Paralegal Profile: Cyndi Hitsman, ACP

Cyndi Hitsman, ACP is a Certified Paralegal/ESI Manager at the Herring Law Group where she specializes in Electronic Discovery; Family Law; Litigation and Trial Preparation and Assistance.

She took the California Proficiency Exam in high school to graduate early. Following graduation she attended junior college classes. She started working in a law firm at 17I

Cyndi has been a Certified Paralegal since 2001 and an Advanced Certified Paralegal in Discovery since 2005.

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Why did you choose a paralegal career? Actually, I don’t think I did! It is more like the paralegal career chose me. My first legal job was filling in for a friend, a solo practitioner, when his office assistant went on vacation. I have worked in law offices in various capacities ever since.

What is your favorite part of your job? Finding needles in haystacks! I love reviewing and managing large document cases. The feeling of being able to find a random email or document pertaining to a specific issue out of thousands or millions of pages of documents is awesome!

What professional associations do you belong to?

  • Ventura County Paralegal Association (former President, Treasurer, NALA Liaison);
  • Santa Barbara Paralegal Association (current President, former Treasurer, NALA Liaison);
  • California Alliance of Paralegal Associations; and
  • Former member of National Association of Legal Assistants

How has your membership benefited you? I have formed life-long friendships with other paralegals who understand the “paralegal life.”

What has been the highlight of your career? Trials. I love the feel of being at trial – the all-encompassing game of litigation. One day we’re up, another down – the twists and turns of the process and advocating for our clients and the relief and appreciation by the clients for a favorable result! Continue Reading

Paralegal Profile: Linda Odermott RP®

Linda Odermott RP® is a senior paralegal at Dunn Carney Allen Higgins Tongue LLP in Portland, Oregon where she specializes in Real Property, Land Use, Public Meetings and Public Records. Linda  earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Administration of Justice from Portland State University; Associate’s Degree from Everest College in Paralegal Studies, and Associate’s Degree from… Continue Reading

Why did you go to Paralegal School?

Ask paralegals why they went to paralegal school and you will get a wide variety of answers.  For many, the paralegal profession found them. They were either working in a different capacity at a law firm and realized they were capable of more; or a colleague recognized their potential and urged them to get additional… Continue Reading

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Paralegal Profile: Melanie Hicks, CP

Melanie Hicks, CP, is the Owner/Certified Paralegal  at Paralegal Solutions, LLC where she specializes in Real Estate and Criminal Law. She has an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies and earned her NALA Certification in May 2010. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Why did you choose a paralegal career?  I always wanted to work in the legal field.  I do… Continue Reading

Paralegal Profile: Nicole Martinez

Nicole Martinez is a Paralegal with a Trusts and Estates firm in Baltimore, Maryland. She earned an Associates degree in Paralegal Studies from National Paralegal College. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Why did you to choose a paralegal career? I started working as a receptionist for a very busy sole practitioner.  I enjoyed the work and decided that I… Continue Reading

Paralegal Profile: Kathy Darnell Adams, PLS PP

Kathy Adams is a paralegal with William P. Holley III in Marietta, Georgia where she specializes in Civil Litigation, Family Law, Personal Injury and Criminal Defense. She is a graduate of the Kennesaw State University Paralegal Program and has earned certifications from NALS: Certified Professional Legal Secretary and Certified Professional Paralegal. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ What prompted you… Continue Reading

Paralegal Profile: Heidi Helstrom, CP

This profile of Heidi Helstrom, CP must begin with Congratulations! Heidi was named 2016 Paralegal of the Year by the San Antonio Paralegal Association and the Paralegal Division of the State Bar of Texas as they celebrated Paralegal Day on October 19th. Heidi Helstrom, CP is a Family Law Paralegal at the Tessmer Law Firm,… Continue Reading

New Court Word Limits – How WordRake Can Help

NOTE: The following information was provided by WordRake, a terrific redaction program. I tried the 15-day free trial and loved it. I encourage you to give it a try in your office. The WordRake weekly newsletter is also very helpful and would be worth subscribing to. More information is available at http://wordrake.com. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Three days… Continue Reading