Sonya M Burrell

Sonya M Burrell is a paralegal based out of Sacramento, CA. Sonya graduated with her paralegal certificate from the UC Davis Extension. Over the years, Sonya has worked in a number of legal positions including a legal transcriber, claims clerk, and as a deputy clerk for the Superior Court of California in the County of Sacramento.

Sonya was born in Pennsylvania and her family resided in PA, until they moved to Sacramento, CA, when Sonya was 12 years old. Sonya grew up with two brothers and her mother, who became a single mother as a result of her father's death when she was very young. Sonya is incredibly grateful for the lessons she learned from her mother; her mom was a resilient pillar of strength. Further, her mother taught Sonya to be street smart and elegant at the same time. She has had a stepfather or two and has learned some useful things from them as well.


One of the many lessons Sonya learned from her mother was about being able to see the forest for the trees; to not be so bothered by what she perceives to be devious about others; to endure and to pull one's self by the bootstraps. She also encouraged her to be sensory of her own celebrity and prominence. Her paternal grandmother instilled that one within her as well.

In the past, Sonya has struggled to regain her footing in her career after leaving the career to focus on family responsibilities and other endeavors. Sonya balances a fast paced paralegal career with being a single mother of one beautiful daughter.

Sonya remembers her first job she had as a teenager. When Sonya was 15, she began working with the YMCA, during a year her family migrated back to PA. As an employee, Sonya learned that she enjoyed interacting with children. Sonya uncovered one of her hidden talents; she is artistic.

Sonya has experienced a tragic personal loss. One of Sonya's cousins died in a sudden and tragic manner. Sonya remembers that her family was so distraught; Sonya struggled to understand and gain details about her death. However, Sonya and her family moved forward from the loss by focusing on the good times she experienced with her cousin while she was alive.

One of the most memorable educational experiences for Sonya was when she graduated. After graduating, Sonya felt ready for the world; she was ready to conquer the world of law right then and there. Sonya knew she picked the right school because she learned certain aspects of the law, the quality of the curriculum, and she learned about the versatility of a paralegal in the legal environment.

Professionally, Sonya is known for providing optimal customer service and being helpful. She is known for being a multi-tasker, filling in the blanks, and managing special projects until completion. While working on these projects, Sonya remains organized, likable, and helpful. Her hardworking and easygoing nature makes her an ideal addition to any legal team. Sonya is great with clients because she is a good listener, and she enjoys making other people happy. As for weaknesses, Sonya has learned to be a better communicator and over the years she has learned to filter some things.

Sonya is attracted to people who are personable, positive, and kind hearted. She enjoys being around people that convey a sense of authenticity. However, Sonya finds peculiarity in the clashes of random acts of kindness and those who seem to be randomly mean all at once; there is no room for bad attitudes or meanness.

Professionally and personally, Sonya strives to maintain a positive learning atmosphere for herself and her daughter. Sonya's ability to focus is in the 90th percentile, only dropping from 100 percent because she is such a detailed note taker.

If you are just starting out in the legal field, Sonya has some advice: to stay ambitious and do not be discouraged. However, this is often easier said than done, but there are a lot of different kinds of positions. For example, Sonya found working with the court very rewarding. She worked in a small unit as part of the larger court system. Although Sonya was not working at the top of the legal barrel in the court, everyone came to her department for all kinds of information. As a Deputy Clerk, Sonya gained experience providing a variety of information to numerous sources.

There is one historical figure that Sonya admires more than other figures: Abraham Lincoln. Although Lincoln may have had some unsavory involvements, when it came time to do the right thing for his country, he stood up for what was right. He was willing to admit that a situation was very bad when he saw it with his own eyes. Additionally, Lincoln came from a humble background, was exquisitely expressive, and worked up to becoming President. As for more modern role models, Sonya admires both Oprah and Martha Stewart, Will Smith and the list goes on. Sonya has known personally as well as known of many unsung role models and unexpected heroes in her life.

Through the years, Sonya has worked with a variety of organizations. Sonya's main focus is on literacy as she enjoys tutoring individuals to increase the literacy rates for children and adults. Additionally, Sonya volunteers with local women's organizations to enhance the empowerment of women. However, Sonya admires the works of St Jude Children's Research Hospital more than other non-profit organizations because the hospital helps children that are ill without charging the patient's family.

Sonya has a number of interests outside the law. In fact, music is the fabric of Sonya's life. Additionally, Sonya enjoys writing, researching, chocolatiering and riding her bike. Further, Sonya loves a good game. She is an avid Philadelphia 76ers fan and a Sacramento Kings fan. Additionally, Sonya appreciates the consistency of the Los Angeles Lakers.

In ten years, Sonya sees herself teaching an introductory law class. In fact, Sonya would enjoy teaching any type of legal studies class including paralegal studies or administration training. Since Sonya is passionate about the law and she enjoys teaching children, in five years this would be an ideal transition. In the meantime, she focuses on being a great legal staff member and in a mindset of servitude.