Name: Suzie Blake
Job Description: Legal firefighter, a/k/a Paralegal for the city of Concord legal department.
Who is your favorite famous paralegal?
I think Chief Justice Linda Stewart Dalianis is a wonderful example of what we as paralegals and legal secretaries can achieve when we have the support of family and those lawyers with whom we work. I have a high degree of respect for her and what she has achieved.
What are some fun things to do in Concord?
My husband and I like movies at the Red River Theatres.
Hidden talent?
I am a bread maker and chef in my spare time.
Guilty pleasure?
A glass of wine while relaxing in a floating chair on the lake.
What is your favorite movie?
I have two favorite movies: The Young Victoria with Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend; and Nothing to Lose with Martin Lawrence & Tim Robbins.
What is your favorite obscure law?
No trespassing without permission.
What was the most bizarre case you've ever worked?
It was a personal injury case which involved some very interesting family secrets. It took actual detective type work to unravel the truth and to set the record straight. Thankfully, there was a good outcome.
If you could make or repeal one law, what would it be?
I would repeal the latest gun law passed in New Hampshire which Governor John Lynch had vetoed. I am all for being able to defend yourself and your family, but the new law goes too far.
What would be your ultimate career goal/next move?
After retirement from the City of Concord, I will be gardening and cooking.
Be honest: Who really does more work, lawyers or paralegals?
That depends on the definition of “work.” In my experience, the lawyers read more case law and the paralegal drafts the pleadings to support the law. But it also depends on the lawyer.
Any parting words/words of wisdom?
Write everything down. My first paralegal job was at an insurance defense firm and those words of wisdom were from my first boss. That advice has served me well over the course of my career.
