Alice Darling Paralegal Aid in a Corporate Law Firm

Alice looked at herself in the mirror, she stood five foot six in her ballet flats, her blonde hair tied back and her dark blue skirt suit was very conservative. Alice reached to the table and picked up the stack of folders that she had just picked up from the court house. She was twenty-two, and had just graduated from a state college paralegal program and was now on her second week of working at Cresaps Crowley and Associates. She had been hired as a paralegal aid for one of the Associate Lawyer of the law firm, but the lawyer was taking the month off for a vacation, so in the meantime, she was getting up to speed and running errands for the other aids and the lawyers.

Alice went in the staff only areas in back and spotted her other supervisor, Mister Sanchez.

“Hello Alice, did you get the Court Orders for the EPA case?” Mister Sanchez said looking at the new girl.

“Yes?” Alice said cautiously.

“Good, take that right in to Mister Crowley right away,” Mister Sanchez said as he held out his hands for the other envelopes.

“Isn’t that normally Tashana’s gig?” Alice asked.

“She had to take a long lunch and Mister Crowley is waiting for it,” Mister Sanchez, “He really isn’t a mean person.”

“OK,” Alice said and made her way to Crowley’s large office.

The door was open and she could see the old man sitting at his desk writing on a note pad while reading lines from a big book. Alice knocked on the door frame.

“Mister Crowley, I have the Court Orders for the EPA case,” Alice called not wanting to shout but wanting to be heard.

“Yes please come in,” Mister Crowley said without looking up.

Alice came in and looked at him, he looked a lot like most versions of Mister Scrooge from a Christmas Carol with his white hair, pale skin, bald head, old time suit and glasses. He held up his left hand while he continued writing down his transcription of what was in the book.

“Thank you Miss Darling,” Crowley said as she put the envelope in his hands, “A second if you don’t mind?”

“Of course,” Alice said trying to sound friendly and hide her concern at the request.

Mister Crowley finished the sentence and then leaned back in his chair and looked at Alice as he put the envelope on his book and note pad.

“Are you familiar with Lorenie v Botswana?” Crowley asked calmly.

Alice searched her memory but couldn’t think of the case so she ended up making a joke.

“I have heard of Lorena Bobitt…” She said feeling sheepish as soon as the words left her mouth.

Mister Crowley did not respond for a long moment. He kept a perfect poker face and that made Alice want to squirm even more.

“Miss Darling, I am sure you can understand why I do not find anything about that case to be humorous,” Mister Crawley said calmly, “Now, you have been helping everyone since Miss Kole is taking the month off for vacation. However, once she comes back Monday Morning, you will be helping her with the Mission Defense file. The case of Loraine v Botswana deals with international trade disputes for a similar international corporate military trade contract. I recommend looking up the case to familiarized yourself with it.”

“Yes Mister Crawley,” Alice said sheepishly.

*

Alice put the reference book back on the shelf in Miss Kole’s office, Mister Crawley and Mister Sanchez told her to borrow the book from her boss’ office. Alice had been scared since she still hadn’t met Miss Kole yet. With a sigh, Alice made sure everything was neat and in order before turning and heading out for the day. It was Friday afternoon and Miss Kole should be back Monday morning…

“Miss Darling,” Mister Crawley said as he came around the corner, “Did you read up on the case?”

“Yes, I did, I just put the book back,” Alice pointed over her shoulder.

“Good,” Mister Crawley looked off for a moment then looked at Alice again, “Any plans for this weekend? I know I am going to have my hands full with grand kids.”

“I am having dinner with a college friend tomorrow, but tonight I am just going to relax,” Alice smiled as she walked to the door way.

“Good, the young man you replaced didn’t know when to relax, he burned himself out,” Mister Crawley said, “Make some time for family, friends and for free time.”

“I hope you have a good time with your grandchildren,” Alice smiled as she stepped out of the office.

“Oh, I am going to spoil them rotten and then send them home to my son!” Mister Crawley smiled.