Program Description
Harrington Legal Alliance (HLA) is a Florida law firm established in 2008. Pursuant Rule 20-2.1(d), Rules Regulating the Florida Bar, HLA has established a paralegal training program in substantial compliance with the American Bar Association (ABA). Participants in the program are supervised in accordance with R. Regul. FL. Bar 20-2.1(e) for purposes of meeting the requirements for registration with the Florida Bar pursuant R. Regul. FL. Bar 20-2.1(b). See details below.
Program Criteria
In order to obtain the following designations, the participant must be competent with regard to the indicated tasks. The participant is competent once he/she is capable of performing the indicated tasks within a reasonable period of time, with minimal supervision and only minor corrections. By contrast, a participate has not yet achieved competency where (i) a task requires more time than can be reasonably billed to a client, (ii) tasks involve frequent or ongoing explanation from supervisory personnel, and/or (iii) the final work product has to be substantially modified by supervisory personnel.
Paralegal 1
A junior paralegal has minimal experience (usually less than 1 year) but demonstrates the talent and characteristics required to work in a legal environment, including attention to detail, problem-solving ability and effective communication skills (especially in writing).
Equipment & Software
- basic competency with computer processing, including use of cloud drives, shared servers, and videoconference equipment
- ability to create digital folders and maintain the same according to firm protocols for labeling and organization
- ability to scan documents and archive same in digital format, following firm protocols for labeling and organization
- basic knowledge of word processing software for Word and PDF documents
- basic knowledge of firm management software
Independence
- ability to manage time effectively with reasonable oversight and support from other firm personnel
- ability to communicate effectively with clients and other parties to coordinate phone/video conferences, hearings and other events
- ability to manage digital calendar, accurately setting events and reminders for firm use
- ability to follow reasonably straightforward written and verbal instructions from supervising staff members
- ability to problem solve by researching firm and online resources, rather than constantly asking other staff members
- awareness of deadlines; no need for regular reminders
Legal Skills
- ability to write in clear and professional fashion, with minimal grammar and punctuation errors.
- ability to complete routine legal documents such as letters, notices and other template-based communications or filings
- ability to create complete, relatively error-free time entries in firm management system
Paralegal 2
A medior paralegal has mastered all the skills of the junior paralegal and is able to perform most tasks with minimal supervision and minimal revision. A Paralegal 2 is an important asset to the firm in that he/she is able to handle routine tasks in cost-effective fashion, saving attorneys time and saving clients money. A Paralegal 2 takes on more challenging legal tasks and expands his/her knowledge of laws and procedures applicable to the firm’s practice.
Equipment & Software
- reliably handles phone and videoconference software equipment, including set up and initiation of conferences and online hearings
- acts as custodian of the firm’s physical and digital files, ensuring proper labeling and organization
- thorough knowledge of word processing software, as well as other software specific to the firm’s practice
- thorough knowledge of firm management software
Independence
- manages time effectively with minimal oversight and support from other firm personnel
- provides instructions to junior personnel
- polished communicator who can be trusted to speak with judicial assistants, outside counsel and clients
- essentially never requires reminders but, rather, is the one who does the reminding
- excellent reader, able to comprehend even complex written instructions and information
- ability to follow reasonably straightforward written and verbal instructions from supervising staff members
- ability to problem solve by researching firm and online resources, rather than constantly asking other staff members
- awareness of deadlines; no need for regular reminders
Legal Skills
- ability to write in clear and professional fashion, with minimal grammar and punctuation errors.
- ability to complete routine legal documents such as letters, notices and other template-based communications or filings
- ability to create complete, relatively error-free time entries in firm management system
Paralegal 3
A senior paralegal is an essential asset to the firm
Equipment & Software
- basic competency with computer processing, including use of cloud drives, shared servers, and videoconference equipment
- ability to create digital folders and maintain the same according to firm protocols for labeling and organization
- ability to scan documents and archive same in digital format, following firm protocols for labeling and organization
- basic knowledge of word processing software for Word and PDF documents
- basic knowledge of firm management software
Independence
- ability to manage time effectively with reasonable oversight and support from other firm personnel
- ability to communicate effectively with clients and other parties to coordinate phone/video conferences, hearings and other events
- ability to manage digital calendar, accurately setting events and reminders for firm use
- ability to follow reasonably straightforward written and verbal instructions from supervising staff members
- ability to problem solve by researching firm and online resources, rather than constantly asking other staff members
- awareness of deadlines; no need for regular reminders
Legal Skills
- ability to write in clear and professional fashion, with minimal grammar and punctuation errors.
- ability to complete routine legal documents such as letters, notices and other template-based communications or filings
- ability to create complete, relatively error-free time entries in firm management system
- has a “firm first” mentality
- interacts with clients and third parties to create a positive impression
- is mindful of
Rule 20-2.1 – GENERALLY, R. Regul. FL. Bar 20-2.1