Famous paralegals making a significant impact include Chere Estrin (The Estrin Report founder), Vicki Voisin (The Paralegal Voice podcast host and former NALA board member), Negar Ashtari (immigration advocate), Linda Teater (pro bono champion), and Krista Bullard (Army paralegal who served in combat). These professionals demonstrate that paralegals can build influential careers in education, advocacy, media, and specialized legal services beyond traditional law firm roles.
Every paralegal changes lives through their work. Behind every successful legal case, there’s a paralegal managing discovery, interviewing witnesses, and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. But some paralegals have taken their impact further, building careers that shaped the profession itself.
These influential paralegals didn’t just support attorneys—they created educational resources, advocated for vulnerable populations, advanced professional standards, and served their communities in extraordinary ways. Their stories offer inspiration and practical lessons for anyone considering or advancing in the paralegal field.
From blog pioneers who professionalized paralegal education to military heroes who served in combat zones, these five paralegals prove the profession offers diverse paths to meaningful careers.
Industry Leaders and Educators
Some paralegals have built their influence by educating and empowering others in the profession. These leaders created resources that thousands of paralegals use daily to advance their careers and stay current with industry trends.
Chere Estrin – The Estrin Report
[Photo would appear here with alt text: “Chere Estrin, paralegal and founder of The Estrin Report, influential legal industry blog”]
Cherie Estrin’s career path shows how unconventional backgrounds can lead to paralegal success. After owning a theater company, she transitioned into the legal field and worked her way up to paralegal at an entertainment law firm. She didn’t stop there—she founded her own paralegal staffing firm and became one of the profession’s most recognized voices.
The Estrin Report, which Estrin launched in 2005, became required reading for paralegals nationwide. The blog covers everything from interview preparation and professional dress codes to the contentious debate over mandatory paralegal licensing. Through her writing, training programs, and publishing work, Estrin helped professionalize paralegal education and career development.
Her influence extends beyond blogging. Estrin’s staffing expertise gave her unique insights into what employers want and what makes paralegals successful. She translated that knowledge into practical advice that helped countless paralegals land better positions and advance their careers.
Vicki Voisin – The Paralegal Voice
[Photo would appear here with alt text: “Vicki Voisin, paralegal and host of The Paralegal Voice podcast, NALA board member”]
For eight years, Vicki Voisin’s podcast “The Paralegal Voice” offered insider perspectives hard to find anywhere else. Listening to a podcast provides the perfect way to stay current on paralegal trends while multitasking—probably the easiest professional development you’ll ever do.
Voisin interviewed guests ranging from legal scholars to paralegals working in obscure niche specializations. As an early member and former board member of the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), she had easy access to interesting guests and a comprehensive view of issues facing paralegals and the legal industry.
Her contributions extended beyond the microphone. Through her work with NALA, Voisin helped shape professional development programs and advocate for paralegal interests nationwide. Although she recently passed hosting duties to others, her influence continues through her work as an author, speaker, and mentor to other paralegals seeking to make their mark on the profession.
Social Justice Champions
The paralegal profession’s roots lie in providing legal services to people who couldn’t otherwise afford professional help. These paralegals embody that mission, dedicating their careers to serving vulnerable populations and expanding access to justice.
Negar Ashtari – Immigration Legal Services
[Photo would appear here with alt text: “Negar Ashtari, paralegal at Tahirih Justice Center, immigration advocacy specialist”]
Negar Ashtari’s work at the Tahirih Justice Center demonstrates how paralegals can make life-or-death differences for clients—the national non-profit works primarily with immigrant women and girls fleeing violence and war overseas. With immigration becoming increasingly contentious, the legal process is full of landmines and complex requirements that can determine whether someone finds safety or faces deportation.
Ashtari, who came to the United States from Botswana with her Iranian parents, became an expert at assisting with asylum filings and working with abuse victims. Her cultural background and language skills make her uniquely qualified to help clients navigate the intimidating immigration system.
