About Us

SHEPHERD CLARK & ASSOCIATES finishes each project on schedule and with the highest level of quality. With a focus on personalized service, competitive rates and customer satisfaction, we’re always striving to meet and exceed expectations.

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Shepherd Clark & Associates is a registered legal document assistant office established in 1996 by Windie Shepherd. Windie has over 25 years of legal and litigation experience as a Legal Document Assistant and as a Senior Paralegal for local Law Firms. Windie Shepherd is bonded and registered with the County of Fresno as a Legal Document Preparation Assistant. (Fresno County Registration number: X202110000026)

 

Windie has performed as a Senior Paralegal and Case Manager under the supervision of an Attorney at various Law Firms locally and is currently employed by a Los Angeles Law Firm specializing in Family and Civil Litigation. In December of 2020, Windie completed two years of Law School under the Law Office Study Program with the California State Bar. In December of 2021, Windie was accepted by Northwestern California University of Law to complete her Juris Doctor so she may sit for the California State Bar. 

Windie has an extensive background in law with experience, training and Education in Family and Contract law. Windie not only completed her education in Paralegal Studies at Heald College but went on to pursue her JD Degree by attending Law School. Windie has extensive experience in litigation which she was afforded by her employment with various Law Firms. Windie has supervised supporting staff and other Paralegals and provides coaching and mentoring to those recently graduated from a Paralegal program without law firm experience.    

The vast knowledge and experience gained while working for a Law Firm provides Windie with experience and knowledge that many LDA's do not have. 

 

In 2018, Windie became a CASA Advocate (Court appointed special advocate) for Fresno / Madera County. There is a need for representation for children in the foster care system and through legal advocacy and volunteerism Windie seeks to make a difference in the lives of children and those who do not have a voice in the legal system.  Windie has volunteered for various charitable organizations including Marjaree Mason Center as a outreach specialist & speaker. 

 

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PARALEGAL & LDA

The main difference between a paralegal and LDA is who they serve. Paralegals serve attorneys with a law firm or work independently for legal professionals. Paralegals do not work directly with the public like LDAs do. Paralegals also differ from LDAs by way of education.

     The American Bar Association states paralegals are individuals who “perform specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.”  Attorneys take ownership of a paralegal’s work and must supervise paralegals in their duties. In short, paralegals assist attorneys with legal legwork – whether that is preparing legal documents, organizing evidence and arguments for trial, or meeting with clients. In fact, paralegals often do most or all the case work for simple legal matters. These duties, especially as they relate to legal documents, can sometimes overlap with an LDA’s position.

     California has very strict regulations detailing who may be called a paralegal, although the term is quite widespread and LDAs are often confused for paralegals. However similar their duties can sometimes be, though, the entities paralegals serve are often a giveaway for whether someone is an LDA or paralegal. Paralegals work internally for organizations such as law firms, companies, or agencies. They never work with the public in this position.