"Organizing without priority is just a pretty desk. Prioritizing without organization is just chaos with a to-do list."



Priorganizing is where real leadership

happens.

- Sheri Middlemas

Several years ago, in the middle of a fast-paced meeting, I accidentally invented a word. I meant to say prioritize. I also meant to say organize. Instead, my brain, apparently on its own coffee-fueled efficiency mission, decided to save time and combine them. Out came: Priorganize. 

The room chuckled … but the word stuck. And over time, I realized that this little accidental mashup actually describes one of the most valuable habits in leadership and teamwork: the intentional act of organizing by priority. 

Why “Priorganizing” Matters in a Law Firm 

In a law firm, it’s not enough to simply organize your to-do list or your files. And it’s not enough to prioritize tasks in theory while your day still runs you instead of the other way around. 

Priorganizing is the sweet spot – putting structure and priority in the same lane, so you can execute efficiently and effectively. 

Think of it this way: 

• Organizing without priority is like a beautifully arranged desk covered in matters that don’t actually need to be done today. 

• Prioritizing without organizing is like knowing exactly what’s most urgent but having to dig through chaos to get there. 

Leaders and team members alike need both – especially in law, where client demands, deadlines, and compliance requirements can collide without warning. 



For Leaders 

Leaders who priorganize set the tone for how their teams operate. They: 

1 Filter the noise – separating “urgent” from “loud” so the team works on what truly matters. 

2 Allocate resources wisely – matching the right people to the right priorities at the right time. 

3 Model calm under pressure – because when your day is priorganized, you’re far less likely to get pulled into reactive mode. 

For Team Members 

Team members who priorganize don’t just keep up – they anticipate. They: 

1 Show initiative – by organizing their workload around the firm’s most important objectives, not just their own. 

2 Improve collaboration – when everyone’s priorities are clear and organized, handoffs and teamwork flow more smoothly. 

3 Build trust – leaders notice when you consistently deliver the most important work first, with fewer last-minute scrambles. 

How to Start Priorganizing: 

• Ask: What is the most important outcome today? Then build your schedule around it. 

• Rank before you file. Whether it’s a task list or an inbox, put high-impact work at the top, physically and mentally. 

• Revisit priorities often. A priorganized plan at 9:00 AM might need an update by 2:00 PM, flexibility is part of the system. 

In the years since that meeting, “priorganize” has become one of those Sheri-isms that follows me everywhere; and honestly, I’m glad it has. It’s a reminder that clarity + structure = better results. And in a law firm, better results mean happier clients, stronger teams, and fewer late nights. 

So, next time you’re feeling pulled in ten directions, try priorganizing. Your future self, and your team, will thank you. 

-Sheri

Texas Board of Nursing v. WC

Facts: WC received a secondary complaint regarding allegations of sexual conduct with a former patient. The evidence presented included text messages, social media posts and app screen shots regarding WC and patient’s alleged sexual activity.

Outcome: After WC retained counsel the firm provided a response to the allegations. The firm argued that the evidence was insufficient and unauthenticated. The firm further argued that the witnesses were unreliable and therefore not credible. BON proposed a disciplinary order with minimal CE requirements. BON agreed to modify the findings of facts within the order to state that WC denied the allegations and the order was approved. 

Texas Medical Board v. UJ



Facts: UJ submitted an application for licensure and failed to disclosed prior criminal activity. After TMB requested information on the criminal activity, UJ provided records that  they received from the district court associated with the criminal cases. TMB followed up requesting additional records and then stopped communicating with UJ.

Outcome: After consultation with UJ the firm submitted a request to the district court to submit the records again directly to TMB. The firm instructed UJ to withdraw and resubmit the application and report the criminal activity in totality. After a few short weeks of communication with TMB, TMB issued UJ licensure without conditions.  

