Option 1:
| Atty: | Acknowledged technical problem; fumbled with technology to try to correct error; became frustrated and yelled at computer screen; gave up. | 0.5 | $300.00 | $150.00 |
| Atty: | Called paralegal and explained issue | 0.3 | $300.00 | $90.00 |
| Para: | Listened to attorney’s problem | 0.3 | $100.00 | $30.00 |
| Para: | Researched problem | 0.4 | $100.00 | $40.00 |
| Para: | Drafted email with step-by-step instructions and included pictures for easy reference | 0.5 | $100.00 | $50.00 |
| Atty: | Reviewed and followed step-by-step instructions | 0.3 | $300.00 | $90.00 |
| Para: | Checked in with attorney to confirm that problem was solved; discussed the cause of the initial problem | 0.4 | $100.00 | $40.00 |
| Atty: | Discussed with paralegal the cause of the initial problem; asked paralegal to look into an easier way to solve the problem | 0.4 | $300.00 | $120.00 |
| Para: | Contacted software vendor regarding cause of initial problem; no real resolution; drafted report to attorney | 0.5 | $100.00 | $50.00 |
| 3.6 | $660.00 |
Option 2:
| Atty: | Attended 1-hour training on new software program and listened | 1 | $300.00 | $300.00 |
| Para: | Attended 1-hour training on new software program and listened | 1 | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| 2 | $400.00 |
You decide.
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Attorney – Law School $65,000 (not counting undergraduate costs)
Paralegal – Undergraduate degree.
Education, education, education. That’s the rule. Don’t like the paralegal pay, become an attorney.
It has nothing to do with pay. The point of the blog post is that putting in time on the front end (for paralegals and attorneys) saves the firm time and money in the long run.
Love it!
I’ve supported attorneys for 24 years: this is easy: option one every time. no contest.
Love paralegals!
Cheers!