Confessions of a Legal Assistant

Since I have started working here, I have noticed everyone in the office’s deep love for typewriters. I have always found it a little off. During my fist week of work, one of the ladies came into my office, and said, “Oh, where is your typewriter.” I proceeded to explain that I didn’t need a typewriter because I had a computer. I soon found out why we really needed a typewriter.

If ever there is a form that needs to be filled out, from fax cover sheets and memos to mortgage papers. Instead of filling them out on the computer and printing them off (that is what I would do and everyone of my generation would do) out comes the typewriter. In fact, they use them so much that we are buying more ink for our typewriters than toner for our printer. The best part is there is never really a line up at the printer, because I am usually the only one printing.
Typewriters are so noisy! Click, click, click. DING! Over and over, all day. It is a wonder that anyone of that generation has any hearing left. Imagine if you worked in an office back in the day, and everyone was typing on a typewriter. You would need earplugs.

One day, I got a phone message that was typed up. You know what I am talking about, one of those pink little ‘While You Were Out’ slips. I think that I need to do some computer training with these ladies, or at least, an intervention.

Sometimes, to feel part of the group, I do go to the extra typewriter we have…yup…we use them so much that we have an extra one. And I will type up an address on an envelope or some weird form. It makes me feel all retro.

Hey everyone, welcome to the 21st Century!