Paralegal Tea Time

Hosted by Melissa Acosta and Laurie Robinson

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Jun 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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53 recent

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 morethan 25 years of experience helping legal teams operate at theirbest. He teaches, speaks, and mentors with one goal in mind:making complex ideas and emerging tools feel clear, practical, andempowering 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 #LegalCommunityChere B. EstrinPower Plays for Legal Professionals: Strategies for Moving Your Career Forwardhttps://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!

November 8, 202539 min

Peach State Power: Rashida Forbes on Freelance Paralegal Success

☕️ New Episode Alert! ☕️ This episode, we’re spilling some Southern-style tea with a fabulous guest from the Peach State! 🍑 Meet Rashida Forbes, the powerhouse owner of RF Legal Support — a thriving freelance paralegal business serving clients across Georgia and beyond. Rashida stopped by Paralegal Tea Time to share valuable tips, insider insights, and some serious inspiration for anyone in the legal field. She’s not just a business owner — she’s a true advocate for the paralegal community, giving back through her quarterly webinars and networking events that help empower legal professionals everywhere. Tune in for this inspiring conversation and get ready to sip on some wisdom! ☕️✨ You can connect with Rashida Forbes at www.rflegalsupport.com and on LinkedIn.

October 28, 202545 min

Season 3 Episode 13 Featuring IHOR

🎙️ New Episode Alert! ☕ This week on the Paralegal Tea Time Podcast, we had the pleasure of chatting with Ihor Andruch, Assistant Director of Career Services and Adjunct Professor at Berkeley College — and wow, did he bring the wisdom! 💼✨ Ihor shared invaluable résumé tips to help you stand out, insightful advice on finding and using community resources, and smart strategies for landing — and thriving in — internships that can launch your legal career. 🚀 Whether you’re a paralegal student, a recent grad, or a professional looking to grow, this episode is packed with practical guidance and inspiration you don’t want to miss. 🎧 Tune in on your favorite podcast platform and take your career toolkit to the next level! You can connect with Ihor on LinkedIn and at ihor-andruch@berkeleycollege.edu #ParalegalTeaTimePodcast #LegalCareers #BerkeleyCollege #ParalegalLife #CareerTips #Internships #ProfessionalGrowth"

July 24, 2025Episode 1130 min

SEASON 3 (FEATURING HEATHER PICKETT)

Paralegal Tea Time Podcast Today, we're examining the impact of widespread layoffs across various industries, the rising cost of living—particularly the surging prices of eggs and groceries—and how these mounting economic pressures may lead more individuals to consider filing for bankruptcy. To help us unpack this complex issue, we’re joined by fellow paralegal Heather Pickett, the owner of Propel Paralegal Services. Heather is a multifaceted legal professional with experience spanning various practice areas including bankruptcy, which has been her focused area of expertise. Heather has volunteered with the Conflict Resolution Center for Montgomery County and the NCSE. As an active member of the legal community, Heather serves on the National Federation of Paralegal Associations Ethics Board and the Maryland State Bar Association's Paralegal Task Force.You can learn more or get in touch with Heather at https://www.propelparalegal.com.