Her commitment to social justice helped the Tahirih Center bring more than 31,000 women and children to safety. For these clients, a paralegal’s expertise wasn’t just helpful—it was the difference between life in danger and a chance at a safe future.
Linda Teater – Pro Bono Paralegal
[Photo would appear here with alt text: “Linda Teater, Colorado paralegal and pro bono champion, NFPA Pro Bono Award winner”]
Linda Teater is a litigation paralegal at a Colorado law firm by day. When she completes her regular work, she puts on her superhero cape at night and dives into addressing Denver’s widespread homelessness problem.
Teater volunteers for Project Homeless Connect, which connects around 1,000 homeless individuals in Denver with much-needed services. She coordinates legal night clinics for people who would never otherwise have access to legal assistance. Many homeless individuals face legal issues—from outstanding warrants to disability benefits denials to landlord disputes—that keep them trapped in homelessness. Teater’s pro bono work helps break that cycle.
In 2015, Teater received the National Federation of Paralegal Associations’ (NFPA’s) Pro Bono Award. She also received the Colorado Bar Association and Rocky Mountain Paralegal Association’s Pro Bono Paralegal of the Year Award. These recognitions highlight how paralegals can make meaningful community impact while maintaining successful day jobs.
Specialized and Military Service
Paralegals work in settings far beyond traditional law offices. Some find themselves in extraordinary circumstances that require courage and adaptability alongside legal skills.
Krista Bullard – U.S. Army Paralegal
[Photo would appear here with alt text: “Military paralegal in uniform, representing U.S. Army legal services, combat zone paralegal work”]
Paralegals are accustomed to working behind the scenes, but sometimes they find themselves on the front lines. That was the case for U.S. Army paralegal Corporal Krista Bullard in Iraq in 2006.
Part of the 37th Transportation Group, Bullard’s usual job involved filing paperwork and advising other soldiers on legal matters. But in a war zone, everyone serves where needed. According to military reports, when convoy operations demanded all hands on deck, Bullard found herself on escort duty.
Military accounts describe Bullard manning a .50-caliber turret in an escort Humvee when her convoy came under fire from two sides in the dark outside Baghdad International Airport. After identifying the source of incoming fire, she reportedly returned fire and helped silence the ambush as the convoy broke contact.
Her command sergeant major credited her with helping save the convoy and the soldiers in it. It’s one of the most essential world-changing events any paralegal can be part of—protecting lives under fire while serving your country. Bullard’s service demonstrates that paralegal skills transfer to high-pressure environments where quick thinking and composure under stress become critical survival skills.
Career Paths These Leaders Demonstrate
These five paralegals built their influence through distinctly different career paths. Understanding the options they pursued can help you identify which direction best suits your interests and goals.
| Career Path | Example | Key Activities | Skills Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Education & Media | Chere Estrin, Vicki Voisin | Blogging, podcasting, training programs, publishing, speaking | Communication, industry knowledge, teaching ability, platform building |
| Non-Profit Legal Services | Negar Ashtari, Linda Teater | Client advocacy, pro bono work, community outreach, specialized legal assistance | Empathy, cultural competency, dedication to service, specialized legal knowledge |
| Professional Association Leadership | Vicki Voisin (NALA Board Member) | Administering paralegal certifications, professional development, industry advocacy | Leadership, policy knowledge, networking, strategic thinking |
| Paralegal Entrepreneurship | Chere Estrin (Staffing Firm) | Business ownership, staffing services, consulting, training | Business acumen, industry expertise, risk tolerance, client development |
| Government & Military Service | Krista Bullard (U.S. Army) | Military legal support, soldier advisement, adaptability to operational needs | Discipline, adaptability, composure under pressure, service commitment |
These career paths aren’t mutually exclusive. Many successful paralegals combine traditional law firm work with side projects in education, pro bono service, or professional association involvement. The key is identifying what matters most to you and finding ways to build those elements into your career.
