Mimi Mangrum Jackson is the Operations Manager/Paralegal to Kevin J. Orr at Orr Willhite, PLC, in Paragould Arkansas. When asked about her area of specialization, Mimi responded, “In Arkansas we do not have “specialties” but I work in the fields of domestic relations/family law and personal injury. I consider myself “very knowledgeable” of these areas of law.” Mimi attended the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville
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1. What prompted you to choose a paralegal career? I have always had an interest in the legal field and actually wanted to go to law school. College Algebra just seemed to get in the way of that one!
2. What is your favorite part of your job? Helping people solve their “problems” and hopefully point them towards a happy life. We deal with mainly “family law” issues and it is very stressful and depressing, at times. Therefore, seeing justice being done is very rewarding.
3. What professional associations do you belong to? NALS…the association for Legal Support Professionals
4. How has your membership benefited you? It has given me a wonderful networking capability, the ability to have amazing CLE at my fingertips, it has blessed me with two different jobs (in different cities) when I needed them, and most of all it has allowed me to grow my career. 5. What has been the highlight of your career? This is a two-fold answer: The ability to work for such wonderful firms.
(1) When I was in Little Rock, I had the ability to work for the state’s largest Personal Injury Firm and was the Litigation Department Manager. This firm is known statewide for top notch service in the personal injury field and I was very fortunate to work for this firm.
(2) I am so very blessed to work for Attorney Kevin J. Orr. Attorney Orr is the best there is in the family law practice. He is very well respected and has a wonderful practice that I am VERY proud to be a part of. It is great to go to work each day for such a respected individual, who is also the best at what he does.
6. What do you see as hot trends in the paralegal industry? I see that many firms are giving individuals (paralegals and/or legal secretaries) more job duties, especially in smaller firms. Long gone are the days of the receptionist, legal assistant/secretary, and paralegal. Many firms are going to the “hybrid” layout.
7. If someone contemplating a paralegal career asked you for career advice, what would your answer be? Do not just go to a “paralegal program” and expect to immediately obtain a paralegal position at a firm. You need to work your way up and get some “real time/on the job” training along with your schooling.
8. Is there a quote that inspires you? “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” George Eliot
9. You’ve enjoyed a successful paralegal career. To what single event or person do you attribute that success? NALS…the Association for Legal Professionals. This association has made me believe in myself and given me mentors to help me along the way. Without NALS, I would still be that receptionist answering the phone and typing with NO ambition of climbing the legal ladder! Thanks to NALS, I have an amazing career…not just a job!
10. What is the most important step a paralegal can take to keep his or her career interesting? Stay in the know by attending “hot topic” CLEs and never think you know it all. You learn many things each and every day.
11. What sports team are you passionate about? The Arkansas Razorbacks! WPS…Go Hogs!!
12. What’s your favorite vacation getaway? A few years ago, I was very fortunate to go to St. Maarten and St. Barts. It was breathtaking! I would love to go every year!
13. What’s more important – comfort or style? STYLE!!
Bonus question: You’ve been given the chance to have dinner with anyone living or dead. Who is it? Jacqueline Kennedy