Practical Paralegalism

Paralegal Career Dressing: I Get Some Fish for My Office

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne DeVenny) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Over the last decade, I've happily walked my neighbor's dog when he was out of town, and greatly admired a huge poster he had hanging in his front hall of "The Goldfish" by Matisse (usually hanging in Moscow if you want to see the original!)

This week he gave it to me, saying it didn't go with his new paint scheme. I offered to pay for it, but he said it was a yard sale find and slightly warped. Which I can totally relate to.

Fish for my office! Grey Slacks (Loft clearance); Cardigan (Overstock I think); Turtleneck (Ross Dress for Less $9.99); Mary Janes (Hamricks); Hoops (Steinmart)

T-shirt fabric makes for a very comfortable day.

It's all in the details and fake diamond hoops.

Associate Lauren Weinstein and I whip out the iPads at a firm meeting.

Now that's art: dual monitors and Matisse.

What kind of pictures do you like to hang in your office space?

TGIF: More Fun with Legal Ethics

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne DeVenny) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Enjoy this video excerpt from Sean Carter's presentation "10 Commandments of Legal Ethics." Sean was a terrific guest on the most recent Paralegal Voice podcast, "A Fun Dose of Paralegal Ethics".

Enjoy your weekend away from all those irresistible lawyers :P

Paralegal Career Dressing: Thursday's Deals Keep You Warm at jcpenney

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne DeVenny) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:55:00 +0000

Jcpenney announced a radical new marketing strategy this week, slashing its prices up to 40% year round, saving its customers the inconvenience of waiting until strategic sales to shop. I've bought a few separates for work from jcpenney over the years, and am looking forward to seeing how its new marketing and retail plan works.

This is a great time of year to shop for outerwear to mix with your basics, so I did a little window shopping at jcpenney.

Relieve the winter blahs with this Two Button Jacket ~ $35 (jcpenney)

Cure this winter blues with this Pick-Stitch Blazer ~ $40 (jcpenney)

Stay warm in this striped shawl collar cardigan ~ $35 (jcpenney)

Get the scoop in this MNG cardi ~ $40 (jcpenney)

Stay in touch with your classic roots in this jackquard cardigan ~ $25 (jcpenney)

Legal Professional Profile: Donna Vangury, Certified Legal Document Preparer

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne DeVenny) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Donna Vangury

Job Title: Arizona Certified Legal Document Preparer

Employer: Dovan Associates, Inc., http://www.dovanassociates.com/

Years of Paralegal Experience: 17

Education/Degrees: Bachelor of Science in Business Management, with minor in Psychology, Associate of Arts in General Business with emphasis in Paralegal.

Specialty Areas: Family Law, Bankruptcy, Civil Actions, Estate Planning, Probate, LLC and Corporations.

Career Highlight: Saving a child from an abusive parent.

Future Professional Goal: To expand our office and continue my education in Law.

Paralegal Practice Tip: To be organized and take notes!

Paralegal Career Dressing: I'm Good with Used Clothes

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne DeVenny) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:30:00 +0000

When The Teen got in the car after school, she relayed a conversation she'd had about finding expensive designer labels in thrift stores. A friend from a family that has way more money than we do announced she only shops in the designer stores and wouldn't be caught dead wearing anybody else's clothes. She was all, "EWWW (insert squeal) GROSSSSS!"

I guess I can see why used clothes would bother some people, but I've always loved a good hand-me-down from peeps whose style choices I admire.

And I really like this $4 sweater I scored at a thrift store, which looks enough like really expensive ones I ogled online to satisfy me.

New York & Co Sweater (thrifted); No-iron shirt (Banana Republic on sale @$11); Herringbone pencil skirt (Target @$20); Tights (Walmart); Boots (Rack Room BOGO years ago); Belt (Ross Dress for Less); Brooches (family antiques); Earrings (I forgot)

It's not that pink, and it's really, really soft.

Diamonds. Not.

Pink, pink, pink.

Do you like wearing hand-me-downs and shopping in thrift stores, or is that too gross to contemplate?

