The SCUPA Scoop: Vol. 10

At our July luncheon, Dorothy Huskey announced that SCUPA would be sponsoring 14 children from A Child's Haven.  Rather than typical school supplies, the children are in need of items such as clothing and nap mats.  Those interested in participating were asked to contact Dorothy. 

As NALA Liaison, Dorothy also announced that SCUPA would not be sending delegate to teh national convention at the end of this month for a number of logistical reasons. 

Barbara Spearman announced that Nicole Turner had graciously agreed to chair the Mentor Committee.  If anyone is interested in becoming a mentor or would like a mentor for themselves, please contact Nicole at NTurner@GWBlawfirm.com to get the ball rolling.

As a reminder, the application for Paralegal of the Year is on the SCUPA website.  If you know if anyone who may be a good candidate for the award, please complete the form and submit it to Barbara at BSpearman@collinsandlacy.com.

Alan Cochran of the Cochran Law Firm served as this month's luncheon speaker.  He provided an entertaining presentation on teamwork in the office.  As we all know, it can be very difficult to be civil in civil practice.  Mr. Cochran acknowledged that his paralegals essentially run his office.  In a successful firm, he stated that the paralegal and the attorney work together on a team rather than one working for the other.  To keep an office running, everyone must work together.  He stated that when a problem arises, it is important to step in and do what you can to resolve the issue yourself.  While the attorney is often the face of the firm, he stated that the paralegal is the heart.

Mr. Cochran touched on the fact that clients often have to be educated and taught a little bit about the law in order to establish reasonable expectations.  He also emphasized the importance of listening.  In his own practice, his clients will often tell his paralegals things that they are reluctant to tell him.  It is often the paralegal's responsibility to dig out unsavory information and encourage the client to tell the truth.  In this role, paralegals have to be extremely sensitive to the feelings of others.  It is their ultimate responsiblity to arm their attorney with enough facts from the client so that the attorney can make educated decisions.  

SCUPA thanks Mr. Cochran for his presentation and taking the time out of his schedule to attend our luncheon.