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New Years Resolutions For Paralegals In 2012

Danelia Argueta - noemail@paralegal.edu — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:00:00 GMT

Making new yearʼs resolutions is a long-standing holiday season tradition. Unfortunately, often failing to follow through with those resolutions once the holidays
pass is common as well. However, perhaps our odds for success in 2012 might improve if we make more career-minded resolutions rather than general ones, according to a recent article on Law.com.

For starters, begin by improving your general well-being the article suggests. Obviously, your personal health affects your on-the-job performance. So, getting a health checkup
is like getting a tuneup for your car, either one just makes everything run better.

Similarly, obtaining additional professional credentials could help turbocharge your
career in 2012. For example, you could prepare for and complete the Paralegal
Advanced Competency Exam to obtain your PACE/RP certification. This certification is
one of several available to paralegals. Click here for a handy comparison of these certifications
and their requirements.

Lastly, other noteworthy resolutions to consider for the coming year include mentoring
another paralegal, joining your local bar association, and giving back by doing pro bono
work or performing community service. Click here for the complete list of paralegal new yearʼs
resolutions.

29-Dec-11 12:00 PM

The Not So Typical Online Classes

Dave Ramirez - noemail@paralegal.edu — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:00:00 GMT

The Center’s online teaching technology focuses on improving all aspects of paralegal education. The objective is to engage more students in exciting new ways, on their terms and devices. Professors can connect with students more effectively, so students stay informed, involved and collaborative.

Paralegal student Amy Osterloh explained how the college’s online technology specifically helped her in one of her classes, “...after completing a degree (at) a 4 year university (and) years of real estate classes, this class has prepared and exposed me to more helpful information that I have been able to absorb and carry with me to the classes ahead.” She continued, “I absolutely love the online format, and my concern with not feeling close to the teacher and classmates due to a virtual classroom have been completely alleviated. I have grown close with my classmates, and even though we don't agree on everything, we are still able to have civil and mature debates on laws and issues that could be very polarizing.”

She revealed, “I actually enjoyed the Library Scavenger Hunt more than I thought I would, and it ... made the research process virtually painless and fun!.” She said, “I can honestly say, that for the first time in my life I ... LOOKED FORWARD to class! This is saying a lot since I have never liked school or classes of any kind, and that fear has kept me out of the classroom for many years.”

Amysummed up by adding,“I think Shakespeare said it best in this quote from Romeo and Juliet. It seems like yesterday we were just nymphs embarking on our paralegal studies, minds full of ideas and 1st discussion questions abound(ing).” She said, “We exit our Legal Research and Writing class with a newfound understanding of the principles and techniques needed for the challenging road ahead.”

1-Dec-11 1:00 PM

2011 Halfway Mark Highlights

Danelia Argueta - noemail@paralegal.edu — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:00:00 GMT

As the summer comes to an end, we take time to highlight some of the great moments the Center experienced so far in 2011.

February was an amazing month. We hosted the first graduation of the year, participated in Suit Drive (S.O.S) benefiting Dress for Success Houston, and celebrated our 24^th year anniversary. The months to follow were a true representation of our dedication to the students and education of the paralegal community.

In our continued efforts to bring value to the Alumni Network, we hosted two events. The first event was an educational and inspirational presentation called “Achieving Your Full Potential”, given by guest speaker Glenn Smith from The Growth Coach. The second event was a summer social at Café Adobe with a Tex Mex Luau theme. This event was an opportunity for Alumni Network members to network for ultimate career success.

In April, we invited legal professionals to participate in two career oriented events. We first offered a Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) review seminar, prepared and conducted by Judge Ana M. Otero. All seats were quickly filled with people from various parts of Texas. Our very own Academic Dean, Tom Swanson, J.D. led a popular Public Notary Seminar which gave attending paralegals a competitive edge when seeking employment.

As we moved closer to the halfway mark, we were honored to be selected as one of the pilot test sites for the National Federal Paralegal Association (NFPA) nation’s first Paralegal Core Competency (PCC) exam. Our continued success is highlighted by winning the Better Business Bureau “Award of Excellence, Winner of Distinction”, 2011.

Lastly, we began enrolling international paralegal students in our online classes. Our first is Jacqueline Sahoy, from the great country of Dubai. Jacqueline wakes up at 4am to participate in our virtual online classes. She shares that this is a “great way to interact weekly with the instructor and to participate in discussions with other students. The format helps me feel involved with the topics we are studying. In short, this is a similar feeling to being in a regular classroom!"

We are thankful to all who have been part of our halfway mark highlights. We couldn’t have done it without you, our students, faculty, staff, and partner organizations.

