Q&A: Paralegal profession is suffering from an ‘identity crisis’
Laura Champlin is a paralegal in the commercial litigation practice group at Van Winkle, Buck, Wall, Starnes and Davis in Asheville, N.C. Champlin is certified through the North Carolina State Bar and holds an advanced certification in contracts administration/management through the National Association of Legal Assistants. In 1990, she received her bachelor’s degree in administration of justice and associate’s degree in paralegal studies from Wichita State University in Kansas.
CPN: How long have you been a paralegal?
Champlin: Since 1990.
CPN: What drew you into the career?
Champlin: While studying criminology and forensic science in college, I learned of the legal assistant program and took a few courses. I enjoyed them so much I decided to pursue two degrees – criminal justice and paralegal studies. Post graduation, I entered the legal profession as a legal assistant (now known as a paralegal), and I can honestly say I have never regretted my career choice.
CPN: What paralegal organizations – national, state or local- are you member of and what positions do you hold in them?
Champlin: I am a member of the National As-sociation of Legal Assistants and a member of the Organization of Legal Profes-sionals’ education committee. I also belong to the e-Discovery Paralegal Network and am publicity committee chair for the Asheville Area Paralegal Association.
CPN: When you talk with other paralegals, what are the main concerns or issues they face on a daily basis?
Champlin: Those interested in becoming paralegals are concerned about the high cost of obtaining a paralegal degree. Those already employed express concern about the lack of career path/career opportunities and the desire for more challenging work. Another issue that affects the entire profession is the general lack of understanding by attorneys about what tasks a paralegal can and should do.
CPN: If you could name one thing that would most benefit the paralegal profession, what would it be?
Champlin: To clear up the identity crisis and settle on one name for our profession – either legal assistant or paralegal. To that end, I would suggest NALA and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations merge. One strong, united paralegal voice and one certification standard would be of great benefit to the nation’s paralegals. With increased pressure by clients for quality, cost-efficient legal services performed at the right level, this is a wonderful time to be a paralegal.
CPN: If you could snap your fingers and create the perfect CLE, what would it be and why?
Champlin: I’m a bit of a geek, so I’d say a day focused on emerging technology for the legal profession, particularly in litigation.
CPN: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Champlin: I wanted to be a veterinarian. I also wanted to be a flight attendant.
CPN: Knowing what you know now, if you weren’t a paralegal, what else would you want to do?
Champlin: Lurking beneath my interest in law is a passion for science and animals. If I had not followed the legal path, I most likely would have pursued a career in marine biology. I spent my childhood in Hawaii and the beauty and wonder of the ocean and its creatures inspired me at an early age.
CPN: What do you wish you knew when you were getting started in the profession that you know now?
Champlin: How long and difficult it would be to define our profession.
CPN: What is the best thing about your job?
Champlin: It is the perfect combination of people and paper (information).
CPN: And what part of your job could you do without?
Champlin: Keeping track of time for billing purposes.
CPN: What one thing, either personally or professionally, are you most proud of?
Champlin: I am proud to be a member of the paralegal profession and look forward to the exciting changes that are coming in the next few years.
CPN: Where would we find you on the weekends?
Champlin: In South Carolina, on Lake Keowee, soaking up sun and water skiing.
