Paralegal Tea Time

Clarence Barry-Austin, Esq. is a New Jersey personal injury attorney with decades of experience representing clients injured in automobile accidents and slip-and-fall cases. He owns and manages a successful plaintiff's law practice, where he is passionate about improving legal processes, mentoring legal professionals, and embracing technology to better serve clients. Tonight, Clarence joins us to share practical insights from the front lines of personal injury law and the vital role paralegals play in delivering exceptional client service. His website is: www.barryaustinlaw.com and his office number is (973) 763-8500

Christina Carter is a Queens, NY native and University of Maryland alumna who serves as a senior legal operations leader with extensive experience managing large, multi-office paraprofessional teams across Am Law 100 law firms. As Senior Manager of Paralegal Management, she oversees 70+ paraprofessionals across four major practice divisions, focusing on strategic staffing, practice operations, performance management, and professional development. A magna cum laude graduate with a BA in Criminology & Criminal Justice, Christina is also a loving wife and proud mother.

Debra A. Chambliss is the Founder of Garden State Apostille Services and a trusted U.S. apostille advisor, helping attorneys, businesses, and individuals prepare U.S. documents for international use. With more than 20 years of experience as a trademark paralegal managing global portfolios and international document requirements, Debra brings a unique combination of precision, strategy, and real-world experience to the apostille, authentication, and legalization process. Debra can be reached at:

Garden State Apostille Services

181 New Road, Suite 304, Parsippany, NJ 07054

(800) 930-0348 www.gardenstateapostilles.com

🎙️ BONUS EPISODE: Our NALA Conference & Expo 2026 Recap!

Fresh off our incredible experience at the NALA Conference & Expo 2026 in Denver, Melissa and Laurie are sitting down for a special bonus episode to share all the highlights!

Join us as we recap our unforgettable first experience attending NALA as Paralegal Tea Time Podcast. We talk about the energy of the conference, and the privilege of connecting with paralegals from across the country. From meeting NALA leadership and inspiring speakers to chatting with exhibitors, sponsors, and conference attendees, this event truly showcased the strength and passion of the paralegal profession.

We also share the excitement of hosting our Paralegal Tea Time Podcast vendor table and recording our live Ice Breaker Questions, which brought together so many wonderful people for fun conversations, laughter, and meaningful connections.

Most importantly, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to NALA for putting together such an outstanding conference and to everyone who stopped by our table, participated in our recordings, and made us feel so welcome.

Grab your favorite cup of tea and join us as we spill the tea on our NALA Conference & Expo experience!

Until next time… keep learning, keep networking, and keep steeping your passion for the paralegal profession. 🫖🎙️

🎙️ NEW EPISODE ALERT! 🎙️

We are excited to welcome Kimberly A. Paton, Esq. to the Paralegal Tea Time Podcast! ☕⚖️

Kimberly joined us to discuss her insightful Facebook post, "Estate Planning Essentials," where she shares 16 key things everyone should know about Trusts and Estates. Whether you're an estate planning professional, paralegal, attorney, or simply planning for your family's future, this episode is filled with practical information you won't want to miss!

With more than 40 years of experience in Estate Planning and Estate Administration, Kimberly brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. She is licensed in New Jersey, New York, and the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and concentrates her practice in:

✔️ Estate Planning

✔️ Estate & Trust Administration

✔️ Elder Law

✔️ Asset Protection

✔️ Medicaid & VA Planning

✔️ Real Estate

✔️ Business Matters

✔️ Guardianships

Kimberly is also an active member of the American Bar Association, New Jersey State Bar Association, Bergen County Bar Association, and Women Lawyers in Bergen County.

🎧 Tune in and discover the estate planning essentials everyone should know!

