Adding Value To The Firm – Are You In Or Out?

Originally Posted on May 18, 2022 by Nora Boghossian

We often talk about how to get a job but why don’t we talk enough about keeping a job?

“You are going to have to kick me out, because I’m not going anywhere.” I remember saying that to my boss one day. They knew my loyalty to the firm. I showed it by keeping myself apprised of the latest news, my CLE up-to-date, attending annual conferences, and bringing back best practices to the firm.   

You may think, “What voice do I have? I’m not an attorney.” 

Believe me, our voices matter. When we are professionally capable, in-the-know, problem solve, and become the go-to person, we automatically increase our value. This creates an invaluable role in a host of multiple levels. You are considered a dynamic individual and definitely an asset to the firm. 

A great motto is – My goal is to add value to the firm. When we add value to a service, product, organization, we in turn, become valuable. In the process, you are truly involved in the firm’s forward progression. You are the individual that is part of the collective. What role are you playing that is bringing value to the collective?  

Approach management and let them know you would like to give mini-sessions to the firm’s staff and/or attorneys with best practices. Choose areas you have noticed that are pain points within the firm. This will require you to pay attention, observe, listen, and address the options. You will need to do some  investigating. When you open yourself up, you’ll be surprised that what you are searching for will be revealed to you.  

Remain open and aware. Look for ways to loosen up and create a flow within the structure of the firm. Maybe there is no structure. That may be something you can resolve. If a firm hasupward mobility, look for growth opportunity. Think – what is it that we need that we do not have? How can I fulfill that need? You can look for multiple ways to improve the process. 

Become a conduit of service to the firm and ultimately, to the client. In doing so, you become a better version of yourself, a better paralegal, legal assistant, or whatever the role you may hold. 

When it comes time for your review, guess what? You now have a solid list of accomplishments to present when managementevaluates you. Not only will you have successfully accomplished your assignments but you will have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Make a list as each goal is accomplished so you don’t leave anything out. Include all your praises, positive feedback from any attorney or member of management. Remind them of all the ways you solved problems, successful work completed, what new and innovative best practices you introduced, and more.

I love the saying – “Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation.” – Zig Ziglar