By Tina Dadio
What is a paralegal’s role in higher education? This question was posed to me during one of our North Carolina Bar Association Paralegal Division’s Annual Meetings. The first thought that came to mind was the relief of no longer living my life in six-minute increments! The next was the realization that paralegals and attorneys in higher education wear many hats when dealing with legal matters within a university.
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.
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.
By the Scholarship Committee and Communications Committee
The Scholarship Committee had several excellent student essays submitted for the Spring 2024 Paralegal Division Student Scholarship. This fall’s topic was “The Importance of Networking: Building Connections in the Working World.” The Paralegal Division is proud to announce that Lathie Forrester is the winner of the Spring 2024 Scholarship. Below, you can learn more about Lathie and read her essay.
Thank you to all the students who submitted essays. We look forward to your submissions for the 2024 Fall Scholarship!
The legal field is notoriously slow to change, particularly with technology, and the use of AI is no exception. When I first heard about ChatGPT in 2022, I was staunchly against using it. My resistance stemmed from various reasons, but chiefly, I felt like it was “cheating.” Because I have always taken education and good grades very seriously, it was difficult to overcome this mindset.
By Tina Dadio 
and Kimberly M. Johnson
The NCBA Paralegal Division is thrilled to announce the members of the Survey Committee, a dedicated team focused on gathering and analyzing feedback from our members across the state. This initiative aims to ensure our members’ needs and interests are at the forefront of our programs, events, and resources. We believe that by listening to our members, we can create a more vibrant and supportive environment for professional growth and development.
Our Survey Committee is composed of experienced paralegals who are passionate about enhancing the paralegal profession. Each member brings unique insights and expertise to the table, ensuring a comprehensive approach to gathering and interpreting survey data.
Dear Paralegal Division Members:
My name is Alice Johnson, and I am honored to serve as your Chair for the 2024-2025 bar year.
We look forward to your involvement with the Paralegal Division and are grateful for your support.
Your 2024-2025 Officers and Council Members are:
By the Scholarship Committee
The Scholarship Committee would like to thank those who took the time to submit applications for the 2024-2025 Premier Pass Giveaway. We had a total of 90 applications submitted!
The Premier Pass is valued at $350 and is an exclusive NCBA member benefit providing you unlimited CLE/CPE, including access to hundreds of On-Demand programs throughout the bar year (July 1 to June 30). Access more information on the Premier Pass here. Premier Pass is credited as “one of the best investments, not only for your business, but for your practice and being able to serve your clients the best way possible.”
With all that being said, can I have a drumroll, please . . . the winners of the two 2024-2025 Premier Pass Giveaways are Meredith Sawyer of James, McElroy & Diehl, P.A., and Jennifer Vaden Poe of Gordon Law Offices!
Thank you again to all who applied – please try again next year! Could there be an easier way to get free CLEs for a year?
As we bring the 2023-24 bar year to a close, it is my pleasure to share with you the Paralegal Division’s achievements. This year has been filled with significant milestones, professional growth opportunities, and social activities that have strengthened our division and supported our members. Our collective efforts have made a meaningful impact, and I am incredibly proud of the dedication and passion shown by each of you. Serving as the 2023-24 chair has been an honor, and I am excited to reflect on our accomplishments together.
By the Communications Committee
On June 21, 2024, Margaret “Peggy” Pardue was recognized as the 2024 Distinguished Paralegal Award recipient by the North Carolina Bar Association (“NCBA”).
Pardue was nominated by Kristin Hampson, her attorney for whom she has spent the past 21 years supporting at Hampson Family Law in Raleigh. Hampson was proud to nominate Pardue for a well-deserved award.
Recently seen on Hampson Family Law’s Facebook post was the following description of Pardue’s role:
“An ear to listen . . .
A heart to help . . .
An eFile phenom . . .
An organizing beast . . .
A schedule master . . .
A document demander (but in the nicest way) . . .
A client wrangler . . .
An all-around irreplaceable and amazing paralegal . . .
Most definitely a DISTINGUISHED PARALEGAL!”
By Peggy Pardue on behalf of the Communications Committee
The North Carolina Bar Association’s Pro Bono Committee announced the winner of its Outstanding Paralegal Pro Bono Service Award, which recognizes a paralegal who has proven to be dedicated to providing pro bono legal services. The qualifications for this award include volunteering “a substantial amount of time in pro bono legal service to increase access to justice.”
This year at the NCBA Annual Meeting on Friday, June 21, Andrea M. Blosser, a paralegal with Robinson Bradshaw, will receive the award.
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