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Introduction This article summarizes the most important findings and implications of research I conducted on the use of plea bargains throughout the Cook County criminal justice system during my time as an undergraduate student at the University of Chicago. Does plea bargaining promote expediency at the expense of just outcomes when used to resolve cases […]

Managing the multiple components of the litigation process can be both time-consuming and tedious. While litigation teams use many technology tools, my favorite is deposition transcript software (DTS). Using such software will save time and money. Unfortunately, I have also experienced the pain of quickly finding information from antiquated page/line summaries for the trial attorney. DTS […]

by Alicia Mitchell-Mercer, ACP The Far-Reaching Consequences of Substance Abuse In July 2022, NALA invited Commissioner Melissa Zabor as a Keynote Speaker at the annual NALA Conference & Expo in Phoenix, AZ. She shared the successes of Maricopa County’s Therapeutic Courts and the transformations that participants experience through the program. I remember Ms. Zabor spoke […]

The thought of considering another job can be stressful. There are many factors to consider, like the location, the type of work you will be doing, and who you will be working with. When looking for a job opportunity, be strategic and do your homework. Do your due diligence and research to find what you […]

Introduction This article summarizes the most important findings and implications of research I conducted on the use of plea bargains throughout the Cook County criminal justice system during my time as an undergraduate student at the University of Chicago. Does plea bargaining promote expediency at the expense of just outcomes when used to resolve cases […]

Managing the multiple components of the litigation process can be both time-consuming and tedious. While litigation teams use many technology tools, my favorite is deposition transcript software (DTS). Using such software will save time and money. Unfortunately, I have also experienced the pain of quickly finding information from antiquated page/line summaries for the trial attorney. DTS […]

by Alicia Mitchell-Mercer, ACP The Far-Reaching Consequences of Substance Abuse In July 2022, NALA invited Commissioner Melissa Zabor as a Keynote Speaker at the annual NALA Conference & Expo in Phoenix, AZ. She shared the successes of Maricopa County’s Therapeutic Courts and the transformations that participants experience through the program. I remember Ms. Zabor spoke […]

The thought of considering another job can be stressful. There are many factors to consider, like the location, the type of work you will be doing, and who you will be working with. When looking for a job opportunity, be strategic and do your homework. Do your due diligence and research to find what you […]

It is abundantly clear that the last few years have dramatically changed the legal profession. From the way depositions are conducted to remote trials, many of the day-to-day tasks of a paralegal have evolved. To find out just how much things have changed and to learn firsthand what paralegals are dealing with daily, we surveyed […]

Paralegal billing is one of the key revenue generators for your firm’s payroll, operating expenses, benefits, and bonuses. This review of best practices aims to help you better capture efficient billing time for your firm. Paralegals, like attorneys, must abide by ethical billing practices, such as 1) charging reasonable fees (cannot be unconscionable), 2) completing […]