Member Spotlight On:

Mpho Chapi, BA, ABA Approved Paralegal Certificate

New York City Paralegal Association

PRACTICE AREA/SPECIALTY: PUBLIC INTEREST LAW

profession, learn new skills, learn about technological advancements in the legal profession and build strong networks.

I BECAME A PARALEGAL BECAUSE … and governmental offices to gain handson work experience and increase their opportunities of being marketable once they obtain their paralegal certificate.

I became a paralegal to play a role in justice reform. As a paralegal, I impact individuals’ lives in a meaningful way by advising them of their rights.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A PARALEGAL?

WHAT IS THE COOLEST/MOST IMPORTANT TREND YOU SEE TODAY?

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT BEING A MEMBER OF YOUR LOCAL ASSOCIATION?

I enjoy being able to approach my local association for career advice such as tips for getting the most out of common resources used by legal professionals such as LinkedIn. I enjoy contributing suggestions that would improve my local association and learning from fellow members about the changes to the day-to-day operations of the paralegal profession.

WHAT MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU AND WHY?

Continuing education is a membership benefit that is important to me because it allows me to stay knowledgeable on the latest conditions in the legal

My favorite part about being a paralegal is that I gain knowledge to serve others and that knowledge in turn benefits me as well. My favorite part of being a paralegal is that that this role allows me to be employed in various sectors, public and private from districts courts to private law firms and companies. As a paralegal there are many career growth opportunities.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE AN ASPIRING PARALEGAL?

I would recommend that an aspiring paralegal join paralegal online groups and associations directly and through platforms such as LinkedIn to get and stay updated with the current operations of the paralegal profession. I would also recommend that an aspiring paralegal seek internship opportunities from paralegal school or local courts

The coolest trend I see in the legal field today is Alternative Legal Services. This saves many firms time and money because they provide legal support at a lower cost and reduce the stress of software maintenance.

WHAT IMPACT DO PARALEGALS HAVE IN THE DELIVERY OF LEGAL SERVICES?

Paralegals hold the vital role of assisting their attorneys in preparing for trials by ensuring facts are gathered and organized efficiently for a case. Paralegals take measures to ensure the best possible outcome for their client.

FINISH THIS SENTENCE:

If I could name the autobiography of my life, it would read . . .

“Don’t Stop, Keep It Moving.”

If I weren’t a paralegal, I would be. . . a lawyer.

A paralegal is . . . the lifeblood of every law firm.

My favorite food is … Blueberries