Her Story
About Sarah
Five years ago, as a single mom who had just been diagnosed with cancer in 2017, I had to take over a year off from my work in real estate for treatment. During that time, with a lot of downtime to think, I realized I wanted to go back to school and pursue what had always spoken to me - the legal profession. I already had my bachelor's degree from 2001, so I went back to junior college to complete a highly recommended paralegal program in the county. It took me about a year and a half to complete, and I graduated at the top of the class. The college then hired me to become the program tutor. I was also accepted into law school, but after some hard-fought moments of decision, I chose not to go that route. At my age at the time and being a single mom, I didn't feel it would be the best choice to put out so much money for law school and still have time to pay it all back. I went on my first interview as a paralegal and was hired by a former district attorney for the County of Orange who now does personal injury and criminal law. I started as just an intern and have been working for this employer for the last 5 years, and I am now his senior paralegal. In October this past year, I got to sit with him through trial - as a paralegal, you're not legally allowed to sit at the council table, but I had a seat directly behind him and was basically co-chairing within the legal limits on a personal injury case. One of the highlights of my life and career was when I had some case-saving research that I did on the fly in the courtroom. We probably would have lost that case, but I was able to immediately start doing research sitting there in the courtroom, and that research saved the case and we ended up winning. As a paralegal, you don't get those opportunities very often, and it was hugely rewarding to go home and tell my now-teenage son about it.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sarah
01What do you attribute your success to?
I will say that every hard day, every hard thing, every single thing has made me a stronger, better woman and human in the world. My failures have not only made me stronger, wiser, and more compassionate, but I'm a better mother. The way I approach the world, the way I approach raising a son, is all reflective of the lessons I've learned. Primarily, failure is often our greatest teacher and motivator. What we live through- what we rise from, makes us the people we are! I believe our character is shaped by our failures far more than by our successes. My life has had its struggles - being in a very abusive marriage for a long time, some very personal setbacks, and having cancer with a young son - but in some respects, I almost wouldn't change the hard things. I believe that those hard things, those dark days, made me the woman I am, and I'm very proud of the woman I am now. Having come this far, from where I've been, is testament to God and strength of character. Every accomplishment, everything I do, everything always comes back to a conversation with my son about overcoming things and always striving for the next best part of yourself.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Every interaction, every deadline, and every challenge is an opportunity to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and character. Experience will grow over time, but a reputation for being dependable and ethical is something that follows you throughout your career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Master communication, lead with empathy, and when possible, make people laugh. Don't criticize, condemn, or complain. When you are wrong, admit it quickly and without excuse. Work hard, be dependable, trustworthy and never stop learning. Skills can be taught, but adaptability, willingness, and drive are what set people apart. Be the person that others can count on - and the one they miss when you are absent. Be the brightest light and biggest smile in the room, so that your presence is always wanted. Perhaps most importantly, every hard task that feels impossible, will eventually feel routine...never give up...never quit! Be willing to dig in on the hard days and work harder than anyone else. It's not about the pay...it's about the payoff, personally, for your own opportunities for growth and advancement.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Learning to embrace and utilize AI without relying on it as a crutch.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me, both professionally and personally, are integrity, compassion, resilience, and continuous growth.
Integrity is the foundation of everything I do. I believe in being honest, accountable, and following through on my commitments, even when no one is watching. I want people to know they can trust my word and rely on me.
Compassion is equally important. Whether I'm working with clients, colleagues, friends, or family, I strive to treat people with empathy, respect, and kindness. Everyone is carrying burdens we may not see, and I believe we have an opportunity to make a positive difference in how we show up for others.
Resilience has shaped who I am. Life has presented its share of challenges, but I've learned that perseverance, adaptability, and maintaining a positive attitude are often what separate setbacks from opportunities. I don't shy away from hard work or difficult situations—I face them with determination and grace.
Finally, I value continuous growth. I believe there is always something new to learn and that personal and professional development never truly ends. I enjoy challenging myself, expanding my skills, and becoming a better version of myself each day.
At the end of the day, I want my work to reflect excellence, my relationships to reflect authenticity, and my life to reflect purpose.
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