Mariah Fuller: Building Confidence and a Legal Career, One Step at a Time

Building Confidence and a Legal Career, One Step at a Time

Mariah Fuller

Finding Her Way Into the Legal Field

Before becoming a paralegal, Mariah Fuller spent eight years working in retail and public-facing roles, where she developed a service mindset that would become central to her future legal career.

With a Bachelor of Arts in political science from North Carolina State University, Fuller knew she wanted to work in a field where she could help people and grow professionally. She expressed interest in the legal profession as an attorney, but the cost of law school caused her to pause and think carefully about her next steps while also balancing the financial reality with her long-term goals.

That pause led to a Google search for legal careers that did not require attending law school. That search is how she discovered the paralegal profession.

“I’ve always had a passion for serving others, but from a legal perspective,” Fuller said.

Confirmation Along the Way

After discovering the paralegal profession, Fuller began researching paralegal programs, looking at the requirements, timelines, and what it would take to get started.

During this time, she connected with her long-time mentor, Peggy Pardue, a senior paralegal with over 23 years of experience, who was a customer at Fuller’s retail job. What started as a casual conversation about Fuller’s career goals quickly became an important source of guidance, encouragement and reassurance.

For Fuller, the timing felt like confirmation. She had already been thinking seriously about paralegal work, and Peggy helped her understand what a paralegal career could look like in real life. With that encouragement, Fuller moved forward with the Meredith College Paralegal Program, completing the program in May 2023.

Meredith provided job postings and encouraged students to begin looking for work early, so Fuller did just that. She reviewed the program’s job postings and searched Indeed and other job search boards. Although Fuller initially sought a family law role, she was eager to get her foot in the door and gain real-world legal experience with a firm that would give her an opportunity.

The search was discouraging at times. Like many new paralegals entering the profession, Fuller filled out applications, went on interviews, faced rejection and was often told that she did not have enough experience. Eventually, Monroe, Wallace, Morden & Sherrill, PLLC gave her an opportunity and hired her for her first paralegal role despite her limited experience.

Learning the Work by Doing the Work

Since joining Monroe, Wallace, Morden & Sherrill, PLLC three years ago, Fuller has gained experience in estates and trusts, guardianships, estate planning and related matters.

Fuller’s work includes client intake, scheduling, data entry, document preparation, drafting applications for estates and guardianships, preparing oaths and renunciations, recording deeds and powers of attorney, placing notices to creditors, drafting inventory and supporting trust and guardianship administration. She also manages calls, reviews and maintains clients case files and helps keep matters moving.

It is a lot of responsibility, especially for someone still early in her career. But Fuller appreciates that the work is not repetitive.

“No two days are the same,” she said. “I’m learning something new every day.”

The Challenge of Confidence

Like many newer paralegals, Fuller is honest about the pressure that comes with learning in real time. Working alongside people with many more years of experience can sometimes feel intimidating.

Fuller describes that she can be hard on herself, often wondering whether she is doing enough or whether she knows enough. But that self-awareness reflects how deeply she cares about the quality of her work. She describes her supervising attorney, Nickolas Sherrill, as approachable and understanding, someone she can go to with questions. That support has allowed her to grow while also learning to trust the skills and knowledge she has already developed.

For newer paralegals, building confidence is part of the process. The goal is not to know everything on day one, but to stay curious, ask questions, develop discernment and continue learning along the way.

Advice for New Paralegals

For students and new graduates worried about a lack of experience, Fuller’s advice is don’t be too hard on yourself. She encourages new paralegals to trust what they learned in their programs, apply broadly, and understand that building a career takes time.

“It’s a process,” she said.

Fuller encourages newer paralegals to seek out mentors and build relationships with experienced professionals who can offer guidance, reassurance, and perspective during the early stages of their careers. Throughout her own transition into the legal field, she has continued to lean on the support and encouragement of her mentor, Peggy Pardue.

Fuller also believes new paralegals should think carefully about the kind of environment they want to work in, including the size of the firm, the location and the practice area. The first opportunity may be different from what you originally imagined, but it can still provide valuable experience, growth and a strong foundation for career growth.

Grounded, But Not Afraid of the Leap

Fuller describes herself as a down-to-earth country girl. She enjoys reading, especially fantasy novels, and loves singing. But Fuller is also a thrill-seeker who enjoys roller coasters, skydiving and other experiences that require soaring to new heights.

That mix of groundedness and courage is helping Fuller build confidence as she continues to do the work, ask questions, learn the process, and move forward.

For a paralegal still early in their professional journey, the willingness to keep learning is one of the most important skills of all.

Lakisha Chichester, ACP, NCCP, is a certified paralegal and real estate broker in Durham, NC. With over a decade of experience in legal and regulatory compliance, real estate, and corporate governance, she is passionate about staying at the forefront of legal and real estate trends. When not working, Lakisha enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and making memories with her six grandchildren.

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