Meet the Team: Annie Vigilante, Paralegal
At the Harris-Pero Law Firm, our team works closely with every client. We get to know you, your family, business and situation – so we can customize the best possible plan to meet your needs. Many clients work with us for years, so we want you to get to know us! We recently spoke with Annie Vigliante, one of our paralegals to share her story – which includes showing animals at county fairs with 4H and why she loves working with clients.
From Pennsylvania to Saratoga (via Albany!)
You are originally from Pennsylvania. What brought you to the Capital Region and what keeps you here?
I originally moved to the Capital Region to attend UAlbany. I have a lot of family in the area and liked the idea of going to school in a place where I had lifelines in case I ever needed them. Plus, who doesn't love getting to leave campus for a free, home cooked dinner to break up the dining hall food once in a while?! By the time I was done with school, I had moved in with my now fiance, and we made friends local to the area. Then we just never left.
Why did you decide to become a paralegal?
I wanted a career that is both fulfilling and revolves around helping people. My role as a paralegal fits the bill and then some. There is also something exciting about having to face the unique challenges that each client brings. You never know exactly what your day will look like, and you never get bored!
The Power of Planning Ahead
Did you always want to work in elder law, estate planning or business law?
When I was preparing to finish grad school, I was determined to work in the legal field but I had no idea which area. I also was looking for employment during the pandemic, which held its own set of challenges. When I applied to work at Harris-Pero, I didn't have great knowledge (or really any knowledge) about elder law or estate planning. I researched them while applying and thought they could be the right types of law for me. I was right! Now, it is hard to picture myself in another practice area.
Has your experience changed the way you plan for yourself? Your parents? Do you find yourself nagging loved ones at Thanksgiving about having a Power of Attorney?
Absolutely. Before this experience, there was no planning for myself. Now I catch myself thinking about it all the time – even outside of work! I am also 100% guilty of sneaking planning references into conversations when I can. Especially when people ask how work is going at family get-togethers. You never know how important planning ahead is until you need it.
County Fairs and Slasher Movies
How did you get involved in 4H as a youth?
For me, 4-H was a great experience and played a big part in my life - it is even how I met my fiance! I attended 4-H functions for as long as I can remember and worked primarily with my grandmother's goats and sheep. Growing up, my summers consisted of being at her house all the time preparing for fair season. I still get super nostalgic walking through the barns at county fairs and seeing all the 4-Her's. My experience with 4-H also made the firm's work with farmers extremely appealing to me when I first started.
When you’re not working, you love watching scary movies. Do you have a favorite?
Hands down, the "Halloween" series. I am a sucker for 80's slashers!
Guidance & Comfort
What do you enjoy most about working with clients?
No two clients are alike, and I have had the opportunity to work with some super-interesting people. Everyone has a different background and their own story that I get to be a part of for a brief period of time. Many of our clients are going through major life transitions that range from losing a loved one to welcoming a new baby to the family. Being a source of guidance and comfort during these events is an extremely gratifying experience.
Planning ahead is so important. What is the advice you wish you could tell everyone about estate planning?
All of us here know that calling an attorney's office to talk about dying someday is scary! But we aren't here to scare you, and getting your planning done does not mean that it is the end and your life is over. I would tell people to think of preparing your estate planning the same way you think of an emergency plan. Knowing what to do in case of emergency doesn't mean that something dangerous is right around the corner; it just means that you are prepared for that scenario.
Interested in learning more or speaking to our team about your estate planning, elder law or business law needs? Contact us today or set up a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation.