Paralegal Spotlight: Erica Weiss

Erica, a white woman with black hair, wears a black turtleneck and white blazer.

Erica Weiss

By Lakisha Chichester

Erica Weiss serves as the senior paralegal, office manager, and case manager for attorney Michael D. Nash at Lloyd & Nash, PLLC, in downtown Greensboro. With over eight years of experience, Erica specializes in case management, client communication, and attorney schedule coordination. Her core strengths include maintaining detailed case files, conducting thorough legal research, and investigating case-relevant information. Erica excels at managing multiple priorities and ensuring attorneys are well-prepared for their commitments weeks in advance.

Professional Journey

Erica’s paralegal career began unexpectedly. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from East Carolina University (ECU), she was waiting for job responses when her college friend offered her an opportunity to replace her as a paralegal. This opportunity became the foundation for Erica’s thriving career. Initially working with Attorney Charles Lloyd, Erica transitioned to supporting both Lloyd and Nash before exclusively assisting Attorney Nash when Charles Lloyd retired.

Motivations and Rewards

Erica says the most rewarding part of her role is the client feedback.

“They are forever grateful for the way we handled and interacted with them,” she shares.

This gratitude fuels her passion for the legal field and motivates her to continually provide exceptional service. Her professional role models include Charles Lloyd, who inspired her with his perseverance despite physical challenges, and Michael Nash, who demonstrates exceptional skill and compassion in client interactions.

Skills and Certifications

Erica holds the North Carolina State Bar Certified Paralegal (NCCP) designation, which she earned in 2022 during the first virtual testing session. She uses a mix of traditional and digital tools, such as computer sticky notes, to manage case-related details efficiently. Erica often serves as a Spanish interpreter for the firm, which allows the team to expand its client base and serve the Hispanic community effectively.

Technology and Adaptability

Although the firm operates with a more traditional approach to technology, Erica has implemented tools like Excel databases and calendar management systems to enhance efficiency. She finds that balancing traditional methods with minimal reliance on technology allows her and her boss to remain adaptable without overcomplicating processes.

Insights and Future Goals

Erica sees the legal industry evolving with the widespread adoption of eCourts, which will streamline research and reduce reliance on visits to physical courthouses. Looking ahead, Erica plans to take the bar exam within the next 10 years, aiming to advance her career while balancing her role as a mother to her young daughter. For now, she is focused on enjoying the flexibility her role provides and continuing to grow her expertise in criminal law.

Work-Life Balance

Outside of work, Erica raises her energetic four-year-old daughter, along with four dogs and six chickens, while enjoying the rural charm of Kernersville. She credits her ability to maintain a healthy balance to daily planning and eliminating activities that don’t bring her joy. Erica starts and ends her day with uplifting music from K-Love radio and incorporates yoga and simple walks into her routine for stress relief.

A Collaborative Spirit

Erica actively participates in NCBA Paralegal Division events, such as the Fall Festival and Elkin Winery gathering. She appreciates hands-on workshops and would like to see more events focusing on specific topics like DWI forms, DMV hearings, and expungements. Her commitment to professional development and community service is evident through her pro bono work in expungement clinics.

A Message to Aspiring Paralegals

To those considering a paralegal career, Erica emphasizes the importance of perseverance.

“It’s tough, and day-to-day, it can question your ability to do your job. But the important thing is to not give up and to keep learning more about the field because it is never-ending knowledge.”

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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