Paralegal Career Dressing: Wednesday's Deal Is Super Soft at Gap

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne DeVenny) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 23:32:00 +0000

As I drove home from work today, I got kind of stuck (again) on why catalog and make-up models don't look like real women, or even like they're legal drinking-age, and yet real woman still buy clothes and make-up from companies that seem to make us want to feel bad for being legal drinking-age, or even way past it. And you know, for having had a few drinks, a few laughs, a few pounds, a few wrinkles, and more or less, a real life.

There's not much I can do about it except lop the models' heads off when I feature reasonably priced career clothing. But I left this model's head on because I'd actually wear this entire outfit to the office, she is very lovely even if she might not be old enough to vote, and you can't have too many supersoft crewneck Ts to mix and re-mix with everything you own.

Supersoft crewneck T $7.99 - $14.99, depending on color (Gap)

Paralegal Career Dressing: Move Over, Kermit

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne DeVenny) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I don't know why I ordered green tights from We Love Colors, http://www.welovecolors.com/. I don't actually have many green clothes. But I've always liked frogs.

Also, this whole self-photography thing is wonderfully challenging, but totally hit and miss for newbies, like me. But I'll get better, I swear. (Sing softly in your best Kermit voice, "Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection. The lovers, the dreamers, and me.")

Cardigan (Ann Taylor); Adrienne Vittadini sheath (Steinmart clearance @$16); Candie's Mary Janes (Kohl's clearance); Tights (We Love Colors); Multiple necklaces

If I tell you how old the cardigan is, I'll have to kill you. Okay, at least 25 years old. Seriously, I treat the ribbon embroidery like it's the family silver. Probably because I don't have any family silver.

Skulking around in the bushes at work.

I'm thinkin' elementary school recess...

Plus, it's freakin' freezin' out here. Okay, it was 60 degrees. Style bloggin' is not for wimps like me.

I did get a lot of compliments on the multiple small necklaces, which were totally inspired by a picture of Johnny Depp I saw in a People Magazine the night before I wore this. No one rocks a three-piece suit and multiple pendants like Johnny.

I'm a fool for flowers and Johnny.

What's the oldest article of clothing you own that you've still got in rotation in your career wardrobe?

I'm a Paralegal, and I'm Here All Week

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne DeVenny) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:30:00 +0000

That's a stamp, whippersnappers.

In the last year, my areas of specialization and legal support duties have expanded to include immigration, federal criminal, and Social Security disability cases, which I love, except for the communication with federal agencies part.

More accurately, the attempt to communicate with federal agencies part.

In order not to end up on any government, er, hit lists, let us just say that none of these agencies is overly fond o' the email, the electronic data, or giving out direct contact information in any way, shape, or form, period, end of statement.

Shoot, I'm not even sure they're too keen on publishing real telephone numbers.

All contact should be in writing, on bond paper, hole-punched, not directed to a recipient with an actual name or job title, and preferably delivered via Pony Express.

Read more »

Paralegal Career Dressing: It's Hard to Mess Up a Black Turtleneck

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne DeVenny) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:19:00 +0000

I thought about titling this post, "Look, Ma, it only took me 35 years to figure out you can wear a dress more than one way!" Seriously, I never wore my sheath dresses over shirts until I started reading career style blogs. In the past, if I was really flinging caution to the wind, I might wear a different cardi over it.

Also, I want to be honest about what motivates my style choices sometimes, bein' as I'm almost 50 years old, and cannot do things I used to when I was a young whippersnapper in the 80s, with big hair, blue eyeshadow, giant shoulder pads, and plastic stilettos. Like wear high heels well. Sometimes I fall off them, get scared, and go flat for a few days. Then it's back on the heels again. Until I fall off them the next time.

Calvin Klein sheath (Marshalls clearance); Turtleneck (Target @$13); Slouch boots (Target); Tights (Target); Chain (Burlington Coat probs)

I wear this chain all the time because it goes with everything, and I don't have to think about it.

Re-visiting old times, I wore this dress in one of the first few pictures of myself I was willing to post in April 2011. I was 20 pounds heavier, and this dress still fits! I think it's made of Willie Wonka fabric.

