United States Magistrate Judge Peter B. Silvain, Jr. recalled how helpful paralegals were to him when he started his career in law and said they are an essential part of the court system.

“There are very few successful trial teams, not only in our court, but in all courts, that don’t depend on paralegals to assemble essential records, evidence, coordinate witnesses and make sure technology works,” Judge Silvain said.

“It is so important. It doesn’t work without your participation,” he said.

Judge Silvain was the keynote speaker for the Paralegal Day 2024 event at Sinclair College. Judge Silvain spoke to college officials, representatives from local law firms and students studying to become paralegals who gathered to celebrate the important occupation.

Almost every good lawyer has a dedicated paralegal working behind the scenes doing crucial work, he said. Judge Silvain taught in law schools and when asked by students what they need to be a successful solo practitioner, he told them that they need to find and hire a very good paralegal.

“I’ve been very lucky to work with amazing paralegals,” Judge Silvain said, adding that they helped him begin his career. “If I had a question about how to handle things, where to file and how to do it, I wasn’t marching to the partner’s office, I was going to the experienced paralegal. And that’s how I learned as an associate. They were crucial.”

Judge Silvain offered to help students begin their careers by providing them advice and assistance.