Women's History Month: Satyra Riggins

In celebration of Women's History Month, Robinson Bradshaw is highlighting women from the firm throughout March. Meet Satyra Riggins, a litigation paralegal.

Describe what you do at Robinson Bradshaw.

I am one of four litigation paralegals. I assist in preparing court submissions. This assistance comes in many forms including carefully reviewing the court rules, procedures and other court requirements to ensure that submissions conform with the specific court's defined standards. I also help with the quality control of cited material in court submissions to ensure that references to the cited material accurately refer to the appropriate page, the appropriate quotation (where necessary) and valid legal authorities. The hands of a litigation paralegal are likely the last hands to touch a court submission before it is hand filed or electronically filed. That's a huge responsibility I do not take lightly. 

What do you most enjoy about your job?

I enjoying seeing a huge project from start to finish. I work on several large cases that requires lots of time and attention including tasks that may take several weeks to accomplish.   

What advice do you have for other women in the workplace?

Create a circle of trusted colleagues and mentors that can be your sounding board when necessary. Take advantage of opportunities to stretch outside any perceived job description; I handle a myriad of tasks beyond the perceived role of a paralegal.

Who is your female role model and why?

My role model is my mother. She was raised on a farm in rural Arkansas, and she was the first person in her immediate family to graduate high school and go to college. She taught high school math for 30 years in my hometown. Though she is happily retired, she remains a strong supporter of education by serving on several education-related boards and as community leader in my hometown. She (and my dad) are both testaments you are not your circumstances. My mother raised me (and my sister) to be strong and independent women. She is also one of my biggest cheerleaders when I need a pep rally.

Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn’t learn from your website bio.

I was a tap and ballet dancer from age 6 to age 16. My shimmy is still on par to this day … ask my 14-year-old who shakes her head (with feigned embarrassment) each time I do it.