Jackson paralegal works in elder law

By Sheila Pursglove Legal News Paralegal Lindsey Gould has spent the last five years working in the area of elder law. "I enjoy helping families in their time of need and providing a personal and legal support," she says. Gould, who initially was interested in becoming a paralegal as a good base and stepping stone to becoming an attorney, earned an associate's degree in paralegal studies at Baker College of Jackson, where she now serves on the program board. "I love that my input can help maintain and better the program for future students," she says. "As a student, I enjoyed the instructors it's wonderful to be taught be people who are currently in the field and can provide first hand knowledge." Gould's legal career began with a year at Chalgian & Tripp in Battle Creek, where she worked as a paralegal for former Calhoun County Probate Court Judge Phillip Harter who joined the firm in 2011 after retiring from the bench. "It was also a privilege to work with Doug Chalgian and Amy Tripp who helped create my passion for elder law," she says. Gould spent 2-1/2 years working for attorney Joshua Fink at Fink & Valvo in Ann Arbor, where she devoted much of her time working on Exception A Trusts and helping people with disabilities. She currently works at Sheridan Haddock with attorney Michael Haddock who recently purchased a second law office location in Leslie. "This has been a wonderful opportunity where I'm able to take my knowledge and apply it not only as a paralegal but also in the business and administrative side of the law office," she says. A native of Litchfield in Hillsdale County, Gould now makes her home in Jackson, with her husband, Jeff, and daughters Gianna, 7, and 1-year-old Lucia. "I enjoy the small town charm of Jackson," she says. "Everyone knows everyone and people are always willing to assist those in need." Gould participates in "Beyond Basics," a nonprofit that takes a literacy program to inner city Detroit schools to assist children who struggle reading at their grade level. And in her leisure time, Gould and her family head to their cabin near Cadillac. "Northern Michigan is a beautiful place and never ceases to amaze me," she says. Published: Fri, Jul 10, 2015