Invest in Your Career: Why Attending Paralegal Conferences Pays Off
By I entered the paralegal field in 2011 as a mid-career pivot. I was juggling school, working an entry-level paralegal job, and raising school-aged kids. The thought of taking time off or traveling for a conference was not on my to-do list, but I did wonder if attending conferences might pay off in terms of professional growth or getting me closer to my dream job and salary. I asked other paralegals about their experiences, and the responses were all over the place — from “don’t waste your time” to “conferences are worth their weight in gold.” Ultimately, I decided to take a chance and invest in my career.
Fortunately, we have access to many high-quality conferences and educational programs in North Carolina. But with so many options, how does one choose where to invest their time, money, and energy, especially when those resources are limited? I started by attending local conferences. For the most part, local conferences were budget-friendly, with little to no travel or lodging expenses. Regional conferences typically involve lodging costs but usually no airfare, while national conferences are multi-day events that often require hotel stays, airfare, and other travel expenses. As my career flourished, I wanted to explore more advanced legal topics of national interest and pursue certification. I attended my first national conference in 2014 and every year thereafter, and I have reaped the benefits!
Now, you might be wondering, what exactly are those benefits? Well, I’m happy to share:
Key Benefits of Attending Local and Regional Conferences
Focused on Local Issues
Local and regional conferences generally focus on practice areas and topics relevant to your region, providing targeted information that can directly impact your day-to-day work. This makes you a more valuable asset to local or regional employers. My first paralegal role was at a family and criminal law firm, and I often left local conferences armed with useful checklists, handy resource guides, and practical advice.
Stronger Local Network
Another major benefit of attending local conferences is the opportunity to build relationships with other paralegals, legal professionals, and even attorneys with whom you can regularly network and collaborate. Without a network, a career can easily become just a series of jobs — and who really wants that? Local connections are easier to maintain, giving you much-needed support and a safe space to swap stories, discuss challenges, and share career tips. My network has led to job offers and lifelong friendships.
Greater Accessibility
Let’s be honest — conferences can get pricey, especially when your registration and travel fees aren’t covered by your employer. Local and regional conferences are more budget-friendly and require less time away from the office. I particularly enjoyed attending local conferences because the topics and themes often aligned with my work, and my employer would cover the cost.
Opportunities to Present or Plan
As you advance in your career, you may want to become a presenter to share your expertise and boost your credibility. Presenting or planning conferences improved my confidence, public speaking, and soft skills. Local conferences offer the best opportunities for stepping into a presenter or planner role.
Key Benefits of Attending a National Conference
Accelerated Learning
National conferences are typically multi-day events with sessions for all experience levels — from paralegal students and certification hopefuls to seasoned paralegals, managers, educators, and office managers. These events cover legal trends, legal technology, advanced legal topics, and introductions to highly specialized areas of law like wine, beer, and spirits law. While not all sessions will directly apply to your day-to-day work, they’re always interesting and will broaden your understanding of the legal field. This exposure enhances my expertise and makes me a more versatile and valuable asset to national and global employers.
Broader Networking Opportunities
Attending national conferences allows you to build your reputation and expand your network beyond your local area or state. With a solid nationwide network, you’ll become an asset to national or global employers — or ready to hit the ground running if you need to relocate. In my experience, a solid network has made all the difference between a mediocre career and an exceptional one.
Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
If you’ve successfully passed a paralegal certification exam, congratulations — you’re certified! Maintaining that certification requires ongoing Continuing Legal Education (CLE). For those with certifications from organizations like The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) — or for those juggling multiple certifications — national conferences offer an efficient way to earn 10 or more CLE hours from a single event. For example, I need at least 50 credit hours over a five-year renewal period to maintain my NALA certification.
Career Inspiration
Finally, what I love most about conferences is hearing from keynote speakers and industry leaders who never fail to reignite my enthusiasm for the profession. Their stories, advice, and insights remind me why I chose this career. Larger national conferences have the clout and resources to bring in top-notch speakers you wouldn’t get to see anywhere else. If you’re feeling burned out or unsure about your role, a conference might be just what you need to rekindle your passion.
No matter which type of conference you choose to attend, kudos to you for investing in your career!
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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