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
