Stephanie Crosby, Ward and Smith's Business Paralegal Supervisor, was recently featured in an interview with Carolina Paralegal News to discuss significant exam changes impacting the paralegal field.
With over 30 years of experience, she offered insights into how these changes might impact paralegals across the state.
In "Exam changes draw attention to paralegal certification," Stephanie expressed enthusiasm for the updates, particularly the adjustment of the certification exam schedule.
"This will give May paralegal program graduates the opportunity to take the exam right after graduating rather than waiting until October or April the following year," she shared, echoing sentiments from Brian Oten, the N.C. State Bar's director for ethics and special programs. This shift aims to aid new graduates in their job search by allowing them to become certified more quickly.
The exam itself has also been streamlined. Starting with the October 5 exam, the number of questions has been reduced from 150 to 125 and the content has been updated to make them more robust. Stephanie believes these changes will better reflect a paralegal’s proficiency and commitment to their profession.
While She advocates for certification as a valuable asset for those entering the field, she acknowledges that it's not the only path to success. “Honestly, some of my best paralegals are not certified,” she commented. Her perspective emphasizes that skills such as strong writing, reading, and analytical abilities are crucial in her office.
The interview also touched on Stephanie's broader views regarding certification. She encourages paralegals to weigh their options: “I am in favor of certification if you’re going through a paralegal education program and pursuing a certificate or a degree. I definitely think you need to sit for the exam and show up for work ready to go.”
As North Carolina prepares to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its Paralegal Certification Program next year, these changes reflect an ongoing effort to enhance the standards and competency within the profession. Stephanie remains an advocate for both certified and non-certified paralegals, focusing on their ability to provide high-quality support in any legal setting.
