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Paralegal
Church Church Hittle + Antrim
With more than two decades of experience in the legal field and nearly 16 at her current employer, Church Church Hittle + Antrim, Jessica Wingate has become an indispensable member of the firm’s legal team, even though most of her contributions happen behind the scenes. And her contributions are many, including drafting wills, advance directives and probate documents; maintaining calendars; billing and handling payments; preparing corporate minutes; assisting and training staff; participating in client meetings; and much more. “I would encourage anyone considering a career in legal support to pursue it if they take pride in their work, enjoy multitasking and can remain flexible,” Wingate said. “You should also understand that clients are the lifeblood of a law firm, and every matter should be handled with a high level of care, efficiency and professionalism.”
Givebacks: volunteer, Indianapolis Zoological Society and All About Dogs Rescue
Important traits: “Resilience, problem solving, the ability to anticipate needs, and integrity.”
Public misconceptions: “Many attorneys rarely see the inside of a courtroom, and the wheels of justice move much more slowly in real life than they do in movies or on television.”
Lesson learned: “Embrace asking for help. We may hesitate because we don’t want to be viewed as a burden, but I rarely feel that way when someone asks me for help. I try to view it as an investment. While it may take extra time and energy to train someone, it ultimately saves time in the future. I also find most people genuinely enjoy being helpful and learning new skills, so you’re giving them an opportunity. It’s a win-win.”
Job swap: physical therapist or patient care advocate
Favorite de-stressors: “Spending time on my paddleboard or kayak on calm, clear water.”•
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