By Sarah L. White

North Carolina’s eCourts platform has revolutionized how legal professionals file documents, manage cases, and access court records. However, as with any technology, there are challenges and limitations that users, including paralegals, face when using the system. In this article, we will explore common issues experienced with the File & Serve (eFiling) platform and offer practical tips for navigating these problems.

Introduction to eCourts in North Carolina

North Carolina’s eFiling system is part of the broader eCourts initiative designed to modernize and streamline the court processes by enabling electronic filing, viewing, and management of court documents. While the system has improved efficiency and accessibility for legal professionals, it is not without its hurdles. When filing documents with North Carolina’s eFiling system, users often encounter several challenges. Some of the known issues that can cause frustration or delays include:

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By Lakisha Chichester

I entered the paralegal field in 2011 as a mid-career pivot. I was juggling school, working an entry-level paralegal job, and raising school-aged kids. The thought of taking time off or traveling for a conference was not on my to-do list, but I did wonder if attending conferences might pay off in terms of professional growth or getting me closer to my dream job and salary. I asked other paralegals about their experiences, and the responses were all over the place — from “don’t waste your time” to “conferences are worth their weight in gold.” Ultimately, I decided to take a chance and invest in my career.

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By Yazmeen O. Gadalla

Many people know what career they want to pursue. They research options, do internships, and seek other avenues to find that perfect choice. And sometimes, the career and opportunities find them in the most inconspicuous of places.

Alexa Lyles Brinegar recounts how she started her voyage into the vast field of law. A little over five years ago, Alexa, who had relocated to North Carolina from her native state of Oregon, was working in a coffee shop. Alexa had been there for a while, chatting with regulars while working hard to provide excellent service. It was that hard work that got the attention of an attorney whom she had connected with. He approached her with an offer – his assistant was leaving, and he asked if she would be interested in interviewing for the position. This exchange would begin Alexa’s career into the legal field. As Alexa said, “An opportunity looks at you, and it’s presented to you on a platter. It would have been stupid to not try it out and see.”

Alexa, who has been working with the same attorney, Richard “Blake” Cheek, at The Law Office of Partin & Cheek, P.L.L.C. for over five years now, started out as a part-time assistant before moving into her current role as a paralegal. In that time span, Alexa obtained her associate degree in Paralegal Technologies and Paralegal Technologies certificates in Litigation and Real Property from Surry Community College. She became a North Carolina Certified Paralegal in May 2023. Alexa’s role as a paralegal includes assisting with the firm’s criminal and civil work. Blake Cheek is also the Department of Social Services attorney for Surry and Wilkes, and Alexa helps with those matters.

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By Bonnie Keen

The legal profession has some of the most overwhelming workloads. It can be easy to get caught up in overscheduling and becoming stressed before the end of the day. Often, the amount of time tasks will take is underestimated, which leaves employees playing catch up or lawyers having to stay late at the office or take work home. The quality of your work-life balance can contribute directly to your overall health and wellness, which, in turn, will help your productivity and work product in the long term.

Healthy Strategies to Improve Work-Life Balance

Exercise

Even if all you have time for is two small breaks a day, get outside and walk or jog. If getting outside for fresh air is not feasible, then walking pads are an affordable alternative. If you can, try to get to the gym three times a week at a time that works best for you. A number of studies have shown that regular physical activity can relieve stress and improve mental clarity, allowing you to think about how to structure your work tasks better for your week.

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