I began Mile High Legal Assist (MHLA) in 2020, six months into the COVID pandemic. People thought I was nuts, and some still do. Right before the pandemic placed all our lives on hold, I was deep into preparation for a rather lengthy three-week civil trial. At the time, I was a Plaintiff’s Trial Paralegal, I had lots of money and no friends. I was a work horse, pulling ungodly hours and it didn’t help that I was also working to avoid other issues in my life.

 

Compartmentalization, am I right?

 

When the State of Colorado was placed under stay-at-home orders many of us had time, like it or not, to reflect.  We teach people how to treat us. After I honored my need to slow down, I found myself unhappy with my docket; I lost that taste for blood. I became a new person, kinder and gentler; opposite what a trial litigator looks like 24-7.

 

I founded MHLA out of appreciation for self. A good friend once told me,

“Ya know, they hardly ever mention what a great employee you were at your eulogy.”

This statement hit hard and after a swallow of my pride, I realized my career was killing me.

 

What I can do well, we can do better. A collective of paralegals, we not I.  A collective mindset helps us stay humble which lends to a softer more gentle work environment.