The Paralegals on Fire podcast show is hosted by Ann Pearson, a former paralegal and paralegal manager, turned entrepreneur. Join us each week to get actionable strategies to fast-track your paralegal career. We’re going to do that with informative interviews, “behind the curtain” tips from management, and solo episodes where we take deep dives into areas that matter most to paralegals. Our mission is to give you tangible things that you can walk away with each week that add value to your paralegal career.
Recent Paralegal Podcast Episodes
Episode 59 (December 13, 2022): Turn Your Paralegal Internship Into a Job Offer
In this solo episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann Pearson shares some great tips and actionable strategies to help you succeed at turning your paralegal internship into a job offer.
Episode 58 (December 6, 2022): The Pros and Cons of Moving Into Management
In this solo episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann Pearson shares some insight on the positives and negatives of going from a paralegal to a paralegal manager role.
Episode 57 (November 29, 2022): Don’t Give Away Your Valuable Time for Free
In this solo episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann Pearson points out three areas paralegals find themselves working for free when they shouldn’t be. Ann gives you tips on how to avoid giving away your valuable time for free and why it’s important.
Episode 56 (November 22, 2022): How to Lose a Paralegal Job in 10 Days!
In this solo episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann Pearson puts a new spin on the idea behind the movie “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” and gives advice on ten things not to do in your first ten days in your new paralegal job, together with some advice from her prior paralegal management role.
Episode 55 (November 15, 2022): I Need Your Help With This Paralegal Project
In this solo episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann Pearson asks the listeners for help with a special paralegal project. She is looking to interview several paralegals (maybe you?!) to highlight the positive side of a paralegal career and to inspire new paralegals who might only see those negative posts about what it’s like to be a paralegal.
Episode 54 (November 8, 2022): How Pro Bono Work Can Benefit Your Paralegal Career
In this solo episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann Pearson shares her experience doing pro bono work and how it can benefit your paralegal career.
Episode 53 (November 1, 2022): Your Paralegal Career Is More Than Just A Job
In this solo episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann Pearson takes a deep dive into what it means to have paralegal career security and some methods paralegals can look at to achieve that starting now.
Episode 52 (October 25, 2022): 60 Personal Injury Files Are Dumped On Your Desk, Now What?
In this solo episode, Ann answers questions from a paralegal enrolled in the Personal Injury Paralegal Boot Camp: What do I do if I’m starting at a new law firm and I’ve just been assigned to 60 active personal injury files? How can I possibly get up to speed on all these new files without something slipping through the cracks?
Episode 51 (October 18, 2022): We Should all be so Lucky to Work at This Law Firm
In this solo episode, Ann brings to light an issue we’ve all experienced, whether working in a law firm, a corporate legal department, or another organization in the legal industry: the negative nelly who complains about everything.
Episode 50 (October 11, 2022): What is a Litigation Paralegal Career Accelerator?
In this solo episode, Ann Pearson gives you some insight into the things you can do to accelerate your career as a litigation paralegal.
Episode 49 (October 4, 2022): Begin with the End in Mind: A Trial Notebook Now Instead of Later
In this solo episode, Ann gives litigation paralegals more proactive case management tips by going through a method that includes starting that trial notebook early in the case instead of waiting until you receive the notice of trial.
Episode 48 (September 27, 2022): Case Management Tips: Do These 3 Things Today
In this episode, Ann gives you case management tips to help you get up to speed fast on your case and to know what the attorney needs before they ask for it.
Episode 47 (September 20, 2022): How to Get Your Attorney to Invest in Your Career Development
In this episode, Ann gives you tips on how to ask your attorney to invest in your career development and what to do before you ask.
Episode 46 (September 13, 2022): Paralegal Career Mobility: Why You Want it and How To Get it
In this episode, Ann interviews Kim Bookout, a former litigation paralegal who embraced and adopted eDiscovery early.
Episode 45 (September 6, 2022): Tips for Starting a Freelance Paralegal Business
In this episode, Ann interviews Eda Rosa, a freelance paralegal who started her own company to find better balance and more freedom.
Episode 44 (August 30, 2022): A Paralegal Survey That Really Matters
In this solo episode, Ann announces a paralegal survey that the Paralegal Boot Camp developed to get answers to some of our burning questions.
Episode 43 (August 23, 2022): Is it Time For a Paralegal License? An Interview with Linda Odermott
The debate on paralegal licensing continues in some states, but it’s been decided in Oregon. Ann interviews one of the people on the team that was instrumental in getting the Oregon Supreme Court to approve a limited licensing program in Oregon.
Episode 42 (August 16, 2022): eDiscovery is Not a Bad Word
This week Ann talks about the importance of eDiscovery and how it has been a game changer for so many litigation paralegals.
Episode 41 (August 9, 2022): How to Stand Out As a Personal Injury Paralegal
This week, get some tips from Ann on how to stand out as a personal injury paralegal, especially when you’re having to wear different hats (aka different roles, depending on the type of personal injury firm you work at).
