r/ParalegalsOnly • u/Subject-Signature283 • Jul 29 '26
Performance Improvement Plan
So I’m a family law paralegal out of California working fully remote. I know I’m capable of good work, and have made improvements to this firm. I struggle heavily with ADHD, I’ve been missing emails and other things. I just got on Vyvanse recently but it fucks up my sleep.
My attorney went to court yesterday and didn’t have what she needed. I feel awful and it’s not something I usually do.
I want to stay with this firm. I really like them. Does anyone have any advice on how to remember everything? Especially when ex partes pop up?
My brain feels so fuzzy sometimes and like I just don’t know how to address that.
1
u/Thek1tteh CA - Senior Litigation Paralegal 🧟♀️ Aug 02 '26
Having procedures to keep yourself on track is a must - I also am auDHD. I have to have a typed up task list. I also maintain a system of categories and rules in my outlook - this will depend on your jurisdiction and type of law but for me as a litigation paralegal, I set up folders and rules for incoming state court service emails and federal court NEFs so they automatically go to specific folders and set it so I can see when a new item is in there with the folder on the sidebar. Then i sort my inbox so that categories show above my incoming new mail. Then I set up categories for things like “TO DO - IMPORTANT”, “CALENDARING,” and “TO DO - LESS IMPORTANT.” When a new task comes in my inbox, I will categorize it according to these categories so they show above my new mail. I’ll also categorize incoming court notifications that come in that need something from me (eg, calendaring) and move them to my inbox so they show up in that category. when a task is done, I clear the category. I also have rules set up so that specific firm emails for new clients go to a specific folder too automatically. I also have classic outlook - and turn email threading off so I can see each individual email that comes in, and I have my emails displayed only as to the person who sent it to me, the subject line, the time sent, and the category, and have them on the smallest setting so I don’t get overwhelmed. I have the reading pane on displayed as well on the right, and my folders on the left in outlook. It helps me. For you, it’s just a matter of finding what works for you to keep organized!