Paralegal Spotlight: Brittany Mitchell, NCCP
Paralegal Spotlight is the Division’s monthly publication designed to share Division members’ stories with colleagues, inspire present and future paralegal professionals, and strengthen awareness of the profession and Association.
Each month, we select one amazing paralegal from among our membership and ask them to share a little about their personal and professional life. Join Paralegal Spotlight as we learn more about member talents, skills, personal and professional goals, technology tips, accomplishments, volunteer work, and more.
This month’s Paralegal Spotlight is on Brittany Mitchell, NCCP.
Position Title: North Carolina Certified Paralegal and Office Manager
Major Duties: I assist lawyers with comprising information and documents for mediation, arbitrations, trials, real estate closings, etc., serve secretarial duties and communicate with clients and potential new clients in reference to auto accidents, business and corporate law, construction litigation, dog bites, fire loss & casualty claims, improperly built or maintained premises, inadequate premises security, lemon law cases, medical malpractice, motorcycle and bicycle accidents, nursing home abuse/neglect, personal injury, slip and fall, traffic violations, trucking accidents, unfair and deceptive trade practices, real estate closings and wrongful death matters. I help manage client files, perform basic office duties, complete banking and office accounting and oversee administrative duties.
Who is your current employer? The Law Offices of Amos & Kapral, LLP in Taylorsville, North Carolina.
What is your educational background? I have a Bachelor of Arts in political science with a minor in economics from Lenoir-Rhyne University (2007-2010) and an associate degree in applied science and paralegal technology from Western Piedmont Community College (2010-2012).
What paralegal certification(s) do you have? I am a North Carolina State Bar Certified Paralegal.
How long have you worked as a paralegal? Since August of 2009.
What’s one thing you’d like to see the NCBA PD do/accomplish for its membership? Provide an index and/or forms folder for state forms, draft forms, etc. in both PDF and Word.
Was being a paralegal your first career or did you transition from another field? No. I initially started at Lenoir-Rhyne with the intentions of moving into international law.
How did you choose the paralegal field? I enjoy working with people and assisting them in the best ways that I can. This way, I assist those who need it the most but do not know the means of achieving the help and/or justice they deserve. I get to be that guiding light for them.
What did you never think you would be doing that you are doing now (does not have to be work-related)? Cruising. I hate boats, but I love to cruise.
What do you do to relax (and why)? Walk/run. It is a chance to clear my head and forget everything that is going on. It is also my reset button, so if I am having a hard/bad day, I know that if I leave and go for a walk/run, I can try to come back to the task at hand refreshed and restart it.
What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment? My children!
What do you find most challenging about the paralegal field? The time frame that many cases are stretched out to. I see how difficult it is for the individuals involved and know that there isn’t anything we can do on our end. Most people filing a lawsuit or starting a claim do not realize how long the process can and will take.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about becoming a paralegal? Have plenty of patience! Understand that being in the middle means you have to do a lot of “hand holding.”
What do you think will change in the paralegal field over the next five years? The changes we have seen over the last six months will likely become the norm: virtual hearings, mediations, depositions, etc. Because there is a convenience to holding these meetings virtually, I do not think we will go back once this is over.
If you weren’t a paralegal, what would you be doing instead? House flipper or interior design! I watch way too much HGTV!
How would your co-workers describe you? Hardworking, dedicated, driven and focused.
The Division congratulates Brittany Mitchell for her accomplishments and appreciates her for participating in Paralegal Spotlight. If you are interested in networking with Ms. Mitchell, you can connect with her on Linkedin.
If you know an amazing paralegal with an interesting story to share, please nominate them for Paralegal Spotlight by emailing ncbaparalegals@gmail.com.