Skills That Made Them Influential
While these paralegals followed different paths, they share common skills and characteristics that enabled their success. Developing these abilities can help you build influence in your own paralegal career.
| Skill Category | Specific Skills | How It Creates Influence | How to Develop It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication Excellence | Writing, speaking, teaching, interviewing | Enables you to share knowledge, build platforms, and educate others | Start a blog, join Toastmasters, volunteer to present at paralegal association meetings |
| Specialized Expertise | Deep knowledge in immigration law, entertainment law, military law, etc. | Makes you the go-to expert in your niche area | Focus on one practice area, pursue specialized certifications, attend niche conferences |
| Service Commitment | Pro bono work, volunteer coordination, community outreach | Builds reputation and creates meaningful impact beyond paid work | Join local legal aid organizations, coordinate pro bono clinics, volunteer skills to nonprofits |
| Professional Networking | Relationship building, mentorship, association leadership | Opens doors and amplifies your voice through connections | Join NALA or NFPA, attend conferences, seek mentors and become one |
| Adaptability & Courage | Career pivoting, risk-taking, handling high-pressure situations | Allows you to seize unconventional opportunities and overcome obstacles | Say yes to stretch assignments, pursue continuing education, embrace career changes |
| Cultural Competency | Language skills, understanding diverse backgrounds, empathy | Enables you to serve underrepresented populations effectively | Learn additional languages, volunteer with immigrant services, pursue diversity training |
You don’t need to excel at all these skills simultaneously. Each of these famous paralegals focused on developing specific strengths that aligned with their career goals. Identify which skills match your interests and start building them intentionally.
How to Follow in Their Footsteps
These paralegals’ stories offer more than inspiration—they provide a roadmap for building your own influential career. Here’s how to apply their lessons to your paralegal journey.
Start With Strong Fundamentals
Every influential paralegal started with solid legal education and practical skills. Whether you pursue an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, or a certificate program, focus on building core competencies in legal research, writing, and case management. These fundamentals provide the foundation for everything that comes later.
Consider earning certification through NALA or NFPA. While not always required, certification demonstrates commitment to professional standards and opens doors to leadership opportunities within these organizations.
Find Your Specialization
Notice how each famous paralegal focused on a specific area—immigration law, entertainment law, pro bono coordination, military legal services, or paralegal education. Specialization makes you valuable and helps you stand out in a crowded field.
Explore different practice areas early in your career. Once you find an area that resonates with your interests and values, invest in developing deep expertise through continuing education, specialized certifications, and focused experience.
Build Beyond Your Day Job
Many influential paralegals built their reputation through activities beyond their primary employment. Linda Teater worked as a litigation paralegal while coordinating pro bono clinics at night. Cherie Estrin and Vicki Voisin created educational platforms that served thousands of paralegals.
Look for opportunities to contribute to the profession through writing, speaking, mentoring, or volunteer work. These activities build your reputation and create networks that can accelerate your career.
Commit to Lifelong Learning
The legal field constantly evolves with new technologies, regulations, and practice methods. Influential paralegals stay current and often lead the way in adopting innovations.
Invest in continuing education through webinars, conferences, and advanced training. Stay informed about industry trends by reading legal publications, following paralegal blogs, and participating in professional associations.
Embrace Service to Others
Whether serving vulnerable immigrant populations, helping homeless individuals access legal assistance, or educating aspiring paralegals, these influential professionals shared a commitment to service. This dedication to helping others created a meaningful impact and built professional reputations.
Look for ways to use your paralegal skills to serve your community. Pro bono work, legal clinics, mentoring programs, and nonprofit board service all provide opportunities to make a difference while developing new skills and connections.
Don’t Be Afraid to Pivot
Chere Estrin came from a theater background. Others started in different careers before discovering the paralegal profession. These successful professionals weren’t afraid to make career changes when they found opportunities that aligned with their interests and values.
