Expanding Access to the Legal Profession: Mentorship, DEIB Initiatives, and Pro Bono Impact

As part of our 20th anniversary, we’re highlighting the many ways our team supports communities beyond the legal profession.

Over the years, Paragon team members have invested time, expertise, and mentorship to help strengthen the legal profession through:

• Law student career development
• Interview preparation and coaching
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives
• Youth legal education
• Pro bono legal services
• Access to justice

This is the second in our series spotlighting the people behind our community impact.

Strengthening Pathways into the Legal Profession

To expand access to legal careers, Paragon formalized Career Connect, a subcommittee within our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Council.

Led by Tracy Scanlan, VP of Client Development and Legal Affairs; Daphne Manilla, Senior Recruiter; Mike Witcoskie, Recruiter; and Candice Boyd, Senior Attorney Development Associate, Career Connect focuses on practical, skills-based programming for law students.

2025 Impact Highlights

• Mock interviews at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
• Interview preparation workshops at Southern University Law Center, an HBCU
• STAR method and behavioral interview training
• Individualized recruiting feedback sessions

These programs provide students with real-world preparation, professional coaching, and direct access to legal industry professionals.

Mentorship and Legal Skills Development

Tracy Scanlan | VP of Client Development & Legal Affairs

Tracy mentors future attorneys through the UC Law Women’s Law Society and provides individualized support to a 2L law student.

Her mentorship focuses on:

• Career planning
• Professional development
• Navigating legal career paths
• Building confidence and professional networks

By sharing practical insight and guidance, Tracy helps students prepare for success beyond law school.

Bonnie Myshrall | Paragon Attorney

Bonnie coaches students with the Langley High School Mock Trial Team, helping develop foundational legal skills at an early stage.

Her coaching focuses on:

• Oral advocacy
• Courtroom presentation
• Case strategy
• Public speaking

These experiences help students build confidence while introducing them to the legal profession.

Expanding Access to Justice Through Pro Bono Service

Daniel Tangeman | Paragon Attorney

Daniel volunteers with the Social Justice Collaborative, providing pro bono legal assistance through an Adjustment of Status (AOS) immigration clinic.

Impact Highlights

• 10 hours of direct pro bono service
• Assistance for asylees seeking lawful permanent residency
• Guidance through complex immigration processes

Access to legal support can be critical for individuals navigating time-sensitive immigration matters. Daniel’s work helps provide clarity and resources during an important stage of their journey.

A Continued Commitment to Legal Equity

From mentoring law students and coaching future advocates to supporting aspiring attorneys and providing pro bono legal services, our team’s impact extends beyond the workplace.

These efforts help:

• Strengthen pathways into legal careers
• Support diverse law students through practical training
• Improve career readiness and professional development
• Expand access to justice for underserved communities

As we celebrate 20 years, we remain committed to advancing opportunity, mentorship, and equity within the legal profession.

In the coming months, we’ll continue highlighting additional ways our team is strengthening communities through service and leadership.