Additionally, the paralegal works for the law firm of ROLFE & LANE, PLLC.
Kathryn was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. In 1991, the future legal document preparer graduated from Amphitheater High School, also known as Amphi High, located in central Tucson. The teenager was recognized as an Outstanding Native American Graduate, with Honor's for Business Education.
By 1994, Kathryn earned her Associates of Art Degree, and graduated with honors. She also holds an Associates of Science Degree from Pima Community College, and graduated with high honors, and a B.S. in Public Administration from Northern Arizona University, graduating summa cum laude. Kathryn anticipates graduating with a Master's Degree in Public Administration in 2015.
The businesswoman has earned several awards and recognitions over the years, which includes the Public Defender's Office, Certificate of Meritous Achievement (1997), Legal Defender's Office, Certificate of Meritous Achievement (1998), United Way of Tucson, Copper Certificate (2005-2008), Arizona Superior Court, Certificate of Appreciation (2008), The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Member, Northern Arizona University Pima Community College, High Honors Graduate (2010), and Summa Cum Laude, Northern Arizona University (2011).
Kathryn is married to her “wonderful, supportive husband of 15 years.” They have three children. Their oldest son, who is 21, just returned from serving in the United States Army as a Mortuary Affairs Technician. Kathryn's youngest son, who is 20, is still serving in the United States Army as a Combat Medic and is currently stationed in Ft. Polk, Louisiana. The paralegal's youngest child, who is 17, is a senior in high school and she is interested in pursuing a degree in journalism or writing (she's still undecided).
When Kathryn is not working, she enjoys mountain biking, camping, hunting, and pretty much anything outdoors. Her favorite places to go mountain biking, camping and hunting are Apache Lake, Willow Springs, Josephine Canyon, and Mount Hopkins, located in the great state of Arizona. The legal document preparer loves to read the Stephanie Plum Series written by American author Janet Evanovich. She is inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt's quote, “Women are like tea bags – they never know how strong they are until they get into hot water.”
Kathryn has been rooting for the Green Bay Packers since her “battle buddy” in the U.S. Army got her hooked on the team. She is a frequent visitor at Club 21, a Mexican restaurant located in Tucson.
Kathryn's Successful Business and Tips for Legal Staff Members
What was Kathryn's most memorable educational experience? The paralegal answered, “I most enjoyed learning about non-profit organizations. I had no idea how difficult and time consuming grant writing was until I participated in that task. It was an entire semester project, with 5 students working many, many hours to reach the goal of completion. Our grant was submitted and subsequently funded. The grant focused around helping the homeless mentally ill population in the Phoenix, Arizona area.”
The legal staff member continued to explain that she took the non-profit class while she attended Northern Arizona University. She was responsible for writing and appropriating funds for grants and the businesswoman admitted she had “no idea how to do it.” Kathryn added, “It was the most challenging and rewarding class.”
Why did Kathryn become a legal staff member? She proclaimed, “I have always had a passion for the law. I originally believed that I wanted to pursue law school. However, I find that the hands-on, individual attention that I can provide clients as a paralegal is very rewarding.”
The certified legal document preparer “had it in her head that she wanted to become a paralegal by early high school.” She became intrigued with the law after her brother “was surrounded by judges and lawyers.” Kathryn described how her brother was frequently in trouble with the law.
The businesswoman did not transition to the law school; she was always involved in the legal industry. She claimed, “My primary experience has revolved around the law. I have worked for the Pima County Attorney's Office, Pima County Consolidated Justice Court, Pima County Legal Defender's Office, Pima County Public Defender's Office, and Pima County Superior Court as a Judicial Administrative Assistant. I also served in the United States Army, with the Judge Advocate General's Office and have now started my own small business as a Certified Legal Document Preparer.”
So what is the best part of Kathryn's job? The paralegal replied, “I love being able to help people who need it. No one who ever has to contract for legal services are happy to have to do so. I love that I can help to make the situation easier and provide a friendly, knowledgeable experience that delivers results to clients.”
The legal staff member is known professionally for her extensive knowledge of the law. She asserted, “Given that I have worked in so many governmental and prestigious law firms, I have a vast knowledge of different areas of the law. I have many specialties and I am often considered a ‘go to girl,' for information…even from lawyers and judges, who value my opinions and knowledge of the system and different areas of the law.”