If you’re considering a career change into paralegal work, these stories show that diverse backgrounds can become strengths. Your unique experiences and perspectives make you valuable in ways that traditional career paths might not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the most famous paralegals?
Notable famous paralegals include Chere Estrin (founder of The Estrin Report), Vicki Voisin (The Paralegal Voice podcast host and former NALA board member), Negar Ashtari (Tahirih Justice Center immigration advocate), Linda Teater (NFPA Pro Bono Award winner), and Krista Bullard (U.S. Army paralegal who served in combat in Iraq). These professionals gained recognition through their contributions to paralegal education, social justice advocacy, professional association leadership, and extraordinary service.
Can paralegals become influential without working at big law firms?
Absolutely. Many influential paralegals built their reputations outside traditional law firm settings. Opportunities exist in nonprofit legal services, government agencies, military service, paralegal education, professional associations, and entrepreneurship. Linda Teater built her reputation through pro bono work while maintaining a day job. Chere Estrin started her own staffing firm. The key is finding work that aligns with your values and developing expertise that serves a specific need.
What makes a paralegal influential in the profession?
Influential paralegals typically combine strong core skills with specialized expertise, then share their knowledge to benefit others. Common traits include excellence in communication, commitment to service, willingness to take leadership roles in professional associations, dedication to continuing education, and ability to identify and fill gaps in the profession. Building influence often means creating value beyond your paid position through writing, speaking, mentoring, or volunteer work.
How long does it take to become a recognized paralegal professional?
There’s no set timeline for building professional recognition. Most influential paralegals spent 5-10 years developing core expertise before branching into education, advocacy, or leadership roles. However, you can start building influence from day one by joining professional associations, volunteering for committees, contributing to discussions, and seeking mentorship. Recognition comes from consistent contribution to the profession, not just years of service.
Do I need special certification to work in specialized paralegal roles?
Requirements vary by specialization and employer. Military paralegals receive specialized training through their service branch. Immigration and social justice roles often value cultural competency and language skills alongside legal training. Professional educators benefit from strong communication skills and industry experience. General paralegal certification through NALA or NFPA demonstrates professional commitment and can open doors to specialized roles. Many specializations value practical experience and demonstrated expertise as much as formal credentials.
Can paralegals start their own businesses?
Yes, many paralegals have built successful businesses, though regulations vary by state. Chere Estrin founded a paralegal staffing firm. Other paralegals run freelance paralegal services, litigation support companies, training and consulting businesses, or legal document preparation services. Before starting a business, research your state’s regulations regarding what services paralegals can provide independently, as you cannot give legal advice or represent clients in ways reserved for attorneys.
What career opportunities exist for paralegals interested in social justice?
Social justice-focused paralegals work in immigration law (such as Negar Ashtari), legal aid organizations, public defender offices, civil rights organizations, domestic violence advocacy, veterans services, disability rights groups, and pro bono coordination (such as Linda Teater). These positions often pay less than corporate law firm jobs but offer meaningful work helping vulnerable populations. Many paralegals combine traditional employment with volunteer pro bono work to serve their communities while maintaining financial stability.
Key Takeaways
- Influential paralegals build their impact through diverse paths, including education, social justice advocacy, professional association leadership, entrepreneurship, and specialized services like military legal support.
- Specialization matters more than generalization—each famous paralegal focused deeply on a specific area rather than trying to be an expert in everything
- Building influence often happens outside your primary job through writing, speaking, mentoring, pro bono work, or association involvement that serves the broader profession
- Strong fundamentals come first—all influential paralegals started with solid legal education and core skills before branching into specialized or leadership roles
- Service commitment distinguishes influential paralegals from simply competent ones, whether serving vulnerable populations, educating aspiring professionals, or advancing professional standards
- Unconventional backgrounds can become strengths—career changers bring unique perspectives and skills that enhance their paralegal work and create opportunities for innovation
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