The 2024 nomination period for Paralegal of the Year is now open! Nomination forms and letters are due May 1, 2024. Download the nomination form here.
With over 400 members and growing, Paralegal Affiliates are dedicated to networking, membership, and education.
Paralegal of the Year
View Past Winners
- 2023 Recipient – Assal Badrkhani
- 2022 Recipient - Olga A. Patterson
- 2020 Recipient - Kim Martel
- 2019 Recipient - Lisa West
- 2018 Recipient - Alesia Emison
- 2017 Recipient - Amy Johnson
- 2016 Recipient - Patti Artavia
- 2015 Recipient - Christine Flynn
- 2014 Recipient - Regina Valenti
- 2013 Recipient - Dennyce Korb
- 2011 Recipient - Christina Koch
- 2009 Recipient - Linda Whipple
- 2008 Recipient - Lori Tracoma
- 2007 Recipient - Natalie Andrus
- 2006 Recipient - Julie D. Hunt
- 2005 Recipient - Julie L. McLaughlin
Nomination and Criteria
Nomination
A candidate must be nominated by an AAJ Attorney Member in good standing or by another AAJ Paralegal Affiliate. The 2024 nomination period is now open! Applications must be submitted by May 1, 2024. Download the nomination form here.
Criteria
Judges look for the following qualities/experience:
1) Contributions to the paralegal profession by:
-
Teaching, tutoring, or mentoring paralegal students
-
Speaking at seminars and conventions on issues concerning the profession
-
Displaying commitment and providing services to professional organizations such as local and national paralegal associations
-
Writing articles for legal publications
2) Commitment to continuing legal education
3) Commitment to community through volunteering
Judges also look for candidates who have demonstrated their value as members of a legal services team, shown dedication to the legal profession, and shown dedication to AAJ's mission.
Learn about Advocate Capital, Inc.
Please visit www.advocatecapital.com!
Assal Badrkhani
Each year, an outstanding paralegal is chosen as Paralegal of the Year. The 2023 winner is Assal Badrkhani, a Senior Litigation Paralegal with over seventeen years of experience in personal injury, civil rights, sexual assault, and catastrophic injury cases. Assal holds a bachelor's degree in political science from UCLA and earned her Paralegal Certificate from California State University. In addition to AAJ, she is a member of CAOC and CAALA, speaking on legal topics within these organizations and serving in a leadership role among CAALA legal staff.
Join the list server to stay up-to-date with the group’s activities and events. Join the list server
