63rd Annual Education Conference & National Forum

THE ROLE OF PARALEGALS IN CORPORATIONS

STEVEN HARRISSENIOR COUNSEL

TARGA RESOURCES PARTNERS LP

October 2, 2014

Education

I. Education and training. A. Associates degree in paralegal studies or bachelor’s degree and subsequent certificate in paralegal studies. B. On-the-job training

II. Certificate, Certificated, Certification… There is a difference A. Certified paralegal – completed a certification exam or other requirements of a certifying organization. Usually includes prior work experience as a paralegal, meeting educational requirements and passing an exam. B. Certification – voluntary membership. The scope, duration and requirements vary with each certifying organization.

I. Locate, review and understand your job description.A. Typical tasks include maintaining and organizing files,

conducting legal research, document drafting and review, prepare corporate governance documents, and monitor and review government regulations.

B. Non-traditional, but expected, tasks may include making travel arrangements, ordering meals, and/or training attorneys how to

use computers.II. Meet with your attorney(s) to discuss department and company

expectations. III. Review your resume and compare your education and experience to the job description. IV. Meet with other paralegals to discuss similarities and differences in your job descriptions.

Corporate Requirements

WHY AM I HERE?

I. Assist the attorney(s)II. Support the clientIII. Improve your job skillsIV. Earn a good salary

Assist the Attorney(s)

I. Help your attorney(s) be problem solvers A. Remain calm during a crisis. B. Think outside the box, if appropriate. II. LEARN THE BUSINESS A. Develop a deep understanding of the industry and client

objectives. B. Attend seminars, department meetings, client meetings,

etc. C. Review the company financial reports. D. Read the company news. III. Routinely review your job descriptionIV. Accurately and honestly represent your education and

experience A. Discuss your past work experience, including

limitations. B. Ask for additional training.

SUPPORT THE CLIENT

I. Develop an understanding of client needs. II. Become an alternate contact for client when attorney(s) is not

available.III. Ask the client relevant questions. Get institutional knowledge

about how the business operates.IV. Help your attorney(s) come up with solutions to client problems.

Be a creative problem solver.V. Learn how to be a team player. A. Be a good listener. B. Speak the language of the business. Learn and use acronyms.VI. Be responsive to client needs.VII. Always remember that time-sensitive work is the norm.

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

I. Realistically evaluate your skills.II. Get certified or certificated.III. Attend continuing education seminars.IV. Ask attorney(s) for challenging assignments.V. Consider temporarily working in a business unit.VI. Review job postings to determine what skills are being sought.VII. Develop an education/experience plan and complete it.

EARN A GOOD SALARY

I. Review your most recent performance appraisal and consult with attorney(s) to determine how to effectively improve your performance.

II. Focus on tasks and matters that highlight your skills. III. Increase your workload to capacity. IV. Compare current salary to market survey. V. Ask for a raise.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

• United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics• What makes a GREAT IN-HOUSE COUNSEL? Mike Stetz, First Chair, 2014• U.S. News, Best Social Service Jobs• College of Education, Criminal Justice, & Human Services, University of

Cincinatti• Ampulse, What Does a Paralegal Do?