2020 Fall Student Scholarship Recipient – Rachel Roberson

By Stephanie Durham-Rivera

I am pleased to announce that the recipient of the 2020 Fall Paralegal Division $250 Student Scholarship is Rachel Roberson of Vance-Granville Community College!

The Paralegal Division would like to thank each and every student who took the time to submit an application and essay for the Fall Student Scholarship. Rachel Roberson’s topic “Why do you want to be a paralegal?” was truly inspiring. We hope that you will all take the time to read it. Although we were unable to congratulate Ms. Roberson in person, I hope to meet Rachel in person in the near future. Good luck, Rachel!

Additionally, we will start the application process for the 2021 Spring Student Scholarship in late February. Therefore, we encourage those who are interested and eligible to look out for the forthcoming details and apply.

What Will the New Year Bring?

By Stephanie Durham-Rivera

We’ve all heard the expression “out with the old and in with the new,” but this year we may really mean it. Luckily for us, a new year brings new ideas, new hopes, and, of course, courage to overcome all the new (and old) challenges.

Early in 2020, I never would have imagined serving as Chair of the Paralegal Division during a pandemic and navigating the difficulties of not meeting our members face to face, but here we are. A challenge isn’t always a hardship. Sometimes a challenge is an opportunity for progress.

Read more

The Holidays Are Essential

By Sarah White

2020 has been a year like no other in my lifetime, and I pray I never see another one like it. The fear of my friends and family getting sick, the worry over those who have lost their livelihoods, the anguish that comes from thinking of those at home in abusive relationships or struggling with depression, the impact on our economy . . . one of these alone is hard enough; but combine all of them together — that is a heavy burden to carry.  That is why I hereby declare the holidays as essential! Read more

Paralegal Division’s New Diversity and Inclusion Committee

By Stephanie Durham-Rivera, Chair

On November 23, 2020, the Paralegal Division Council voted to form a Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

The Paralegal Division recognizes that diversity and inclusion are more than just policies, programs, or head counts. They are about respecting the unique needs, perspectives and potential of all our division members.

The responsibilities of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee would include, but are not limited to:

Read more

Paralegal Spotlight: Teri Rodriguez

Teresa (“Teri”) Rodriguez

By the Communications Committee

Paralegal Spotlight is the Division’s monthly publication designed to share Division members’ stories with colleagues, inspire present and future paralegal professionals, and strengthen awareness of the profession and association.

Each month we select one amazing paralegal from among our membership and ask them to share a little about their personal and professional life. Join Paralegal Spotlight as we learn more about member talents, skills, personal and professional goals, technology tips, accomplishments, volunteer work, and more.

This month’s Paralegal Spotlight is on Teresa (“Teri”) Rodriguez.

Read more

The Year of the Mask

By Rachel Royal

I love when the new year rolls around. I know that time really has no boundaries, and December 31 rolls effortlessly into January 1 with no fireworks of its own accord. But the thought of starting anew is exhilarating to many people, and the New Year’s resolutions that everyone talks about are a result of this excitement. It is as if we are shedding off the old and physically stepping into a new year. In January of 2020, I was enrolled in a Bachelor of Science program at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, looking to buy a house, and had sworn off wine and any kind of unhealthy food. I had such high hopes for the coming year.

Read more

Giving Thanks This Thanksgiving

By Yazmeen Gadalla

On November 26, the United States will come together to celebrate Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a time to look back at the year prior and to give thanks. It is also a time to look forward and be thankful for what is to come. Thanksgiving is the pinnacle of the fall season, transitioning the American people into numerous holidays and ultimately, the New Year. In these times, the prospect of a new beginning is one that many of us eagerly await. In 2020, this Thanksgiving holiday will look and feel different from many other Thanksgivings in the past. There might not be a large, lavish meal with family. There might not be a trip across states to see old friends. But in a year where so much has happened, it is important to remember what we are thankful for.
Read more

Paralegal Spotlight: Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP

Wendy Kimbel

By the Communications Committee

Paralegal Spotlight is the Division’s monthly publication designed to share Division members’ stories with colleagues, inspire present and future paralegal professionals, and strengthen awareness of the profession and association.

Each month we select one amazing paralegal from among our membership and ask them to share a little about their personal and professional life. Join Paralegal Spotlight as we learn more about member talents, skills, personal and professional goals, technology tips, accomplishments, volunteer work, and more.

This month’s Paralegal Spotlight is on Wendy Kimbel, ACP, NCCP.

Position Title: Paralegal/President

Major Duties: I provide contract support services for attorneys, primarily in the areas of real estate, wills, trusts and probate.
Read more

Important Tips for Conducting a Remote Deposition During the COVID-19 Pandemic

By Huseby Inc. Litigation Services

Note from the Paralegal Division Technology Committee: Remote depositions have become increasingly common during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many paralegals and attorneys are still trying to find their way through this new remote frontier. As Chair of the Technology Committee, I recently reached out to Huseby Inc. to get their take on best practices for taking a remote deposition. Huseby Inc. is a global leader in court reporting, trial support services, interactive real-time technology and mobile litigation support services.

Huseby responded to our inquiry with best practices for acknowledging remote technology, exhibit presentation, witness coaching, and external communication. This is information you will definitely want to share with your attorney before your next deposition! – Technology Committee
Read more

Paralegal Spotlight: Joan Sprinkle, NCCP

By the Communications Committee

Joan Sprinkle

Paralegal Spotlight is the Division’s monthly publication designed to share Division members’ stories with colleagues, inspire present and future paralegal professionals, and strengthen awareness of the profession and association.

Each month, we select one amazing paralegal from among our membership and ask them to share about their personal and professional life. Join Paralegal Spotlight as we learn more about member talents, skills, personal and professional goals, technology tips, accomplishments, volunteer work, and more.

This month’s Paralegal Spotlight is on Joan Sprinkle, NCCP.
Read more