KNOW, the Magazine for Paralegals Fall/Winter 2013.2 | Page 24

In addition to the work to keep TPS going which includes posting on the blog twice a week, Jamie works in personal injury / wrongful death. She is a wife, mother, and author of more than 50 articles written over the past two years – half of which appeared in magazines or were published by educational groups. If it sounds like Jamie has multiple full-time jobs, it is because she does. Here’s someone who takes pride in hard work and wears her work ethic like a badge of honor. In a recent post on on the Paralegal Society, “Check the Box…or Be Great – The Choice is Yours,” Jamie advises: “Work like your reputation is on the line, because it is. Each and every day. Each and every task. Each and every client file, project, and interaction. It is on the line. Right here, right now. I will give it all I’ve got, even when I’m sick, tired, and sick and tired. I will hit the line, pull myself together, and rise up. I will excel. I will run straight through any task with radiant enthusiasm. Even when it’s hard. Even when I’d rather not. Even on those days I’m not sure how I’ll crawl across the finish line.” Jamie’s work ethic has not gone unnoticed by her employers, both past and present. Currently, she is employed by Yosha Cook Shartzer & Tisch in Indianapolis juggling as many as 100 cases at a time with no administrative help. Jason A. Shartzer, her supervising attorney, does not hesitate to describe Jamie as the best paralegal with whom he has ever worked. “Jamie is my trial companion. In the days and weeks leading up to trial…she puts in as many hours as I do during trial preparation and is involved with all aspects. Shartzer relies on Jamie in every aspect of his practice and is pretty certain that he would be lost without her. Personal injury / wrongful death cases involve traumatic events and can be emotionally difficult for a paralegal. Jamie, who works closely with the clients, often accompanies Shartzer when he meets clients for the first time. “Sometimes these meetings take place in hospitals after catastrophic injuries. Jamie has always displayed grace and professionalism in these difficult situations.” Why would anyone choose to work in a field where clients are often at the worst 24