How and why did you become a paralegal?

Amy Guy:

My career path was a winding journey. After graduating from high school in Central Florida, I planned to become a meteorologist and was accepted to a number of schools across the nation. However, my parents did not have the resources to cover living expenses for an out-of-state institution. Since I was awarded a full scholarship to Valencia College, I stayed here and landed a job as a law firm receptionist to support my living expenses.

I was quickly hooked by the variety of cases and volume of work at a veracious pace. Instead of going to meteorology school after my AA degree, I attended Rollins College and earned an English degree with a Writing minor. Working full time and attending school full time taught me how to balance more than a full plate. I maintained a 3.5 GPA while working 40+ hours. After graduating, I became a Florida Registered Paralegal and earned my certification from the National Association of Legal Assistants.

Today, I still stay busy. During the day, I work at the Calandrino Law Firm where we help entrepreneurs with a variety of transactional and litigation matters related to their small businesses. Outside of the office, I am President of the Orange County Bar Association (“OCBA”) Paralegal Section. The OCBA is the first bar in the State to have a Paralegal Section and I am thrilled to be its third President. In addition, I serve on the OCBA foundation’s board and the West Orange Chamber’s education committee. Both of these organization work hard to help with various educational endeavors for our youth. I am also a Dr. Phillips Rotary Club member and enjoy being involved with our many initiatives which help our community.

LEX:

Why did you choose to work you current law firm?

Amy Guy:

In high school, I worked in a model office and I volunteered as a receptionist at a local charity. During and after high school, I worked at Perkins as a server and hostess.

In early 2003, I had knee surgery from injuries sustained in a car accident so I needed a less physically demanding job. With my full time studies, I needed stable hours to mesh better with my school calendar and a steady paycheck to cover my expenses. Since I had office experience, I sought an entry level administrative position.

On Sunday, I combed the classified advertisements and highlighted those of interest faxing my resume to those employers. I landed 4 interviews that week including an initial interview with the law.

The law firm called me back for a second interview on Friday. They called me on the way home to say I had the job. I started the very next Monday.

LEX:

What is the best part of your job?

Amy Guy:

Our law firm caters to small businesses. Having worked here for over eight and half years, I’ve seen many of our client’s businesses blossom. We handle legal issues from inception to sale and everything in between including litigation. Often our client will be renewing their lease and need to include more space to fit their employees. Or, I’ll watch one of our “serial entrepreneurs” sell another business and get into a new venture. Getting a great verdict (either plaintiff or defense since we do both sides of the “v”) is the best of all!

LEX:

How would you describe a typical day or week?

Amy Guy:

At my firm, I handle all tasks from client intake to trial. On a typical day, I will handle a few dozen e-mails and phone calls, draft a number of legal documents, attend meetings, review the mail, calendar deadlines, and coordinate workflow on our cases. Also, I handle discovery, attend trial, and other tasks as needed including facilitating business acquisition closings.

We have a “no pile” policy in office and utilize a project management approach to keep cases progressing efficiently. Our goal is to be proactive not reactive. I am in charge of keeping the attorneys and clients up-to-date on the status of matter and scheduling workflow so all cases are given appropriate attention. With emergencies which arise, I am constantly reorganizing the calendar and ensuring that all matters are being handled timely.

LEX:

Why did you get involved with your local paralegal association and later to take a leadership position?

Amy Guy:

In the summer of 2009, I was approached by Lori Spangler about being a board member on Orange County Bar Association’s Paralegal Section. Prior to the section’s formation, the paralegals were a committee of the bar for many years. When I found out the section was the first of its kind in the State, I immediately said yes. Lori Spangler and Lissa Bealke were instrumental in the Paralegal Section’s formation and served as the first two presidents. After serving one term on the board, Lissa Bealke asked me to be her Vice President. Seeing the potential, I immediately accepted the role.

The Paralegal Section has exceeded everyone’s expectations and has made the Orange County Bar Association a pioneer and role model for other bar associations to follow suit. The Paralegal Section’s mission is to provide leadership, promote the professionalism and certification of paralegals, encourage and acknowledge professional development, promote global affiliations with other professional associations, and provide enriching networking opportunities.