I just realized I miss my long hair intensely.

Did I make a mistake cutting it all off? Do you ever regret a major haircut - months after you did it?

Paralegal Career Dressing: Jackets from Charlotte Russe

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne DeVenny) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:45:00 +0000

After seeing my supervising attorney's new jacket from Charlotte Russe, I thought I should give the store another look from a career dressing perspective. Yes, I've been in the local store a few times with The Teen, but didn't look at clothes for work, well, because it's very geared to young skinny women who can get away with super-short skirts and miniscule strips of stretchy fabric, not women approaching 50 who work in law firms.

But I found a few jackets in Charlotte Russe's online store that would be great for office wear or business casual.

Contrast Piping Belted Trench ~ $39.99 (Definitely don't wear a skirt to work as short as the model's)

Radiant in Red Blazer ~ $39.99 (Great pop of color. Style with a modest tank & pencil skirt or slacks, or over a sheath or print dress)

Ruffled knit moto jacket ~ $34.99 (I tried to crop the stretch skirt off. This would be beautiful with a pencil skirt or slacks.)

Paralegal Career Dressing: Charlotte Russe in the Courtroom

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne DeVenny) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:30:00 +0000

One of my supervising attorneys, Helen Parsonage, recently featured in The Xemplar, and also made a partner of our firm, almost always has to be dressed for a variety of court appearances, and manages to do it with great style and elegance - and on a budget. She's wonderful to work for, in no small part because she was a paralegal herself for eight years before becoming a lawyer.

When I saw her in this coat, I begged to photograph her for Practical Paralegalism (in truth, most of my co-workers run and hide when they see my camera, or hope I'll forget I asked, which I never do). She saw the coat at a university holiday party, and was surprised to find it came from Charlotte Russe, normally a mecca of trendy, inexpensive clothes for juniors. She scored it for $20, a great deal for a versatile piece.

Coat (Charlotte Russe); Skirt (Spiegel clearance); Blouse (hand-me-down); Shoes (Rack Room BOGO while buying kids' shoes)

This is also a great coat for the horrible wet and windy weather we've been enjoying for months.

Helen's style is simple and elegant, and usually features a key focal piece such as a jacket - with great shoes.

Helen also has the best collection of designer shoes I've ever seen. Her shoes could have their own Tumblr blog. I've asked her to write a guest post about shopping for shoes on eBay, because she finds the best deals.

We wear the same size, but haven't fought over shoes in thrift stores - yet.

Have you scored any great work wear from traditionally junior-oriented stores?

Forbes Says Paralegals among Highest Paying Two-Year Degree Jobs in U.S.

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne DeVenny) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:58:00 +0000

I know many of my readers are students enrolled in paralegal programs, some hoping to start second or third careers. It's encouraging to see Forbes, a leading business publication, include paralegals among the highest paying two-year degree jobs in the United States, along with nurses, x-ray technicians, dental hygienists, computer support specialists, solar panel consultants and installers, hospitality workers - and funeral directors.

But the article might be a little misleading for paralegal wannabes that haven't done their homework. Yes, many experienced paralegals can and do earn more than $40,000 a year, depending on where they live, who they work for, and what specialty areas they are trained in.

However, some experienced paralegals don't make $40,000 or more a year, usually those located in rural or more depressed economic areas, and/or those that work for solos or small firms.

And very few brand new paralegals make $40,000 or more a year, unless they are extremely lucky, or bring unique transferable skills to specialized positions.

Finally, none of those paralegal positions paying $40,000 or more a year are easy to get, especially in this economy. For every job posted, even those paying $25,000 a year, there are usually a number of experienced applicants, and perhaps even a few unemployed attorneys, vying for a chance at an interview.

Being a paralegal is a great career, but it takes a lot of determination and hard work to get to the point where you can command an annual salary of $40,000 or more a year.

