Reaching the end

This week i learned an important lesson in detail. Filing new applications has become a familiar task for me. With new applications being accepted everyday it is important for me to get them out to the board right away. There were many instances where I would be working on an application and I would be asked to do a more important task such as send a fax to an insurance adjuster or call a defense attorney to answer an urgent question about a case. After returning to complete the application i brought it to my supervisor for review. She pointed out a very important step that i had left out and i had to go back and correct the entire application. 

I learned that regardless of how comfortable i may be with a task it is always important to review it carefully before submitting it. Important information like social security numbers, court issued numbers, and addresses must all be correct. If for some reason you accidentally put a four instead of a five the entire process is delayed. If the court receives any applications with mistakes they are sent back to the firm. The employees at the firm must then stop whatever they are working on and reissue any applications that come back with mistakes. Not only does it effect the efficiency of the firm but since the case cannot move forward without the numbers that are assigned by the court there is a higher possibility that a client's case will be delayed, causing more frustration. One mistake can easily become a bigger problem. 

Aside from the paperwork that comes with the internship i am also learning how to adapt to working with coworkers with various temperaments. There are those who are friendly and welcoming and there are also others who prefer to keep to themselves. I have learned that not everyone will make an effort to befriend you and sometimes it is up to you to make the first move and simply ask how they are doing and provoke some small talk. Saying hello in the mornings and getting to know your coworkers goes a long way. It has helped me become more comfortable with everyone rather than just my supervisor. There have been instances where i had a question but my supervisor was either in a meeting or on the phone with a client. Getting more comfortable with those around me gave me more resources to reach out to when i needed help on an assignment. This sense of community is not only good for me but for the firm as well. Everyone deserves to feel comfortable and accepted at their job site so they can perform to the best of their abilities. 

My highlight of the week was talking to a client on the phone in spanish. About a week ago i sent the client a copy of his deposition, which is a written document of everything that was said during his court appearance. The client is to sign the document, make any necessary corrections, and send it back. On Thursday we received it without a signature or corrections. I was asked to call the client and asked what had happened. After talking to the client and explaining what the copy of the deposition was he told me he had never received it. I then verified his address and the conclusion was that we had mixed up the four digit house number when it was entered into the system. I made the necessary correction and explained that he would be receiving it shortly. Although i had made a mistake earlier in the week i also helped correct an error in a clients case.