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published October 19, 2010
Donna McGill
Lyla Malolepszy has few free hours during the course of her day. Currently, she is the Executive Coordinator for the Grayson County Bar Association, where she assists in coordinating the many annual events and meetings. When she's not there, she is performing her full time duties as a paralegal with the Law Office of Donald Johnston, where she has efficiently completed her responsibilities for the past 9 years. Make no mistake, she has much to balance in this role. From bookkeeping to paralegal duties, she is a true asset to the firm and is the ''go to'' person for all things related to the daily operations as well as the legal goings-on.
While two career responsibilities might be enough for some, for Malolepszy, her day's not complete at 5 p.m. since she volunteers paralegal services to the Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas. She routinely screens applicants seeking legal aid assistance and provides pro bono paralegal work, more than 50 hours per year, to the association. She shows exemplary passion and dedication to her work and to those in need of legal services.
Malolepszy received her A.A.S. in 2003 from Grayson County Community College and from there, attended Kaplan University, where she obtained her associate's degree and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.S.P.S. in 2008. She immediately began work for her Master's of Business Administration and graduated in June 2009.
Currently, she plays a significant role in GCBA meetings and coordinates such speakers as Judge Richard Schell and Justice Jim Moseley from the Dallas Court of Appeals. Further, she works with other volunteers and those looking for volunteer opportunities by hosting legal aid clinics each month. Her confidence and belief in what she does is unmistakable and something you can't miss.
Her awards for her hard work are numerous. She received the Exceptional Pro Bono Award in 2009 from the Paralegal Division of the State Bar of Texas; was awarded Paralegal of the Year for 2004-2005 by the Grayson County Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas and Paralegal of the Year Award for 2007-2008 by North Texas Legal Association. A member of the State Bar of Texas Pro Bono College since 2004, she uses her position to provide guidance and lead other would-be paralegals into the exciting career she has chosen.
Co-workers and clients speak highly of her. ''Lyla is one of the hardest workers I know. Lyla is an endless resource for her colleagues and always available to help...''
As Lyla Malolepszy continues to forge ahead in her career choices, she is leaving a trail of clients whose faith in the legal system has been restored as well as attorneys, judges and other paralegals who respect her and acknowledge her dedication and commitment. Few of us ever know this admiration; for Lyla Malolepszy, it's just another day, albeit a long one, at the office.
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