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Lol. Im a senior paralegal and gen x. We have people in their late 60s who run circles around the 20 somethings who find it difficult to come to work and when they do, getting a full day from them is impossible. I find most of them aren't as physically fit either. Hmmm
I think it is totally valid to say the senior paralegals are the HBIC (because they are arguably the best resource within a firm), but instead of talking down on younger paralegals and support staff, let’s use constructive criticism. Harming the moral of support staff by talking down to them is not going to improve productivity/results; it may very well do the exact opposite. Also, please have grace for the younger paralegals who are just now getting their foot in the door! I remember when that was myself not too long ago and it was very daunting. Having approachable senior support staff was key to my success and I’m sure many others.
Maybe they are getting hired because of their level of experience. Maybe while they are there you can teach them technology and they can teach you what they have learned in their experience doing the work. You need both parts (technology and work experience) to truly be productive.
You all need to watch it with age discrimination. How would you like to be treated when you approach that age? Learn to work with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Really... I will love to see you hit 60 and have the stamina, knowledge, experience and resources that we, the "60 yr old's" have. We worked with typewriters, used carbon paper, without internet, AI, GPT and cell phones, which makes us more resourceful to get the job done. We are not lost without electronics, and know how to do research and read law books without the software. We can teach you a thing or two, not only at work, but in life too. Remember, you will reach your 60s one day!!!
Why not try to be more understanding and instead of complaining come up with a solution? That’s a BIG problem with this younger generation it’s all about cancel culture and complaining without giving solutions.
I'd be curious to know how they lacked common sense. Can you provide an example?i
Everybody can learn something from everybody. While technology is great, it can't always replace experience. When that technology is down for maintenance or is experiencing a glitch, experienced people will sometimes know how to do it without depending on technology.
So true! I worked retail around the Christmas holidays while between office jobs. The power went out and the younger cashiers just stood there doing nothing to move the customer line along. I just pulled out a little notebook and pencil and tallied the customers' merchandise, including tax. It must be the resourceful entrepreneurial spirit in me though. I'm not sure other mature workers would have thought of it. I should have my own little shop! Lol
We've had computers on desktops for more than 30 years and technology has developed rapidly during that time. There is no good reason that a 60-something worker today doesn't have computer skills or isn't able to adapt to changing software. I just retired at 63 and I have stronger computer skills than most of my coworkers, esp. 20-somethings, many of whom can't grasp adding a column of numbers in Excel! It's the specific people your firm is hiring, not the age group.
Coach
Goodpoint. Many elderly or people of a more "mature age" are great with technology. I agree, it sounds like they're maybe not hiring the creme of the crop and or are not adequately vetting them to ensure that they have at least the basic skills to work the apps and computer programs when they hire them.
If this is a recurring issue, I would recommend that paralegal colleagues be a part of the hiring process. I have found that even attorneys don’t necessarily understand what it takes to do our job and HR is even further removed. If someone tells me that they know a certain computer software, I will ask real life questions to see how they handled certain tasks. If they can’t answer those type of questions, it is very evident they don’t know the technology. If they say they haven’t used case management software, I would ask how they have managed case updates in past positions and follow up questions on how they have had to overcome technology obstacles in the past. Their answers will generally give you an idea of their adaptability to technology.
I am a seasoned paralegal with 12 years + experience, I know CMS like the back of my hand. I can perform legal research and find things nobody can find. Unfortunately, I can't get a firm to even interview me. Been unemployed since May. I may be over qualified because most firms do not want to pay a livable wage.
I mean, it's kind of a bummer that people that age have to stay in the workforce when they should be retiring. It's also not entirely their fault that they are hired for a job they are unqualified for. HR should prioritize people who have experience with the software, and you may want to provide them with that feedback.
I'm sorry you're dealing with that. I can't even imagine how frustrating that would be, because I'm guessing you're having to pick up most of the slack. Hopefully they hire people who actually can help you out soon.
Maybe the problem is the trainer and the method of training. If people keep getting fired after “adequate” training maybe it isn’t actually adequate.
I am a 26 year old paralegal with about 5 years of in-office experience. The two people who can work tech way better than me are the senior paralegal and our managing attorney; both in their 50’s-60’s. As long as support staff are staying informed with new tech (as any paralegal should be) it normally is fine. Don’t assume someone’s skills based on age alone!
Blame whoever keeps hiring them.
This 60 year old attorney probably has 40 years of great experience. He was hired for that reason. Try and be proactive. If he doesn't learn the software than take it over from him. Have him email you with updates and you can enter into the software. It's a little more work but will save you headaches. This man isn't going to change so you have to find a way around it.
I work in mass torst complex lit. We are not assigned to attorneys. We are a team of para's and case managers who work remotely and set our own schedule. HR just happen to hire some not so experienced bad, elderly seeds who could not or would not learn new technology because they would rather stay living in the past where they are comfortable. That isn't how law firms operate these days.
Mentor
Well when the lights go out and the old typewriters are pulled out, unfortunatel, the young’uns while be lost. And believe me the electricity will go out soon for a while with all the crap going on right now so don’t knock the old schooler. They can whip it and get it done while the young’ is are scratching their heads and panickin, what the bleep do we do, how do we word this or that. So be careful how you judge the old whipper snappers; they do know a thing or two that could and would put the young ones to shame. Hell hath no fury of a paralegal scorned.