Source: Forbes

New Paralegal Voice Podcast: A Fun Dose of Paralegal Ethics

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne DeVenny) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:15:00 +0000

The latest edition of The Paralegal Voice, “A Fun Dose of Paralegal Ethics” co-hosted by Vicki Voisin and me, is now available at Legal Talk Network.

Sean Carter

Can paralegal ethics be fun? On this podcast, lawyer/humorist Sean Carter, founder of Lawpsided Seminars, shares his comedic approach to legal education, the biggest challenges for legal staffers today, and his thoughts on his popular talk, "Thou Shalt Not Lie, Cheat and Steal: The 10 Commandments of Legal Ethics".

Also in this episode:

Why Sean became a lawyer
How he became a popular legal humorist
How paralegals can find greater job satisfaction
Dealing with difficult supervising attorneys and colleagues
How to avoid ethical breaches when talking about your job
How to stay abreast of new practice and technology skills
Keeping yourself together mentally and physically
Vicki’s practice tip and Lynne’s social media/technology tip

Page URL: http://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/paralegal-voice/2012/01/a-fun-dose-of-paralegal-ethics/

MP3 Link: http://legaltalkmedia.com/LTN/PLV/PLV_011712_Ethics.mp3

Internet resources and links mentioned during the podcast:

Lawpsided Seminars, http://www.lawhumorist.com/
Sean’s YouTube channel, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YX30lk-psg
Sean’s Twitter feed, https://twitter.com/lawhumorist
Sean’s Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/lawhumorist
Sean’s LinkedIn profile, http://www.linkedin.com/pub/sean-carter/b/a9/b34
Sean Carter on Arizona’s Immigration Law (YouTube), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jf-_1NsdoS0

The Paralegal Voice also thanks its sponsors: Redact-It, Clio, and NALA...The Association of Paralegals and Legal Assistants.

Please share the links to this episode of The Paralegal Voice with your friends and colleagues. If you have a request for a future show, or a question for us, you are welcome to contact us at TheParalegalVoice@gmail.com.

Also, you can make sure you never miss a podcast by subscribing to any Legal Talk Network show, including The Paralegal Voice, by using the RSS Feed links or iTunes links at http://legaltalknetwork.com/rss-feeds/.

Practical Paralegalism's Recommended Reading this Week

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne DeVenny) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I blog for paralegals and legal professionals to share information they may find helpful for professional development, or simply entertaining during a fast-paced week. Once a week (or less when Life happens - expect less with many projects looming in 2012), I share links to a half dozen or so articles focusing on law practice and technology, professionalism, career dressing on a budget, legal news, and hopefully, a good laugh or two.

I also share the daily minutia of a paralegal and working mom at Practical Paralegalism's Facebook Page and via my Twitter Feed, @ExpertParalegal.

An associate brought in bad-ass brownies. It was a good day to be a paralegal :)

Here are this week's links:

IP Firm Hires Local Paralegal Grads instead of Outsourcing to India

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne DeVenny) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

The good news for paralegal students at National American University and Western Dakota Technical Institute in South Dakota is that a growing Rapid City firm, Black Hills IP, which provides paralegal and support services to patent and trademark attorneys, is eager to hire them for jobs that used to be outsourced to India.

In fact, the Rapid City Journal reported that local hiring in the U.S. by employers such as Black Hills IP "is part of the national trend of firms moving their legal support services back to the U.S. from India." Reasons for the trend, which is great news for paralegals and other legal support staffers, include the ability to work with staff in real time, the reduction in the wage differential between U.S. and Indian employees, and better technology for patent and trademark law in the U.S.

Of note, the productivity of U.S. paralegals is higher than their Indian counterparts.

Black Hill IP chose Rapid City in part because it has two paralegal programs that produce a significant supply of graduates each year:

Read more »

Legal Assistant Shaves Head to Help Cancer-Stricken Friend

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne DeVenny) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:45:00 +0000

Hiley and Litjens via the Brighouse ECHO

Most of us haven't been in the position of shaving our heads to support a friend, but a recent news story about Rachel Hiley, a British legal assistant from Hipperholme, who shaved her head to support her childhood friend stricken with lung cancer, Rachael Litjens, made me think about the depths of true friendship, and how far I'd go for a good friend in need.

