Paralegal Spotlight: Katsiaryna Fox
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 bit 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 Katsiaryna Fox.
Position Title: Patent Paralegal.
Major Duties: Assist patent attorneys and agents with patent prosecution.
Who is your current employer?
Coats & Bennett, PLLC, Cary, North Carolina.
What is your educational background?
From Belarusian State University, I received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in law, and I attended the Paralegal Program at Meredith College.
What paralegal certification(s) do you have?
NC State Bar Certified Paralegal.
How long have you worked as a paralegal?
About 10 years.
What’s one thing you’d like to see the NCBA PD do/accomplish for its membership?
I would like the division to continue to provide CLE and networking opportunities, assist new paralegals with navigating the industry and help with professional development and experiences.
Was being a paralegal your first career or did you transition from another field?
The legal field has been my goal and dream since fifth grade.
How did you choose the paralegal field?
It fits my personality the most, and I truly enjoy my job.
What did you never think you would be doing that you are doing now (does not have to be work-related)?
I told my friend in college I would never work in patent law, and I am here now and love it.
Favorite podcast, favorite Netflix (or other streaming services) series?
“Snapped” was my favorite.
What are you reading right now?
Due to COVID, I don’t use the library services as much, but a good easy-to-read novel is always a nice addition to my quiet time.
What do you do to relax (and why)?
I play volleyball. If I could do it every night, I would. It is a great stress reliever and keeps me in shape.
What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment?
My children. They are my pride and legacy.
What has surprised you most about working in the legal field?
I am not exactly surprised by the field itself – I have been around it all my life. However, I am still surprised how people who work in a legal field are perceived by others.
What do you find most challenging about the paralegal field?
Paralegals are often underestimated in what they do on daily basis. Juggling several projects at the same time, being interrupted, and picking up where we left off are some of the challenges.
What’s the best and worst thing to happen since you started working as a paralegal?
The financial crisis of 2009 and the aftermath were the worst. Finding a place of work where it felt like a family, even at times a little dysfunctional, was the best.
What do you wish other people knew about you?
I don’t act like it, but I am actually an optimist.
What are some volunteer organizations you have worked with?
We do Angel Tree around Christmas time. Before COVID, I had volunteered in the local rec center coaching a girls volleyball team.
Share something about yourself that you’re working on improving, and how you think (XYZ) will be better/more productive/run more smoothly once you’ve accomplished your goal.
I am currently refreshing my memory in the litigation department. I would like to get more familiar with all the new litigation software available and get more efficient in discovery analysis/document production.
What role model or influencer shaped who you are now and what lessons have you learned from them?
Growing up, I was lucky to have several great teachers and college professors. The best advice I have ever heard came from my grandmother: “Never think that you are smarter than the others.” It teaches you to have respect for others and their wisdom, regardless of the situation, or who they are, or where they come from. I try to follow that.
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I don’t like surprises.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about becoming a paralegal?
It does not matter what your title is. You should enjoy the work itself. The title, acknowledgment, and success will follow.
What do you think will change in the paralegal field over the next five years?
Technology has replaced many aspects of our work, giving us opportunities to be more efficient. I would hope that the expectations for a true paralegal will rise. Remote work and freelancing will become more accessible and popular. However, it may also mean that junior associates will replace some of the paralegals, consolidating the job descriptions.
If you weren’t a paralegal, what would you be doing instead?
I have had experience working in the real property tax department. Besides that, I have always been in the legal field. It is hard to imagine doing something else.
What sort of trends do you see in the legal field that will bring change soon?
Remote work or satellite work (less office interaction), “do it yourself” and e-filing/going paperless are shrinking the staff demand. The paralegal/attorney ratio is changing. You rarely see 1:1. It is more than 1:3 or even higher. I believe solo practitioners have fewer and fewer chances of survival.
How would your co-workers describe you?
Firm and helpful.
What do you do when you aren’t working?
I like to go to the beach. It is my “happy place.”
What is your favorite, perhaps little-known, technology tip?
I use notes in Outlook for all my shortcuts/standard language. They stay “clipped” on my desktop until I am done and they are searchable. Very helpful when you don’t want to spend time retyping emails with similar content.
What has been your biggest obstacle in life and how have you mastered it?
Being bilingual does not always work in your favor. I am still working on mastering English. But it has been a great conversation starter and makes you relatable to some of our clients, so I just turn my obstacle into an advantage and work with it.
Share a life-changing epiphany: a moment of life-defining change that shaped you into the person you are today.
I was a huge trouble maker up to fourth grade or so. I am not sure why, but I completely turned around and became very responsible and determined to go to a law school. Unfortunately, I don’t remember why this happened. However, it is never too late or too soon to change.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Working, raising kids, hopefully enjoying my life.
The division congratulates Katsiaryna Fox for her accomplishments and appreciates her for participating in Paralegal Spotlight. If you are interested in networking with Ms. Fox, 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.