Practical Paralegalism’s Recommended Reading This Week

I blog for paralegals, legal assistants, legal secretaries, legal staffers by any other name, paralegal students and educators – and the attorneys who want to get to know us better. I try to share information they may find helpful for professional development, or just a much needed laugh during a hectic week working with lawyers. Once a week (or less often when Life happens), I share links to a half dozen or so articles focusing on legal news and humor, professionalism and career dressing, and practice tips and technology.

I also share links of interest at Practical Paralegalism’s Facebook page and via my Twitter feed, @ExpertParalegal.

Loving these Worthington high waist pants for work (JCPenney)

But I Thought We Were a Team? (Paralegal Ethics) ~ Texas paralegal Ellen Lockwood discusses what makes legal staffers feel like they’re a valued part of the legal team.

Wednesday’s Wisdom: Are you reactive or proactive? (The Paralegal Mentor) ~ I always tell Vicki that she has a mellifluous voice like a DJ. Now in addition to hearing her on the The Paralegal Voice podcast at Legal Talk Network, you can listen to her five-minute audio tips via her blog.

When a client emails from work… (The Empowered Paralegal) ~ I beg our clients not to use work email for communications about their cases.

Law Practice Emerging Trends: One Step at a Time (Lawyerist) ~ Is your firm keeping up with rapid changes in technology? See also attorney Nicole Black’s post at her blog Sui Generis, Technology Changing at Lightening-Fast Speeds.

Facebook’s New Friend Lists: 5 Things You Need to Know (PCWorld) ~ Facebook has redesigned its privacy settings. Have you tried the new friend list feature?

You Can’t Block Social Media (Divorce Discourse) ~ North Carolina family law attorney Lee Rosen lists several good reasons why employee Internet use should not be banned at law firms.

Today’s Coveted Working Look: Bold and Colorful (TheWorkingWardrobe.com) ~ A beautiful, almost artistic look that works for the office (minus the flowers in the model’s hair).  The Anthropologie Peppering Skirt is a little pricey for a legal staffer at $128, but you might keep your eye out for a similar flowered slim skirt at your local thrift store or on eBay.

Random thoughts [outfit] (The New Professional) ~ Angeline puts together a simple t-shirt and pencil skirt look that a legal staffer can afford, with a strand of faux pearls doubled and safety-pinned (I have a little section of my jewelry box with different sized safety pins for fashion emergencies creativity).

Casual Business Casual (Employed Panache) ~ Nicole shows how a beautiful sarong turned scarf can liven up another t-shirt and skirt combo for work. (A safety pin is a great way to turn your regular scarves into one of those single loop infinity scarves that are all the rage right now.)

The Blouse that Means Business (Sparkle Birds) ~ Jaclyn shows off a bright but professional thrifted blouse with a bow that I’d be delighted to find a cousin of in a local thrift store.

This Worthington Pencil skirt is a good basic for color-blocking an outfit similar to Jaclyn’s.

Instant Class (Kendi Everyday) ~ Kendi shows how one bright pop of color can give you another option for a conservative black and white dress. I have a thrifted belt that same color, and now I know how to use it.

Daily MelWear: Mad Men Take 2? (A Working Mom’s Closet) ~ Mel shows off a classic look from one of my favorite discount fashion retailers, Ross Dress for Less. (My latest dress purchase there cost $8.49 from the clearance rack). But my co-worker says we should be calling the current retro trend based on Mad Men “Mad Women”.

The Truth About Social Media Experts
Does Disorderly Behavior at Home Affect Your Ability to Do Your Job?
Should a Legal Secretary Tell a Senior Co-Worker the Firm Plans to Let Her Go?
Say It With a Bouquet You Can Eat
ParalegaliPad: Touch It But Don’t Touch It
Why Don’t Any TV Legal Assistants Look, Um, Real?