By Melissa Burhenne

One of the main duties of being a paralegal is meeting and communicating with clients. In some cases, the paralegal may be the point of contact and the person most familiar with the client. In my experience, I have found that people who decide to hire a lawyer do so because they have a problem or have been seriously wronged.

I don’t think most clients who decide to embark on their legal journey do so because they want to, which leaves the paralegal in the direct line of their frustration and many other unpleasant emotions about their situation. Since our job is to gather as much information as we can about the case and to stay in consistent contact with the client, we have no choice but to find ways to deal with the negative side of client interaction. Here are my top five tips on how to manage difficult clients.

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By Martin A. Ginsburg and H. David Ginsburg

Introduction: The Prevalence of Wi-Fi and Data Vulnerability in Law Firms

In the legal profession, the protection of sensitive client information is not just a matter of best practices but a legal and ethical obligation. Law firms often handle highly confidential data ranging from intellectual property, trade secrets, and personal client records to legal strategies for major corporations. Any breach in this data can result in severe consequences, including loss of client trust, regulatory penalties, and substantial financial losses. One of the most overlooked aspects of law firm data security is the vulnerability of Wi-Fi networks, particularly through Wi-Fi Positioning Systems (“WPS”).

WPSs are critical for enabling devices to accurately determine their locations, but this technology introduces potential risks, especially for organizations like law firms that need to prioritize data confidentiality. By collecting and transmitting data about routers and connected devices, WPS databases maintained by tech giants like Apple and Google can be leveraged in ways that expose the physical location and network information of law firms. If not adequately secured, these vulnerabilities can lead to cyberattacks, data breaches, and severe legal ramifications.

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By Johana Sanchez 

Clearing Up the Confusion

Understanding the role of a paralegal within the legal system has been essential for me since I started as one. There are times when we, as paralegals, need to know how to handle certain situations for clients and attorneys. I recently handled a situation in which knowing the North Carolina rules governing paralegals, particularly in court-related matters, was emphasized. I thought that this topic was worth sharing (as a reminder).

Every paralegal should be aware of their professional boundaries and ethical responsibilities. We, as paralegals, should know what ethics guide our work, since even experienced attorneys may not always be fully aware of the specific limitations governing paralegal work. Paralegals need to stay informed to ensure compliance with ethical standards in order to effectively support attorneys and clients.

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By Rachel L. Royal 

When I began working as a paralegal, I envisioned spending my entire career in a law office. I dreamed of working at a big firm and specializing in family law. I had found my calling and loved the work I did because it gave me a deep sense of purpose – I knew I was helping people through some of their most difficult life experiences. I sought a paralegal degree after navigating the process to get custody of my niece and nephew without legal help. I remember feeling lost and overwhelmed, with no money to hire an attorney. Since I didn’t have a computer at that time, I resorted to doing research at the local library to learn how to draft a custody complaint and serve it. That experience fueled my passion for helping others in a similar position who feel as helpless as I did.

This desire to help others also set me on the path to getting involved with pro bono work and my tenure as the Paralegal Division’s Pro Bono Committee Co-Chair for five years. Incidentally, my role in pro bono was also the catalyst to my transition out of a traditional paralegal role and into the nonprofit world. Networking and volunteerism are the two driving forces that catapulted my career into something more fulfilling than I ever could have imagined when I first began working in the legal field.

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By Lakisha Chichester

From Tech to Law: A Career Evolution

Debra Hall, known as Debbie to her colleagues and friends, did not set out to become a paralegal, but the field found her. She began her career as a computer programmer, a role that sharpened her analytical skills, which she now applies daily in contract management. When a legal opportunity opened up at a pharmaceutical research company, she stepped into her first paralegal role. With the company’s support, she pursued an associate’s degree in paralegal studies from Forsyth Tech.

Now a paralegal and contract manager at Inmar, Inc., based in Winston-Salem, Debbie supports in-house counsel by drafting, reviewing, redlining, and negotiating contracts. She also oversees corporate insurance programs, manages client communications, and mentors new paralegals.

Mastering the Art of Contracts

Debbie’s paralegal career has spanned corporate law, bankruptcy law, and contract management. She has worked on everything from NDAs to complex quality agreements (QAg) — a niche area many paralegals do not often encounter. The shift from a law firm to a corporate setting has been rewarding.

“I feel like the corporate environment has provided more room for growth, better benefits, and more opportunities,” she explains.

She enjoys the collaborative working environment of Inmar’s corporate legal department.

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