After reviewing Sherri’s resume, we were impressed, and the interview just reinforced that feeling. Client relations are a core value for our firm. We wanted highly-motivated and passionate individuals that truly wanted to help the clients we served. Oftentimes, this means mitigating the emotions and stress many of our clients experience. Sherri had been a stay-at-home mom who homeschooled her six children. Time management, patience, and organization could immediately be checked off the list of what we were looking for. However, Sherri’s experience as a Pro Se litigant was what sealed the deal. Hear what Sherri shared with me:
Tell us why you chose to become a paralegal?
I never dreamed that I would enter the legal field as a paralegal. However, due to some of the most unfortunate circumstances in my life, I found myself desperately attempting to navigate the legal system as a Pro Se litigant. For various reasons, I was unable to retain an attorney when the high conflict post-divorce matters dragged me back into the courtroom. Thus, it was just “me, God, and Google” against seasoned attorneys who seemed to know every angle of the legal system.
After winning my Rule 10 Extraordinary Appeal in the Court of Appeals, successfully representing myself in a post-divorce trial in NJ, and completing my 23-year “career” as a homeschooling mother, I began to consider the next chapter of my life. Although I considered becoming a paralegal at that point, I shunned the idea at first. I was not interested in assisting any attorney, especially after what I had experienced. However, I knew if I could assist the right attorney, I could help others. When a golden opportunity opened for me to attend the Paralegal Program at Pellissippi Community College, I took a leap of faith and jumped in. After graduating, I sought an attorney who was as passionate about helping others as I was. When I interviewed with Mital and Julie, I sensed their passion for helping others, and I was determined to help them as much as I could.
What would you tell others who are thinking about representing themselves in Court?
Please, don’t do it! The legal system is very complicated and failing to follow a rule you may not realize exists could cost you more than you are willing to lose. Research the internet for an attorney who is passionate about helping others and schedule an appointment with them. They are the difference makers.
What have you gleaned from your experience as a Pro Se litigant that you are applying to the legal field now?
I can truly empathize with our clients. I will never be able to give them legal advice, but I am able to use the knowledge and skills I obtained to assist the attorneys who advocate for them. When you come into our office, you should know that I have your back too!