Paralegal Spotlight: Savannah Croxton-Zweigart
Forging an Unconventional Path
Savannah Croxton-Zweigart didn’t set out to work in the legal field. With a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (“UNCW”), she envisioned a future in music therapy. But life had other plans. A severe case of temporomandibular joint (“TMJ”) disorder forced her to stop playing her instrument, upending her career aspirations. That unexpected shift led her to discover an entirely new passion.
Discovering a New Passion
After graduating from UNCW in 2016, Savannah moved to Raleigh to be with her husband. Like many recent graduates, she set out to find her first “real” job, eventually landing a position as a legal assistant at a workers’ compensation and social security disability firm. While law hadn’t been on her radar, she quickly found herself drawn to the field, appreciating the fast pace, problem-solving, and, most importantly, the opportunity to help people in meaningful ways.
Encouraged by her supervising paralegal, Savannah enrolled in the Meredith College Paralegal Program. She completed the program in 2018, earned her North Carolina Certified Paralegal (“NCCP”) designation, and realized she wanted to go even further. That same year, she took the LSAT and enrolled in North Carolina Central University (“NCCU”) School of Law, all while continuing to work full-time.
Navigating Law School and Career Growth
Balancing a full-time job with law school wasn’t easy, but Savannah was determined. She took classes at night, commuted between Raleigh and Durham, and pushed forward despite the challenges. Along the way, she encountered a few career missteps, including a position that turned out to be a poor fit, but she never lost sight of her goals.
In 2020, amid the uncertainty of the pandemic and her own battle with long COVID, she secured a paralegal role at Patrick Law in Durham. Initially a temporary hire, she quickly proved her value and became a full-time paralegal supporting attorney Ethan Timmins. The role wasn’t just a job. It was a personal and professional turning point.
Experiencing the Power of a Supportive Workplace
For Savannah, working with Timmins wasn’t just about gaining legal experience; it was about rebuilding trust in professional environments. Having faced a toxic and demeaning mentorship earlier in her life before entering the legal field, she knew firsthand how such an environment could break a person. At Patrick Law, she found support, respect, and encouragement.
Her experience there strengthened her resolve. After graduating from NCCU in 2022, she stepped away from work to dedicate herself to preparing for the bar exam. She is currently a paralegal for Paul Dubbeling at P.M. Dubbeling, PLLC in Chapel Hill, where she continues to gain hands-on experience while planning to retake the bar later this year.
Turning Challenges into Advocacy
Savannah’s path has not been without adversity. In college, she endured a difficult and damaging mentorship experience that deeply affected her confidence and mental health. While she eventually found the support she needed to heal and rebuild, she recognizes that not everyone in similar situations knows where to turn.
Now, she hopes to use her experiences to advocate for others – especially those navigating academic or professional environments where they feel unheard or unsupported. She believes that no one should have to endure such struggles alone. She encourages others to seek out mentors, resources, and support systems that prioritize their well-being.
Mastering Efficiency through Technology
Savannah thrives on organization and efficiency. She has built a system of shortcuts and tools to streamline her work, including custom keyboard shortcuts for legal symbols, an Outlook folder structure for managing the flood of eCourts emails, and a well-organized digital workspace that ensures easy access to legal resources.
She also sees the value of technology in legal work but remains cautious about the role of artificial intelligence (“AI”). While AI can improve efficiency, she firmly believes that the human touch –critical thinking, empathy, and real-world judgment – will always be essential in the legal profession.
Enjoying Life Beyond the Law
When she’s not working, Savannah is an avid reader, amateur ornithologist, video game enthusiast, and entrepreneur. She runs an online business reselling vintage and antique glassware, among other things, and she has recently taken up jewelry-making. Her next challenge? Learning to solder to take her craft to the next level. Savannah also enjoys spending time with her husband, Mark, and their feline fur babies, Lumi and Mávi.
Looking Ahead
Savannah’s journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous growth. Whether in law, business, or creative pursuits, she embraces challenges head-on and uses them as stepping stones to something greater.
As she prepares for the next chapter – passing the bar and becoming an attorney – she remains a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of finding supportive communities in both work and life.
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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