Jackson paralegal enjoys the variety of her work

By Sheila Pursglove Legal News Paralegal Cindy Sheeks has always been interested in helping people, especially children. "I was a foster parent for several years and, having seen how much help families need from that perspective, I knew I wanted to do more," she says. So Sheeks was fortunate that her internship in the Baker College paralegal program led her to her current employer, Philip B. Navarre of Navarre & Navarre Lawyers PLC in Jackson. "We do a great deal of family law here, so I'm able to use my education to help families," she says. The firm also handles estate planning, real estate law, criminal law, and personal injury. With a proclivity for organization, Sheeks enjoys the feeling of accomplishment her work provides. "I'm happy to come to work, which is a pretty good feeling," she says. "I work with three really great attorneys, each of whom have their specialties, so my job is never boring or routine. I also like to learn and this type of work is always challenging me to gain knowledge that will help me become a better paralegal." She enjoys the feeling of accomplishment when the firm achieves a positive result for clients. "Especially when a ruling affects a child, it's great to know we helped to do what is in their best interests I'm a sucker for a happy ending," she says. Sheeks graduated summa cum laude from Baker College's paralegal program, juggling her studies while owning and operating a small daycare for four years and then working at a cabinetry company in Adrian. "Baker has a terrific paralegal program," she says. "It was challenging at times, but I felt prepared for the work I now perform. I most liked interacting with the attorneys who teach in the program and getting different perspectives on the field of law. "I think Baker students are lucky to have a very knowledgeable faculty with real-life experience so graduates are well prepared for working as paralegals." Sheeks gives back to the program by serving as a member of the program's Board. "I enjoy interacting with the other paralegals, sharing stories from 'the front' and helping to influence the future of the program," she says. The Monroe native makes her home in Adrian, with her husband Dwayne, and 12-year-old daughter, Vivian. Sheeks also has a stepson, Brad, and daughter-in-law, Tracy. "My family means the world to me, and I spend as much time with them as I can," she says. Sheeks enjoys working in Jackson. "The downtown area has quite a few delicious restaurants, of which I am slowly getting a 'taste.' There's always something interesting in the news here, too," she says. "I like that the people who live and work in Jackson are passionate about their community." In her leisure time, Sheeks spends time in her garden, and would like to take courses to become a master gardener. "I'm a decent gardener and I love to plant, but not to weed," she says. "I love the outdoors and spend as much time watching wildlife and caring for their environment as I can. I'm also an amateur writer, specializing in children's fiction. I love to read and bake and have fun with friends as well." She also supports the Lenawee Humane Society and has participated in the Lenawee County Relay for Life. Published: Thu, Jul 23, 2015