📞 Learn more about Kimberly A. Paton, Esq. at Paton Law Firm: https://www.patonlawfirm.com/

📱 (201) 470-4801

#ParalegalTeaTime #EstatePlanning #TrustsAndEstates #EstateAdministration #Probate #ElderLaw #MedicaidPlanning #AssetProtection #Paralegal #Attorney #LegalPodcast #EstatePlanningAttorney #NewJerseyLaw #LegalEducation #ContinuingEducation #Wills #Trusts #PowerOfAttorney #LivingWill #LegalProfession

🎙️ Paralegal Tea Time Podcast – New Episode Alert! 🎙️

In this must-hear episode, we sit down with Cheryl Nodarse, ACP, President of NALA – The Paralegal Association, and Vanessa (Vinnie) Finley, MBA, CAE, CEO of NALA, to discuss everything you need to know about the upcoming NALA Conference & Expo. We got all the inside scoop on the conference, educational sessions, networking opportunities, special events, and why this year's conference is one you won't want to miss!

About Our Guests

Cheryl Nodarse, ACP is a seasoned paralegal with nearly 40 years of experience and currently serves as President of NALA. Throughout her 13+ years of volunteer leadership with the association, Cheryl has held numerous positions including Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, and Area Director, while also serving as a frequent speaker and contributor to NALA's Facts & Findings magazine.

Vanessa (Vinnie) Finley, MBA, CAE has served as CEO of NALA since 2019, leading the organization's strategic initiatives and daily operations for more than 15,000 members. She is dedicated to advancing the paralegal profession through certification, professional development, and advocacy, supporting NALA's mission to equip paralegals for the challenges of the future.

Whether you're attending the conference for the first time or you're a returning attendee, this episode is packed with valuable insights, exciting updates, and behind-the-scenes information straight from NALA leadership.

🎧 Don't miss this episode!

📅 Register for the NALA Conference & Expo today:

https://nala.org/nala-conference-expo/

#ParalegalTeaTime #NALA #NALAConference #ParalegalLife #CertifiedParalegal #LegalProfessionals #ParalegalEducation #ProfessionalDevelopment #Networking #ParalegalCommunity

In this episode, we sit down with the Co-Chairs of the New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) Paralegal Committee, Colson Derby III and Kimberly Lassen, to learn more about the committee's mission, activities, and the many benefits of becoming involved.

Colson Derby III is a Senior Litigation Paralegal with Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman in Princeton, New Jersey. With more than 25 years of legal experience, he focuses on medical malpractice, products liability, and complex personal injury litigation. He currently serves as Co-Chair of the NJSBA Paralegal Committee.

Kimberly Lassen is a paralegal with Pinilis Halpern LLP in Morristown, New Jersey. With more than 30 years of legal experience, she works in legal malpractice, commercial litigation, business disputes, and class action matters. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the NJSBA Paralegal Committee.

During our conversation, Colson and Kim discuss the value of committee membership, including professional development opportunities, networking, leadership involvement, educational programming, and ways paralegals can become more engaged within the legal community.

Interested in joining the NJSBA Paralegal Committee? Learn more and get involved here:

https://njsba.com/njsba-paralegal-special-committee-seeks-new-members/

In this episode, we sit down with Sanjay Khosla, owner of Blueprint Helpdesk, along with his team member Akash Minocha, to discuss AI, Compliance and how their company is helping businesses streamline their technology, strengthen cybersecurity, and maintain efficient day-to-day operations.

Blueprint Helpdesk is known for its reliable service and personalized approach, working closely with clients to deliver tailored IT solutions that keep systems running smoothly and securely.

To learn more about Blueprint Helpdesk or to get in touch with their team, visit their website or contact them directly:

📧 Email: info@blueprinthelpdesk.com

🌐 Website: www.blueprinthelpdesk.com

Kelby Ballena is an international law paralegal specialist with more

than 25 years of experience helping legal teams operate at their

best. He teaches, speaks, and mentors with one goal in mind:

making complex ideas and emerging tools feel clear, practical, and

empowering for lawyers, students, and paralegals alike.

For any questions about paralegal branding, Kelby can be reached on Linked In.

