Jena Parker is a seasoned paralegal specializing in criminal defense, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, organization, and trustworthiness in her role. She highlights her responsibilities, which include legal research, client communication, and jury selection, while maintaining a collaborative relationship with her supervising attorney. Parker's insights aim to guide aspiring paralegals in navigating the complexities of the legal profession effectively.

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Jena Parker, Certified Paralegal
[By Robin Salisian]
As a paralegal for a criminal defense attorney at Michael Logan Ware, Jena Parker knows that in order to represent her attorney
well, she must be flexible and talented in many areas. Fortunately for this well-seasoned paralegal-11 years and counting-both
words describe her well.
In 1992, Parker received her A.A. in Applied “[It’s] probably the most important part of an open file policy giving the defense all of
Science from Tarrant County Junior College any trial,” said Parker about jury selection. their information that they have against our
in Fort Worth, Texas. She became a certified During the trial, she makes sure to take client. In some cases, the district attorney
paralegal in 1997, and in 2005, became notes, “check phone messages and return all has dismissed cases against our client. If
president of the Fort Worth Paralegal calls,” and attend to other clients. “When we not, then our clients will either plea, or we
Association (FWPA). are in trial, and an emergency comes up on will go to trial.”
another case, I will find another attorney to
The FWPA’s purpose? “To promote the handle the matter.” As a paralegal for a criminal defense
professional objectives and goals of attorney, one question Parker constantly
paralegals, to encourage, promote and Ultimately, “I am able to do everything that has to answer is how she could work for
conduct programs of continuing education an attorney does, except represent someone someone who represents someone charged
and professional development and to in court, quote fees, or give legal advice,” with a sexual assault against a child or a
promote the advancement of high standards explained Parker. “My supervising attorney murder.
of integrity and professionalism for utilizes my experience and knowledge as a
paralegals to the end that both the public paralegal and, most importantly, treats me But Parker answers with confidence. “My
and the legal profession are better served,” with respect; he is confident that my work is answer has always been that every person
says its website. accurate.” charged with a crime has a right to the
best defense possible, and that we are all
Today, Parker works at the law offices of While Parker’s day never seems typical, she innocent until proven guilty.”
Michael Logan Ware in Fort Worth, Texas. does describe what a typical case is like,
whether federal or state. First, for the “initial So, what advice does a well-seasoned
“I like not knowing what I will be doing at consultation,” Parker meets with the client paralegal like Parker have to pass on to
my job every day,” said Parker when asked and the attorney. She takes notes, asks those interested in her area of work?
what she likes about her job. “My days are questions, and then starts a file on the client.
never the same. I work for an attorney who is Next, she sends a letter to the representative “To work as a criminal law paralegal, you
supportive and will let me work closely with of the opposing attorney. must be flexible and talented in many areas.
him on all cases, from beginning to end.” Often you will have to take the ball and run.
“When the court notifies me of a court date, I This requires self-motivation.” She also adds
Her responsibilities are too numerous to send a letter of notification to the client. We these words of wisdom:
count and range from performing legal will get a copy of the district attorney’s file.
• Your attorney must feel that you can
research to keeping up her attorney’s From that information, I draft the defense
be trusted and that you are reliable.
calendar to answering phones to attending motions after conducting legal research,
trials to helping with jury selection. and in some instances, interview witnesses.
• You must be organized and be able
In Tarrant County, the district attorney has
to handle many cases at once.
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2. LAWCROSSING
THE LARGEST COLLECTION OF LEGAL JOBS ON EARTH
Legal Staff Profile www.lawcrossing.com 1. 800.973.1177
• You need to have a handle on your know the court rules, whether in On The Net
tasks. state or federal court. Each federal
court has its own local rules, and Fort Worth Paralegal Association
• Take good notes and do your follow- it is extremely important that a www.fwpa.org
up. paralegal follow each one. Keep your
rules in a binder, and update them Tarrant County College
• You must keep a tight calendar for as you receive notes.} www.tccd.edu
your attorney and yourself, and be
organized. With such helpful tips, hopeful paralegals Paralegal Focus.com
should be well on their ways to success. www.carolebruno.com
• [And] I think one, if not the, most
important advice I can give is to
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