The Decker Law Firm would be nothing without the employees that make up the life-blood of the firm. Meet one of the many people who are constantly helping people, Michael Wilkerson!
Tell us about yourself!
I enjoy lifting weights, playing basketball, going to the parks, beaches and spending time with wife and our new puppy Rottweiler, Eli. I was born in Germany to military parents but Durham, NC is my home. I am a UNC and Carolina Panthers fan. I attended Durham Technical Community College in Durham, NC. In May 2011, I obtained my AA degree in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies at Durham Technical Community College, where I graduated with honors. I can bench-press 305 lbs and dead lift 405 lbs. I also know how to speak some German and Spanish.
What do you do at The Decker Law Firm?
I’m a pre-litigation Personal Injury Paralegal. We have a team of four pre-litigation paralegals who handle incoming personal injury claims. We’re usually the first contact for many callers who are seeking legal help. As a pre-litigation assistant, I assist with handling personal injury claims for our clients before it goes to court.
I really enjoy my job. I maintain good communication with our clients helping them to be at ease while they’re case is pending. We deal with many clients who are very concerned or at times confused because of dealing with insurance companies. It’s good to take that load off of them so they can relax. I communicate with insurance companies and medical providers on their behalf and eventually prepare their file for settlement so they can receive compensation for their injuries. I periodically contact my client’s to give or receive updates. Doing this ensures them that they’re not forgotten and I’m always here to help.
What is the favorite part of your job?
Having an attorney in the office at all times makes my job more enjoyable. It’s a privilege to have access to an attorney whenever I or the client’s need to speak with one. It’s great to know that I don’t have to wait several hours or, in worst cases, days to address any issues that may arise. Our clients are never left waiting extended periods of time for their concerns to be addressed. We respond quickly!
How did you start here? What lead you to the firm?
I applied for this position when I lived in Durham, NC. That’s where I started my career as a paralegal in Criminal and Traffic law. I enjoyed studying tort law in school so I wanted to gain experience in Personal Injury. During the summers, I would visit Norfolk and Va Beach and really enjoyed the area. That’s when I began my search for an opportunity in the Hampton Roads areas. I made a great decision to move here.
I love the local events in the Hampton Roads and downtown Norfolk area. Things such as the annual festivals, variety of restaurants, beaches, parks and easy the commute. I live in Virginia Beach so I visit Mount Trashmore Park, Oceanfront and The Town Center areas quite often. They’re some great workout gyms in the area I enjoy as well.
How long have you been here? What’s your favorite memory with the firm?
I’ve been working here since Sept. 2012. My favorite memory with the firm was from the Administrative Assistant Day Luncheon in 2015. Each year we have one of our eight attorneys host the luncheon by taking the entire staff on a Spirit of Norfolk Cruise. We had a great time eating and dancing. It was fun to see everyone get on the dance floor!
The Decker Law Firm is all about “Helping People.” Can you tell us about a time where you really helped someone? It doesn’t have to be with the firm! Just a time where you really made someone’s day!
It’s hard for me to recall “a time.”; there’s so many little things a person can do to help someone it makes it difficult to recall one specific experience. The biggest thing for me personally is during my free time, I share in the Christian Ministry with my wife. We speak to our neighbors about our Creator and His Word the Bible. Seeing the joy it brings to my neighbors when they hear good news is an unforgettable experience.