"I spoke to my counselor, found out about the paralegal program, and changed my major to criminal justice," continues McInally. "As I progressed with the program, I couldn't believe what a great fit it was. I was able to meld my creativity, my problem-solving skills, and my love of history into a field of study."
At California State University — San Bernardino, McInally worked hard to not only meet her own high standards but also set a good example for her eldest son, who was off to college in a year. Her efforts paid off. McInally graduated with high honors, a 3.9 GPA, an induction into the National Honor Society, and the Garza Merit Scholarship award.
However, she humbly admits, "Even more rewarding than any of those honors is the fact that now both of my sons are attending UCR and excelling in their studies. I can't help but feel that seeing my hard work and dedication set an example for them to follow."
In other words, making a difference in people's lives is important to McInally. And from the start, she knew that she wanted to be involved in an area of law that would allow her to do that.
For the next six months, she stayed on as a paralegal, working part-time. Then, in October 2006, McInally joined Shernoff, Bidart & Darras, an insurance bad faith firm, and ever since, she has thrived as a paralegal within the firm. Currently, McInally works with Frank Darras's team.
"In many offices the word 'team' is used to describe a group of people that work together. I am very fortunate to work with a really amazing group of people who truly work as a team."
Regarding Darras, she says, "Frank has built a unique staff of attorneys, paralegals, medical experts, vocational experts, and they are supported by a great administrative staff. He encourages his people to know what everyone else adds to the team, and he stresses the importance of each role in the success of the team."
"Our firm represents clients who have been denied long-term disability insurance benefits," adds McInally. "Many of our clients have lost not only their careers and subsequently their source of livelihood, but they have also lost a large piece of what defined them as an individual when they became disabled and are no longer able to work."
And McInally's passion for others is almost palpable. She admits, "My greatest accomplishment is making a difference, however small, in these people's lives — whether that is writing a brief that is successful in getting their benefits reinstated, being a part of a team effort in preparing the case for a pre-litigation negotiation by issue spotting and diligent research, or just lending a compassionate ear to a lonely client."
| Q. What do you do for fun? |
| A. I am very athletic. I played soccer until my knees wouldn't allow it anymore. My husband and I work out regularly and have decided to switch from soccer to biking. One of my coworkers and I are going to walk in the Avon Breast Cancer Walk in September, so I am busy training for that as well. |
| Q. What CD is in your CD player right now, or what music is on your iPod? |
| A. Collective Soul. |
| Q. What is the last magazine you read? |
| A. Shape, Prevention, More. |
| Q. What is your favorite TV show? |
| A. World's Biggest Loser — I love seeing the transformations! |
| Q. Who is your role model? |
| A. My mom. She was an amazingly strong and complex woman. |
"Considering the fact that many of our clients have no source of income without the disability benefits they had counted on, they are sick and oftentimes depressed as a result of their situation," she continues. "I am continually amazed at the resilience of the human spirit. I know that I have done my job and given that person the care, respect, and assistance they deserve when I still get a call or an email after a case has been resolved just to let me know they are doing okay and that we have helped them to turn things around."
But McInally doesn't only express her joy for aiding others; she also graciously extols those who have helped her, particularly the individuals at her current firm.
"I came into this firm with no experience in this area of law, and every member of this team has been extremely patient with my seemingly endless stream of questions. I have been given great guidance and been allowed to take on challenging projects. The support of my colleagues and the strength of my education have allowed me to achieve professional growth and will help me to continue to learn."
With a passion for the law and a passion to help others, it's no wonder that McInally has this piece of advice to offer:
"I would advise anyone just starting a career to find what you are passionate about and make that a part of your professional life."
