Zion Paralegal

Personal Life

Pamela Milburn owns and manages Zion Paralegal, which is based in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. She is a certified legal document preparer who specializes in family law. Pamela's services include document preparation in civil law, probate, trust/wills, LLC, corporation, pretrial and discovery documents and much more. She is certified through the board of Legal Document Preparer program pursuant to the Arizona Code of Judicial Administration 7-208 (E4) of the Arizona Supreme Court Rules.


Prior to founding her company in 1998, Pamela served as a nurse's assistant. She also owned a commercial/residential cleaning company before heading back to school to become a legal assistant/paralegal. Pamela has fifteen years experience as a legal document preparer, and all of those years have been devoted to successfully running her business in Arizona.

She was born in California, and raised in the Golden State and Oregon. Pamela attended Palmdale High School. She enrolled in business management courses with computer skills and later legal assistant courses. Pamela continues her education each year by devoting ten hours of continuing education through the Arizona State Bar and Mohave County Bar Association to retain her certification as an Arizona Certified Legal Document Preparer. She is a proud parent of two children, Patricia Nuessle and Shawna Stover, and two living grandchildren born to her daughter Patricia whose names are Darien and Layla Corson. Her grandson Jacob Michael Stover died on March 17, 2013 and was born to her daughter Shawna.

When the certified legal document preparer isn't working, she enjoys reading, running, and outdoor activities, especially boating and hiking. Although Pamela doesn't root for a sports team, she used to be an excellent runner, basketball, baseball and tennis player. She is a frequent visitor of Lake Havasu City's Taco Hacienda and Taco Bell. Pamela enjoys reading Janette Oke's Love Comes Softly series.

Pamela's Successful Business and Tips for Legal Document Preparers

Why did Pamela decide to become a legal document preparer? "I decided to open my own legal document preparer company to assist people in document preparation for those who cannot afford an attorney." Her friend encouraged her to become a legal document preparer. Her friend claimed, "You assist individuals well. This is what you were meant to do."

What is the number one reason why people get a divorce? "Lack of communication and they are bored with their relationship."

The businesswoman discussed the best part about her job. "Meeting new people, learning about their experiences, learning new areas of the law, and keeping up with the changes. It definitely keeps the passion for law ongoing."

Pamela also discussed why she appreciates working for herself. "I enjoy the flexibility of my schedule and my clientele."

What is the legal document preparer known for professionally? "A reputation of being ethical, knowledgeable, dependable, and expedient. I am also known for preparing documents in many different areas of law."

What does Pamela have a knack for? "Communication, listening skills, the ability to learn quickly, good research skills, and maintaining a good relationship with my clients."

When asked what she thinks about the legal field in Arizona, Pamela replied, "The legal field in Arizona strives to make a positive difference in peoples' lives by protecting the public health and safety, offering programs to assist victims of abuse and other crimes committed against them, and offering rehabilitation programs such as anger management, drug and alcohol classes. It also gives the public the resources to be informed about their rights, responsibilities, and procedures in different area of law so they can represent themselves in court." Arizona is committed to protecting the public by maintaining high standards for Lawyers and Arizona Certified Legal Document Preparers (individuals certified as a legal document preparer that are not employed by an attorney).

Since Pamela has fifteen years' experience as a legal document preparer, many readers may be wondering what advice she has for new legal staff members. "Put people first, but don't forget those who help you, and especially don't get so busy that you have little or no time for yourself, family or friends."

What advice would the businesswoman give to students who are thinking about becoming a legal staff member? "It must be something they want to do. It's a demanding field. You have to deal with individuals who are emotional and you can't treat them as a paycheck. It's a rewarding career, but you have to be compassionate towards everyone you work for. Have the ability to work well with the court employees."

Where does Pamela see herself in five years? "Still operating Zion Paralegal and assisting the public." She said she plans on expanding her business.

If she wasn't a legal staff member, what would she be doing? "I can't imagine doing anything else."

Why is Pamela motivated every day to do her job? "I enjoy assisting the public."

Pamela's Mentor and Mentoring Others, Volunteer Activities and Non Profit Organizations

Does Pamela have a mentor? Is she a mentor? "The late Judge Nelson Meringola assisted me in learning the legal field. I was so blessed with his friendship. When he was a counselor, he assisted many people. I have assisted others in the field as well as children who were on drugs or needed help. I told them that they have self worth, and that they can determine the outcome of their lives, not their circumstances, without the use of drugs or alcohol, that they deserved a better life. I like to reach out."

Is she involved with any volunteer activities? "I am a board member for the Arizona Supreme Court Legal Document Preparer Program. I have been involved in this program since 2011 and I am currently vice chair of the Arizona Supreme Court Program."

Are there any nonprofit mentors or organizations that Pamela admires? "Legal Aid because they assist people who could not otherwise afford legal assistance. I also admire the food banks that assist those in need."

A Rewarding Position, Pamela's Goals, and Final Thoughts

Why does Pamela find her position rewarding? "I own and run my business. I enjoy the flexibility of my schedule. It has been a rewarding business and I enjoy what I am doing."

Is there a downside to her position? "None."

Does the Californian have goals? "Professionally, I would like to expand my business. Personally, I like spending time with my family."

Is there anything else you care to share professionally or personally? "I am very blessed to be in this field. I am very passionate about my career and I will continue to be motivated. I love assisting people who could not otherwise prepare the documents that make a difference in their lives. I love working with the court employees who feel the same way I do. This is not just a job; it is a way of life. Personally, I am a devoted Christian who enjoys my relationship with the Lord."

*** Pamela Milburn is not an attorney, not employed by an attorney and can't give legal advice or opinion. ***