Pearson shares essential advice for paralegals considering the leap into freelance work. She underscores the importance of building a strong foundation first, highlighting why paralegals with fewer than five years of experience may not yet have the reputation or client base needed to thrive independently. Ann also explores common misconceptions about freelance work, warning against using it as a fallback when salaried roles are scarce. From losing benefits to navigating the saturated market of overseas competitors, she lays out the real challenges of going solo. Tune in for a grounded, practical perspective on whether freelancing is the right next step for your legal career. Key Takeaways: Freelance work requires a strong professional reputation and client base, often difficult for those with less than five years' experience to achieve. Consider the long-term benefits and career stability of traditional employment, such as retirement contributions and health insurance. The competitive field now includes foreign freelance paralegal firms offering lower rates, impacting local pricing. Operating a freelance business entails financial costs and logistical challenges that can impact profitability. Building a career within an organization first can lead to greater initial financial security and professional growth. Get more free paralegal resources:  https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources  For all of our paralegal podcast episodes: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegals-on-fire-podcast 

Episode Summary: In this episode, Ann addresses a compelling question from Habiba, a Pakistan-based paralegal looking to transition to working for the U.S. legal market remotely. Ann explores the challenges foreign-trained legal professionals face when seeking remote paralegal roles in the United States. This candid discussion touches on the nuances of U.S. legal requirements and the limitations faced by professionals without U.S. based education. Ann provides a thorough analysis of why remote paralegal job listings are typically reserved for U.S.-based individuals familiar with the specific civil procedures and legal frameworks of individual states. As she delves into the intricacies of the profession, Ann emphasizes the necessity of obtaining U.S.-specific qualifications and warns against disreputable outsourcing companies that undervalue skilled labor.  Key Takeaways: U.S. remote paralegal jobs require knowledge of federal and state-specific legal procedures, typically demanding U.S.-based education and experience. Foreign-trained legal professionals may need to pursue U.S.-accredited education to access domestic paralegal opportunities. Outsourcing companies may exploit international legal workers, offering lower wages than standard U.S. paralegal salaries. Ann highlights the importance of being cautious about job offers that may undervalue skills due to geographical differences. A clear understanding of career goals and market requirements is essential for international legal professionals aiming to work in the U.S. Get more free paralegal resources:  https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources  For all of our paralegal podcast episodes: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegals-on-fire-podcast   

In this episode of Paralegals on Fire, Ann Pearson answers a question submitted by one of her longtime email subscribers—a seasoned litigation paralegal with nearly four decades of experience who’s ready for a change but not quite ready to retire. Drawing from her own background and insights from the industry, Ann offers practical advice on career paths that allow experienced paralegals to leverage their skills while achieving better work-life balance. Ann highlights several alternative career options outside of Big Law, including in-house corporate legal departments, litigation vendor roles such as project manager or litigation consultant, and regulatory or compliance positions across industries like healthcare, environmental law, and risk management. She also discusses potential opportunities in teaching and training for those considering a more flexible or part-time path. Whether you're a paralegal with decades of experience or simply exploring new professional avenues, this episode provides actionable guidance on how to parlay your legal expertise into new roles that fit your evolving career goals.   Key Takeaways: In-House Transition: Paralegals with a background in litigation and big law experience may find fulfilling roles within corporate legal departments, offering more balanced, less intense work environments. Vendor Opportunities: The role of a project manager or litigation consultant at ediscovery or trial vendors can be an ideal fit for experienced paralegals looking for new challenges without direct sales pressures. Compliance and Regulatory Roles: Transitioning into sectors such as healthcare compliance or environmental regulation can be a lucrative and fulfilling path using transferable skills from the legal field. Documenting Wins: Highlighting and documenting key career accomplishments can facilitate the shift to new roles by allowing potential employers to see the breadth of transferable skills. Teaching and Mentoring: Leveraging years of experience to educate upcoming professionals by teaching or creating courses can be both rewarding and impactful. Get more free paralegal resources:  https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources 

