40 Years of Fearless Paralegal Work, with Rana Holcomb

A fifth-grader wrote to President Richard Nixon in 1971 about school desegregation — and got a reply. That girl grew up to build a 40-year career as a litigation paralegal, most recently at Daggett Shuler Attorneys at Law in Winston-Salem, where her work earned her NCAJ's Robbie Price Award at Convention this year. In conversation with host Amber Nimocks, Rana D. Holcomb traces her path from an outspoken kid to a trial-prep specialist who mastered the rules of evidence and court. She also describes decades of volunteer work with Stop Child Abuse Now and family services, the networking that drew her to NCAJ's early paralegal committee, and her advice for paralegals just starting out.🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️Name: Rana D. HolcombConnect: LinkedInDaggett Shuler Attorneys at Law: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube💡 Episode Highlights 💡[01:39] Argue With a Stop Sign: Rana recalls her mother's prediction that she'd make a good lawyer, and her early love of history and civics.[02:17] A Fifth-Grade Letter to the President: In 1971, Rana wrote Richard Nixon about school desegregation and received a reply from an attorney general's office.[03:35] An Unplanned Path Into the Law: A local attorney who had helped Rana with a family matter invited her to interview for an administrative position that grew into paralegal work with a tax attorney.[06:11] Why Litigation Work Fits Her: Rana explains that litigation is often the hardest process for clients, and that hard work and earned trust carry them through depositions, mediation and trial.[09:59] A Second Full-Time Job in Volunteering: Rana describes eight years with Stop Child Abuse Now, plus volunteer work in domestic violence response and support for sexual assault victims.[16:10] Advice for New Paralegals: Compassion, honesty, the rules of evidence and court, and drafting skills that take work off the attorney's plate.[18:07] What NCAJ Gave Her Early: Rana was honored to serve on the committee handling membership enrollment issues, and says networking with paralegals across the state has been the biggest benefit.Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyVoices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers.Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!