Client Relationships with Paraprofessionals: Evolving Expectations

As the role of the paraprofessional continues to evolve, firms are recognizing the value that paraprofessionals bring to the table. Paraprofessionals are no longer seen as just support staff, but are becoming integral members of the team and are playing an increasingly important role in client relationship management. In this blog post, we will explore how the role of the paraprofessional is changing and how firms are supporting their teams in more client engagement.

In this post, we’ll look at:

• The role of the paraprofessional is changing and becoming more important
• Paraprofessionals are playing an increasing role in client relationship management
• Firms are recognizing the value that paraprofessionals bring to the table
• Firms are supporting their teams in more client engagement

Paraprofessionals are becoming the main point of contact for clients and are often the first point of contact for new mandates. They are also playing a crucial role in setting up fixed-fee mandates and cost-efficient solutions for clients. This shift in the role of paraprofessionals is changing the business model for firms and is becoming an important factor in the battle for talent.

Watch the full interview, Collaboration and Communication: Best Practices for Legal Technology Partnerships

Firms are supporting their teams in more client engagement by providing professional development programs specifically designed for paraprofessionals. This not only helps to attract and retain top talent but also helps to create a better work-life balance for employees. By providing stretch opportunities and development opportunities, firms can retain the valuable talent that they already have in the door.

In conclusion, the role of the paraprofessional is changing and becoming more important as firms recognize the value that they bring to the table. Firms are supporting their teams in more client engagement and are providing professional development programs specifically designed for paraprofessionals. By providing stretch opportunities and development opportunities, firms can retain the valuable talent that they already have in the door and attract top talent in the future.

Influencing change in law firms can be a challenging task, particularly when it comes to the adoption of new technology. In this blog post, we will explore the role of paraprofessionals and legal professionals in driving change and ensuring successful adoption of new technology. Key points include training, the “train the trainer” approach, and involving key stakeholders in the decision-making process.

• Training is key to successful adoption of new technology
• “Train the trainer” approach involves key people within the firm learning new technology and training others
• Involving key stakeholders, such as partners, in the decision-making process can ensure support for new technology

Influencing change in a law firm can be a challenging task, particularly when it comes to the adoption of new technology. However, the role of paraprofessionals and legal professionals in driving change and ensuring successful adoption of new technology is crucial.

One strategy for influencing change is training. As Karen Anderson, Corporate Services Manager at Blakes, Cassels & Graydon LLP, explains, “the process of getting there was democratic and it mainly involved paralegals from all of our offices because the firm had an understanding that these are the folks that are using this technology going forward.”

Watch the full interview, Influencing Change in Law Firms: The Role of Paraprofessionals and Legal Professionals

Another strategy is the “train the trainer” approach, where key people within the firm learn new technology and train others. Karen explains, “key people in our firm that are learning a lot of the stuff and then training other people within the group. And it really just keeps evolving, but the driver is the paralegal use it, and lawyers can enjoy read-only access to all of these records. As can the clients.”

It is also important to involve key stakeholders, such as partners in the decision-making process. As Karen Tuschak, former National Director at Dentons and now onwner at Spider Silk Solutions, explains, “One of the things that we did at Dentons was the paralegals were definitely the drivers of the new technology and what we wanted. But we did have a partner committee as well, just so there was support at that upper level.” By involving key stakeholders in the decision-making process, it ensures that they are aware of the benefits of new technology and can support its adoption.

Involving paraprofessionals in the process of change is also a great way of getting buy-in and support from the legal team, as they are the ones that will be using the technology on a daily basis. Furthermore, having them involved in the training and the decision making process, they can be the drivers of the new technology and they can provide insight and feedback to the vendor to improve the product and make it more useful for the legal team.

In conclusion, training, the “train the trainer” approach, and involving key stakeholders in the decision-making process are crucial for influencing change and ensuring successful adoption of new technology in law firms. By involving paraprofessionals in the process, legal teams can benefit from the adoption of new technology and can provide feedback to vendors to improve the product.