October 2026 Volunteer Spotlight: Kimberly Brown, ACP

Kimberly (Kim) Brown, ACP, has spent more than a decade advancing and advocating for NALA certification on the Certifying Board. She is a litigation paralegal with Woods Aitken LLP in Omaha, Nebraska, where she supports the firm’s construction and employment litigation practices.

Kim has been on the NALA Certifying Board since 2015, serving as Chair from 2019 to 2020. She also serves as liaison to the Item Review Panel of the Exam Development Commission and as a member of NALA’s ACP^® Special Committee. She previously sat on the Continuing Education Council (CEC) from 2012 to 2015.

“Much of the Certifying Board’s work takes place behind the scenes,” Kim shared. “The role involves thoughtful collaboration and oversight of the policies and processes that support NALA’s certification program.”

Since the Certified Paralegal (CP^®) Program is widely recognized as the leading paralegal certification, she emphasized the importance of the Certifying Board’s efforts to protect the fairness, validity, relevance, and credibility of the CP^® Exam and credential.

Kim’s service to the paralegal profession extends beyond NALA. For around 20 years, she has served intermittently on the Board of Directors for the Nebraska Paralegal Association (NePA) in positions ranging from NALA Liaison to President. She currently serves as Technology Director, managing NePA’s website and career bank. In 2013, she received the NALA Affiliate Award through NePA.

Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP^®) credentials in Trial Practice and Discovery, and a California Advanced Specialization in Discovery. She is currently working toward becoming a Certified E-Discovery Specialist (CEDS) through ACEDS.

Kim decided to volunteer with NALA after participating in the 2012 Leadership Enhancement and Preparation (LEAP) Program, which concluded at NALA’s annual conference in Omaha. Her group presented their project to the attendees, which Kim described as exciting and rewarding. She was also filled with tremendous pride and optimism when fellow Nebraskan Ann Atkinson, ACP, was sworn in as NALA President.

At that conference, she met NALA leaders and guest speakers who inspired her to become more involved and give back to an organization that had strengthened her confidence, supported her professional development, and connected her with an encouraging community.

“Volunteering for NALA has allowed me to contribute to the profession I love while helping ensure future generations of paralegals have the same opportunities, support, and encouragement that I received through NALA,” she shared.

After serving on the CEC for three years, she transitioned to the Certifying Board in 2015, which she described as a natural next step. In every role she has had with NALA, she has enjoyed serving alongside people who invest their time and talents in strengthening the paralegal profession.

“The friendships, mentorship, and sense of community I have found through NALA have been every bit as meaningful as the professional experiences,” she shared.

Kim earned her Certified Paralegal credential in 2009 after longtime NALA volunteers Janie Boswell, ACP Retired, and Linda Hess encouraged her to take the exam. With children ages 5 and 10 at the time, she often studied late into the night after they went to bed.

Her results arrived over Mother’s Day weekend. Kim had heard successful candidates received a large packet rather than a letter-sized envelope, so the mail she got gave her hope.

“As soon as I saw the word ‘Congratulations,’ I screamed with excitement,” Kim shared.

Her daughter was beside her when she opened it.

“She looked at me and asked, ‘Mom, does this mean you don’t have to work anymore?’”

That remains one of her favorite memories from her certification journey.

Kim has been a NALA member for over 15 years. She appreciates the benefits that keep her educated, informed, and connected, including the national community of colleagues and friends.

“I love that NALA offers something valuable at every stage of a paralegal’s career,” she shared.

Her advice to other members is to take every chance to learn and get involved without waiting until you feel ready.

“Some of the best professional opportunities begin when you step outside your comfort zone and say yes,” she shared.

When she has free time, Kim enjoys photography, snow skiing, hiking in the mountains, and traveling with her family. She and her husband have been married for 32 years. Their son got married in May, and their daughter is a collegiate softball player at the University of South Dakota.

The trip to Europe for her son’s wedding reinforced Kim’s love of the mountains. Given the chance to live anywhere for a year, she would choose Interlaken, Switzerland, or Ambleside, England. If she could instantly master a new skill, she would become fluent in Spanish or Italian.

Kim has experienced firsthand what volunteer service, leadership, and the NALA community can make possible.

“I am grateful for the relationships NALA has brought into my life and honored to contribute to an organization that has shaped both my career and the person I have become.”