Chapter 13

Jennifer Arnold, CLA
Family Law Paralegal
Conrad Trosch & Kemmy, P.A.
Cameron Brown Bldg.
301 S. McDowell St.
Charlotte, NC  28204
PH: 704.553.8221

When I started college, I changed my majors three times before ending on political science. At the time, my thoughts were that this would be a good stepping-stone to law school. Law school stayed on my mind the last two years of school, but I never felt quite sure about that choice. Somehow I just did not feel settled in that decision. I graduated from college and still had that unsettled feeling. I did not want to commit to law school half-heartedly so I chose to get a job to pay the bills for a year or two until I could make a solid decision about what career I wanted to pursue.

I spoke to my parents one day and they asked if I had thought about being a paralegal. I did some research on this career and decided to get information about a post-baccalaureate program on paralegal studies. I read the materials and the class curriculum and became very excited. Once in the+- program, I knew that I had found a career that fit. I started working at Sullivan & Grace as a receptionist while in school. I advanced quickly, starting as receptionist to legal secretary, and then legal secretary to administrative assistant/court runner. This gave me valuable experience by working my way through the administrative positions. I learned how the office works from the bottom up and that gave me a unique perspective on the different roles my co-workers play. Luck was on my side, a paralegal position opened, and I have been there ever since.

I worked many long hours for the first couple of years, because I had so much to learn and there was no time to waste. I delved into learning family law and enjoyed almost every minute. After dedicating the beginning of my job to learning family law, I volunteered for the North Carolina State Bar Association Pro Bono Committee, and became more involved in my profession. After two years on the committee, I become Chair, which was the starting point of my involvement in professional organizations and my transition from having a job to being part of a professional career. Two attorneys in the office taught me all that they could and encouraged my professional participation in my career. Without those mentors, I am sure that my paralegal career would not be as fulfilling. Having family and coworker support makes all the difference.