November Volunteer Spotlight – Brian Snow, ACP

NALA Volunteer Spotlight – November 2024
Brian Snow, ACP

Brian Snow, ACP, is a member of NALA’s Continuing Education Council (CEC) who brings a wealth of experience, insight, and dedication to NALA and the paralegal profession. Before volunteering with NALA, Brian served on the Board of Directors for the Alabama Association of Paralegals, Inc. (AAPi), where he has been a member for over five years. He spent two years as AAPi’s Treasurer and one year as Region Director. After that, he wanted to get involved on the national level and decided that joining a NALA committee would be the best option.

In early 2023, Debbie Overstreet, ACP, reached out to Brian to write an article for Facts & Findings on the viewpoint of a male paralegal. A few months later, she asked if he would like to join the CEC.

Brian began his three-year term with the CEC in July 2023, where he actively contributes to educational initiatives, including writing the CP^® Review column for Facts & Findings. He is an advocate for broadening perspectives on the role of paralegals by highlighting the different areas of law paralegals can work in.

“I want people to understand that not all paralegals work in litigation,” he shared. “There is a lot more to paralegals than working in a courtroom.”

His journey into the paralegal field was inspired by his mom, who was also a paralegal. With a bachelor’s degree in operations management and a Paralegal Certificate from Samford University, Brian lends his skills to Dentons Sirote PC in Birmingham, Alabama.

Brian’s path to NALA certification showcases his dedication to his professional development and the paralegal profession. After he had been working as a paralegal for two years, he chose to take the Certified Paralegal (CP^®) review track at AAPi’s winter conference.

He found that he easily understood the information and decided to take the Knowledge Exam with no further preparation. He passed on the first try, using up only a small fraction of the allotted three-hour testing period. He also passed the Skills Exam on the first attempt without advanced preparation.

Since he had taken the Real Estate Principles Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP^®) course before he became a CP^®, he was awarded both credentials simultaneously in October 2021. He has since earned ACPs in Land Use and Business Organizations – Incorporated Entities.

As one of NALA’s few male volunteers, Brian encourages male paralegals to recognize the value of their unique perspectives.

“Your voice matters,” he declared. “Having a different viewpoint is helpful.”

This message resounds in his November 2023 Facts & Findings article, “The Male Paralegal Perspective.” In the article, he wrote,

“I realized being part of the minority was a positive and I should try to use it to better the paralegal profession…I have found that I enjoy being part of the male minority…as it gives me an opportunity to lend differing viewpoints on important subjects.”

Brian has been a NALA member since early 2021, and his favorite part is getting to meet a variety of people at the conferences. He attended both the 2023 conference in Boston and the 2024 conference in Louisville. In Boston, he enjoyed exploring the food scene with other attendees. In Louisville, he liked doing the Bourbon Trail with the people he met. He appreciates that NALA’s conferences allow attendees some down time to explore.

Outside of his professional life, Brian welcomed his first child at the beginning of October, a baby boy named Sawyer. Brian enjoys building Legos, traveling, and reading. His favorite quote comes from his high school marching band director, emphasizing the importance of punctuality and preparation.

“If you are on time, you are late.”

Brian looks forward to continuing to serve NALA on the CEC and in future capacities. His dedication to the paralegal profession, especially as an advocate for male participation, is inspiring.