Guest host, Linda Odermott, joins us for another great interview in her Paralegal Real Talk contributing series, where she gives us a deep dive into the latest happenings with paralegal licensing, access to justice, and the impact on the paralegal profession.   In this episode, Linda interviews Colorado State Supreme Court Justice Melissa Hart. Justice Hart speaks frankly about the access to justice problem and the importance of being in the room if you want to get started on making a change in your state. You don't want to miss this motivating and inspiring episode! Key Takeaways: The implementation of licensed legal paraprofessionals in Colorado aims to foster a supportive environment for underserved individuals without requiring high legal fees. New Colorado Rules of Family Procedure are set to streamline the legal process for unrepresented litigants, reducing confusion and intimidation in the courtroom. Justice Hart advocates for the use of plain language in legal documents to enhance understanding and usability for the general public. Paralegals have an essential role in pro bono work and can significantly contribute to improving access to legal services for those in need.   Get more free paralegal resources:  https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources

Are you a new (or fairly new) litigation paralegal? Get the Paralegal Boot Camp's FREE strategic guidebook here: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/strategies/  In this episode, Ann dives into the critical topic of why paralegals should stop working for free and highlights ways to ensure their talents are valued appropriately. Kicking off with an introduction to the pressing issue of unpaid labor, Ann points out that while gaining visibility in the legal field is essential, professionals must avoid giving away their expertise without compensation to for-profit companies. Key Takeaways: Paralegals should not provide their expertise to for-profit companies without proper compensation. Paid internships offer valuable experience and reflect a fair exchange for the work interns contribute. Working off the clock could inaccurately reflect the time needed for tasks, possibly affecting the organization and colleagues negatively. Choosing where to volunteer your time should align with the direct professional benefits, such as supporting nonprofit organizations. Continuous professional development should be pursued with organizations or causes truly beneficial to one's career path Get more free paralegal resources:  https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources

Why does it seem like your supervisor cares so much about getting your billable hours in on time? I get it - billing your time can be a drag. But it is your job. I'm going to be the bad guy for this episode. Stick with me! Billable hours can also be a powerful career tool! Tune in to learn: Why your time entries are under the microscope every month How billable hours directly affect your career growth and earning potential Ways to shift your mindset to stop dreading time tracking and start owning it This episode is brought to you by Raise the Bar Media - a weekly newsletter for legal professionals that want clear, relevant updates without the clutter. Each issue delivers practical insights on firm management, legal tech, hiring, billing, and client service, curated by industry pros who get the realities of running a modern legal practice.   Join 16,000 lawyers, paralegals, and firm leaders already reading it.   Get their newsletter here.   Visit the podcast episode page here for all of the resources mentioned: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegalpodcast-episode154.

What’s *really* holding back your paralegal career? Spoiler alert: It’s probably not your boss. In this solo episode, I’m diving into five sneaky career stallers that might be quietly sabotaging your growth—and what to do about them.   Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned pro, this episode is your wake-up call to shift gears and reignite your paralegal career path.   Grab the free 3-Step Roadmap for new litigation paralegals: paralegal-bootcamp.com/3steps   SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT This episode is brought to you by Raise the Bar Media - a weekly newsletter for legal professionals that want clear, relevant updates without the clutter. Each issue delivers practical insights on firm management, legal tech, hiring, billing, and client service, curated by industry pros who get the realities of running a modern legal practice. Get the newsletter here.