The Brighouse ECHO reported that Hiley willingly gave up her beautiful long brown hair to support Litjens, an administrative assistant and mother of two teenage boys. Shaving her head also raised money for the Greenlea Oncology Trust. Her shorn locks were donated to an organization that makes wigs for children with cancer.

Hiley told the Brighouse ECHO that shaving her head was nothing compared to what cancer patients go through.

These women illustrate how deep the bonds of a long and beautiful friendship can go, and remind me that our hair really is a trifle compared to helping friends and family through hard times. I hope you'll join me in sending healing wishes and prayers to Rachael Litjens.

Sources: Brighouse ECHO; Halifax Courier

Paralegal Profile: Dawn Fountain

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne DeVenny) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:45:00 +0000

Dawn Fountain

Job Title:   Freelance Paralegal/Certified Legal Document Preparer

Employer:   Classic Legal Help, http://classiclegalhelp.com/

Years of Paralegal Experience:   18.5

Education/Degrees: Associate in Science (Paralegal)

Specialty Areas: Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and Family Law

Career Highlight: Working on my own, having my business in more than one state (Arizona and Florida)

Future Professional Goal: Open the next office in Oregon by the end of 2013.

Read more »

Paralegal Career Dressing: Thursday's Deal Is Button Down Back at Loft

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne DeVenny) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Yes, I bought this sweater super on sale, and the buttons down the back are really cool. Enter code SHOPSALE at checkout, and get an additional 60% off the sale price below.

Petite Stripe Button Down Back Sweater ~ $29.99 (Loft)

Paralegal Career Dressing: Loft Sale & Handmade Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne DeVenny) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

I love Loft, http://www.loft.com/, for classic work wear, but it usually only fits my budget when the entire store is 40-50% off, including the sale and clearance racks. I finally scored those gray slacks I was seeking, on sale big time this weekend. I'm still having problems with most of my clothes being too big. It's weird to worry about shrinking.

Live props - whatever it takes to make these indoor pics more interesting :) Slacks (Loft on sale); Sweater (Loft on sale); Booties (Ross @$14); Necklace (Zafirenia Handmade Jewelry)

Not only can I not get attorneys to answer my emails, but their dogs ignore me, too :P

I bought this necklace last year from an Etsy shop, Zafirenia Handmade Jewelry, when I was in my flower jewelry phase. (Which I still am). While she does make very beautiful bridal jewelry, she also makes wonderful vintage necklaces.

A fun take on classic pearls.

While shopping Zafirenia's site today, I made a little wish list:

Owl Necklace ~ $32

Pearl Necklace ~ $35

Cameo Pendant Necklace ~ $38

P.S. This is not a sponsored post. Just a wish list :)

What's your fave Etsy shop?

We Finally Got a Law Firm Dog!

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne DeVenny) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:51:00 +0000

For realsies, peeps. Forget that April Fool's post of 2009 in which I ~~liar liar pants on fire~~ announced we were getting a law firm dog.

You can imagine my shock when I walked into my Big Boss's office last week and saw a dog crate. Having not a clue, I blurted, "Is that for the bad employees?"

Turns out I missed his new puppy Rosie's visit to the office a few days earlier.

But he brought Rosie back today.

Exhibit A: Real live dog in my office.

I asked if she could live at the office, you know, just during the day. And not only because it's a cool marketing ploy to have a law firm dog.

But because dogs make people happy.

Exhibit B: My co-worker Shannon getting puppy kisses.

Well except for yesterday after work when The Corginator greeted me at the door, along with the 5-lb bag of baking potatoes she'd decimated. Yeah, it was her. She still had part of the bag stuck on an incisor.

I think the signs are really good for a law firm dog now (after begging, for like, 20 years). Rosie has a crate, a dog bed, AND toys in the Big Boss's office.

