Every good paralegal knows that most attorneys cannot be trusted with an original document. In our office, we have an “originals” box for safely storing original documents, such as verifications and agreements, whether signed or to be signed. Having one central place for originals is especially helpful if someone is coming in to sign, co-sign or pick up the document since all staff members have access to the originals box. Attorneys are given a scan or photocopy of the signature page with their incoming mail so they know a document has been signed.
It’s super easy to create your own “no more lost originals” system. Our box contains Redweld-type dividers with manila folders, which are alphabetized but with a twist. Our creative paralegal and fellow blogger “jazzed” up the labels to give coworkers a little something to smile about every time they open the box:
- A is for Aurora
- B is for Bobby McGee
- C is for Chameleon
- D is for Dumpling
- E is for Extraterrestrial
- F is for Fleetwood Mac
- G is for Grace
- H is for Hallelujah
- I is for Iconic
- J is for Jack-O’-Lantern
- K is for Kite
- L is for Lemonade
- M is for Monongahela
- N is for Neverland
- O is for Olé
- P is for Puppy
- Q is for Queue
- R is for Rowdy
- S is for Shamiracle
- T is for Telepathy
- U is for Umbrella
- V is for Violin
- W is for Wonder Wheel
- X is for Xylophone
- Y is for Yonder
- Z is for Zesty
Family law paralegals are exposed daily to the emotional divide of relationships and some pretty ugly circumstances, like a client being served with a custody petition while at the hospital bedside of the parties’ child. But, at least when opening the originals box in our office, we are guaranteed a giggle thanks to Anna Marie. Try it yourself: A giggle a day really can help keep the stress away.
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