11-Aug-11 9:00 AM

Results are in! 2010 Paralegal Salary Survey

Danelia Argueta - noemail@paralegal.edu — Thu, 05 May 2011 18:00:00 GMT

comparison results report for 2005 and 2010 survey

In 2010, the Division conducted a compensation survey of paralegals in Texas. Statistics are presented on the organizations or firms’ paralegals work in, paralegals’ salaries, how billing for paralegal work is done, paralegals’ education and certification(s), and employee benefits. The 2010 survey drew 1425 responses, an increase of more than 82 percent compared to 2005 survey.

Heidi Beginski, Board Certified Paralegal, Personal Injury Trial Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization recently sent an email providing a comparison of 2005 and 2010 compensation surveys. Below are the results for work environment and education.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Areas of law saw the following changes from 2005 to 2010:

Top 5	2005	2010	Net Change
Litigation	46.4%	42.6%	- 3.8%
Personal Injury	19.9%	19.9%	no change
Corporate Law	15.3%	17.8%	+ 2.5%
Family Law	15.1%	21.2%	+ 6.1%
Commercial/Contract	12.0%	16.0%	+ 4.0%

Family law showed the largest growth over 2005 of all categories available for selection.

EDUCATION

In 2005, 21.5 percent of respondents had an associate’s degree in paralegal studies, which rose to 25.1 percent in 2010. The majority of respondents in both 2005 and 2010 had a bachelor’s degree (40.8 percent in 2005, and 38.3 percent in 2010.

BECOMING A PARALEGAL

The Center offers an A.A.S. Degree in Paralegal Studies and a Paralegal Certificate program. Both programs offer a comprehensive approach to preparation for a paralegal career and courses include the top 5 areas of employment mentioned in this survey. Some of the job skills learned are document preparation and management, legal research and writing, legal computer applications, interviewing and investigations, business incorporation, title searches, foreclosures and real estate closings.

Becoming a paralegal can easily fit into your schedule. We offer traditional daytime, evening, and virtual online classes which is delivered by the latest advanced technology that allows you to interact in real live with your professor and colleagues. To find out more details about the paralegal profession or to start your paralegal career, contact one of our Admissions Advisor at 800-446-6931.

For salary survey results, visit http://txpd.org/news_display.asp?cid=77.

Heidi Beginski, Board Certified Paralegal—Personal Injury Trial Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization works for Lovett Law Firm in El Paso.

Reprinted with permission fromTexas Paralegal Journal.

5-May-11 1:00 PM

Are you being noticed by employers?

Gail Armatys - noemail@paralegal.edu — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 19:00:00 GMT

If you are a beginning or mid-level paralegal, you now have an opportunity to impress your current or potential employer by taking and passing the Paralegal Core Competency (PCC) Exam now offered by National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA).

Let’s face it, attorneys have earned the right to appreciate a good, tough education as well as the need for continuing education and credentials. Proving your knowledge and your desire to learn and grow in the legal field can only be to your advantage, and NFPA now gives you an opportunity to do just that through the credentialing of the PCC Exam.

The Center For Advanced Legal Studies has been selected as the Texas location for the pilot test of this exam. This first and only time, the exam will be given as a pencil and paper version. Afterword, the exam will b offered electronically. This pilot exam is valid and any candidate with a passing score will be entitled to use the CORE Registered Paralegal (CRP) credential behind his/her name.

The test will be given at the Center on Saturday, June 11, 2011 from 1 PM to 4 PM. The application fee is $65.00 (regularly $215). Applications are accepted through April 30^th .

Go to NFPA’s website at www.paralegals.org to register and get details about the exam today. You, and your employer, will be glad you did!

26-Apr-11 2:00 PM

Insight from Inside: Part One

Meredith McMullen - noemail@paralegal.edu — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:00:00 GMT

So, you are gearing up to get done with school and get out there in the field and working as a real paralegal… It sure would help to have some advice from those who have walked this path before you, wouldn’t it? What steps can you take to start building your career from the first minute you get out there? What pitfalls could you avoid by having a little “insight from the inside” – aka: advice from paralegals who have been successful, who have made mistakes and overcome obstacles? What tidbits of information could you put in your arsenal as you prepare to break through into the field as a brand new paralegal? Well, the goal of this series is to provide you with just that – guidance from seasoned paralegal professionals. Words of wisdom from those who wish to help you by sharing their experiences and giving you the gift of leverage that they may not have had when starting in this business!