Exhibit C: Law Firm Dog

Paralegal Career Dressing: Wednesday's Deal Is Black Jack at Old Navy

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne DeVenny) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:30:00 +0000

I did black and white print in today's style post, but another way to do a great black and white print is this printed wrap dress from Old Navy. The Black Jack print is perfect for conservative fashionistas, and the green Serpent print is a super choice for those looking for a bright pop of color in their work wardrobe. The care instructions say "hand wash," which I always interpret as machine wash, cold water, delicate cycle, and hang to dry. Because I'm lazy.

Printed Wrap Dress $32.94 (Old Navy)

Paralegal Career Dressing: Thrifted and Gifted

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne DeVenny) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Yesterday, my outfit was entirely thrifted or gifted. You really can get dressed for work for under $50.

I also tried pattern mixing, but I think from these photos I've learned that pattern-mixing requires different patterns and colors. The black and white scarf and the black and white sweater didn't come together, but they sure look like they did.

Also, between the wind and the rain and the cold, there may be no outside pictures for a while. I really admire some of the northern style bloggers who stand out in the snow and get well-lit, artistic pictures, but I'd just stand there and look like a wet cat. Probably.

Gap sweater ($7 thifted!); Scarf (gift); Loft skirt (thrifted - never worn!); Bracelets (Walmart); Earrings (Burlington Coat Outlet); Pumps (Hamricks); Tights (Walmart)

Wow, you may need sunglasses to sort out this sweater and scarf...

Bucky says the sweater looks better sans scarf, and he's keeping it.

Have you tried pattern-mixing yet?

Today's Quote: How 'bout that Brazen Personal Phone Use at Work?

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne DeVenny) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:33:00 +0000

At a law firm I previously worked with, a legal secretary sat outside my office in my direct line of sight from my desk. She would brazenly type on her personal phone so often in the course of the workday that I nicknamed her “Blackberry girl.” She wasn’t employed there for very long. ~ Excerpt from "Smithson: Making the call on workplace cell phone abuse" (Kelowna Capital News)

This looks good, when you're using apps for work.

The columnist has a point, i.e. that frequent personal cell phone use at your desk looks bad and is bad, if you are sending personal texts, checking Facebook, and/or online shopping.

Which is why I recently made a point of telling my long-time supervising attorney that when he sees me brazenly typing on my iPhone often during the course of a workday, it's because I'm using it for work, such as the notes feature when he breezes by my desk casually mentioning to-dos, the Court Days app for quick litigation deadline calculations, the calculator app for short sums that don't require an Excel spreadsheet, or the Days Between app for settlement figures.

He can nickname me "iPhone/iPad fangirl" if he wants. I use both all day long for work.

And I paid for both devices and all the legal, business, and productivity apps myself.

Source: Kelowna Capital News

Receptionist Fired for Working through Lunch Wins Unemployment Appeal

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne DeVenny) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:10:00 +0000

Looks harmless, but this could get you fired.

I know, I didn't think anyone who volunteered to work through lunch to catch up on some extra assignments would be fired for it, but not only did Chicago receptionist Sharon Smiley get fired - after 10 years of working for the same realty company - she was also accused of insubordination and misconduct.

I bet some of you are re-thinking your willingness to work through a few lunches right now, which is why I'm writing about this news story, even though Smiley technically wasn't a legal staffer. Still, many people with paralegal degrees would certainly consider realty companies as possible places to use their training and specialized skills.

Seriously, Smiley only worked through lunch the one time, and lost her job at Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc. in January 2010. Then her former employer challenged her claim for unemployment benefits, which was denied at the state level, and she couldn't find a lawyer to handle her appeal. She faced the loss of her home and missed many meals, but held things together by bar-tending, working temp jobs, and accepting some help from her church.

The Chicago Tribune reports Smiley's "horror story" started with her good intentions to catch up on some work:

Read more »

Paralegal Career Dressing: Today's Deal Is a Tahari Suit at Dillard's

noreply@blogger.com (Lynne DeVenny) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:15:00 +0000

Since my style post for today is about court dressing, I'm featuring a similar black Tahari suit on sale at Dillard's, that is under $100 and perfect for court.

Tahari by ASL 2-Piece Pantsuit ~ $83.99 (Dillard's)