Striking a deal without an attorney

Samantha is an extraordinary paralegal. Jack Helgesen, our firm founder, says she’s an “engaging, smart, energetic advocate. In my forty years of lawyering, I have never seen a paralegal with a better combination of personality, intelligence, training, and character.” Sam is a great listener and a client favorite. Most of Sam’s clients have been injured in tragic accidents. When she takes a person’s case (her choice), she becomes their friend and vigorous advocate. Jack recalls, “we had a woman who was injured by a defective product. Sam and I investigated the case, and I decided not to take it. Sam disagreed, promising me that she would find a way to win. Six months later, we gave the client a large settlement check. Sam’s strategy was perfect and our client was ecstatic.” Samantha is a very good writer and an eager reader. She has a curious mind and loves puzzles. She pays attention to details in her clients’ cases, just as she unraveled mysteries in her prior career as a police crime scene technician. When other lawyers in the firm have a difficult legal task, they give it to Samantha. “Sam can do it,” they tell us. She’s smart, and she is the only person in the thirty-eight year history of our law firm to have a Master’s degree in paralegal studies (George Washington University). Don’t assume she’s studious and boring. Sam would much rather be outdoors, driving her Jeep over back roads and sleeping under the stars with her husband Josh and her daughter, Jenny. When she’s home, Sam and Josh sometimes play video games and eat pizza all night. She has many pets. Sam hates injustice and likes helping distressed people. She works well with opposing attorneys and insurance companies but she is not a pushover. “If you want to understand Sam,” Jack says, “you should see her on the roller derby track. She’s really good.” We could go on and on about Samantha. You really should meet her.