Pacific Cascade Legal has adopted a Colleague Appreciation Recognition Program to highlight members from our incredible team who have been shining in their position, and serving as a source of support in the lives of their coworkers and clients. Every month, employees are encouraged to nominate one coworker who they feel represents our firm’s core values, which they can do via an online system we have at the office. At the end of each month, our Leadership Team reads through all of our nominations, and choses one employee for that month’s Colleague Appreciation Award.
Our April Colleague Appreciation Winner was Billing Manager, Claudia Preciado. We asked Claudia a few questions to highlight her path to our firm, and what motivates her to excel in her role:
How long have you been working at the firm?
“It will be three years this coming January.”
What led you down this career path to where you are today with PCL?
“A very unexpected move to Oregon led me here. Since graduating from college, I been working doing work related to debt collection, but it was always more on the legal side and not in hard core collections and billing. By education I am a paralegal, but I haven’t drafted a pleading in almost 4 years (since I left my corporate job in California). When I came here to Oregon, I met Rachel who interviewed me for this position, and based on my experience she considered I was a great fit for the team.”
Do you have a motto or personal mantra that you feel influences how you go about life?
“Not necessarily a motto but I am a firm believer that when you live your life in an honest way and work hard, most of the time life will treat you good in return. I think that one must always be loyal and never take advantage of those who believe in you.”
If you could have any job for just one day, what would it be?
“Maybe a judge or any position where I can make a difference for people.”
What does a day in your life look like on a work week?
“It is pretty much the same all week, wake up around 6am, I get ready and make sure my kids have whatever they need to have a good day. I then start working around 7:15, do all the tasks on my to-do list (if time allows), make sure everyone that needs my help gets an answer; finish up around 4:15pm. And the rest of the day I try to be present for my kids and husband.”
What do you find most fulfilling about your job/what aspects do you like the most?
“It is not an easy job and at times frustrating, but I really enjoy when clients feel a little bit more at ease after talking to me. It is also nice having a team that shows up for each other.”
What have you gained since working at Pacific Cascade Legal?
“I have become more confident about my knowledge and ability to help people. I have also become a better communicator.”
What’s one moment or memory from work that you look back on fondly?
“It’s a memory from the very beginning when I was hired. I was just coming out a very difficult personal time but my team, specifically Jeremy and Rachel, were with me every step of the way helping me succeed and build a team. Maybe they don’t know about what I was going through but their patience, support, and guidance meant a lot.”
What’s on your wish list for the years ahead at Pacific Cascade?
“I wish success for everyone. I hope to continue learning to overcome the stubborn obstacles on the way. I would like to see more happy and satisfied clients and a solid and growing team.”
What advice would you give to recent new hires as they begin their journey at PCL?
“Believe in yourself, because here everyone already believes in you and your potential. Be patient with the process, we are growing and always evolving. Speak with your supervisors, ask questions as much as you need, to and offer suggestions to improve your area/process.”