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Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
School of Paralegal Studies, 1997
Why did you decide to become a paralegal/legal support staffer?
My journey started a little differently than most. I grew up in the Washington, D.C., metro area and my mother worked as a civil servant my whole life, so my direct route was the civil service for the federal government. I landed in the legal department of the U.S. Treasury, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, as a legal assistant at 18 years old. I got the “bug” and loved learning in the legal field and have stayed now more than 37 years. Later, I obtained my paralegal degree but enjoyed the legal assistant field so much, I made that my career choice.
If you weren’t working in legal support, what would you be doing?
Easy answer … I would totally open my own bakery, specifically a bread bakery. I love baking my own bread and goodies. I am pretty good at it!
What would you say to someone who is considering a career in legal support?
It’s an ever-expanding field, and being a legal assistant is a very important role to a lawyer or paralegal. In fact, it’s one of the most important in any firm because we are relied upon by those we work with to help their practices flow seamlessly. It is financially, intellectually and personally rewarding. I would recommend and encourage any person to join this field of work.
How do you spend your free time?
I have nine grandchildren. I spend most of my free time with them. They range in age from 15 years to 16 months old. They keep me BUSY. They are my greatest accomplishment.
You’ve been with Taft for more than 20 years — what is it about the firm that’s made you stay all that time?
Let me just say that there are too many reasons to list. Taft is more than just a law firm; it’s a culture. Taft’s culture values its staff and values the contributions we bring to the table. The firm is very good to us. Case in point: During the pandemic, Taft made sure that its staff was taken care of first and foremost. The culture values diversity, work-life balance and understands that we all have lives outside of work, and the firm encourages its staff to make that our priority. The attorneys and paralegals I work directly with are not just amazing legal professionals, they are amazing people with whom I have a close and trusting relationship. They rely on me as a part of the team and that is special to me.
We’re told you’re a legal assistant to 10 professionals — how do you balance that workload?
Magic! No, it’s really about prioritization and communication with my attorneys and paralegals and being able to switch up between tasks quickly. Lawyers’ workloads can go from zero to 60 at a moment’s notice and as their support, it all boils down to quickly being able to pivot. The people I support are very good about being independent workers, as well, so it all flows together. I keep a log and checklist every day and I prioritize my tasks. When things get hectic, I communicate with them to see what can wait and what needs to be done immediately. It helps keep me on track.
What makes a good paralegal/legal support staffer?
The best traits to being a good paralegal or legal assistant are being dedicated, trustworthy, dependable, intuitive, resourceful and a good listener — more so, listening to what is not being said. Lawyers are pulled in all types of directions daily by their clients. Being able to anticipate their needs without them always having to tell you is key. I think all the people I work for appreciate that about me. Lastly, being open to all jobs you are asked to do, being flexible and being willing to pivot when needed is a key component to being a successful legal staff professional.
What’s something people might not know about the legal support profession?
It is a very rewarding career field. It is not as hard as people might think it is. It’s technical and takes a great deal of attention to detail, but I have learned something new every single day.
What makes a good lawyer?
Having a true passion for the job, having compassion for your clients and having the understanding that in the legal profession, you cannot be the “lone ranger.” Teamwork makes the dream work.
Do you have a secret talent?
Actually, I do! I am a quilter. It’s not really a secret but I love to quilt and crochet in my free time.•
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