Jennifer Mohamed, Esq. is the founder of the Law Office of Jennifer Mohamed LLC and a seasoned attorney whose work spans business, employment, and environmental law. She is also known as Jen the Yoga Lawyer and serves as the Member Benefit Lawyer to the American Yoga Council, where she supports the yoga industry with practical legal guidance informed by her background in both law and yoga.

She can be reached at

https://jennifermohamedlaw.com/

and

https://jentheyogalawyer.com/

Victoria D. Britton is Of Counsel with the firm Price, Meese, Shulman & D’Arminio and has been practicing for 19 years. She concentrates her practice in the areas of real estate law and land use law, including litigation. Victoria can be reached at Vbritton@pricemeese.com and 201-391-3737.

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🚨 We’re spilling the tea with Chere Estrin, author of Power Plays for Legal Professionals! In this episode, Chere shares insider strategies to help legal professionals level up their careers and make power moves in the legal world. Chere Estrin is a highly accomplished professional in the legal industry, known for her expertise in legal staffing, training, and education. As the CEO of Estrin Legal Staffing and President of The Organization of Legal Professionals (an online legal tech training company), she has placed high-level legal professionals including attorneys, C-Suite, litigation support professionals, technology experts, paralegals, administrators, managers, and legal service providers at AmLaw 100+ firms and Fortune 1000 in-house legal departments. 🎧 Tune in now and hear Chere’s expert tips and advice on career growth, networking, and navigating the legal industry. 🔗 Learn more about Chere at estrinreport.com#LegalProfessionals #PowerPlays #LegalCareer #CareerGrowth #LegalTips #LegalAdvice #ChereEstrin #LegalPodcast #SpillTheTea #LawyersOfTwitter #LegalIndustry #Networking #LegalLeadership #PodcastEpisode #LawProfessionals #LegalCommunity

Chere B. Estrin

Power Plays for Legal Professionals: Strategies for Moving Your Career Forward

https://a.co/d/gMHRYDa

New Episode: Paralegal Tea Time with Guest Vincent Ascolese In this episode of Paralegal Tea Time, we’re joined by Vincent Ascolese, Senior Paralegal at a national law firm, specializing in personal injury defense and an active member of the Paralegal Association of New Jersey. Vincent can be reached on LinkedIn. With the holidays approaching and stress levels rising, Vincent stops by to discuss the power of mindfulness and how paralegals can use it throughout their day. Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and aware in the current moment without judgment, allowing us to respond—not react—to what’s around us. This thoughtful conversation highlights how mindfulness supports wellness, focus, and balance—perfect for paralegals managing demanding workloads and holiday pressures. So grab your favorite cup of tea and enjoy the episode!

☕️ New Episode Alert! ☕️ This episode, we’re spilling some Southern-style tea with a fabulous guest from the Peach State! 🍑 Meet Rashida Forbes, the powerhouse owner of RF Legal Support — a thriving freelance paralegal business serving clients across Georgia and beyond. Rashida stopped by Paralegal Tea Time to share valuable tips, insider insights, and some serious inspiration for anyone in the legal field. She’s not just a business owner — she’s a true advocate for the paralegal community, giving back through her quarterly webinars and networking events that help empower legal professionals everywhere. Tune in for this inspiring conversation and get ready to sip on some wisdom! ☕️✨ You can connect with Rashida Forbes at www.rflegalsupport.com and on LinkedIn.

🎙️ New Episode Alert! ☕ This week on the Paralegal Tea Time Podcast, we had the pleasure of chatting with Ihor Andruch, Assistant Director of Career Services and Adjunct Professor at Berkeley College — and wow, did he bring the wisdom! 💼✨ Ihor shared invaluable résumé tips to help you stand out, insightful advice on finding and using community resources, and smart strategies for landing — and thriving in — internships that can launch your legal career. 🚀 Whether you’re a paralegal student, a recent grad, or a professional looking to grow, this episode is packed with practical guidance and inspiration you don’t want to miss. 🎧 Tune in on your favorite podcast platform and take your career toolkit to the next level! You can connect with Ihor on LinkedIn and at ihor-andruch@berkeleycollege.edu #ParalegalTeaTimePodcast #LegalCareers #BerkeleyCollege #ParalegalLife #CareerTips #Internships #ProfessionalGrowth"

