Paralegal Spotlight: Ileigh Kuga

By the Communications Committee

This month’s Paralegal Spotlight is on Ileigh Kuga.

Before I started my career as a paralegal, my intentions were to go to law school. I planned my undergraduate career with that intention in mind; however, my undergraduate advisor threw me a curveball. He suggested that I go and work for an attorney before committing to three years of law school, just to see if I would like the field (and to see if I was willing to accumulate all the debt associated with law school). At first, I was pretty taken aback that my advisor was telling me not to pursue my career aspirations, but I gave it a shot. Now that I am a North Carolina Bar Certified Paralegal, I am glad I listened! I love my work, and I feel so accomplished with all I have done thus far.

I received my bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Florida (go Gators), where I was actively involved with our nationally ranked Mock Trial team, the litiGATORS. I was also a member of Tau Sigma National Honor Society, served as the courtesy chair for my sorority, Delta Zeta, and attended as many football games as possible. From there, I moved back to North Carolina, where I pursued and obtained my paralegal degree from Duke University, taking night classes and working as a legal assistant for a real estate firm based out of Raleigh.

In the last four years as a licensed paralegal, I have been exposed to a wide variety of work. My first real paralegal position was with a general practice attorney, where I worked on cases in litigation, family law, criminal law, and estate planning, to name a few areas. From there, I transitioned into the world of beer law, practicing primarily in North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. Yes, beer law is absolutely a thing, and it is just as entertaining as it sounds. Presently, I have had the pleasure of working with start-up companies from all over the United States, on matters related to financing, SEC filings, and corporate formation. I also work with clients in private equity by supporting and managing the investment funds of several large fund management firms and international and national entities.

Since working as a paralegal, I consider conducting trial preparation, often into the night, as one of the hardest responsibilities. This is mainly because you head back to work first thing the following morning to make sure your attorney is fully prepared for court! But that is also the greatest thing about being a paralegal. The opportunity to see all that hard work as one final product and to know that will allow your business to succeed and flourish is truly one of the most rewarding experiences. Happy clients are the best clients.

In addition to my work as a paralegal, I have done a lot of volunteer work with the Franklin County SPCA, and I participate in as many NCBA projects as I can, with my favorite being Wills for Heroes. I am also involved in the NCBA Paralegal Division Pro Bono Committee, as well as the Legal Aid Lawyer on the Line program.

When I reflect on all I have accomplished in just four years, I am truly shocked. I never thought I would be where I am at this age. I not only have a successful and flourishing career but also am a homeowner, and I am actively involved in volunteer work. As the paralegal field expands, I am hopeful that I am going to do even more.

We all know that paralegals will continue to be an asset to those in need of legal services. I hope to see advancements in limited licensing as I believe paralegals have a lot to offer in this capacity. Through limited licensing, those paralegals, with their experience and hardworking mentality, would allow more involvement in the legal field. Limited licensing would also allow paralegals to offer more in terms of pro bono work and cost-friendly legal services for those in need.

I also think the Paralegal Division can and will continue to do amazing things. I would love to see CLEs that are specific to paralegals as many seem more attorney focused. I would really enjoy attending a CLE on topics such as client communication, the ethics of being a paralegal, and a paralegal’s role in different cases (i.e., litigation, family law, corporate) to name a few topics.

While I love what I do, who does not enjoy kicking their feet up and watching old movies? For me, watching old movies is so relaxing as you can mindlessly get lost in one while enjoying a nice adult beverage. Doing so takes away all the stress from the day. If I weren’t a paralegal, I’d imagine my alternative career would be as an interior designer. I am obsessed with Joanna Gaines and her style, and I love creating homey spaces and doing DIY projects around my house.

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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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