Meet Jessica! Jessica is a native of Phoenix, Arizona. She graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in History. Eager to put her education to use, and leave the world of retail behind, Jessica found a job as the file clerk at a personal injury law firm. She realized the legal field is interesting and a bit exciting. This led to completing the paralegal program at Phoenix College and earning certification through the National Association of Legal Assistants and Paralegals. Since her first employment in the legal field, she has worked at firms that handle nursing home abuse, business, contract, and transactional law.
Jessica came to BWB&O in the fall of 2022 when her previous employer retired. After “seeing the other side” at a plaintiffs’ personal injury firm, working for an insurance defense firm seemed an attractive prospect. She brings to the firm years of experience and appreciates all the new knowledge her employment at the firm has given her.
Q: How has your experience at BWB&O helped you with career development?
A: I have had many opportunities to practice and hone my writing skills. Also, as part of the Culture Committee, I’ve been able to practice interpersonal skills and creative thinking, which is very important to career development.
Q: Who do you attribute your success to?
A: My mother. Years before I first entered the legal field, she told me I should become a paralegal because she had a great experience working with her grandmother’s attorney. I expressed doubt at the time, but my first job in a law firm changed my mind and my life. She was right all along!
Q: What are you most proud of in your career so far and why?
A: I’m most proud of earning paralegal certification through NALA. The test was challenging, and I passed it on the first try.
Q: Do you have any hobbies or creative outlets? Tell us about them.
A: I have a 12-year-old daughter and a 4-year-old son. She is currently into crafting dragon puppets from paper and he is in a phase of deconstructing everything to see how it works. I often join in to spend time with them and decompress.
A special thank you to Jessica for sharing her experience!