Paralegal Tea Time

Hosted by Melissa Acosta and Laurie Robinson

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Jul 2026

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About the show

The "Paralegal Tea Time" podcast is a great resource for paralegals and legal professionals. Created by Melissa Acosta of Melissa Acosta Freelance Paralegal Services LLC and Jessica Williams of Williams Paralegal Services, the podcast provides a platform for discussions on hot topics and other relevant issues in the legal industry. Now co-hosted by Melissa Acosta and Laurie A. Robinson (President of the New Jersey Paralegal Convention), it continues to serve as a forum for insightful conversations tailored to paralegals. THE CONTENTS OF THIS PODCAST ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL ADVICE

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56 recent

July 24, 202616 min

🎙️ BONUS EPISODE: Spilling the Tea on NALA 2026 — Connections, Conversations & Conference Highlights

🎙️ BONUS EPISODE: Our NALA Conference & Expo 2026 Recap! Fresh off our incredible experience at the NALA Conference & Expo 2026 in Denver, Melissa and Laurie are sitting down for a special bonus episode to share all the highlights! Join us as we recap our unforgettable first experience attending NALA as Paralegal Tea Time Podcast. We talk about the energy of the conference, and the privilege of connecting with paralegals from across the country. From meeting NALA leadership and inspiring speakers to chatting with exhibitors, sponsors, and conference attendees, this event truly showcased the strength and passion of the paralegal profession. We also share the excitement of hosting our Paralegal Tea Time Podcast vendor table and recording our live Ice Breaker Questions, which brought together so many wonderful people for fun conversations, laughter, and meaningful connections. Most importantly, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to NALA for putting together such an outstanding conference and to everyone who stopped by our table, participated in our recordings, and made us feel so welcome. Grab your favorite cup of tea and join us as we spill the tea on our NALA Conference & Expo experience! Until next time… keep learning, keep networking, and keep steeping your passion for the paralegal profession. 🫖🎙️

July 10, 202652 min

Tea Time with an Estate Planning Expert: Kimberly A. Paton, Esq.

🎙️ NEW EPISODE ALERT! 🎙️ We are excited to welcome Kimberly A. Paton, Esq. to the Paralegal Tea Time Podcast! ☕⚖️ Kimberly joined us to discuss her insightful Facebook post, "Estate Planning Essentials," where she shares 16 key things everyone should know about Trusts and Estates. Whether you're an estate planning professional, paralegal, attorney, or simply planning for your family's future, this episode is filled with practical information you won't want to miss! With more than 40 years of experience in Estate Planning and Estate Administration, Kimberly brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. She is licensed in New Jersey, New York, and the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and concentrates her practice in: ✔️ Estate Planning ✔️ Estate & Trust Administration ✔️ Elder Law ✔️ Asset Protection ✔️ Medicaid & VA Planning ✔️ Real Estate ✔️ Business Matters ✔️ Guardianships Kimberly is also an active member of the American Bar Association, New Jersey State Bar Association, Bergen County Bar Association, and Women Lawyers in Bergen County. 🎧 Tune in and discover the estate planning essentials everyone should know! 📞 Learn more about Kimberly A. Paton, Esq. at Paton Law Firm: https://www.patonlawfirm.com/ 📱 (201) 470-4801 #ParalegalTeaTime #EstatePlanning #TrustsAndEstates #EstateAdministration #Probate #ElderLaw #MedicaidPlanning #AssetProtection #Paralegal #Attorney #LegalPodcast #EstatePlanningAttorney #NewJerseyLaw #LegalEducation #ContinuingEducation #Wills #Trusts #PowerOfAttorney #LivingWill #LegalProfession

June 17, 202636 min

Inside the NALA Conference & Expo: What to Expect with Cheryl Nodarse and Vinnie Finley

🎙️ Paralegal Tea Time Podcast – New Episode Alert! 🎙️ In this must-hear episode, we sit down with Cheryl Nodarse, ACP, President of NALA – The Paralegal Association, and Vanessa (Vinnie) Finley, MBA, CAE, CEO of NALA, to discuss everything you need to know about the upcoming NALA Conference & Expo. We got all the inside scoop on the conference, educational sessions, networking opportunities, special events, and why this year's conference is one you won't want to miss! About Our Guests Cheryl Nodarse, ACP is a seasoned paralegal with nearly 40 years of experience and currently serves as President of NALA. Throughout her 13+ years of volunteer leadership with the association, Cheryl has held numerous positions including Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, and Area Director, while also serving as a frequent speaker and contributor to NALA's Facts & Findings magazine. Vanessa (Vinnie) Finley, MBA, CAE has served as CEO of NALA since 2019, leading the organization's strategic initiatives and daily operations for more than 15,000 members. She is dedicated to advancing the paralegal profession through certification, professional development, and advocacy, supporting NALA's mission to equip paralegals for the challenges of the future. Whether you're attending the conference for the first time or you're a returning attendee, this episode is packed with valuable insights, exciting updates, and behind-the-scenes information straight from NALA leadership. 🎧 Don't miss this episode! 📅 Register for the NALA Conference & Expo today: https://nala.org/nala-conference-expo/ #ParalegalTeaTime #NALA #NALAConference #ParalegalLife #CertifiedParalegal #LegalProfessionals #ParalegalEducation #ProfessionalDevelopment #Networking #ParalegalCommunity

