Paralegal Spotlight: Bernice Kendall

By Lakisha Chichester

From the Courthouse to the Client’s Corner: A Seamless Shift

After more than three decades of service in the Clerk of Court’s Office, Bernice Kendall was poised for retirement. But just one hour into her newfound freedom, a phone call changed everything. A local attorney reached out with an offer: join his law firm as a paralegal.

“I didn’t have a post-retirement plan, no real hobby, and he caught me before I got too comfortable,” Bernice says. She took the month of May to herself, but by June, she was back at it, this time on the private practice side of estate administration. That was eight years ago.

Tech-Savvy and Task-Oriented

Bernice’s extensive experience at the clerk’s office didn’t just prepare her for the transition; it gave her a distinct advantage. She understood what the court expected from estate filings because she had once been the one reviewing them. Working primarily in estate administration at Trusts and Estates Law Group (formerly Brady Cobin Law Group), Bernice’s knowledge and experience has been key in reducing rejections and streamlining processes.

She manages up to 60 open matters at a time. It may sound daunting, but with tools like Clio and Microsoft Teams, she handles the caseload with remarkable precision. She uses time-blocking techniques, including daily “focus time,” to prioritize tasks, keep filings on track, and ensure no detail is overlooked. I can be remote and still function exactly as I would in the office.”

Odyssey and the Efficiency Revolution

 North Carolina’s e-filing system, Odyssey, has made a measurable difference in Bernice’s day-to-day work. “It used to be appointments, mailings, and delays. Now I can meet a client today, file the documents electronically, and it’s in the court system the same day,” she explains. While Odyssey had a rocky rollout, Bernice reports that it has become a highly efficient tool for both law firms and, increasingly, pro se litigants.

On AI and the Human Touch

 Though she recognizes the growing role of artificial intelligence, Bernice is skeptical of its usefulness in estate administration. “You can’t replace the human element,” she says. She finds AI helpful in some areas but frustrating when it fails to deliver meaningful answers or gets in the way of speaking to a real person.

Estate Planning Trends and Observations

One major shift Bernice has noticed is the increase in proactive estate planning. More families are creating their estate plans, which simplifies the estate administration process. She also highlights the court’s evolving stance on electronic signatures, a change she never imagined during her early career.

Balancing Hybrid Life

Bernice typically works in the office on Mondays and Tuesdays and remotely the rest of the week. Clio’s integrated calendar and task lists ensure that nothing falls through the cracks. “Focus time” is respected across the firm, as are designated time blocks for asking questions, both of which help cut down on interruptions and improve productivity.

A Calming Presence

Known for her warm demeanor and calm voice, Bernice frequently receives comments about her ability to put people at ease. “You’re better than my psychiatrist!” one client joked. It’s a superpower that serves her well, particularly in estate administration, where emotions often run high.

“When people feel calm, they make better decisions,” she says.

Scout Volunteer, Gardening, Family, and a Quiet Strength

When she’s not working, Bernice serves as a scout leader with Cub Scout Pack 253 and finds peace in her yard by planting colorful flowers that bring her joy. She also loves spending time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren. Married for 42 years, Bernice values strong relationships and believes mentorship is essential to career growth.

“I would not be who I am today without the mentors I had,” she says.

Wisdom Worth Sharing

Bernice embodies professionalism, empathy, and effectiveness. Her suggestions for aspiring or overwhelmed paralegals are to time block, prioritize and use the tools available to you. Most importantly, stay kind.

“A smile doesn’t cost you anything,” she says.

In a world that often feels rushed and impersonal, Bernice Kendall is a reminder that grace and skill are not mutually exclusive – and that sometimes retirement can wait.

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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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