The legal staff member is also known to assist people through difficult times. Kathryn acknowledged she is “super focused on her service for people who need relief. It's my primary motivation. It's what drives me every day.”
What would Kathryn change about the legal market? The businesswoman stated, “I love what I do and I enjoy working in the law. The only thing I would like to see is better continuing education options for paralegals. Oftentimes, the continuing education seminars that I attend are geared toward attorneys. It would be nice to see specialized, local training for paralegals that help to enhance the working knowledge that I possess.”
Kathryn gave her opinion on the current assessment of the legal market. She declared, “With the downturn of the economy, there has been an increase in the need for quality legal services. Unfortunately, these two things go hand in hand. As such, the legal market is booming and there are plenty of opportunities for new career moves.”
Since Kathryn believes the legal market is booming and there are plenty of opportunities for new career moves, what is her best advice to new and recent legal staff members? The certified legal document preparer recommended, “Be certain to obtain as much on-the-job training as you can. Being an intern is never fun. However, it will provide the knowledge that is needed for entering a competitive and highly demanding career in the legal field. Attend seminars and take additional courses at a local college to remain abreast of changes in policies and local laws. Remember that knowledge is power.”
If knowledge is power, what advice would Kathryn give to students contemplating on becoming a paralegal? The legal staff member suggests “making yourself know to the legal community. Intern and volunteer in the community.” Kathryn also advised students to talk to judges in the community. She said, “Tucson has an open bench, judges love sharing their knowledge.” The paralegal concluded, “Networking, volunteering, getting to know a judge on the bench or being an intern are important steps before becoming a paralegal.”
Kids in high school, who are interested in becoming a legal staff member, can benefit from a program sponsored by Pima County. The internship is called “The Pima County Summer Youth Employment Program.”
Where does Kathryn see herself in five years? The paralegal plans on expanding her business. She stated, “Hopefully with a very successful business. My goal is to continue to build my business so that I can provide high quality documents at affordable prices to my clients.” Kathryn believes she can expand her business through her reputation in the legal community. Not only is Kathryn involved in the legal community, but attorneys also refer their clients to the top-notch paralegal.
In the next five years, Kathryn's business will most likely have 2 to 3 staff members and at least one additional legal document preparer.
If Kathryn wasn't a legal staff member, what would she be doing? The paralegal confessed, “I have a real passion for non-profit organizations that was flamed while completing my Bachelor's degree. If I could not work in the law, I would want to pursue a career in a non-profit organization.”
The businesswoman was asked why she found her position rewarding. The legal staff member answered, “I get to help people. It's a cliché, but it's the truth. People need support and help when they get divorced and they don't have money to get an attorney. My service provides affordable options for people who can't afford attorneys.” Kathryn revealed she can't give up “providing a service to those people who need help during a very difficult time in his/her life. I enjoy being helpful and it would be difficult to give up the ability to do this while working.”
The paralegal is motivated in helping people. She said, “This is a driving force with me. I want to help people in any way possible. The legal community has provided that opportunity ten fold.”
Kathryn's Mentor, Non-profit Organizations and Greatest Accomplishment
The legal document preparer has several mentors. She admitted, “Many of the judges that I worked with at Pima County Superior Court were my mentors and guided me through my educational and career goals. Some of the special people who mentored me are: Hon. Deborah Ward (now retired); Hon. Kyle Bryson; and Hon. Sarah Simmons. They have all provided great support and demonstrate outstanding leadership skills. They gave me something to work toward professionally and held themselves to a higher standard ethically and morally.”
Kathryn is fond of two non-profit organizations. The legal staff member stated, “Casa de los Niños and Our Family Services are both organizations that I admire because they help to build and strengthen families within our community by focusing on bettering people's economic and psychological needs. These organizations focus on bringing families back together and providing much needed services to families in need within Pima County.” Kathryn continued to say that both organizations “evolve around rejuvenating families.”
The paralegal is proud of two major accomplishments. Her greatest personal accomplishment has been her children and family. Kathryn said they have been together through “thick and thin.” The businesswoman's greatest professional accomplishment has been her company. Kathryn started her business “on a shoe string budget” and enjoys working for herself. She asserted, “One of the top attributes that I enjoy as the boss is the ability to provide the best customer service to clients in a fast, efficient, and stress-free manner.”
