AT A GLANCE
Erin Acaley wanted a career where she could help people, but her undergraduate degree was in a field other than the law.
She entered the paralegal program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte after she moved to the city with her husband in 2022.
She now works as a paralegal at Rudisill, White & Kaplan in Matthews.
Growing up in Pennsylvania’s Valley Forge region, Erin Acaley aspired to forge a career helping people and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in human services, but ultimately set out in a different direction.
“I explored multiple career paths but found myself drawn to the legal field, a profession I have always been interested in,” she said.
In college, Acaley interned with the York County District Attorney’s Office in its victim and witness coordinators unit.
“I gained experience in the courtroom and supported victims and their families while furthering my understanding of the law,” she said.
She moved to Charlotte with her husband in 2022, entered the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s paralegal program and later won a scholarship through the North Carolina Bar Association Paralegal Division’s student essay contest to complete her education. She works at Rudisill, White & Kaplan law firm in Matthews, focusing on workers’ compensation defense.
“When I think about what my day-to-day will look like as a paralegal, I think of many things,” she wrote in her essay. “I have learned that it is a paralegal’s responsibility to draft memorandums, client communication emails, conduct legal research, cite said research, and so much more. A paralegal is not only there to aid the attorneys in their large workload, but also to help establish good communication with clients.”
Q: Describe the best lesson you learned during your paralegal studies.
A: I learned the importance of being able to stay organized and how to prioritize. I also gained the ability to balance the diverse workload of a paralegal. This taught me that attention to detail is also a key element to this line of work.
Q: What inspired you to enter the Paralegal Division’s essay contest?
A: During my time studying with the UNC Charlotte paralegal program, my professors encouraged us to aim high and take chances. This, coupled with the potential to receive a scholarship, were motivating factors for entering the student essay contest.
Q: What did you learn from the process of writing your essay?
A: While writing my essay, I improved my ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner. I was also able to articulate how my educational and practical experiences could benefit me in the workforce.
Q: How has it benefited your career so far?
A: I gained confidence going into my new career. Winning the contest also helped increase my online exposure in a field in which I previously did not have experience.
Q: How do you keep a healthy work/life balance?
A: It is important to set boundaries when it comes to work/life balance. Leaving the stressors of work at the office allows me to fully appreciate my free time. When I am away from work, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family and dogs. This leaves me feeling refreshed and motivated each week.
Q: Name one thing about yourself that most people would be surprised to know.
A: Some might be surprised that I have struggled with public speaking and interviewing for jobs. Although it will always be a nerve-racking experience, it gets easier over time and with practice.
Q: What advice do you have for others who might aspire to pursue a career as a paralegal?
A: I would encourage others to be confident and use their past work experience. For those new to the field, be patient and realize your skills are valuable and transferable from one career to another. Be sure to keep an open mind while entering the job market. I didn’t expect to find myself in workers’ compensation law, but I am happy where I am and love the people that I work with. •
The post Award-winning essay launches Erin Acaley’s career first appeared on South Carolina Lawyers Weekly.