Episode 40 (August 2, 2022): Will Paralegals Be Replaced by Robots?
In this week’s podcast show, Ann talks about what the future of the paralegal profession could bring us with technology and automation. Like all podcast episodes, she also gives paralegals some actionable strategies.
Episode 39 (July 26, 2022): An Interview With the Paralegal Career Coach
In this episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann interviews Bert Binder, a former paralegal and the founder of Paralegal Career Coach, to bring you some great advice on the impacts, trends, and career opportunities for the paralegal profession.
Episode 38 (July 19, 2022): Proven Strategies to Get Out of Paralegal Burnout
In the show, Ann discusses how to recognize when paralegal burnout is headed your way. And like all of the podcast episodes, she gives you some actionable strategies to help you overcome burnout.
Episode 37 (July 12, 2022): 7 Tips from Other Paralegals
In this solo episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann Pearson shares 7 tips other paralegals have sent her over the years.
Episode 36 (July 5, 2022): Don’t Let Social Media Cost You a Job
In this solo episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann Pearson provides examples of paralegals showing really poor judgment on social media and how that cost them their jobs.
Episode 35 (June 28, 2022): The Billable Hour Struggle IS Real
In this solo episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann Pearson shares some actionable strategies that you can do right now that have the potential to increase your pay, job security, and future job prospects.
Episode 34 (June 21, 2022): How to Go From Law Firm Receptionist to Director of Legal Support Professionals
In this guest episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann Pearson has a very special guest, and this episode is going to inspire you, whether you’re a new paralegal struggling to break into the field or an experienced paralegal who thinks there’s no such thing as a career ladder for a paralegal.
Episode 33 (June 14, 2022): Transitioning to the Litigation Practice Area
In this solo episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann Pearson gives you actionable strategies to use if you are a paralegal working in other practice areas and you want to transition to litigation
Episode 32 (June 7, 2022): It’s Not Just About the Paralegal Skills
In this solo episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann Pearson suggests that a new litigation paralegal should look at three key areas early in their career: mindset, behaviors, and skills.
Episode 31 (May 31, 2022): New to Litigation? Other Paralegals Give You Tips Here
In this Q & A style episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann focuses on questions she receives from new paralegals but with a twist!
Episode 30 (May 24, 2022): 10 Things That We’re Glad Have Finally Changed in the Paralegal Profession
In this solo episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann shares the 10 things she’s glad to have finally changed in the paralegal profession.
Episode 29 (May 17, 2022): Avoid These Mistakes if You’re Trying to Land Your First Paralegal Position
In this solo episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann discusses three common mistakes new paralegals make when trying to land their first paralegal position.
Episode 28 (May 10, 2022): 3 Ways to Work Better With Attorneys
In this solo episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann shares some advice on how to work better with attorneys
Episode 27 (May 3, 2022): Paralegal Time Management Tips
In this solo episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann shares three great paralegal time management tips to reduce distractions, increase productivity and get you out of the office sooner!
Episode 26 (April 26, 2022): 10 Things Attorneys Look for in Paralegals
In this solo episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann shares the top 10 things attorneys say they look for in paralegals.
Episode 25 (April 19, 2022): eDiscovery Questions and Answers
In this guest episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann asked guest experts Andrea Pileggi and Kevin Gerami to answer your eDiscovery questions that were submitted by email and social media messages.
Episode 24 (March 22, 2022): Is it Time for a Break?
In this solo episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann Pearson shares some personal news and reflects on whether taking some meaningful time to rest and recharge might make paralegals better able to support their teams.
Episode 23 (March 15, 2022): A Refresher on the 7 C’s of Paralegal Communication
In this solo episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann Pearson breaks down the 7 C’s as it applies to paralegal communication and gives you some tips on how to become a more effective communicator.
Episode 22 (March 8, 2022): Self-Care to Reduce Paralegal Stress
In this guest episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann Pearson talks with Heather Gonzalez, a paralegal who is also a Certified Nutritionist, 500 hour Yoga teacher, Wellness Coach, Personal trainer, Master Herbalist, and Mindful Coach about the importance of self-care for paralegals.
In the show, Ann and Heather discuss the five different types of self-care and some simple steps paralegals can take right now to reduce stress that can lead to a better quality of life and more productivity at work.
Episode 21 (March 1, 2022): Choosing the Right Path For Your Paralegal Education
In this solo episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann Pearson takes a look at the educational options available today for paralegals and guides you through the process of choosing what school or option is best for you.
Episode 20 (February 22, 2022): 3 Key Numbers to Know if You Work in a Law Firm
In this solo episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann discusses three key metrics you should know if you are working in a law firm that has a billable hour requirement.
