I titled this first blog post “Dear Diary…” not because I wanted to subjugate my readers into the role of the unofficial therapist and always-accountable vent buddy, but to first and foremost express the mission of my blog entries and this site: to provide a space for vulnerability, inspiration, professional development, and an opportunity to “figure it out” as we go, and all together. The title of the site, “Love, Your Paralegal” has very similar reasoning to the title of this post, as it is my goal to reach out to future paralegals or legal assistants like myself, while cultivating a relationship with student and professional readers alike. In other words — the legal assistant vocation is becoming increasingly more valuable as witnessed by its greatly expanding job market, but disproportionately regarded and spoken of, as a chance for future paralegal professionals to conduct proper research and adequately assess the paralegal’s position in the legal sector. It was my longing for a first-hand account of the processes of becoming a paralegal, what it meant to be a paralegal, and building a professional identity as a paralegal that motivated me to create this blog.
The title of the site, “Love, Your Paralegal” has very similar reasoning to the title of this post, as it is my goal to reach out to future paralegals or legal assistants like myself, while cultivating a relationship with student and professional readers alike.
So, to my diary, or in other words — my new readers: My name is Madison Black. I am currently a senior at the University of Texas at San Antonio, pursuing a degree in Multidisciplinary Studies with focus areas of Environmental Science, English, and History. After much trial and error with different majors and disciplines, and as a student with a multitude of interests and societal concerns, I discovered that the Multidisciplinary Studies degree would be the best fit for me. Most of all, I want to be a legal assistant. No, no; not a lawyer, but instead a lawyer’s best friend. I’m willing to be someone’s right-hand woman and behind-the-scenes mastermind. I have a true love for investigative research, writing, and communication. However, this is countered with a painstaking resentment for group work. I prefer for all of my work to be individual so that I am able to ensure that all the work is completed on time, and so that I may receive individualized constructive criticism. I thrive best in a structured office environment, where I am tasked with well-defined assignments that requires only some collaboration. I like to be in the spotlight or the center of attention when it comes to praise of my own work; because in my world, not all attention is good attention. All of these factors and truths led me to the career of a paralegal. My desire to be a paralegal is constantly refuted with those who say I should just go to law school, or that my bachelor’s degree would be a waste because it’s not necessary for the paralegal vocation. However, I am here to profess throughout a series of blog posts, including this one – why these statements are simply not accurate.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to write from my heart, and to hopefully encourage others to follow their passions while actively engaging in life’s learning curve. I don’t want anyone to follow my exact footsteps, because mistakes will be made that are unique to my path. Rather, it is my wish that with the start of this journey into the paralegal profession and realm of professional identity, others will be confident in their consideration of the paralegal career. And, if that is the case, that they may be able to follow along with these blogs to learn and witness what I have accomplished, the steps I’ve taken, and what has and has not worked for me. The upcoming blog posts will uncover the “tricks of the trade”, my adventures in crafting a professional identity, writing within the profession and other undertakings, such as building a professional portfolio, and developing my own writing style and voice. This blog should serve as comprehensive guide to helpful resources and personal advice, but is subject to critical analysis from the reader: what can I do different, or, what could I do instead?
What would you write in an entry titled “Dear Diary…”? What would this entry mean for you? As I mentioned before, this is not a blog post that will detail the unwavering success of a big-time lawyer or influentially genius engineer. This is a blog that will be written by a student who desires a career that is equally challenging and fulfilling. In the meantime, I will be documenting my experiences to hopefully provide guidance and meaning to your experiences.
Love, Your Paralegal