Host of Paralegal Voice
Jill I. Francisco, ACP, received her BA in Criminal Justice, (concentration in Legal Studies), from Marshall University in 1994. She became a certified paralegal in 2005 and obtained two advanced certifications (trial practice and discovery) in 2010. Mrs. Francisco is employed as a paralegal with Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP, in their Huntington, West Virginia office. She previously worked as a paralegal at Huddleston Bolen LLP, 1997 through January of 2015 when they merged with Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP.
She is very active in local and national professional associations within her profession. She was Charter President of the Legal Assistants/Paralegals of Southern West Virginia and has served as a member of the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) Professional Development Committee, NALA’s Affiliated Associations Secretary, Affiliated Associations Director, NALA’s Treasurer, Secretary, Second Vice President, Vice President, and was the President of NALA 2018-2020.
She is an adjunct professor at Mount West Community & Technical College in Huntington, WV, in their Paralegal Studies Program. She also serves on the ABA Approval Commission and the Marshall University Big Green Scholarship Foundation Board of Trustees. She is also host of The Paralegal Voice podcast on the Legal Talk Network. She resides in Kenova, West Virginia with her husband, Shawn and their son, John David.
AI is a reality, and some worry about job losses. Guest and legal tech leader Dan Lear shares tips on remaining vital in the legal workforce.
Guest Linda McGrath-Cruz is dedicated to helping paralegals learn and earn, whether that’s in the classroom, online, or even on a cruise ship conference.
The new president of the International Practice Management Association (IPMA) shares his thoughts on career progression and AI.
This year marks NALA’s 50th year and 50th annual conference. Hear what’s new in 2025 from NALA CEO Vanessa “Vinnie” Finley.
If you’re struggling. If you’re hurting. There is help. Author Jesse Leon shares his emotional and deeply personal story of abuse, addiction, and recovery.
Natalie Athas started on the ground floor of the legal profession, but by volunteering for everything, she makes herself indispensable as a nimble international paralegal.
Today’s tech has changed everything about finding, protecting, and presenting digital evidence. Guest John Sammons explains the crucial role paralegal professionals play.
NALA CP® certification opens new doors and fuels your career. Hear about available courses to help you study and pass the first time.
Guest Jonathan Dang found his way out of college in the military. He built on that with education and by challenging himself to acquire new skills.
Guest Stephanie Clerkin learned to bring every part of her firm together through legal technology and shares tips for bringing along the stragglers.
Guest Karen Tuschak, with more than 30 years in the paralegal profession, is passionate about helping paralegals drive tech adoption in their firms.
NALA’s new president, Cheryl Nodarse, shares her goals for NALA’s upcoming year (hint, 50th anniversary) and the array of new opportunities for paralegal professionals.
We all act, think, and process the world differently. It’s called “neurodivergence,” and understanding it is vital in the legal profession.
Kate Bridal and Josey Hoff were both in the legal profession, burned out, and got out. Through the podcast “The Legal Burnouts” they help others.
Guest Nikki Mehrpoo is a veteran attorney and professor. She offers insights into practicing Workers’ Compensation law plus real-world career advice.
Hear from a successful paralegal manager who built her career ladder by seeking opportunities, trying new things, and demonstrating value.
Hear all about the July 2024 NALA annual conference and the year ahead for NALA from CEO Vanessa Finley.
Guest Joy Murao is an expert in teaching others to learn, and apply, the latest in legal tech. Get inspired to take a course and advance your career.
Co-host Jill Francisco returns just in time to help Tony Sipp wrap up the year that was – from AI to hybrid working from home – and peek ahead to 2024.
Guest Cheryl Garner, CEDS, walks through not only becoming a better paralegal, but pursuing higher career goals, earning credentials, and specializing in eDiscovery and litigation support. She’s a litigation manager overseeing her...
Guest Shannon Lex Bales shares his experiences learning, and keeping up with, the latest courtroom tech and presentation software.
Greetings from Day One of the NALA 2023 Conference and Expo! Host Jill Francisco joins NALA past president and experienced paralegal Cassandra Oliver-Divens and paralegal student and first-time conference attendee Joey Jones...
We all have hidden biases that affect our decisions. Learn to identify and counter them with employment attorney Al De La Cruz.
What’s new for NALA in 2023. Start by getting excited about the 2023 NALA conference with NALA’s chief executive officer, Vanessa Finley. This time in Boston in July. You don’t want to...
Let’s talk about the art, and science, of billing. We’ll go ahead and say it, billing isn’t fun, but it’s crucial to the success of your law firm. And tracking many of...
Our justice system is changing as demand for access to court services grows. Are specially trained paralegal professionals the answer? Across the country, states are looking for ways to grant special licenses...
Host Jill Francisco is joined by NEW Paralegal Voice cohost (and a longtime friend of the podcast) Tony Sipp. Together, they kick off the new year with a rundown of upcoming events...
In 2022, so many things changed. If you don’t love your job, this is your year. Find out if your pay, and job, measure up. Is your work arrangement still fair? Get...
You can never know too much or learn too much. In this inspiring episode, learn to build your skills, your knowledge, and your career.
In a very special, and very personal, episode host Jill Francisco is joined by her good friend, NFL star and Super Bowl champion Vinny Curry of the New York Jets. The power...
Guest Debbie L. Overstreet, the incoming NALA president, gives an overview of the upcoming NALA conference – a return to the in-person gathering after two years of virtual, but with a remote...
Guest Bobby T. Rimas is a man in motion. Hear how he has used professional organizations, networking, formal classwork, and teaching to stay ahead.
Alicia Mitchell-Mercer breaks down modern legal project management by applying the Agile philosophy and Scrum management techniques.
Guest Tony Sipp, paralegal manager, predicts 2022 will be a great year for paralegals to break into the profession or move up.
Paralegals, you have even more to offer. Explore opportunities in writing and presenting for peers and advising and teaching the next generation.
It’s back to school time. That means for paralegals, too. New software, new online processes, new ways of doing things.
Given how fast the paralegal field is growing, it’s no wonder NALA expects record meeting attendance. CEO Vanessa Finley offers a preview.
Educator and trainer Amy Johnson shows how simple changes in work habits can save time, increase productivity, and add value to a legal team.
Partner Marc Williams recaps the rapid litigation transition from in-person to virtual and what he expects will be the new normal.
Lawyer Brian Moore details evolving regulatory changes that impact employers and workers as the pandemic rages and vaccines hit the market.
Creating a diverse and inclusive culture requires action. Jill Francisco explores big and small ways to support diversity in the workplace.
Carl Morrison, Jill Francisco, and Brian Moore discuss the exciting experience in store at NALA’s virtual conference.
In this brief announcement, host Jill Francisco shares some of the details about NALA’s first virtual conference.
Jillian Kuehl outlines how the recruitment process works and how to find the right recruiter for your needs.
Debbie Hrytzay offers remote work tips for paralegals.
Kristine Custodio Suero shares career development insights for paralegals.
Vanessa Finley gives insights on NALA’s offerings for members and plans for 2020.
New Paralegal Voice co-host Jill Francisco talks with Chris Jennison about potential changes to the ABA’s legal assistant/paralegal definition and new guidelines that would approve online paralegal coursework.
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