Are you a new (or fairly new) litigation paralegal? Get the Paralegal Boot Camp's FREE strategic guidebook here: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/strategies/    Going to trial for the first time as a litigation paralegal? Deep breaths! This episode is for you.   In this episode, I'm sharing the 5 most important things that every litigation paralegal should know before their first trial to help you. And even if you've already been to trial, maybe you need a refresher or want to hear a funny trial war room story!   SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT This episode is brought to you by Raise the Bar Media - a weekly newsletter for legal professionals that want clear, relevant updates without the clutter. Each issue delivers practical insights on firm management, legal tech, hiring, billing, and client service, curated by industry pros who get the realities of running a modern legal practice. Get the newsletter here.     To get all the information mentioned in the episode, go to this episode page here: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegalpodcast-episode152   Other episodes/Resources mentioned: Episode 146 with Vincent Ascolese, the video interview version  One Lesson I Learned at Trial Litigation Paralegal Boot Camp 3-Step Method to Better Case Management

The AI Boot Camp for Legal Professionals is open for enrollment! Go to ai-trainingbootcamp.com to learn more! In this solo episode, Ann talks about paralegal mistakes. Let's face it: mistakes happen. Especially when you're new in your paralegal career - or juggling a dozen high-priority tasks at once. We all make mistakes. What matters most is how we react to them. In this episode, Ann shares real-world stories of paralegal mistakes (including her own!) and more importantly, how to recover, rebuild trust, and grow stronger from them. Key quote from Ann: One mistake doesn't define you. And if you did get fired for a single mistake? That says more about the firm than it does about you! Key Takeaways: Why learning from your mistakes can be a career accelerator rather than a career-ender. What NOT to do when you make a mistake is just as important as what to do. A 3-step framework to help you through any mistake. Get more free paralegal resources:  https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources

Announcement: Join Ann in the free AI Masterclass on Saturday, April 19th: https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/ai-masterclass  In this episode, we dive into an inspiring conversation with Christina West, a seasoned paralegal and blogger. Ann and Christina discuss the significance of becoming a well-rounded paralegal, drawing from Christina's diverse experiences across different fields of law.  Prefer to watch the podcast episode's video interview: https://youtu.be/SPWxY3ewJRc  Key Takeaways: Be in the Know: Diversifying your legal knowledge enhances employability and adaptability in different legal settings. Be a Part of Something Bigger: Engaging in community service and legal associations can ground legal professionals and provide a sense of purpose beyond corporate work. Be Self-Aware: Understanding one's impact in a team setting is critical for fostering a collaborative and respectful work environment. Be Courageous: Taking risks and seizing opportunities, even after setbacks, is vital for personal and professional growth. About the Guest: Christina West is an experienced paralegal from Sussex County, Delaware, known for her versatile background in personal injury law as well as her contributions as a guest blogger for the Paralegal Boot Camp. Initially starting her career at a small firm after a serendipitous meeting during a class action settlement, Christina has since expanded her expertise across various legal areas such as real estate and general paralegal duties. Her journey through different roles and her active participation in community programs have enriched her understanding and skill set, making her a well-rounded paralegal. Get more free paralegal resources:  https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources    

Episode Summary: Join guest host Linda Odermott as she interviews Michael Houlberg, Director of Special Projects at the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System (IAALS). IAALS is a national, independent research organization that innovates and advances solutions that make our justice system more just. They believe that justice and access to the justice system can be a reality for everyone. This episode highlights IAALS' forward-thinking approach to addressing the access to justice crisis through innovative projects such as regulatory reform initiatives, community justice worker programs, and alternative licensed professional programs. To learn more about IAALS and their projects: https://iaals.du.edu/   About the Guest: Michael Houlberg is the Director of Special Projects at IAALS, focusing on family justice and regulatory reform work, and promoting greater accessibility, efficiency, and fairness to everyone involved in the legal system. Mr. Houlberg graduated from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2015. He received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Brigham Young University and is a member of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. Paralegal Boot Camp sponsors the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show.

