Recent Articles

Paralegal Hired to XL Insurance Aviation Division

Christine M. Parizo
July 13, 2010 14:29

XL Insurance, the global insurance operations of XL Capital Ltd., yesterday announced the expansion of its US Aviation operations with four new appointments to its New York-based underwriting team, including a former paralegal, Eileen Mitchell, as a Class Underwriter. Eileen Mitchell brings...

A New Direction for Christine

Christine M. Parizo
July 13, 2010 14:29

After nearly a decade as a legal assistant and paralegal, Christine is returning to her roots as a writer, bringing her love of words and experience as a journalist and freelance writer.  She has started Christine Parizo Communications, a full-service commercial copywriting agency.  As a...

Paralegal Careers Touted in Military, Lottery

Christine M. Parizo
February 04, 2010 17:36

Could being a paralegal be like winning your own personal lottery? I've been saying that for years, but if you work for the Arkansas Lottery Commission, you will cash in. A lottery paralegal makes $53,109 per year, while a paralegal for the Judicial Disability and Discipline Commission will make...

Registration for the NFPA Annual Meeting Is Now Open!

Christine M. Parizo
February 04, 2010 17:36

Registration for the National Federation of Paralegal Association’s 2009 Annual convention is now live on the NFPA website. The Oregon Paralegal Association invites you to Come to Oregon and Be a Paralegal Pioneer at the 2009 Annual Convention being held at the Red Lion Hotel on the River at...

New Overtime Case Encourages Settlement

Christine M. Parizo
February 04, 2010 17:36

A Florida paralegal left her employer, only to turn around and sue for back overtime wages.  Neither she nor her attorney told her old firm that a lawsuit was coming, which resulted in annoyed appellate judges.  The moral of the story?  Make sure that, if you're suing for back overtime wages (or...

Florida Registered Paralegal Program Is 3,000 Strong

Christine M. Parizo
January 31, 2010 15:27

On the anniversary of the Florida Registered Paralegal program, it had over 3,000 who had registered with the state bar. In order to qualify for the FRP applicants must meet one of the following requirements: work experience or education, certification or grandfathering. The work experience or...

Layoffs May Be Result of Herd Mentality

Christine M. Parizo
January 31, 2010 15:27

Snowballing layoffs may be evidence more of a herd mentality than a careful evaluation of costs and benefits, according to a business school professor.The article goes on to note that, regardless of the firm's circumstances, the similar approach to cost-cutting may have nothing to do with the...

March Massacres Continue: More Casualties in the Legal Field

Christine M. Parizo
January 31, 2010 15:27

In what seems to be a trend lately, firms are waiting until Thursday and Friday to make their layoffs. Today's casualties:Katten Muchin Rosenman will lay off 23 attorneys and 46 staff members.Jenner & Block has laid off 34 staff members in its Chicago headquarters and Washington, D.C. offices.

Smith Hired as Paralegal at Assets International

Christine M. Parizo
January 31, 2010 15:27

Southfield, Michigan-based Assets International LLC has hired Demetrius Smith as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant.A graduate of Eastern Michigan University’s paralegal program with prior probate experience, Smith’s primary concentration will be to assist attorneys Michael J. Zwick and Katherine...

In a Recession, Keep Paralegals

Christine M. Parizo
January 31, 2010 15:27

It seems like such a good idea: in hard times, keep the lawyers and cut the paralegals. But clients think otherwise. Thanks to the economy, many clients are demanding lower hourly rates -- and taking their business elsewhere when the rates don't budge. One alternative is to chuck the billable hour....