The complexities of the law firm’s hierarchical order

Working in a law firm is like no other business entity. Law firms are generally a conservative workplace. While many companies have embraced the idiosyncrasies of the younger generation, these firms disapprove of strange hair color, nose rings, and tattoos. Time has forgotten this world.

Law firms thrive on modern technology such as the Internet and social networking sites. They continue to remain in a world that embraces clean professionalism. However, in this professional legal world it is a well-kept secret. For those who decide to enter this world as paralegals, they quickly realize the strangeness of law firm politics and the secrecy of the pecking order.

Working in a law office is attractive and fast. However, learning and understanding the pecking order is critical. First, it is important to understand the order between attorneys. Law office partners are no longer bound by these rules. However, new attorneys must understand the order of the firm’s attorneys. Attorneys generally do not care about the order of paralegals and secretaries.

However, for a paralegal to be successful, they must understand the pecking order of their counterparts and secretaries. Law firm clerks strictly adhere to the rules of the order. A secretary who works for a partner is considered the best option when it comes to other secretaries. The secretary at the top enjoys the privilege of controlling and dictating the other secretary’s working hours.

As a new paralegal at a law firm, you can expect to get all the work that other paralegals prefer not to do. As for the other paralegals, you are at the bottom of the hierarchical order and subject to the most tedious tasks.

However, understanding the hierarchical order of secretaries can help you gain recognition for moving up the hierarchical order of paralegals. Nothing offends the law firm’s senior secretary more than another staff member who violates the unspoken order. Once you understand who is at the top, you can start working on the system to solidify your position at the law firm.

While it is important for a paralegal to perform their duties accurately and efficiently, it is also important for a paralegal to interact with their co-workers. As a paralegal, the goal is to gain the opportunity to work on the most interesting cases. Additionally, a paralegal may have the opportunity to accompany an attorney into the courtroom.

By developing a professional relationship with the legal partner’s secretary, a paralegal can quickly maneuver through the caseload to obtain the best assignments. Attorneys rely on their secretaries to help manage the caseload and, quite often, the attorney’s personal life. Attorneys value the opinions of their secretaries and often ask staff for recommendations for important cases.

While pecking order seems like an archaic tradition, understanding it is imperative if you want a successful career as a paralegal at a law firm. The key is to learn the order quickly and use it to your advantage.

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