Sign up for the five-day Bootcamp Challenge at https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/challenge   In this episode, Ann announces an exciting opportunity—a free five-day Bootcamp Challenge starting soon—offering paralegals a chance to fast-track their career growth easily and effectively. She curates six insightful tips, compiled from top paralegal minds, designed to nurture growth, adaptability, and invulnerability to common industry pitfalls.   Key Takeaways: Embrace Multiple Career Paths: Stay open to different practice areas as your first job might not be the right fit. Maintain Composure: Project calmness under pressure to prevent increased stress for both you and your attorney. Verify Information: Double-check procedures and information using authoritative resources, not hearsay or social media. Stay Updated on Technology: With rapid technological changes, integrating tools like AI can give paralegals a competitive edge. Prepare Early for Trials: Start your trial notebook immediately to stay organized throughout the life of a case.

If you want to watch the video interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8Ro8P0SLV3E  "There is no failure if you don't quit," is a recurring lesson in Kat's life, driving her to face challenges head-on and adapt to achieve her goals.  In this interview, Kat shares: The powerful story behind why she’s taking on this challenge How she overcame adversity, lost nearly 100 pounds, and built confidence along the way The reality of searching for a job as a legal assistant in today’s market Career advice for legal professionals looking for their next opportunity How you can support her mission and help raise funds for domestic abuse survivors Want to follow Kat’s journey? Subscribe to her YouTube channel: KatWoman Hikes Follow her on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook: @KatWomanHikes Donate to help fund her journey. Most of the hikers on the Appalachian Trail don't make the journey because they run out of funds! Even just $5 or $10 can help buy Kat a sandwich or a night in a hostel on this hike from Georgia to Maine.   About the Guest: Kat Bell: Kat Bell is an experienced legal assistant with over 27 years in the legal field. She is also an aspiring Appalachian Trail hiker, driven by a passion for exploring the outdoors and inspiring others through her journey. With an educational background in legal secretarial studies where she graduated top of her class, Kat has faced personal challenges, including overcoming a background of abuse, and is now focused on achieving her dream of hiking the entire Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. She is a staunch advocate for domestic abuse survivors and is engaging in this monumental hike to support related charitable causes. Get more free paralegal resources:  https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources

About the Guest: Vincent Ascolese graduated from St. John’s University in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, an ABA approved program.  He is a current Paralegal Association of New Jersey member, a previous member of the Board to the New Jersey Paralegal Convention, and a previous member of the Paralegal Committee of the New Jersey State Bar Association.  He was also a past Trustee-at-Large on the PANJ Executive Board.  He currently works as a paralegal for McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, LLP.   In this episode, Ann sits down with Vincent Ascolese, a paralegal who reveals how integrating mindfulness into daily routines can drastically improve work productivity and mental health, especially for professionals in high-pressure careers like paralegals. This conversation navigates through the significance of practicing mindfulness during both high and low-stakes periods, reinforcing the notion that a consistent mindfulness practice can boost performance during demanding times.   Key Takeaways: Mindfulness for Stress Management: Implementing mindfulness techniques during low-stress periods can enhance performance during more stressful times. Practical Mindfulness Strategies: Vincent emphasizes informal ways to practice mindfulness at work, like being conscious during daily tasks such as climbing stairs or going for a brief walk. Improving Productivity: Practicing mindfulness can help reduce mistakes, enhance focus, and improve overall productivity by narrowing one's focus and minimizing distractions.. Mindfulness Apps and Resources: Insight Timer, Headspace, and Calm are recommended apps to guide and sustain mindfulness practice. Get more free paralegal resources:  https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources   

