Defining Inclusion: Male Perspectives in the Paralegal Profession

The final installment of this three-part series focuses on inclusion. While diversity emphasizes people with different backgrounds, identities, experiences, and perspectives, inclusion centers on making sure those people feel welcomed, respected, valued, and able to participate fully.

In an inclusive environment, everyone has opportunities to contribute their ideas and experiences. People are encouraged to speak up, and their perspectives are taken seriously. Inclusion also means recognizing and addressing barriers that may prevent some individuals or groups from participating equally. For example, in a workplace, inclusion can involve making meetings accessible to everyone, inviting input from employees with different perspectives, and creating an environment where people can be themselves without fear of discrimination or exclusion.

In a demonstration of inclusion, we asked some of NALA’s male paralegals what it is like to be employed in a female-dominated profession. We interviewed Don Adove, Travis Chow, Richard Hahn, ACP, and Brian Snow, ACP. Their experiences illustrate that success as a paralegal is shaped far more by knowledge, professionalism, collaboration, and dedication than by gender. For each of these paralegals, the path into the profession was different.

Don Adove discovered the field after immigrating to the United States and searching for a career that offered purpose and opportunities for growth. His interest in law, combined with an appreciation for research, technology, and client interaction, led him to pursue UCLA Extension’s paralegal program.

Travis Chow, Paralegal Coordinator and President of the Los Angeles Paralegal Association, initially appreciated that the profession did not require much college-level mathematics, but soon discovered that he enjoyed problem-solving, learning the law, and contributing to a legal team.

Brian Snow, ACP, was influenced by family members who worked in the legal field. Richard Hahn, ACP, began pursuing paralegal work to build experience that could lead to a position in legislative affairs.

Despite entering a female-dominated profession, the men generally report that gender has not significantly affected their day-to-day work or opportunities for advancement. Adove, Chow, and Snow describe their workplaces as collaborative, supportive, and respectful. Hahn similarly reports positive relationships with coworkers and supervisors, many of whom have been women. Their experiences suggest that professional competence, work ethic, and a willingness to learn tend to matter more than gender. They also highlight the importance of workplace relationships and mentorship.

Chow initially expected paralegal work to be more independent but discovered that collaboration and knowledge-sharing are central to the profession. He credits talented women colleagues with helping him develop professionally. Snow’s mentors have all been women, while Hahn has learned from both male and female attorneys. Adove has benefited from coworkers, professional peers, and networking through the Los Angeles Paralegal Association. Together, these experiences demonstrate that mentorship and professional development can come from anyone, regardless of gender.

The men have encountered relatively few gender-based barriers, but their experiences reveal that stereotypes still exist. Chow has occasionally been mistaken for an attorney simply because he is a man working in a law firm. Adove and Chow have encountered the assumption that male paralegals are using the profession merely as a stepping stone to law school. Hahn describes a related misconception: the idea that men should become attorneys while women should become paralegals. He also recalls earlier professional events where merchandise and materials were primarily designed with women in mind, although he has observed changes toward greater inclusivity.

Client interactions have generally been positive as well. Adove and Snow have not noticed clients treating them differently because of their gender. Chow has occasionally encountered clients who initially questioned whether he could understand their experiences but found that those concerns generally diminished once they understood his role and how he could assist them. For Chow, effective communication, responsiveness, and understanding clients’ concerns are ultimately more important than gender.

Across their experiences, a common theme emerges: there is no single type of person who belongs in the paralegal profession. Being a successful paralegal requires strong communication and organizational skills, research and problem-solving abilities, professionalism, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Gender does not determine those qualities.

The men also share a desire for greater recognition of the profession itself. Adove would like to see greater public awareness of the value paralegals bring to the legal system and stronger collaboration with local bar associations. Chow emphasizes the importance of recognizing paralegals as skilled legal professionals with their own career paths and investing in education and professional development. Their perspectives reinforce the idea that inclusion is not simply about who enters a profession but also about creating an environment where everyone can contribute, grow, and be recognized for their work.

For men considering a career as a paralegal, their advice is straightforward: take the first step, be willing to learn, build strong relationships, and do not worry about fitting a particular image. As Chow puts it, there is plenty of room for everyone in the profession. Their collective experiences show that, while the demographics of the paralegal profession may continue to evolve, the qualities that make someone an effective paralegal remain the same: knowledge, dedication, collaboration, and a commitment to doing quality work.

Ultimately, inclusion is about creating a sense of belonging. Diversity brings different people to the table, and inclusion makes sure everyone has a meaningful opportunity to have a voice at that table.

A huge thank you to our NALA men for taking time out of their busy days to respond to our questions!