Paralegal’s goal for 2011 is same as last year’s – to stay employed
Kathy McDermott is an intellectual property paralegal for Coats and Bennett in Cary, N.C. She primarily focuses on U.S. and foreign patent work. McDermott received a certificate in paralegal studies from the University of Colorado and is currently pursuing a degree in criminal justice technology at Wake Technical Community College. She is a member of the Research Triangle Paralegal Association and the N.C. Bar Association’s Paralegal Division.
CPN: How long have you been a paralegal?
McDermott: I have been a paralegal for about 13 years now.
CPN: What were your professional goals in 2010, and do you feel like you accomplished them?
McDermott: Last year my goal was to stay gainfully employed as I watched many of friends face layoffs and, thank God, I seemed to have accomplished that.
CPN: What goals have you set forth for 2011?
McDermott: Seeing that some of my friends are still without jobs, my goal for 2011 is the same as 2010 – to stay employed!
CPN: When you talk with other paralegals, what are the main concerns or issues they face on a daily basis?
McDermott: I would say the main concerns and issues paralegals face on a daily basis are the challenges we face dealing with the many diverse personalities of the attorneys we work for.
CPN: Some paralegals have told CPN that they are not effectively utilized by their employers. Would you agree? Why or why not?
McDermott: Unfortunately I cannot answer this question. I have worked for only one firm throughout my paralegal career so I do not know any other way that a paralegal would be utilized.
CPN: In general, do paralegals deserve more recognition for the work they do? If so, what kind of recognition do you think would be appropriate?
McDermott: I think paralegals have come a long, long way – especially in North Carolina. North Carolina has been very proactive in recognizing paralegals for the work they do.
CPN: What do you wish you knew when you were getting started in the profession that you know now?
McDermott: Before I started this profession, I wish I knew how repetitive the work can be.
CPN: What is the most useful tool that helps you to do your job effectively?
McDermott: The computer is definitely the most useful tool that helps me do my job effectively.
CPN: What is the best thing about your job?
McDermott: The best part of my job is my office manager and the people I work with.
CPN: And what part of your job could you do without?
McDermott: I could definitely do without the phone.
CPN: What one thing, either personally or professionally, are you most proud of?
McDermott: The one thing that I am most proud of in my life is my daughter. She is the most amazing person in my life.
CPN: What is the most unusual item on your desk or in your office?
McDermott: The most unusual item on my desk is a ceramic dragon that I found when our firm was located in a house on Glenwood Ave. I have no idea where it came from or how it got there. But when we moved our office to its current location, I took the dragon with me.