I regularly attend multiple paralegal association meetings including luncheons, CLE opportunities, conferences, socials, etc. I have been very fortunate to have had a chance to meet with many paralegals from each of these associations and “pick their brains” for just the kind of information that a fledgling paralegal could truly take to heart and use to his or her complete advantage when starting just out of school…

I begin this series with the first set of three questions I presented to the Capital Area Paralegal Association (CAPA) in Austin, TX. They very generously provided me with lots of feedback to share with the students of CALS:

1. What is your advice to new paralegals just entering the field?

The number one response by a landslide was: to join a paralegal organization or association as soon as possible! They obviously recognize the value of bonding with other paralegals and sharing knowledge, experience, contacts, and vendor information through the use of paralegal groups. The answer coming in second place was: to gain as much experience as you can – regardless of how menial it may seem at the time. You never know when that particular skill or contact that you gained through a certain task will come in handy in the future. It will only make you more valuable, certainly not less! The third top answer was: to be patient when job-hunting. Don’t get discouraged! The opportunities are there, and in the mean time while interviewing and searching for the right employer, make yourself stand out by following the first two responses! Other answers on the list included:

Get a mentor
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Read and proof EVERYTHING
Start out general before specializing
Be a “work-a-holic”
Be patient with attorneys who won’t know much about legal document production, admin issues, or personnel issues
Read everything you can on your own
Sign up for legal alerts from large firms, government websites like Dol, DoJ, State of TX
Get your paralegal education – it’s a must – it will set you apart from your competition!

2. What could your employer do to make your life in the office easier?

Aside from the all-too-obvious answer “more time off”, the number one answer was that paralegals wish their attorneys would: offer more encouragement for CLE and organizations/associations. Here we see the value placed on joining such organizations and getting that continuing education once again! Another popular answer was to: provide more communication and keep the paralegals updated not only on status of cases but about issues in general. Some of the other answers to this question included:

More assistance in billing and training
Stop micro-managing
Be consistent with assignments
Sound proof the walls
Make me a more important part of the litigation team
Better and faster equipment (e.g. dual monitors)
More legal staff, more competent admin staff
Provide resource books
General understanding, empathy

3. What are some of the benefits you receive from joining a paralegal association?

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to notice that these paralegals are very firm on the fact that joining an association is the way to go! The number one answer to this question (literally, it was practically unanimous) was: networking. We are all familiar with the famous phrase “it’s not what you know, but who you know…” Well, although it’s not completely true – you do actually need to know your stuff – there is an underlying truth to the notion that doors are much more likely opened to those who know the parties on the other side… Think about how much networking can truly broaden your horizons. And then join an association as quickly as possible! The next two most popular answers were: CLE (continuing education), and discussion and interaction with other paralegals of current legal issues. Other reasons/benefits to joining up with a group? Some included:

Knowledge
Mentoring
Job Bank/First look at available jobs in field
Fun
Meeting vendors
Group emails and newsletters
Numerous

This information was provided by Meredith McMullen, Admission Advisor at the Center. She regularly attends multiple paralegal association meetings including luncheons, CLE opportunities, conferences, and socials. She meets with many paralegals from each of these associations and “pick their brains” for just the kind of information that a fledgling paralegal could truly take to heart and use to his or her complete advantage when starting just out of school.

**If you have a particular question or issue that you would like for me to present to our veteran paralegal friends in any or all of our partnering associations, please send it to me at: Meredith@paralegal.edu. I will be happy to find your answers!

21-Jan-11 10:00 AM

What’s Speech Got to Do With It?

Danelia Argueta - noemail@paralegal.edu — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 19:00:00 GMT

How many speeches do you think you’ll give during your life? “Hopefully,” you say, “none!” So what purpose can a Speech course serve for a paralegal in the real world?

If Speech were only about giving speeches, you would have good reason to doubt its usefulness. But a Speech course also helps develop a number of skills that come into play once you are working. As you know, few occupations demand more of you than the legal profession when it comes to thinking on your feet and communicating clearly. Interestingly, those are just the skills you need to deliver a good speech.

Looking at the comparison more closely, the process of preparing a speech requires the same analytical and organizational abilities required of a paralegal. On the job, you may use those abilities in writing deposition or document summaries, case status memoranda, or something as simple as a transmittal letter. In Speech class, analyzing and organizing data are used to develop an outline of what you’re going to say, the first step in putting a speech together. In either case, incidentally, you usually don’t have much time to get the work done!

After outlining a speech comes the actual writing. Because strong written communication skills are a universal requirement for a paralegal, speech writing proves quite valuable. During the Speech course at the Center for Advanced Legal Studies, AAS Degree students write and deliver one talk a week. This provides an extended opportunity to increase your proficiency in sentence structure, grammar, usage and spelling. In general, delivering speeches just naturally develops your capacity to formulate and transmit ideas more clearly. Why? Because, as authors know, there is nothing like speaking your own words out loud to give you a valid perspective on the quality of your writing.

