Butterfield Schechter LLP is pleased to announce that Senior Paralegal Kristine Custodio Suero was selected as the 2020 California Paralegal of the Year, awarded by the California Alliance of Paralegal Association and nominated by the San Diego Paralegal Association. Kristine teaches at the University of San Diego School of Law Paralegal Program, frequently speaks at seminars and conferences on a variety of legal topics, on issues concerning the paralegal profession, and on leadership. She also coaches and mentors paralegal students and other working paralegals. Kristine writes numerous articles for various publications and focuses much of her current work on access to justice issues. She frequently volunteers for events including Wills for Heroes and the San Diego High School Mock Trial Competition and has spearheaded local conferences on combatting human trafficking.
Following the firm's dedication to leadership and connecting with the community, Kristine champions nonprofits in both legal and community organizations in various capacities, including past president of the San Diego Paralegal Association and California Alliance of Paralegal Associations, as well as past ethics chair, former Continuing Education Council and current member of the Professional Development Committee of the National Association of Legal Assistants. Kristine also served on the Rancho Penasquitos Town Council as former Secretary and Vice President. She also serves the business community as an officer for the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of San Diego County and as the Chair of the City of San Diego Citizens' Equal Opportunity Commission.