Member Spotlight: Stephanie C. Crosby
Stephanie describes her first opportunity to serve on a North Carolina Bar Association committee as a “call out of the blue” – maybe even an overture resulting from a rundown of a list of candidates that eventually landed on her name. But chances are that call was a lot more strategic than this humble go-getter admits.
Stephanie has been a paralegal at Ward and Smith, P.A. in New Bern for her entire career. She focuses on business-related legal matters, an interest fueled by a summer job she held throughout college. There, she was inspired and energized by the pace of practice in a small but busy corporate law firm. She describes her summers as a whirlwind of “jumping in and keeping things on track.”
And jumping in squarely describes what she does best. Whether serving clients, horseback riding or organizing events, Stephanie is always in motion!
Despite a self-professed discomfort with public speaking and being in the spotlight, a light shines brightly on this dedicated professional for all she has given over the years through her service to the NCBA, among other organizations.
The NCBA didn’t always have a Paralegal Division, but as soon as it was formed, Stephanie shares that “joining was the natural thing for me to do!” Not only did she join the Paralegal Division without hesitation, but in 2007 she went on to serve as the Division Chair.
“If you are serious about your profession, you join an association,” asserts Stephanie, “it’s as simple as that. You need to be engaged with others in your field, and you can’t do that by just showing up at work every day.”
Stephanie wants folks to know that even if they aren’t prepared to lead and organize major events – like she is so quick to do – affiliation with the NCBA is valuable. You can do as much or as little as your schedule permits, and get involved on many levels – through NCBA Sections, Divisions, Committees or special interest groups.
Stephanie goes on to add that “Bar association communities afford networking opportunities that can result in important professional connections, as well as deep friendships.” There are also education benefits available through convenient CLE access and helpful blogs that spotlight content for the paralegal profession.
Stephanie credits her mom with inspiring her to connect and volunteer. “I was raised by a young single mother who prioritized giving and outside activity,” she says. And giving is the spirit of the day when it comes to the North Carolina Bar Foundation’s 4ALL Statewide Day of Service, an annual pro bono telethon, co-sponsored by the NCBA and the NCBF. Not only did Stephanie co-chair the 2022 and 2023 events, but she has been involved with 4ALL every year since its inception in 2007. This year nearly 500 lawyers provided free legal advice and referrals, expanding access to justice across the state.
Access to justice is a theme that also aligns with Stephanie’s hope for a broadening of the role of the paralegal, as North Carolina looks at ways to potentially expand paralegal licensing. She reflects on how much the field has grown in her professional lifetime and adds that while she has always been held in high esteem in her firm, not all paralegals have experienced the same level of respect.
And this dedicated professional deserves all the respect she has garnered over the years. With decades spent working with clients, inspiring and educating paralegals, and generally volunteering her time, she is an inspiration and serves as an example of all that can be accomplished through fostering connections.