November Volunteer Spotlight – Dawnne Linenbrink, ACP

NALA Volunteer Spotlight – November 2023
Dawnne Linenbrink, ACP

Dawnne works as a Corporate Senior Advanced Certified Paralegal. She has ACPs in Contracts Administration, Bankruptcy, Real Estate, Discovery, and e-Discovery. She is also a Certified Bankruptcy Assistant. She graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s in business management. She received the Unsung Heroes Hall of Fame Award from NALA in 2021.

Dawnne’s first volunteer role with NALA was as Region 8 Director. She currently serves on NALA’s Professional Development Committee. She has held various positions with NALA since 1997, including as Certifying Board Chair, Continuing Education Council Chair, and ACP Board Chair.

“I have always been passionate about the legal field. Education was really important to me along with being able to provide resources for colleagues and people who were interested in the profession.”

The paralegal community is the reason Dawnne has served with NALA for 25 years.

“Everybody is so professional. I enjoy the camaraderie, the networking, and being able to pick other people’s brains. We help each other out.”

She believes in the importance of obtaining a NALA Certified Paralegal designation.

“Education and constant learning are key. Learning new skills or enhancing existing skills makes you more employable and a better asset for whatever company or firm you work for. It also provides personal gratification.”

One of her favorite parts of being a paralegal is helping her attorneys or work colleagues.

“I know what they need before they do, and I have it ready. Anything I can do to make their lives easier is a big plus.”

Dawnne lives on a small ranch with her husband, and they raise Corriente cattle, Quarter Horses, and border collies. She likes to spend time with her daughters and their families and her friends. She also enjoys reading books, especially those by John Grisham and Linda Lael Miller.

If given the opportunity, she would like to talk to her mom again, who passed away unexpectedly before Dawnne could say goodbye.

Her advice for paralegals is, “Never stop learning, and do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to expand into a different area of law if the opportunity presents itself.  Education is everything, and you will become a well-rounded paralegal with transferable skills and knowledge that will benefit any industry.”