Episode 19 (February 15, 2022): Alternative Paralegal Careers
In this solo episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann Pearson discusses alternative paralegal careers and how to decide if one might be right for you. This list is from paralegals Ann has met or worked with who went on to have these job titles, just to give you an idea of what’s available. The list could be endless!
Episode 18 (February 8, 2022): A Better Way to Achieve Your Goals-Part 2
In part two of this two-part solo episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann Pearson talks you through taking a specific goal and making it a S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goal that is measurable, attainable, actionable, relevant and time bound.
Episode 17 (February 1, 2022): A Better Way to Achieve Your Goals
In this two-part solo episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann Pearson takes a deep dive into how using the S.M.A.R.T.E.R method of goal setting can advance your paralegal career.
Episode 16 (January 25, 2022): Job Search Questions and Answers
In this solo episode of the Paralegals on Fire! Podcast Show, Ann Pearson answers your paralegal job search questions. She offers tips for resume writing, interviewing, paid internships, and more. Tune in for strategies to help you navigate the paralegal employment market and succeed in landing that new position.
Episode 15 (January 18, 2022): Be the Problem-Solver Paralegal
The problem-solving skill is one of the skills that every attorney says they want in a paralegal. How do you improve that skill? This is how you do it!
Episode 14 (January 11, 2022): How the Scarcity Mindset is Hurting the Paralegal Profession
Ann discusses the way forward for new paralegals that doesn’t involve waiting on others to get the needed training.
Episode 13 (January 4, 2022): 8 Mindset Shifts That Could be Hurting Your Paralegal Career
Our guest, Dan Moulder, is a paralegal manager and author of the book The Lunch. While it’s a book for all professions, we discuss how the mindsets in his book apply to paralegals.
Episode 12 (December 28, 2021): How to Turn Your Performance Review Into a Career Development Opportunity
Ann gives listeners four (4) ways to change how you approach the sometimes-dreaded annual performance review meeting. And what to do if you don’t have one at your current place of employment.
Episode 11 (December 21, 2021): Is Legal Innovation an Oxymoron?
Our guest, Casey Flaherty, discusses innovations in the legal industry and how sometimes it means just knowing the basics of how to use the technology tools we already have.
Episode 10 (December 14, 2021): Paralegal Side Gigs (No Driving Required!)
Ann looks at five interesting ideas for side gigs if you’re looking to make some extra cash and you don’t want to drive for Uber.
Episode 9 (December 7, 2021): Litigation Paralegal Q & A
Ann answers questions from litigation paralegals who sent in their questions. Do you want to fast-track your litigation paralegal career?
Episode 8 (November 30, 2021): Is it Time to Move to Another Practice Area?
Ann interviews Molly McGrath, Founder of Hiring and Empowering Solutions, and gets Molly’s insight on hiring trends and how paralegals can make the most out of the current job market. They also discuss how paralegals can stand out in the job search and as an employee.
Episode 7 (November 23, 2021): What the Paralegal Schools Don’t Tell You
Five things that paralegal schools fail to mention when you’re considering a career as a paralegal.
Episode 6 (November 16, 2021): Paralegals Paying it Forward to Paralegals
A random act of kindness got Ann thinking, what if we could keep it going? Imagine what we could do to lift up the paralegal profession!
Episode 5 (November 9, 2021): Forget About Job Security, Let’s Talk about Career Security!
Instead of just focusing on your job, let’s look at specific things you can do to increase your career security so that it doesn’t matter what happens to your paralegal job, your paralegal career will always thrive.
Episode 4 (November 2, 2021): Billable Hour Q & A
Ann answers questions sent in from listeners on the topic of paralegal billable hours.
Episode 3 (October 26, 2021): Add Mind-Reading to your Paralegal Skill Set
Ann takes a look at how to work with a procrastinating attorney and not rely on the help of others to determine how successful you can be in your paralegal career.
Episode 2 (October 19, 2021): It is Time to Increase Paralegal Salaries
In this record low unemployment in the legal industry, it would be a lot easier to recruit top talent if the salary and perks were better.
Episode 1 (October 12, 2021): Why Every Paralegal Should Have a Career Development Plan
We’re also giving you a template to download a Paralegal Career Development Plan! Go to the Episode Page to get it.
Podcast Trailer Episode
Podcast Host, Ann Pearson
Ann Pearson is the Founder of the Paralegal Boot Camp®. Ann develops training programs exclusively for paralegals and other legal professionals who work under the supervision of attorneys.
Before founding the Paralegal Boot Camp in 2010, Ms. Pearson had 20 years of experience in the legal industry. Most recently, she was the paralegal manager at McKenna, Long & Aldridge LLP, where she managed the paralegals, docket clerks, and case assistants in Atlanta, New York, and San Diego. Ann was able to significantly increase the skill set, retention rates, and profitability of McKenna’s paralegal group through methods that she now teaches at the Paralegal Boot Camp. Before her management position, Ann was a litigation paralegal for many years at an AmLaw 50 firm, working in the antitrust, product liability, and construction litigation practice areas.
