Diane was born and raised in California, but moved to Klamath Falls, Oregon, where she attended high school. She grew up with her parents and has one older brother and younger brother. Diane is a single parent who has four children. Her oldest daughter earned her Master's Degree from Southern Oregon University. The legal staff member graduated from Kieser College and Kaplan University.
Although Diane works seven days a week, she enjoys spending time with her kids and grandchild. She reads anything written by Danielle Steel, an American novelist and bestselling author. Diane also enjoys rooting for the Oregon Ducks and eating at Sizzler.
Diane's Successful Business and Tips for Legal Staff Members
When asked, “Do you have a most memorable education experience?” Diane replied, “I passed math, which was a miracle itself.” The paralegal was proud that she got through College Algebra.
When did Diane become a legal staff member? She explained that she started her business, Affordable Paralegal, in 1999 and liked working on custody and divorce cases from the beginning. Diane went back to school and received her B.A. She is currently specializing in family law.
Diane also explained how she transitioned into law. While working as a medical biller at Home Medical Billing, she met a person who got her interested in the paralegal profession. Diane decided to get into the industry.
What is the best part of Diane's job? The businesswoman stated, “Helping people who can't afford an attorney.” The legal staff member gave an example of how her clients couldn't afford an attorney but sought advice on custody issues. Diane added, “The best part is I can help individuals without giving legal advice.”
The straightforward legal staff member discussed what she is known for professionally. She said, “People appreciate that I don't have office hours. They can call me at anytime. Some people call me at 10:00 at night.” Diane doesn't charge her clients for phone calls. She pointed out that she is also known for her custody and divorce cases.
Diane gave her opinion on the current assessment of the paralegal market. The legal staff member asserted, “It's really tough because the economy is really tough. I don't charge as much as an attorney. It's definitely a struggle right now. I am by no means getting rich.”
The businesswoman also gave her opinion about the legal field. She claimed, “Honestly, I think paralegals need more space to do our job. Paralegals should have more of a role of what we can and can't do.” Diane explained that paralegals couldn't even go to court with their clients for moral support. She added, “That's really not fair.”
Since Diane has thirteen years experience as a legal staff member, many readers may want to know what her advice is to new and recent legal staff members. She proclaimed, “I had people call up and say, ‘I'm going to school so I can become a paralegal, Can I talk to you?' Go to school and get an education, but don't give out legal advice. Enjoy the profession because I think it's interesting.”
What would Diane tell students who are contemplating becoming a paralegal? The legal staff member simply stated, “Go for it. You will love it.”
Although it's hard for individuals to predict where they will be in five years, Diane hopes she will have more of a role of assisting her clients. She admitted, “I am hoping that I am able to have a more active role with clients, and have more leeway with clients who can't afford an attorney.” The businesswoman also plans on expanding her business.
If Diane wasn't a legal staff member, what would she be doing? The paralegal acknowledged she would still be a medical biller. She gave credit to individuals who work in that profession. Diane said, “It's really challenging now-a-days. Hats off to individuals who do it because they consistently rebill claims and if anything is off, you would have to go through it and rebill.”
What is Diane's greatest accomplishment? She jokingly stated, “Raising my kids and [the fact that] none of them are in jail.”
Diane noted that her clients motivate her. The paralegal explained, “Helping my clients motivates me. Some are men and some are women, but regardless, I help them. You have to care about what happens to people because they are nice people who can't afford to go somewhere else.”
Volunteer Activities, Non-profit Organizations and a Rewarding Job
Diane used to volunteer for Court Appointed Special Advocate Association (CASA), a nonprofit network supporting and promoting court appointed volunteer advocacy for neglected and abused children. She enjoyed working with CASA and will most likely be involved with the organization in the future.
Diane also has high esteem for The Humane Society who takes in dogs, cats, and other animals who are abused and are trying to find a home.
When asked, “Why do you find your position rewarding?” Diane claimed, “Even though I can't give legal advice to clients, I am with them. It's nice to see when they come out on top and a bummer when they don't.” Is there a downside to the paralegal position? Diane said, “My clients [sometimes] have to go to court and they are really scared and stressed out, but have no choice.” She believes this is a downside since she cannot stand by her clients in court for moral support.
