How to Calendar Deadlines

As a paralegal, one of the most important aspects of your job is to keep track of calendar deadlines. Deadlines are the backbone of the legal process, and missing one can have serious consequences for a case. That’s why it’s crucial for paralegals to have an effective system in place for calendaring deadlines. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of deadline management for paralegals and provide some tips for creating an effective system for calendaring deadlines.

First, it’s important to understand the types of deadlines that paralegals need to keep track of. These can include filing deadlines, discovery deadlines, and trial dates. Each type of deadline has its own unique significance, and it’s important for paralegals to understand the implications of missing each one.

One of the most effective ways to calendar deadlines is to use a calendar or schedule. This can be a physical calendar or a digital calendar application, such as Google Calendar or Outlook Calendar (I use Outlook). The key is to find a system that works best for you and that you can use consistently. When creating your calendar, be sure to list all deadlines in a clear and easy-to-read format. Include not just the date but also the specific time, if applicable, and the type of deadline, such as “filing deadline” or “trial date.” Additionally, add any special instructions or details related to the deadline, such as “file with the court” or “serve on opposing counsel.”

Another important aspect of calendaring deadlines is setting reminders for yourself and the entire staff. Whether it’s a pop-up reminder on your calendar application or a reminder on your phone, it’s important to set reminders for yourself and invite staff so you don’t miss any important deadlines. This is also helpful when a fellow paralegal or attorney is out sick, and you need to provide support for that day.

In addition to calendaring deadlines, it’s also important for paralegals to create a cheat sheet or a list of all important contacts and their contact information, such as the judge, opposing counsel, and court clerk. This will have everything in one place and easily accessible in case of emergency or last-minute request. It’s important to be prepared for anything, even a server meltdown. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan, just in case the internet goes down, and you can’t access your trusty digital calendar. That’s why I keep both a digital and a printed version of my calendar and important documents. That way, even if the server goes out and all my files are lost in digital purgatory, I can still keep track of my deadlines and important contacts… with a pen and paper like in the old days. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

To conclude, managing deadlines is a critical aspect of the role of a paralegal. An effective system for calendaring deadlines can help paralegals stay organized and on top of all important dates for a case. By following the tips outlined in this blog post, paralegals can create an effective system for calendaring deadlines and make a valuable contribution to the legal process.

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