Missing a legal deadline isn't just an inconvenience — it can end a case, cost a client their rights, and expose your firm to serious liability. In today's legal environment, paralegals and attorneys who master deadline management aren't just valuable — they're essential.

In this episode of Para Era, Allison McKeen sits down with Marisa Rua to break down the exact strategies top legal professionals use to track, manage, and never miss a critical deadline. From distinguishing hard court deadlines from flexible internal ones, to building bulletproof calendaring systems using spreadsheets and case management tools, Marisa shares the practical framework she's developed working in litigation.

You'll learn how to monitor court dockets and statutory deadlines weekly, how to set up a communication system so nothing slips through the cracks when team members are out, and why attorney accountability doesn't excuse a paralegal from owning their role in deadline management.

This episode is for paralegals, legal assistants, and attorneys who want to run a tighter, safer practice. Whether you're new to litigation or a seasoned pro, the systems Marisa walks through will level up how your team handles deadlines — starting today.

Subscribe to Para Era for more expert conversations on building a modern, high-performing legal practice.

Learn more at bestera.com

Allison McKeen sits down with Marisa Rua to talk about how she went from receptionist to paralegal — and what it really takes to break into the legal field. If you've ever wondered how to get into law without a law degree, this conversation is for you.

Marisa shares the real day-to-day of paralegal work, the skills that matter most, how to get your foot in the door, and why hands-on experience is everything in this industry.

Whether you're just starting out or thinking about a career change, this episode gives you the practical roadmap you need.

🔗 Resources mentioned:

• Best Era: https://bestera.com

• Connecticut Judicial Website: https://www.jud.ct.gov

📌 CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction and Why Consider a Paralegal Career

01:05 Why Become a Paralegal? Rewards and Challenges

02:01 Daily Tasks and Skills Needed for Paralegals

03:09 How to Enter the Paralegal Profession

03:58 Starting as a Receptionist and Moving Up

05:32 Gaining Experience and Career Progression

06:50 Educational Background and Practical Training

08:22 The Culture of Law Firms and Community

09:30 Pathways and Encouragement for Aspiring Paralegals

10:38 Additional Resources and Future Topics

Discover how to transform your legal team dynamics by moving from micromanagement to trust. In this episode, Marisa and Allison explore the common mistakes lawyers make, such as ignoring paralegals and failing to communicate effectively. Learn practical strategies to foster a culture of grace, improve productivity, and build stronger relationships within your team. Perfect for attorneys and paralegals seeking healthier, more collaborative work environments.

Learn more about Para Era.

The conversation covers topics such as challenges in legal training, adapting to technological changes, human connection in legal practice, employee retention, and promoting a positive work culture. Marisa and Maggie discuss the importance of leadership, empathy, and continuous learning in the legal field. They emphasize the need for supportive work environments and the value of investing in employee development.Takeaways

• Importance of empathy and human connection in legal practice
• Promoting a positive work culture and investing in employee development

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Community Engagement
• 06:24 Lessons from Healthcare Consulting
• 11:49 Importance of Personal Interaction
• 17:27 Employee Retention and Firm Culture
• 22:36 Networking and Seeking Advice
• 28:24 Investing in New Practitioners
• 33:40 Promoting a Positive Work Culture

In this candid and relatable episode of The Way for Paralegals, Marisa Rua and Allison McKeen tackle a provocative topic with humor and honesty: the so-called “stupid” things paralegals do, and why they’re actually incredibly human responses to high-pressure work.

The conversation explores the habit of blaming yourself for angry clients, taking responsibility for attorney mistakes, staying silent when boundaries are crossed, and pushing through the day without breaks. Marisa and Allison unpack the emotional weight paralegals carry, the importance of documentation, communication, and self-advocacy, and how empathy can coexist with firm professional limits.

They also discuss recognizing toxic work environments, asking for education and career growth, and the small daily resets that protect mental health in a demanding field. This episode is a reminder that being a great paralegal doesn’t mean absorbing everyone else’s stress. It means building skills, confidence, and boundaries that let you thrive long term.

Join the Para Era Slack community here:
https://bestera.com/coaching/paralegal-training/

In the debut episode of The Way for Paralegals, hosts Marisa Rua and Allison McKeen tackle a belief that haunts law firms everywhere: the idea that the perfect, plug-and-play paralegal is waiting to be found. They break down why no hire can magically know your systems, your workflow, or your firm’s culture and why intentional training is the real game changer.

Drawing from real experience, they explore onboarding mistakes, the value of hiring for attitude and adaptability over resumes, and how structured paralegal training builds confident teams. The conversation dives into practical challenges like templates, demands, liens, and communication gaps that create anxiety for new hires and risk for firms. They also introduce their customized paralegal training approach, designed to bridge the gap between raw potential and firm-ready performance.

This episode is a must-listen for law firm owners, attorneys, and paralegals who want stronger teams, smoother onboarding, and a healthier training culture from day one.

Join the Para Era Slack community here: Para Era