Category Archives: Blog

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 Portland Community College in Criminal Justice

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Why did you choose a paralegal career?  I worked for sixteen years in the grocery industry climbing the corporate ladder but was always interested in law enforcement and the law.

I applied for a national internship with the FBI, but discovered that path was not a good fit. The next year, I applied for admittance at Lewis and Clark Law School and was placed on the wait list because there were too many applicants.

That made me re-evaluate my career goals and direction. Did I really want more than $100,000 in student loan debt? Did I even want to be an attorney or did I apply because I believed that was what was expected of me?

When my husband was deployed to the Middle East later that year, I decided to go back to school to earn another Associate’s in paralegal studies. I have no regrets that I didn’t stay on either the path to the FBI or law school. I’ve loved this profession since the very first day and I am challenged and rewarded by the work that I do.

What is your favorite part of your job?  I used to work in a local municipality and loved seeing the entire process in play; seeing the need for an ordinance to address a concern or an issue; working on the draft ordinance for the City Council; attending the town meeting where the local officials approve or amend the ordinance; ultimately passing it; and then helping the local citizens navigate those new local laws. It was a wonderful feeling to see the system working the way it was designed.

Now that I am in the private sector, I love being able to anticipate the needs of the clients and my attorneys. The nerd in me comes alive when I am able to respond to a request for an item or information 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

Paralegal Profile: Stephanie R. Sterling, TBLS-BCP

Stephanie R. Sterling, TBLS-BCP is a Litigation Paralegal at DuBois, Bryant & Campbell, LLP in Austin, Texas. She specializes in Civil Trial Law, specifically handling complex commercial matters. Stephanie earned an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies with honors from Lamar University, (an ABA approved program) and Bachelors of Science in History with… Continue Reading