Are you thinking about joining the IndyBar Paralegal Executive Committee, but want a little more information before making the commitment? Current committee members Christina Jack and Kate Marshall Wolff are here for you with a few reasons to join!
- Networking. Developing professional relationships is a great way to learn of job opportunities, share ideas and develop insights into the local legal community. There are many opportunities to engage with IndyBar members while serving on the executive committee. You can make invaluable connections while being a valued member of the Paralegal Executive Committee. Our top advice for new paralegals entering the profession is to build your network!
- Continuing education. You can get access to quality education and professional development that keep you up-to-date on a broad array of educational and professional practices. Plus, as a member of the Executive Committee, you can have a voice in developing and executing what educational and professional development opportunities that we offer to the paralegal members. Staying informed is an amazing way to advance your career.
- Mentorship. Whether you want to be one or find one, mentoring is essential to our profession. We don’t know everything, and we all need advice and support as we navigate our careers. Joining the Paralegal Executive Committee will give you the opportunity to speak with students and/or connect with experienced professionals. Mentoring is also extremely helpful in both seeking new talent to work with and a way to find new employment opportunities.
- Access to resources. Did you know the IndyBar has services and resources designed and created for members? We have access to the Marion County Courts Guide, which features procedures and policies of Marion County judges in one central repository. We have a functional forms directory, and if you can’t find what you are looking for, then it is almost certain another paralegal has it. As a member of the Paralegal Executive Committee, you have all multiple resources to assistance at your fingertips – we are only an email away.
- Pro bono and volunteer opportunities. Volunteering may be one of the most rewarding ways to give back to the community. Organizations and other committees often reach out to us with opportunities. In the past year, IndyBar paralegals were asked to assist both with the Helping Enrich Attorney's Lives (HEAL) program and in conjunction with Indiana Legal Services and their rental assistance program. HEAL aims to provide support and/or assistance during times of personal and professional crisis to members of the legal community, including judges, lawyers, law students and paralegals. You can sign up and volunteer as your schedule permits for everything from shoveling a snowy walk to taking a meal to someone. Additionally, IndyBar has been assisting Indiana Legal Services to provide volunteers for the rental assistance program, which is giving people who are either threatened by or directly facing eviction in Marion County with free legal advice and assistance navigating the Indy Rents portal. This program has already benefited hundreds of Marion County residents. Not only do the volunteers with these programs get to assist people in need, but they also get to do so in a cast of legal rockstars. We are looking forward to increasing our community outreach and partnering on many more worthy projects in the future.
- Friendship. Cultivating adult friendships is challenging, especially in the current times of virtual meetings and remote working. Add in crazy work schedules and who has the time to talk to other people socially? As an active member of the committee, you have opportunities to interact with a diverse group of individuals with common goals and profession. Lifelong friends are made here.
- Professional development. Leading a committee or serving in a leadership position helps you grow and develop leadership and communication skills. Joining the paralegal executive committee develops skills that help you stay motived and may fuel (or refuel) your passion about the paralegal profession. Are you interested in obtaining paralegal certification? Our members have successfully passed the exam and we have study groups and real-life advice available.
- Skills for your resume. In addition to the skills you may acquire as a part of the Paralegal Executive Committee, adding a leadership position to your resume may set you apart from other applicants. It is indication that you possess leadership skills and are up to date on emerging topics in the legal field. Being a part of the Paralegal Committee shows that you have a passion for your career and are developing resources and connections to assist you in your work.
- Job opportunities. You can increase your job prospects by joining. You get connected with other section and committee leaders, have more opportunities to meet and mingle (even virtually) and you are in the know about the next latest and greatest happenings at the IndyBar. By connecting with other individuals and having name recognition, you get to be in a place to hear things first. Being in this committee is also a great way to find those not yet advertised jobs or moving into a higher-level position.
- Fun! We have fun! In addition to our yearly Paralegal Appreciation Luncheon and the Holiday Luncheon (complete with a little friendly competition), we connect with our fantastic family of associations, including the Indiana Paralegal Association and the Indiana State Bar Association for meetings and more. Socials, support, talking to other adults who know what you’re going through and generally having a place to throw a line out when you just need a friend.
Join as a paralegal member here. If you are interested in serving on the Executive Committee, please contact 2022 chair, Christina Jack, here.
If you would like to submit content or write an article for the Paralegal Committee, please email Kara Sikorski at ksikorski@indybar.org.
Subscribe to Paralegal Committee news here!
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