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Susan Ippoliti: The Litigation Paralegal Who Keeps On Going [By Robin Salisian] Plaintiff and defense litigation paralegal Susan G. Ippoliti referred to herself as the Energizer Bunny, “always going, going, going,” when she worked for large private law firms. However, after a switch to a smaller firm, Ippoliti discovered she needed to adopt the ways of a new iconic beastie: “the easygoing GEICO Gecko.”
“My work style has always been quick-
counsel and advice, not simply high-quality
As a litigation paralegal and case manager,
paced and constant,” writes Ippoliti in an
legal products,” says its website. Clients
Ippoliti divides her time between speaking
article. “Accustomed to working long hours
come from locations ranging from Upstate
with attorneys, handling client files, and
(sometimes seven days a week for weeks at
New York to Western Florida to “beyond,”
acting as a liaison between clients and
a time) and meeting an annual billable target
and Harter, founded in 1893 in Rochester,
lawyers.
every year, it has been very difficult for me
NY, has been voted “Rochester’s #1 Law
to break away from the workaholic mentality
Firm” for three consecutive years.
“On a typical day,” writes Ippoliti, “an attorney may call you into his or her office,
that most litigation paralegals working in a But Ippoliti’s role in the legal field doesn’t
inform you that your client has been served
end there. Currently, she is the vice
with a complaint[,] hand it to you[,] and
Working for a small firm means no more
president and director of membership
proceed to give you the case background.
billable hours, no more overtime, and no
for the National Federation of Paralegal
It is at that moment that the attorney has
more weekend work — a switch many might
Associations Inc. (NFPA) as well as on its
allowed you ownership of the file. The first
rejoice over. But not Ippoliti.
marketing committee. Previously, Ippoliti
immediate steps are to respond with an
served as the regulation review coordinator
answer and issue discovery demands, bill
“The pace has been much slower than I am
and special research coordinator for NFPA,
of particulars, medical records if it is a
accustomed to,” she writes.
an organization that “promotes a global
personal injury matter, and, most likely, a
presence for the paralegal profession
notice of deposition.”
large-firm setting can relate to.”
And with Ippoliti’s long list of work
and leadership in the legal community,”
experience, it’s no wonder this paralegal
according to its website.
“Rule of thumb: always make sure that you are not the party with the ‘to do list,’” she
struggles with slowing down. As a plaintiff
adds.
and defense litigation paralegal, Ippoliti has
“Founded in 1974, NFPA was the first
worked “in areas such as products liability,
national paralegal association” and “is
architectural design and construction
comprised of more than 50 member
She also emphasizes the importance of not
malpractice, trade secrets misappropriation,
associations and represents over 11,000
offering legal advice as a paralegal. This role
professional liability, intellectual property,
individual members reflecting a broad range
is strictly for an attorney.
asbestos litigation, personal injury, medical
of experience, education, and diversity.” “Do not put yourself in a position to commit
malpractice, employment discrimination, and Since 1998, Ippoliti has been a member
unlicensed practice of law (UPL),” she writes.
of the Paralegal Association of Rochester
“A good paralegal will know where to draw
In 1997, Ippoliti graduated from St. John
Inc. (PAR). She has also played an active
the line.”
Fisher College in Rochester with a B.A. in
role in her profession by serving as vice
Political Science. Today, she works as a
president of national affairs, vice president
litigation paralegal and case manager with
of professional development, chairwoman
Ippoliti is able to participate in and, in many
law firm Harter, Secrest & Emery, LLP, in
of the Empire State Alliance of Paralegal
cases, take charge of. But be forewarned.
Rochester, NY.
Associations, member of the New York State
These responsibilities are not for the
Bar Association Law Practice Management
inexperienced.
insurance defense.”
The 130-attorney, full-service law firm is
Committee, and second vice president of the
committed to “providing [their] business and
Italian-American Community Center.
personal clients with zealous, proactive legal
PAGE
Still, there is a myriad of legal activities
“The nitty-gritty and highly challenging world of litigation usually revolves around
continued on back
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LEGAL STAFF PROFILE
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a multimillion-dollar lawsuit…Multimillion-
control, and if you let this opportunity pass
dollar litigations are usually handled by more
you by or you are unsuccessful at it, you are
than one attorney — realistically a partner
likely to run the risk of never getting another
Harter, Secrest & Emery, LLP
and senior associate — and these are the
chance at it again.”
www.hsetax.com
But the most important part of being a case
National Federation of Paralegal
manager is remembering this: “When the
Associations
“These cases are typically document
going gets rough, take a step back, close
www.paralegals.org
intensive, involve massive discovery
your eyes, and breathe deep. It’s not as bad
(electronic or paper), and consist of daily
as it seems.”
cases that keep you lying awake at night or force you awake in cold sweats.”
meetings and/or conference calls with the
www.par.itgo.com
client, partner, associate, and you. This is
Looks like this Energizer Bunny turned
when your fabulous management skills are
GEICO Gecko does know how to slow down
more valuable than ever,” continues Ippoliti.
after all.
“The team is giving you permission to be in
PAGE
Paralegal Association of Rochester