June 5, 202637 min

Inside the NJSBA Paralegal Committee: Leadership, Networking & Professional Growth

In this episode, we sit down with the Co-Chairs of the New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) Paralegal Committee, Colson Derby III and Kimberly Lassen, to learn more about the committee's mission, activities, and the many benefits of becoming involved. Colson Derby III is a Senior Litigation Paralegal with Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman in Princeton, New Jersey. With more than 25 years of legal experience, he focuses on medical malpractice, products liability, and complex personal injury litigation. He currently serves as Co-Chair of the NJSBA Paralegal Committee. Kimberly Lassen is a paralegal with Pinilis Halpern LLP in Morristown, New Jersey. With more than 30 years of legal experience, she works in legal malpractice, commercial litigation, business disputes, and class action matters. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the NJSBA Paralegal Committee. During our conversation, Colson and Kim discuss the value of committee membership, including professional development opportunities, networking, leadership involvement, educational programming, and ways paralegals can become more engaged within the legal community. Interested in joining the NJSBA Paralegal Committee? Learn more and get involved here: https://njsba.com/njsba-paralegal-special-committee-seeks-new-members/

April 19, 2026Episode 324 min

SEASON 4 PODCAST (FEATURING BLUEPRINT HELPDESK)

In this episode, we sit down with Sanjay Khosla, owner of Blueprint Helpdesk, along with his team member Akash Minocha, to discuss AI, Compliance and how their company is helping businesses streamline their technology, strengthen cybersecurity, and maintain efficient day-to-day operations. Blueprint Helpdesk is known for its reliable service and personalized approach, working closely with clients to deliver tailored IT solutions that keep systems running smoothly and securely. To learn more about Blueprint Helpdesk or to get in touch with their team, visit their website or contact them directly: 📧 Email: info@blueprinthelpdesk.com 🌐 Website: www.blueprinthelpdesk.com

April 2, 2026Episode 237 min

SEASON 4 (PARALEGAL BRANDING FEATURING KELBY)

Kelby Ballena is an international law paralegal specialist with more than 25 years of experience helping legal teams operate at their best. He teaches, speaks, and mentors with one goal in mind: making complex ideas and emerging tools feel clear, practical, and empowering for lawyers, students, and paralegals alike. For any questions about paralegal branding, Kelby can be reached on Linked In.

March 14, 2026Episode 154 min

SEASON 4 PODCAST FEATURING JENN THE YOGA LAWYER

Jennifer Mohamed, Esq. is the founder of the Law Office of Jennifer Mohamed LLC and a seasoned attorney whose work spans business, employment, and environmental law. She is also known as Jen the Yoga Lawyer and serves as the Member Benefit Lawyer to the American Yoga Council, where she supports the yoga industry with practical legal guidance informed by her background in both law and yoga. She can be reached at https://jennifermohamedlaw.com/ and https://jentheyogalawyer.com/

January 31, 2026Episode 1624 min

LAND USE LAWS FEATURING ATTORNEY VICTORIA BRITTON,ESQ

Victoria D. Britton is Of Counsel with the firm Price, Meese, Shulman & D’Arminio and has been practicing for 19 years. She concentrates her practice in the areas of real estate law and land use law, including litigation. Victoria can be reached at Vbritton@pricemeese.com and 201-391-3737.

November 27, 202541 min

SEASON 3 (FEATURING CHERE ESTRIN)

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🚨 We’re spilling the tea with Chere Estrin, author of Power Plays for Legal Professionals! In this episode, Chere shares insider strategies to help legal professionals level up their careers and make power moves in the legal world. Chere Estrin is a highly accomplished professional in the legal industry, known for her expertise in legal staffing, training, and education. As the CEO of Estrin Legal Staffing and President of The Organization of Legal Professionals (an online legal tech training company), she has placed high-level legal professionals including attorneys, C-Suite, litigation support professionals, technology experts, paralegals, administrators, managers, and legal service providers at AmLaw 100+ firms and Fortune 1000 in-house legal departments. 🎧 Tune in now and hear Chere’s expert tips and advice on career growth, networking, and navigating the legal industry. 🔗 Learn more about Chere at estrinreport.com#LegalProfessionals #PowerPlays #LegalCareer #CareerGrowth #LegalTips #LegalAdvice #ChereEstrin #LegalPodcast #SpillTheTea #LawyersOfTwitter #LegalIndustry #Networking #LegalLeadership #PodcastEpisode #LawProfessionals #LegalCommunity Chere B. Estrin Power Plays for Legal Professionals: Strategies for Moving Your Career Forward https://a.co/d/gMHRYDa

November 19, 202529 min

SEASON 3 (FEATURING VINCENT-DECEMBER EPISODE)

New Episode: Paralegal Tea Time with Guest Vincent Ascolese In this episode of Paralegal Tea Time, we’re joined by Vincent Ascolese, Senior Paralegal at a national law firm, specializing in personal injury defense and an active member of the Paralegal Association of New Jersey. Vincent can be reached on LinkedIn. With the holidays approaching and stress levels rising, Vincent stops by to discuss the power of mindfulness and how paralegals can use it throughout their day. Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and aware in the current moment without judgment, allowing us to respond—not react—to what’s around us. This thoughtful conversation highlights how mindfulness supports wellness, focus, and balance—perfect for paralegals managing demanding workloads and holiday pressures. So grab your favorite cup of tea and enjoy the episode!