February 2025 Volunteer Spotlight – Maureen C. Washington, ACP, CAS, CEDS

NALA Volunteer Spotlight – February 2025
Maureen C. Washington, ACP, CAS, CEDS

Maureen C. Washington, ACP, CAS, CEDS, serves on NALA’s Professional Development Committee (PDC) as a passionate advocate for paralegals and their role in the legal ecosystem. Her dedication to NALA and the paralegal profession continues to make a lasting impact.

Driven by the values of Distinction, Association, and Continuing Legal Education (DACLE), Maureen eagerly accepted the opportunity to serve on the PDC. She believes the PDC has its finger on the pulse of current developments affecting paralegals. She is grateful for the chance to contribute to the committee’s united voice.

One of Maureen’s proudest achievements was helping solidify August 6th as National Paralegal Day, officially recognized in the Congressional Record.

“It was an honor to stand on the shoulders of giants to get this over the finish line,” she shared, expressing gratitude to Oklahoma Congressman Kevin Hern for his support.

Beyond her contributions to NALA, Maureen’s journey to becoming a Certified Paralegal (CP^®) exemplifies her perseverance and commitment. She studied fervently for several months and passed the Knowledge Exam. Despite initially missing the mark on the Skills Exam, she persisted and passed on the second try. She went on to obtain Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP^®) credentials in Discovery, e-Discovery, and Trial Practice, further demonstrating her devotion to professional development.

Maureen finds joy in the community, commitment, and connection she experiences as a NALA member and volunteer. She is thankful for the commitment other NALA members show to the paralegal community and encourages them to stay the course. Maureen attended her first NALA conference in Phoenix in 2022 and had an awe-inspiring experience.

“NALA has never spared any expense for its members,” she declared. “I really felt like I was a part of something amazing.”

Outside of her professional life, Maureen is a pickleball enthusiast and cherishes the time she spends with her granddaughter, Ariah. She credits Kristine Custodio Suero, ACP, with introducing her to NALA, and she appreciates her mentorship. Maureen finds inspiration in Maya Angelou’s powerful words, “Still I Rise.”

It is the passion of volunteers like Maureen that helps NALA offer invaluable support and resources to paralegals nationwide. If you are interested in getting involved with NALA, click here.