Sherry L. Wilson, LDA
Sherry L. Wilson, LDA, is the owner of Legal Docs Unltd, where professional legal document preparation services are provided for pro se clients who cannot afford traditional legal representation. Preparation to launch the business began in 2019 while living in Australia, although operations were not active at that time. After returning to the United States in May 2022, the legal document business was officially launched, building upon more than 14 years of experience working as a paralegal in large law firms in downtown Seattle. Licensed and bonded as a Legal Document Assistant in El Dorado County, South Lake Tahoe, California, services are provided to help clients navigate the court system and prepare accurate legal documents. The work is viewed as helping to bridge the litigation gap by providing affordable legal document support to individuals who might otherwise fall through the cracks due to the high cost of legal services.
A strong entrepreneurial background began in 1998 when moving to the Midwest and developing a chain of coffee shops from the ground up. Responsibilities included designing commercial buildings, creating menus, developing marketing strategies, and managing all aspects of operations. Over the course of ten years, the business grew to ten coffee shop locations and later received approval for franchising in 24 states across the United States. After moving to Australia for 14 years, that chapter eventually ended, leading to a return to the United States to continue professional and entrepreneurial work, now operating primarily as a remote paralegal and business owner from home. This experience reflects a commitment to creating opportunities and building sustainable business models that help others achieve their goals.
In addition to legal and business experience, two mediation certifications have been earned from Mediation Institute Pty Ltd, and mediation training strengthens the ability to communicate effectively and gather detailed information from clients. This background in conflict resolution supports the ability to help clients navigate emotionally and legally complex situations while remaining neutral and solution focused. Modern technology, including artificial intelligence tools, is also used to assist with summarizing long legal documents and improving efficiency in daily work. Through professional services, the focus remains on serving the community by helping individuals access affordable legal document assistance, supporting the court system with efficient document preparation, and helping people obtain the legal guidance needed to move forward with confidence.
• Diploma , Legal Administrative Assistant/Secretary
• California Certified Mediator
• NMAS Accredited Mediator
• Legal Document Preparer (Certification)
• Certificate - Coffee Cuppers Award
• Certificate - History & Cultivation of Coffee, Theory of Roasting/Blending Science of Brewing & Evaluation Specialty Coffee (Gold Cup Standard)
• Green River College - AA, Office Education
• California Association of Legal Document Assistants
• President - Fernwood Village Owners Association, South Lake Tahoe, California
• Veterans support work
• Quad Cities Business Leads Association
• Black Hawk College
What do you attribute your success to?
I think what got me into this work is because I have been through a divorce, I know what it's like to not be able to afford an attorney. I know what it's like to fall on hard times. I know what it's like to go to an attorney who's not compassionate about anything, he just wants his billable hours. We really, we really listen to our clients, and we are very passionate about what we do. I truly care about people, because I have been through a lot in my life. I'm a two-time cancer survivor, I've had open heart surgery from the treatment I received at a young age. I missed a lot of school, so now maybe it's like I'm trying to prove to myself that yes, I'm still smart, nobody's gonna hold me down. I put honesty number one, integrity number two, and compassion third. Bottom line is, integrity and honesty.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of career advice I have ever received is to focus on what I can control while continuously investing in my own personal and professional growth. I have learned that building strong skills, maintaining a solid reputation, and cultivating meaningful relationships are essential assets that cannot be taken away. I also believe that success is a marathon rather than a sprint, and I strive to move forward with patience, consistency, and long-term vision instead of comparing my journey to others. In addition, I have been encouraged to pursue opportunities that expand my knowledge and influence rather than focusing solely on compensation, as increased value and advancement often follow when I become highly skilled and difficult to replace. Above all, I believe in building my personal brand and professional network before I need them, because strong relationships and continuous learning have consistently opened doors throughout my career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In my field, I believe the biggest challenges and opportunities revolve around keeping pace with rapid technological and industry changes while maintaining high standards for quality, ethics, and effectiveness. One of the primary challenges is ensuring that innovation is implemented responsibly, with careful attention to fairness, transparency, and practical application across diverse populations. At the same time, these changes present tremendous opportunities to improve efficiency, enhance decision making, and create new ways to deliver value to organizations and communities. I also see opportunity in continuing to expand my knowledge and skills so that I can stay adaptable in a constantly evolving environment, while using new tools and advancements to improve outcomes, support strategic goals, and drive meaningful, long term impact in my profession.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty is number one, integrity is number two, and compassion is third. I truly care about people, because I have been through a lot in my life. I'm a two-time cancer survivor, I've had open heart surgery from the treatment I received at a young age. I missed a lot of school, so now maybe it's like I'm trying to prove to myself that yes, I'm still smart, nobody's gonna hold me down. I'm quite a risk-taker, but I also grew up with low self-confidence from missing a lot of school. Bottom line is, integrity and honesty.