What has been your favorite job? I think I would have to say my cur-
rent job. First of all, I am working in the area of law that I am most passionate about. Technology fascinates and drives me. The e-Discovery profes- sion is getting bigger and changes are happening every day. I help legal teams navigate through the e-discovery process. I assist companies to manage information. I am fortunate that I found my calling and I intend to be doing this for a very long time.
Where is paralegal profession headed and why? This profession has tremendous possibili-
ties. With the continuously changing landscape of e-Discovery and advancements in technology, our positions are going to continue to shift from traditional paralegal roles and responsibilities to more of the training and leadership aspects of case management.
There is going to be a need for paralegals to specialize in various technologies and pos- sess a strong knowledge base of issues around e-Discovery, social media and how this affects the law. Technology is going to shape the future of our profession.
What will the profession look like in the future? Say, in 5, 10 or 20 years?
Formal, nationwide paralegal regulation, in my opinion, is getting closer and closer to a very real possibility. Some states have already imple- mented their own regulation.
There was a time when I didn’t think I would see it in my career but I am convinced now more than ever that the next 10-20 years are going to bring some very significant changes in paralegal profession. Some of it is slowly taking shape with various certifications and specialty designations for areas of the legal field.
With regulation will come salary increases and paralegals may no longer be the lowest paid (while hardest working) professional of the legal team. I am looking forward to what is to come and vow to do whatever I can to help change the profession.
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What has been the most significant event in the paralegal field? I don’t think we have witnessed it yet. It’s
coming in the form of national regulation and it will be the most significant event we will ever wit- ness for our profession.
Can we get to know Susan a little bit further? What has been a highlight in your personal life? That's easy. That would be how Neil and I
got engaged. We met at a networking event held by Digital Rochester in the Summer of 2007. Every year, their holiday networking event is their larg- est, hosting anywhere from 200-400 people. This event in particular holds a Chinese Raffle with tons and tons of great prizes. Well, Neil arranged to rig the jewelry prize so that my ticket would be pulled. The prize…….a diamond ring, held by him, down on one knee! He proposed to me in front of 300 people!
What is the downside to being a paralegal? People can get very complacent and com-
fortable in the position they have without ever step- ping out of their comfort zone. It’s not our own fault but sometimes we allow other people to con- trol how we advance. Sometimes we don’t take advantage of opportunities that might be before us for fear of the unknown.
“ T
here is need fo speciali technolo
strong knowledge around e- social media and the law. going to shape the future sion.”
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