Texas Education Agency v. TD

Facts: TD was allowed to resign from their position with an ISD here in Texas. The ISD placed TD on administrative leave and notified him that they had received a complaint that he was having a sexual relationship with a former student. TD denied the allegations.

Outcome: TD retained counsel and the firm submitted argument to the ISD’s counsel denying the allegations. The firm provided evidence that the report was not credible and that the events never took place. The firm provided evidence that the report was made by a former coworker and was only initiated based on the coworkers bias and motive to retaliate against TD. After several months of silence, the ISD advised that they did not issue any findings and no report to TEA was initiated.

In defending clients against allegations of misconduct, there are often highly technical, academic and skill-oriented topics that require the input and assessment of a knowledgeable professional beyond the legal skills and knowledge Bertolino attorneys possess. 

Having someone with the knowledge, skills, training and experience in a specialized field can be invaluable to defending a client’s license and protecting their professional reputation. For example, a physician may need expertise regarding surgical procedures, methods and techniques at issue in their complaint to convince the Texas Medical Board the case ought to be dismissed. Or an engineer may need expert knowledge about electrical engineering concepts and how they operate in the allegations involved in the malpractice lawsuit our client is facing so the lawyers can win the case and convince the court no misconduct took place. When this happens, Bertolino LLP works to locate an expert in the necessary field to help fight and win the client’s case. There are two distinct categories of experts Bertolino LLP may utilize in a legal matter to help fight for their clients. 

Consulting Experts 

Consulting experts are those who confer internally with Bertolino LLP attorneys and our client about their assessment of the allegations, issues, documents and/or witnesses at issue in the client's legal matter. The consulting expert provides their expert opinion about the issues in the client's legal matter so the client and Bertolino LLP attorneys can develop or adjust the case legal strategy or other action connected to protecting the client 's legal interests. However, the consulting expert's opinion is not typically shared with anyone else, nor does the consulting expert typically testify in court. Their assessment of the claims is kept confidential as work product utilized by the attorneys to help defend the client. 

Testifying Experts 

Testifying experts evaluate the allegations, materials and witnesses in the case and then provide their testimony under oath in the court proceedings as an expert witness. This information is generally shared with outside parties as part of the litigation process. The testifying expert witness helps the client and Bertolino LLP attorneys fight to protect the client's legal interests by providing their opinion and technical expertise to help convince a court or a jury that the allegations raised against the client are invalid and need to be dropped. 

Conclusion 

When you have a legal matter and need someone to fight in your corner, remember that you may also need an expert witness so the lawyers can achieve positive results for your case. When this happens, the attorney handling your case will talk to you about the type of expert they think is necessary, why and how they suggest this be done. Give careful consideration to this legal advice because often times it can be very difficult or legally impossible to win a case without utilizing the specialized skill, knowledge and education of an expert. The synergy between the lawyer and this expert can be just the sort of dynamic force needed to get your case resolved on favorable terms. 

Celebrating National Paralegal Day 
October 23rd, 2025

Celebrating the Legal Support Team Behind Every Case! 


At Bertolino LLP we’re proud to recognize the team members who help us put our clients first every single day: MJ Hooper and Edith Colin Huerta.

This month also marks MJ Hooper’s three-year anniversary with the firm. From day one, MJ has brought exceptional commitment, professionalism, and care to her work as a paralegal. Over time she has shown the leadership, expertise, and alignment with our values that made her an ideal fit for her current role as Legal Support Manager. Her guidance and dedication strengthen the entire firm, making this the perfect moment to celebrate her continued impact.

Working alongside MJ, Edith Colin Huerta exemplifies the same spirit of precision and reliability that defines our legal support team. With a background in criminal defense and a strong academic foundation, Edith provides vital support to our attorneys with meticulous organization and calm focus, keeping even the most complex cases on track.

Together, MJ and Edith embody the excellence and teamwork that power our firm’s success. We’re proud to celebrate them not only on Paralegal Day but every day for their unwavering dedication and the care they bring to every client we serve.