Paralegal Spotlight: Alexa Lyles Brinegar’s One-Stop Shop to the Legal Field

By Yazmeen O. Gadalla

Many people know what career they want to pursue. They research options, do internships, and seek other avenues to find that perfect choice. And sometimes, the career and opportunities find them in the most inconspicuous of places.

Alexa Lyles Brinegar recounts how she started her voyage into the vast field of law. A little over five years ago, Alexa, who had relocated to North Carolina from her native state of Oregon, was working in a coffee shop. Alexa had been there for a while, chatting with regulars while working hard to provide excellent service. It was that hard work that got the attention of an attorney whom she had connected with. He approached her with an offer – his assistant was leaving, and he asked if she would be interested in interviewing for the position. This exchange would begin Alexa’s career into the legal field. As Alexa said, “An opportunity looks at you, and it’s presented to you on a platter. It would have been stupid to not try it out and see.”

Alexa, who has been working with the same attorney, Richard “Blake” Cheek, at The Law Office of Partin & Cheek, P.L.L.C. for over five years now, started out as a part-time assistant before moving into her current role as a paralegal. In that time span, Alexa obtained her associate degree in Paralegal Technologies and Paralegal Technologies certificates in Litigation and Real Property from Surry Community College. She became a North Carolina Certified Paralegal in May 2023. Alexa’s role as a paralegal includes assisting with the firm’s criminal and civil work. Blake Cheek is also the Department of Social Services attorney for Surry and Wilkes, and Alexa helps with those matters.

Alexa never pictured being in the legal field. Fascinated by history, Alexa recalls that when she was growing up, her bedroom was a mix of historical interests.

“As a kid, my mom painted King Tut’s mask on my wall. I had a papyrus wallpaper. I was like nine or 10, but I love, love history. I love learning about ancient cultures.”

When her father retired from military service and her family moved to North Carolina, Alexa chose to move along with them.

A role in the legal field was not the only opportunity Alexa found while working in the state. Alexa currently works at the Elkin Creek Vineyard, which members might remember as the location for our winery trip in June of this year. The owners frequented the coffee shop often, and, like Blake Cheek, saw Alexa’s potential. As a result, they hired Alexa for a part-time job. The coffee shop is also where Alexa met her husband, Josh, so it’s been a meet-cute for many life opportunities.

When Alexa is not at work, she has a variety of interests to fill her days. She is very crafty and enjoys painting, as well as cuddling with her cats (Tonks and Albus), playing sudoku, playing trivia with her husband, doing improvement projects around the home, working outside in her vegetable and flower gardens, and doing anything outside. She even has a plant shop on Etsy! She will often use the flowers from her garden in her projects. She is very close to her family – they are only one mile away! Another way that she unwinds is by listening to podcasts, with her current favorite being Morbid.

At the end of the day, Alexa is appreciative of these opportunities. Per her own words, “I owe every opportunity I have been given as a paralegal to my attorney, Blake Cheek. If it were not for him, I would not be a paralegal in the first place, nor would I have pursued a college degree in the legal field. I am eternally grateful to have spent over five years learning from him and can confidently say I would not have become an NC State Bar Certified Paralegal without his support and encouragement.”

The Paralegal Division appreciates the opportunity to highlight Alexa and the time she took to speak with us so we could get to know her. From her career to her personal endeavors, Alexa has a wide range of interests and accomplishments, along with her infectious smile and welcoming demeanor. We are excited to have her in our division!

Do you want to nominate a fellow division member for the Paralegal Spotlight? If so, check out the Paralegal Spotlight Nomination Form!

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The Paralegal Division Blog is managed by the Division’s Communications Committee. Via the blog, the Communications Committee provides information written by attorneys, paralegals, and other experts designed specifically for paralegals in the areas of substantive law, ethics, technology, paralegal practice advice, and more. If you are interested in signing up to submit a blog post on a future date, you can do so here. When you are ready to submit a blog post, you can do so by using this form.

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