As paralegals, we’ve got a front-row seat to all the trends sweeping the legal field. From tech innovations to new approaches in case management, we’re often the ones who get our hands dirty, making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. But with progress comes a not-so-pleasant side effect: culture vultures.
These are the folks who swoop in, latch onto buzzwords, and pretend to be champions of progress—all without putting in the actual work. In the legal world, there are people that love to pretend they’re riding the wave of change, but as paralegals, we’re often the ones left to deal with the fallout of their half-baked ideas. Let’s take a closer look at how this impacts our roles and how we can spot and avoid them.
Who Are These Trend Chasers?
A trend chaser in the legal field might seem progressive and forward-thinking, but they’re more interested in appearances than results. They latch onto the latest industry buzz—whether it’s tech, diversity, or wellness—without truly investing the time or resources to make it work.
Paralegals know that it takes more than just flashy new tools or shallow promises to get the job done. But when trend chasers are in the mix, we’re often left cleaning up the mess after their surface-level initiatives fall short.
How They Show Up in a Paralegal’s World
- The “Tech-Savvy” Firm
Firms want to be seen as tech-forward, but trend chasers dive headfirst into new tools without thinking about the real impact. They’ll introduce the latest software with much fanfare, but without proper training or support, we’re left to figure out how it actually works—or doesn’t. This can lead to more time spent troubleshooting than the software is supposed to save. - The “Diversity Advocates”
Diversity in the legal field is crucial, but some firms take a performative approach. They’ll make sure their diversity policies are front and center on their website or marketing materials, but behind the scenes, not much changes. As paralegals, we may still see the same old biases and inequities play out, despite the “progressive” image the firm is trying to project. - The “Wellness Warriors”
Wellness is a growing focus in law firms, and rightly so. But some trend chasers are quick to launch wellness programs without actually addressing the root issues causing stress and burnout. You might hear about wellness initiatives like “self-care days” or meditation workshops, but when it comes to managing overwhelming workloads, it’s business as usual.
Why It Matters to Paralegals
The environment created by trend chasers can have a direct impact on your work as a paralegal. Instead of real solutions or supportive policies, you’re left dealing with underdeveloped initiatives and incomplete systems. Whether it’s navigating barely functioning software or feeling the frustration of performative diversity efforts, trend chasers often make things harder, not easier, for paralegals.
How to Spot and Avoid Trend Chasers
- Ask for Details
When your firm announces a shiny new initiative or tool, don’t hesitate to ask for specifics. How will this new tool or policy help your day-to-day work? What training or resources will be available? If you get vague answers or little support, you’re likely dealing with a trend chaser situation. - Watch for Real Change
Trend chasers talk a big game, but follow-through is key. If the firm introduces a diversity program or a wellness initiative, does it actually result in change? Are you seeing a more inclusive workplace or improvements in work-life balance? If not, it’s all just surface-level noise. - Advocate for Practical Solutions
Paralegals are on the front lines and have a clear view of what actually works in legal operations. When you see that an initiative isn’t working or is more about appearances, speak up. Advocate for practical, meaningful changes that will benefit both paralegals and the firm as a whole.
The Bottom Line
As paralegals, we need more than trends and buzzwords to support us in our roles. Trend chasers may bring a lot of talk to the table, but it’s up to us to push for real, actionable change. Let’s focus on initiatives that genuinely improve our work and our industry—leaving the trend chasers to chase something else.