Olive Stenette-Davidson, S&B’s senior paralegal, is so beloved around our offices that she’s referred to always, respectfully, as Miss Olive.
The following are 10 questions we put to her recently:
Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Jamaica and stayed until I was 12, but I was raised in Buckinghamshire, England, which, in my mind, is really my home.
When did you come to work at Spar & Bernstein?
In Sept. of 1986. But back then, it was just called The Law Offices of Harry Spar. I simply came for some legal advice and was ultimately offered a position. I started off as a legal secretary, but soon became Mr. Spar’s executive secretary/office manager. Which means that I essentially did everything. (She laughs). Eventually, I became a paralegal.
What was the late Mr. Spar like?
He was a very good mentor – organized, detailed, very kind, immaculately dressed.
What did you do before working here?
I worked for the National Health Service.
What’s the most rewarding thing about your job?
The success stories. It’s great to know that your hard work is not in vain. I especially like it when I receive “thank you” cards; I even pin them up on the wall.
I just enjoy the work that I do, that’s the main thing.
How would you describe the work of a paralegal?
It’s fast-paced, with many challenges.
What does it take to be a great paralegal?
You must have solid organizational and managerial skills. You must know how to prioritize. You must pay attention to details. Because it’s a person’s life at stake. One simple mistake could mess someone up. And you must have a good temperament. Your clients want to feel at ease with you. If you’re tense, they’ll be tense. You must portray to them that you know what you’re doing. They need to see, to sense, that confidence. I’m confident that I have all those skills.
What are your hobbies?
Reading, music, charitable work (church, hospital & nursing homes), hiking, and cooking.
Who are your heroes?
Marcus Garvey, Nelson Mandella, and Martin Luther King.
If you didn’t become a paralegal, what profession do you think you would’ve pursued?
A nurse. It’s another way to do what I really love – helping people.
