Rebecca Cullen shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Rebecca, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of work, my greatest joy comes from spending time with my grandchildren. They ground me, remind me why connection matters, and bring an energy and perspective that I truly cherish. Whether we’re reading together, exploring, or just laughing, those moments refill my tank.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Rebecca Cullen, and I am the founder and principal of Virtual Paralegal Associates of New York, LLC (VPANY), a boutique remote paralegal company dedicated exclusively to Trusts & Estates (which encompasses many areas, including probate, estate and gift tax returns, fiduciary accountings, guardianships, litigation, real estate, co-op transfers, and more. What makes our organization unique is our ability to combine deep technical expertise with genuine compassion for the families and attorneys we assist.
I built VPANY to solve a real need in the legal field: experienced, reliable support that delivers high-quality work with integrity, efficiency, and heart. Our team continues to offer superior services in the field, as we have formed a collaborative group of highly skilled paralegals—each with specialized strengths—working nationwide while still feeling like a close-knit, mission-driven family.
What I’m most proud of is how our work allows attorneys to better serve their clients during some of the most emotional times in their lives. We bring clarity, organization, and calm to complicated estates, and we do it with professionalism and authenticity.
Today, I’m continuing to expand upon VPANY’s services, refine our internal training programs, and consistently building upon a team culture rooted in excellence, kindness, and empowerment. Creating a company that genuinely uplifts the people in it—and the people we support—is the heart of my story and the driving force behind everything we do.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
I’ve learned the most from the people I’ve worked alongside—particularly my superiors in the military and the attorneys who demanded excellence and trusted me with complex responsibilities early in my career. Their high expectations taught me discipline, accuracy, and the importance of being someone others can rely on.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me things that success never could—patience, empathy, and the ability to stay steady when life becomes unpredictable. Success feels wonderful, but it doesn’t shape you the same way adversity does. Suffering teaches you to listen more deeply, to appreciate small moments, and to understand what truly matters.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I genuinely admire Taylor Swift for her character, not her power. What stands out most is her resilience, emotional honesty, and ability to reinvent herself without losing authenticity. She leads with integrity in an industry that doesn’t always reward it. And beyond her music, her influence across the world is remarkable — she brings people together, inspires young women to find their voice, and uses her platform to advocate for artists’ rights. Her global impact comes from who she is, not just what she has achieved.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
On a pesonal level, something I’m doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years is investing in the emotional well-being and stability of my grandchildren. The conversations, the small rituals, the reminders that they are loved and supported — those seeds take years to grow, but I know they will shape the adults they become. That long game is worth everything to me.
Business-wise, I continue to build systems, training, and a team culture at VPANY that won’t fully reveal its impact for 7–10 years. The infrastructure, the mentorship, the high standards — these are long-term investments. I’m creating a business that will continue to thrive, grow, and support families well beyond the present moment with the leadership of the current and future forces driving VPANY.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.virtualparalegalny.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vpany
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virtualparalegalny
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