Paralegal Spotlight: Teri Rodriguez

By the Communications Committee

Paralegal Spotlight is the Division’s monthly publication designed to share Division members’ stories with colleagues, inspire present and future paralegal professionals, and strengthen awareness of the profession and association.

Each month we select one amazing paralegal from among our membership and ask them to share a little about their personal and professional life. Join Paralegal Spotlight as we learn more about member talents, skills, personal and professional goals, technology tips, accomplishments, volunteer work, and more.

This month’s Paralegal Spotlight is on Teresa (“Teri”) Rodriguez.

Position Title: Litigation Paralegal.

Major Duties: My duties include case management, appeals work (assisting with briefing), real estate paralegal back-up, and trust account manager.

Who is your current employer? Ellis & Winters LLP in Raleigh, N.C.

What is your educational background? I have an Associate’s Degree from Lamson Business College.

What paralegal certification(s) do you have? I am a CP through NALA — The Paralegal Association and an NCCP.

How long have you worked as a paralegal? 18 years.

What’s one thing you’d like to see the NCBA PD do/accomplish for its membership? This is a tough one, especially since I am not that creative. I think the Paralegal Division has done a great job at working to provide CPE for its members, as well as finding interesting ways to interact even during a pandemic.

Was being a paralegal your first career or did you transition from another field? No, I was first a member of the United States Air Force.  Planned on being a lifer but plans changed.

How did you choose the paralegal field? When I got out of the Air Force and moved to N.C. I had a 7-month old son, and I did temp work with the agreement that I would take the first job I could get. I got an offer from Durham Public Schools and from three lawyers sharing office space on the same day. The school’s offer was great, but there was something intriguing about working for lawyers, and the rest is history!

Favorite podcast, favorite Netflix (or other streaming service) series? Blue Bloods.

What do you do to relax (and why)? I find cross-stitch to be my most relaxing hobby. I love watching a blank fabric turn into something beautiful that I get to share with someone else.

What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment? Being a foster mom to 13 kids and being privileged to stay in regular touch with three of them, two of whom have given me grandsons this year.

What has surprised you most about working in the legal field? How much fun it is — had I known when I was going into the Air Force, I would have tried hard to get into JAG, and it would have probably gone better for me.

What would you tell someone who is thinking about becoming a paralegal? I would tell them that it is totally worth the hard work to study and get certified, and to be ready for an interesting ride. I love that even if you are working in one area of law, every case/matter is different because of the mix of parties involved. There are so many options for fields to work in out there and so much to learn to keep you growing throughout your entire career.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In a rocking chair at our cabin in the mountains with my grandchildren (currently three) running around and making s’mores on the campfire!

The Division congratulates Teri Rodriguez for her accomplishments and appreciates her for participating in Paralegal Spotlight. If you are interested in networking with Ms. Rodriguez, you can connect with her on Linkedin.

The Paralegal Division Blog is managed by the Division’s Communications Committee. Via the blog and listserv, the Communications Committee provides information written by attorneys, paralegals, and other experts designed specifically for paralegals in the areas of substantive law, ethics, technology, paralegal practice advice, and more. If you are interested in volunteering with the Communications Committee, please contact the Communications Committee Chair, Alicia Mitchell-Mercer, at [email protected]. If you are interested in joining other Division committees, you can review a list of committees and sign up here.

You may also wish to participate in the Division by using our virtual suggestion box to submit suggestions/ideas to the Division Council, submitting a proposed blog post, nominating a paralegal for Paralegal Spotlight, or completing the Paralegal Spotlight Questionnaire if you are nominating yourself.