Future Paralegal Channels Communications Skills Into Her New Career
The Student Relations Committee serves as the bridge between the Paralegal Division and the students enrolled in paralegal programs across the state. The committee would like to shine the spotlight on Brianna Huff, a paralegal technology certificate student at Coastal Carolina Community College. Ms. Huff is a recent graduate of UNC Charlotte with a bachelor of arts in history and communication studies with minors in journalism and Spanish.
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Ms. Huff discusses how volunteering as a paralegal student can garner real world experience and networking opportunities.
Since I was a child, I had aspirations of being a foreign war correspondent. Those goals stemmed from my father being in the Marine Corps. I watched him deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan at least three times during my childhood. My aspirations slightly changed once I got to university and completed my first internship with a local news station. The experience introduced me to public relations and the justice system. Now, I am a volunteer paralegal intern for the District Attorney’s Office in Onslow County. I also volunteer with pro bono opportunities to gain more exposure and insight into the legal profession. I’ve volunteered with the North Carolina Justice Center’s Power of Attorney event. This event focused on assisting undocumented immigrants with legal documents.
Most recently, I volunteered with the NCBA Young Lawyers Division’s Wills for Heroes event in Chapel Hill. This event provides essential legal documents free of charge to our nation’s first responders. Wills for Heroes offered me the opportunity to experience first-hand the process of gathering sensitive information and drafting and editing important legal documents. I utilized those skills to help first responders take the first step in preparing for their futures. If you enjoy volunteering, this is a program for you to further your skills in law as well as give back to those who help to protect you. As someone who is new to the paralegal realm, these events offer me the opportunity to network with attorneys, law students and lead paralegals. Additionally, you’re able to demonstrate your competency in drafting legal documents, client intake and building personal connections with clients. The ability to do these three basic things and having a history of volunteering highlights your commitment to the community and a willingness to work for the betterment of others. If you’re pursuing a career in paralegal, I suggest you take part in these volunteer events as well.