Paralegal Tea Time Podcast Today, we're examining the impact of widespread layoffs across various industries, the rising cost of living—particularly the surging prices of eggs and groceries—and how these mounting economic pressures may lead more individuals to consider filing for bankruptcy. To help us unpack this complex issue, we’re joined by fellow paralegal Heather Pickett, the owner of Propel Paralegal Services. Heather is a multifaceted legal professional with experience spanning various practice areas including bankruptcy, which has been her focused area of expertise. Heather has volunteered with the Conflict Resolution Center for Montgomery County and the NCSE. As an active member of the legal community, Heather serves on the National Federation of Paralegal Associations Ethics Board and the Maryland State Bar Association's Paralegal Task Force.

You can learn more or get in touch with Heather at https://www.propelparalegal.com.

Jaclyn Foster is the author of “Paralegals Should Be Millionaires,” a paralegal entrepreneur and legal industry thought leader. Jaclyn’s mission is to challenge the outdated norms of the legal industry and redefine what’s possible for paralegals. Through her writing, coaching, and online resources, she helps legal professionals build businesses, create freedom, and take back control of their careers. Her book can be purchased at Amazon. Her resources can be found at www.jaclynfoster.com

New Episode Alert! ☕️✨ This week on Paralegal Tea Time, we have the honor of speaking with Cheryl Nodarse, ACP, President of NALA: The Paralegal Association and a distinguished paralegal at Vlahakis Cole Law Firm in East Lansing, MI. With over 35 years as a NALA Certified Paralegal, Cheryl shares her journey in the legal profession, insights into NALA's evolution, and a glimpse into the exciting future of the association.​ As NALA celebrates its 50th anniversary, Cheryl discusses the upcoming 2025 NALA Conference & Expo at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City from July 10–12, 2025. This milestone event promises a blend of professional development, networking, and celebration. Attendees can earn up to 12.5 CLE hours, explore the Expo Hall, and join the 50th Anniversary Gala on Friday evening. Don't miss the chance to be part of this historic occasion!​ NALA 🔗 Register now: https://nala.org/nala-conference-expo/ 🎧 Listen to the full episode now wherever you get your podcasts! #ParalegalTeaTime #NALA50 #NALAConference #ParalegalPodcast #LegalProfessionals #CherylNodarse #WomenInLaw

🎧 New Episode Alert: Paralegal Tea Time Podcast - Trending Tea Mini Podcast ☕️ In this episode, we dive into an essential topic: What happens when spouses die close together? 💔💼 We’re joined by estate planning expert Laura W. Kearney, Esq., the founder and managing partner of LWK & Associates, to discuss simultaneous death clauses in estate plans. With over 30 years of experience in estate planning and estate administration, Laura provides invaluable insight into how we can protect our loved ones and plan for these complex situations. 📝💡 🎙️ Tune in as we take a closer look at Gene Hackman’s estate and discuss key takeaways on managing estate plans in these delicate circumstances. 👩‍💼 Learn more about Laura and her practice at LWK & Associates. 🔗

Listen now on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Tf34gMlYEehKqysyNd5dh]

#EstatePlanning #SimultaneousDeathClause #EstateAdmin #ParalegalTeaTime #TrendingTea #GeneHackmanEstate #LWKAssociates #LegalPodcast #EstateLaw #PlanningForTheFuture"

We have Beth P. Zoller of the Law Offices of KS Brannigan Law P.C. Ms. Zoller is an employment law attorney with more than 20 years’ of experience. Ms. Zoller prepares and conducts training sessions for employees and supervisors as well as employers and human resources on a wide variety of issues. Beth also serves as an investigator, conducting independent workplace investigations of employees on all organizational levels. She investigates a wide array of employment related complaints. She can be reached at: https://www.ksbraniganlaw.com