Paralegal of the Year winner learned on the job

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When Anita Seering started working in legal services at Ruder Ware LLSC more than 35 years ago, there was no paralegal training program offered in the area.

“[Having a paralegal] was a new thing for them and they wanted to try it out,” she said.

Without a formal training program, Seering received her paralegal education on-the-job from attorneys and staff members willing to take the time to explain to her the ins and outs of the industry.

“I just loved the work,” she recalled, “and it was a great fit for me.”

Now a senior paralegal at the firm, Seering focuses on transactional corporate law cases, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate financing, and private equity financing.

Earlier this year, the Paralegal Association of Wisconsin named Seering its Paralegal of the Year.

“I was overwhelmed to receive the award,” Seering said. “In my mind, it’s strange to get recognition for just doing your job.”

With decades of on-the-job experience under her belt, it’s now Seering who provides training and doles out advice to new paralegals as well as attorneys.

“Law is a very demanding profession,” she said, “and while you learn a lot in the books at school, you need that real life experience, too.

“You also have to master the ins and outs of the law office. I always tell new associates that if they’re smart, they should make good friends with the paralegals since a good paralegal can make an attorney look good.”

Wisconsin Law Journal: What was the most challenging case you’ve ever worked on?
Anita Seering: I don’t recall one specific instance. However, since I work on a lot of merger and acquisition transactions with lawyers from throughout the U.S., I have found that I prefer to work with lawyers that are located in the Midwest. You rock!

WLJ: What do you consider your biggest accomplishment?
Seering: Working at Ruder Ware for 35 years and still enjoying coming to work each day.

WLJ: If you could have one super power, what would it be?
Seering: Inherent omniscience.

WLJ: What trait do you most admire in others?
Seering: I am drawn to people who are thoughtful toward others.

WLJ: If you could have drinks with anyone, who would it be?
Seering: There are so many people I would love to sit down and talk to, but I would say Hillary Clinton. I believe she would be interesting and have some great stories.

WLJ: What is your favorite thing to do in Wisconsin?
Seering: Enjoying every second of summer, except the mosquitoes.

WLJ: What song is on heavy rotation on your iPod?
Seering: Silver Springs by Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac

WLJ: What was your most favorite toy as a child?
Seering: My Barbie doll with her fashionable blue case and handmade clothing.  I spent many hours pretending to be her jetting around the world.