Paralegal Spotlight: Debra Hall

By Lakisha Chichester

From Tech to Law: A Career Evolution

Debra Hall, known as Debbie to her colleagues and friends, did not set out to become a paralegal, but the field found her. She began her career as a computer programmer, a role that sharpened her analytical skills, which she now applies daily in contract management. When a legal opportunity opened up at a pharmaceutical research company, she stepped into her first paralegal role. With the company’s support, she pursued an associate’s degree in paralegal studies from Forsyth Tech.

Now a paralegal and contract manager at Inmar, Inc., based in Winston-Salem, Debbie supports in-house counsel by drafting, reviewing, redlining, and negotiating contracts. She also oversees corporate insurance programs, manages client communications, and mentors new paralegals.

Mastering the Art of Contracts

Debbie’s paralegal career has spanned corporate law, bankruptcy law, and contract management. She has worked on everything from NDAs to complex quality agreements (QAg) — a niche area many paralegals do not often encounter. The shift from a law firm to a corporate setting has been rewarding.

“I feel like the corporate environment has provided more room for growth, better benefits, and more opportunities,” she explains.

She enjoys the collaborative working environment of Inmar’s corporate legal department.

AI, Contract Law, and the Future of Paralegals

As AI continues to shape legal workflows, Debbie is embracing it rather than resisting it. She uses AI to assist with contract management, correspondence drafting, and summarization. However, she firmly believes that AI will not replace the human element in contract negotiations.

“AI can generate language, but a skilled paralegal must ensure that it aligns with company goals and legal requirements. You can’t just plug and play — it still needs human oversight,” she says.

Debbie stays ahead of industry changes by attending CLEs, particularly those related to contract law and AI’s impact on legal practice. She sees AI as a tool, not a threat, and encourages inspiring corporate law paralegals to develop their expertise in AI, business law, and contract negotiation.

Work-Life Balance: Setting Boundaries and Sticking to Them

Balancing work and personal life is an ongoing challenge, especially since Debbie works remotely. “It’s easy to say, ‘just a few more minutes,’ but that can quickly turn into hours,” she admits. Her solution? Dedicated office space and firm boundaries.

At Inmar, she appreciates the company’s emphasis on work-life balance and values the mutual respect she shares with her colleagues. Debbie’s favorite technology tip is “Your computer can be turned off.”

Beyond the Desk: An Adventurer at Heart

When she’s not reviewing contracts, Debbie is doing all things outdoors. A gardener, kayaker, hiker, and camper, she developed a passion for nature through her daughter’s involvement in Girl Scouts. Some of her favorite kayaking spots include the Dan River (VA), Hiwassee River (TN), and the Ocoee River (TN) — the latter being a former Olympic training kayaking site featuring Class 6 rapids!

Debbie also has a creative side. She enjoys ballroom and line dancing. Debbie learns new moves at community centers with friends, proving that exercise can be fun.

“Line dancing doesn’t feel like a workout, but trust me, if you track your steps, you’ll hit your goals!”

Advice for Aspiring Paralegals

For those considering a paralegal career, Debbie suggests exploring multiple legal fields before choosing a specialty.

“Look beyond law firms — corporate law offers incredible opportunities in entity management and contract law.”

She also emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries early, staying current with CLEs, and networking with other paralegals to gain unfiltered insight into the profession.

Looking Ahead

In the future, Debbie hopes to see more advanced continuing education programs for paralegals in corporate law. More specifically she wants to see more seminars focused on risk analysis, indemnification language, and contract negotiation strategies. She believes the paralegal field will continue evolving, with AI enhancing workflows but never replacing human expertise.

And in 10 years? If all goes as planned, she’ll be partially retired, enjoying more time outdoors, and still staying curious about the ever-changing legal landscape.

Written by Lakisha Chichester. 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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