At work, I browsed through the section of the Lawyer's Diary Manual where the current state bar associations were indexed. I found a listing for James L. Branton, President, State Bar of Texas, along with his address. Figuring I had nothing to lose but a 32 cent stamp, I wrote Mr. Branton a letter explaining that I would be moving to Texas in approximately 6 months and any information he could provide with respect to employment opportunities, professional associations and the like would be greatly appreciated.
A short time later, I received a letter from Karen Robertson, Administrator at Branton & Hall. Ms. Robertson not only gave me the name and address of Sally Andress, incoming President of the Legal Assistants Division of the State Bar (who coincidentally worked in Dallas), but also contacted Sally on my behalf. I was greatly encouraged by Ms. Robertson's letter. I wrote to Sally and she responded with a lovely welcome letter. I still didn't want to leave New Hampshire but Texas was becoming a more friendly endeavor.
I spent some time researching differences in the state laws and civil procedures between New Hampshire and Texas. I noticed that most Dallas area law firms seemed to specialize in some particular aspect of law whereas in New Hampshire, most firms are general practice. I gave considerable thought to the question of specialization. What did I have the most experience in? What area of law did I enjoy the most? What field would transfer from New Hampshire to Texas with only minor differences? Based upon my answers to those questions, I decided to concentrate on estate planning and probate. Although probate procedures, I was sure, would vary, most estate planning is based upon federal tax laws which, although certainly impacted by state law, would not produce drastic anomalies. I was beginning to feel a renewed sense of purpose-maybe Texas wouldn't be so bad after all.
In May I came to Dallas on a house hunting expedition and Sally and I arranged to meet during my visit. Sally invited Wendi Rogers, NFPA Primary Representative in Dallas, to join us for lunch. During the course of our conversation, Wendi asked what field of law I was interested in. When I answered estate planning, her response was "I don't believe it. The firm next door to mine has been looking for an estate planning paralegal." Wendi offered to take my resume to them.
The following day I received a call from Rachal & Associates. They had received my resume, "could I come in for an interview that afternoon." That interview lasted 4 hours and before leaving Dallas I had not only found a house, but also a job!
It still amazes me when I think about how everything fit together. I do believe my story would be very different if I had not taken the time to write that letter to Attorney Branton. I discovered first hand the value of networking. Attorneys, legal assistants and legal secretaries alike are all part of this maze we call our legal system. When we develop contacts, exchange ideas and information, reach out for help or lend a hand to someone else, we are creating a map for ourselves and others to navigate that infrastructure more effectively. Networking enables us to expand and diversify our profession, as well as our individual goals and aspirations.
My sincere appreciation to James Branton, Karen Robertson, Sally Andress and Wendi Rogers for their invaluable assistance and support. I hope someday to repay their kindness by passing it on to someone else.