Paralegal Profile: Wil Antonides, ALS

Paralegal Profile: Wil Antonides, ALS

Wil Antonides, ALS resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan and commutes to work in Richland, MI where he is a paralegal specializing in family law, criminal defense, civil litigation and personal injury.

He has a Bachelor of Arts degree, as well as a Post- Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies. He earned the ALS credential from NALS.

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1.    What prompted you to choose a paralegal career?  I was down-sized from my human resources position.  I had taken a “Paralegal 101” course a few years prior out of curiosity, and decided that it was the time to pursue this permanently.

2.    What is your favorite part of your job?  Client meetings and writing briefs.

3.    What professional associations do you belong to?  NALS (National Association for Legal Professionals)

4.    How has your membership benefited you?   It has connected me with a committed group of individuals that I can reach out to, learn from, and share a laugh.

5.    What has been the highlight of your career?  Being nominated and elected Treasurer of the Board of Directors of my local NALS chapter when I was a brand new paralegal.  A member heard my story, saw my determination and thought I showed leadership.

6.    What do you see as hot trends in the paralegal industry?  Keeping clients happy with the services they pay for.  

7.    If someone contemplating a paralegal career asked you for career advice, what would your answer be?  Make sure your writing skills are strong, technology doesn’t frighten you, and that you can handle things at the last minute, all while knowing that you will never make as much money as the attorney does.

8.    Is there a quote that inspires you?  Success is the best revenge.

9.     You’ve enjoyed a successful paralegal career.  To what single event or person do you attribute that success?  My partner, Tom, for pushing me to reinvent myself at age 40.

10.    What is the most important step a paralegal can take to keep his or her career interesting?  READ. Read everything.  Stay current and even ahead of the issues that are coming in the future.  Also, reading good writing makes you a better writer.

11.    What electronic device can you not live without?  My iPad

12.    What unusual item do you own? My grandfather’s pocket watch.  The first-born son in every generation of my family, takes the name of his paternal grandfather.  This has been handed down for over 100 years.

13.    What advice would you give yourself if you met you as a first-year paralegal? Read the Court Rules.  Really!

Bonus Question: If you could not be a paralegal, what would be your dream job? White House Chief of Staff