Shawna Paris’ journey as a mother, lawyer, and social worker is one marked by determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to both her family and her profession. Balancing these distinct roles has been no easy feat, but Shawna has always embraced the challenges with grace and passion.

As a mother, she finds her greatest motivation in her children, always striving to set a powerful example of compassion, strength, and integrity. Her experiences as a mother have deeply informed her work as a social worker, giving her a unique perspective on the struggles families face within the legal system, especially when it comes to advocating for the best interests of children.

Shawna’s entry into the legal field came after years of working as a social worker, where she quickly realized the limitations she faced in supporting her clients through the complexities of the law. Inspired by her work with families navigating child protection issues and custody battles, Shawna pursued a law degree to better advocate for those who often found themselves without adequate representation.

The rigorous demands of law school, combined with the responsibilities of motherhood, tested her perseverance, but Shawna’s vision of creating meaningful change in her community pushed her forward. Her children, watching her determination, became her greatest supporters, witnessing firsthand the power of dedication and hard work.

As a lawyer, Shawna brought a unique lens to her practice, grounded in her deep social work background. This combination made her particularly effective in family and child welfare cases, where she could offer both legal expertise and a compassionate understanding of the social dynamics at play. Her ability to empathize with clients, while also providing strategic legal guidance, set her apart. Shawna often reflected on her role as a mother when advocating for the rights of parents and children, understanding the emotional toll that legal disputes can take on families.

This dual expertise allowed her to fight for better outcomes, particularly for mothers struggling to regain custody of their children or navigating the often-overwhelming legal system.

Balancing her career as both a lawyer and social worker with motherhood was not without its challenges. Shawna often found herself juggling court dates, casework, and the demands of her family life. However, she has always been intentional about creating a strong support system around her, which included close friends, mentors, and family members who understood the importance of her work. Her children, in turn, became her source of strength and inspiration, reminding her of the importance of advocating for families who, like hers, strive to create loving, stable environments despite life’s obstacles. Shawna has always been open about the fact that while the balance is difficult, it is also deeply rewarding.

In her work as a social worker, Shawna has continued to use her legal expertise to improve outcomes for the families and individuals she serves. Her dual roles have given her an edge in advocacy, allowing her to support clients through both the social and legal challenges they face. Whether working on cases involving child protection, domestic violence, or criminal justice, Shawna’s approach is always holistic, considering not just the legal facts but the personal and emotional needs of her clients.

Her work as a mother has further grounded her belief that every family deserves a chance to succeed and that the legal system, while complex, should be a tool for positive change rather than a barrier.

Today, Shawna continues to inspire both her peers and her children as she navigates the complexities of her roles as a mother, lawyer, and social worker. Her journey is one of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Through her work, she has not only transformed the lives of her clients but has also created a legacy for her children, showing them the value of hard work, empathy, and the pursuit of justice. Shawna’s story is a testament to the power of balancing personal and professional life, demonstrating that it is possible to thrive in both and make a lasting impact on the world.