Watch the video Interview Here. About the Guest: Nikole Nelson is the founding CEO of Frontline Justice and former Executive Director of the Alaska Legal Services Corporation. She has dedicated 25 years to enhancing access to justice, especially in rural communities, by developing innovative legal aid solutions that are community-led and people-centered. Nikole was instrumental in launching the Partnering for Native Health initiative, a medical-legal partnership that received the 2019 World Justice Challenge Award. She has also driven significant reforms, including changes to unauthorized practice of law regulations that benefit justice workers in Alaska. Nikole is actively involved as a member of the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigenous Defense (SCLAID) and the Legal Services Corporation's Rural Justice Task Force. Episode Summary: In this episode, Linda Odermott, host of the Paralegal Real Talk series, introduces Nikole Nelson, a pioneering advocate in the field of legal aid. Nikole shares insights into the development and success of Alaska’s groundbreaking Community Justice Worker (CJW) project. Alaska's unique challenges, with vast remote areas and limited legal resources, led to innovative solutions that leveraged local community structures in bridging the justice gap. Nikole discusses how collaborations with the healthcare sector inspired strategies that train non-attorneys to deliver vital legal aid. The episode dives deeply into how these efforts first began with the establishment of the Partnering for Native Health project — a collaboration with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium — and how this initiative achieved remarkable success by extending legal assistance through trained community justice workers. This innovative model of delivering legal aid has not only enhanced accessibility in underserved regions but also set a precedent across multiple states now looking to emulate Alaska’s success. Nikole passionately describes the vision of Frontline Justice to expand this approach nationwide, ensuring that every community receives the legal care they need. Key Takeaways: Alaska's Community Justice Worker project aims to bridge the justice gap by training non-attorney community members to provide essential legal services in rural and underserved areas. The success of this program leaned significantly on partnerships with existing healthcare infrastructures, demonstrating the power of cross-sector collaboration. Nikole Nelson emphasizes the importance of starting pragmatic, incremental steps in addressing legal needs rather than attempting to solve all complex legal problems at once. The program has enabled millions in SNAP benefits to be accessed and has seen a 100% success rate in the cases it has taken on. The discussion expands into the national landscape, where Frontline Justice is helping other states look to adopt similar community-led justice initiatives. Get more free paralegal resources:  https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources 

Feeling left behind while you watch AI transform the legal industry? Learn AI from the Paralegal Boot Camp. This week, Ann introduces a groundbreaking discussion about AI's role in redefining the paralegal profession. Pulling in content generated by AI tools, this episode delves into how AI technologies are reshaping traditional legal tasks and what that means for paralegals looking to stay ahead of the curve. If you're curious about how AI will impact the future of legal work, this episode is a must-listen. The episode presents a fascinating dialogue, created through AI, between two virtual speakers exploring the advent of artificial intelligence in the legal field. Key Takeaways: AI is transforming the legal profession significantly, especially in tasks like document review and legal research. Embracing AI tools enhances efficiency and value, creating a win-win situation for clients and legal professionals alike. Ongoing education and AI literacy are crucial for paralegals to remain competitive and relevant in their careers. Ethical considerations must be addressed to ensure that AI is used responsibly and effectively in the legal field. Get more free paralegal resources:  https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources   

Sign up for the AI Bootcamp here! Welcome to 2025! In this episode, Ann dives into the landscape of the paralegal profession in the year 2025, exploring the current and predicted trends that will shape the roles and opportunities for paralegals. Ann critiques some misleading portrayals of the profession found in various articles and emphasizes the importance of a realistic understanding of what it means to be a paralegal today. She tackles topics like stress, job satisfaction, and career advancement, striving to paint an accurate picture for aspiring and current legal professionals. Key Takeaways: Misleading Narratives: Ann Pearson discusses the discrepancy between articles' portrayal of the paralegal profession and the real-life experiences of stress and limited advancement opportunities. Growth Areas in 2025: Significant growth is expected in niche areas like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, intellectual property, and cannabis law, driven by societal changes and technological advancements. AI Skills in Focus: Paralegals equipped with AI skills stand a better chance at thriving, as AI continues to transform the legal sector, from document reviews to litigation strategies. Work Environment Importance: A positive workplace culture is increasingly prioritized, with many paralegals seeking fulfilling, respectful relationships with their colleagues and managers. Trend Analysis: Despite the drop in remote work opportunities, paralegals must focus on pursuing roles that offer strong benefits, career growth, and work-life balance.   Litsten to Episode 98: Paralegal to Compliance Officer here.   Get more free paralegal resources:  https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources