Bernards becomes Boardman Clark office guardian

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Having an empty spot on your desk may seem like a small feat.

But for Kim Bernards, office assistant at Boardman Clark, it’s a notable accomplishment as she scrambles amid a global pandemic to pick up mail, sort and scan it, and then make sure it reaches its intended recipients.

Bernards has worked in the firm’s Office Services Department since September 2011. In recent months, she has taken it upon herself to keep things operating as close to normal as possible amid extraordinary circumstances. In addition to her regular duties, Bernards is responsible for making sure important errands are still run and deliveries are made.

“The accomplishments that I do daily, I feel like it’s just part of my job, but to keep the office going after people cleared out, it adds up,” she said, noting the support she receives from Kathy Pline, executive director, and Lisa Statz, office manager.

Justin Nadolski, Boardman Clark paralegal, lauded Bernards for taking on work from lawyers’ large caseloads and handling every task she’s assigned with a great attention to detail.

“She’s really busy — she’s one of the people physically moving in the office at all times a day,” he said. But throughout it all, “She always has a really positive outlook.”

Bernards said even though she’s wearing many hats, she’s always willing to learn new things. And she will go the extra mile when she’s faced with a new obstacle.

“I’m a problem-solver. I always like to make sure I measure twice, cut once,” she said. “I like to be very thorough and ask questions until I have it.”

According to her colleagues, she has done a lot to ensure people can work from home.

“She’s on the front end,” Nadolski said. “Without her … we don’t have a way to do our job for our clients.”