Another major component of creating a speech is research, a task you may perform in your paralegal career. Legal research includes identifying appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles, and other materials that are relevant to your assigned cases.Besides locating the data, you must sort through it to pinpoint the exact material you need. Preparing speeches serves as good practice, since even a three-to-five- minute talk can entail tracking down and summarizing information from a number of sources.

Of course, any discussion about Speech has to address the fear factor, since it is a matter of record that most people would rather have a root canal than speak in front of others. A wise speech teacher addresses this issue right away, getting you to write down your fears and leading a class discussion on the topic. S/he will also teach you a variety of tools for reducing your anxiety both before and during a presentation.

But it is often the repetition of giving speeches in class, week by week, that helps manage your anxiety the most. Stepping out of your comfort zone in this manner reaps big benefits, specifically a boost to your self-confidence, self-worth and assertiveness. You begin to enjoy these rewards on the spot with the peer support that emerges in a Speech class. The positive feedback exchanged during critique sessions raises individual morale and promotes team spirit. Teamwork is also cultivated with exercises in which students break into groups, then block out and write speeches together. Exposure to this kind of brainstorming helps prepare you for the future possibility of workingin teams with one or more lawyers, paralegals, or legal secretaries.

You can see that, even if you never give another speech again in your life, you can carry over a good deal of relevant experience from a Speech course to a paralegal post. Reassuringly, these six weeks of instruction take place in a supportive environment where you learn from your missteps and expand on your strengths while your classmates root you on. Once you settle into the workplace, you may look back at this experience as one of the most helpful building blocks in your paralegal training.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Gretchen Havens is a faculty member who teaches Introduction to Speech at Center for Advanced Legal Studies.

1-Nov-10 2:00 PM

What Does It Really Take To Work as a Paralegal?

Doyle Happe - noemail@paralegal.edu — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Author: Doyle Happe. Doyle Happe has over 40 years experience in the field of education. He is director and co-founder of the Center for Advanced Legal Studies and is passionate about providing quality educational programs that permit graduates to perform at a high level. The focus of this article is on substandard paralegal programs that restrict success through limited curricula and preparedness.

Attorneys completed an undergraduate degree, earned a high enough score on their LSAT to be accepted into law school, entered and graduated from law school, studied for and passed the bar exam. All of this to become eligible to practice law.

Then, as time goes on, they need someone to organize their files, interview clients, conduct research and perform the many other legal duties that would free up their time to take on more clients, litigate more cases and allow the firm grow and prosper. They need a paralegal! This is where you come in.

Paralegals legally perform all the duties of an attorney with the exception of representing clients in court, setting legal fees, and giving legal advice. They work under the supervision of an attorney and their time is often billed to the client, so if you want to be a paralegal, it would be a good idea if you knew what you are doing.

You probably have come across some paralegal training programs suggesting that after a few short weeks, you too can be a paralegal. Some even claim a few weekends will do the trick! These programs are often presented at prestigious universities that have a long tradition of academic excellence. You usually would not question these institutions, but the inherent inquisitive nature of legal professionals causes you to start wondering why it would take an attorney three years of law school to grasp what you learned last weekend!

This starts your search for a more responsible path to becoming a paralegal and you find educational standards already established. Your search leads you to AAfPE, the largest paralegal educators' association in America. They state, "These short-term programs are doing a disservice to the students who enroll in them, to those who employ paralegals, and to the legal profession."
There's more, but I'm trying to be nice here.

In retrospect, it's not reasonable to believe that after a few weeks of training you could be much help to someone who spent all those years preparing to practice law. Instead of freeing up their time, the opposite happens.

So, what does it really take to work as a paralegal? Getting properly prepared is a good way to start. Perhaps your first legal research assignment should be to discover the most appropriate educational path for you to take to arrive at your destination. Your success as a paralegal may depend on how you do on this project.

10-Oct-10 11:00 AM

Professional Competency for Paralegals

Larry D. King, J.D. - noemail@paralegal.edu — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 16:00:00 GMT

For several years I have included a document with my syllabus for each class I teach called “Professional Competency and Blackboard”. My thesis is that professional competency as a paralegal is not instantaneously conferred upon graduation from paralegal school, rather, professional competency is something that one builds over a period of years and the time to start building that competency is while in paralegal school. There are various ways that the learning system (Blackboard) we employ at the Center for Advanced Legal Studies helps to build that competency. The core competencies or qualities that employers are looking for in paralegals and the ways Blackboard can be used to practice those qualities are as follows:

Professional competency is the result of practicing and sharpening key skills (core competencies). Core competencies of paralegals enhanced by Blackboard use include:

1. Computer skills – A paralegal must be computer literate and proficient. Blackboard is a great way to practice and develop computer skills while learning other subjects.

2. Scheduling tasks – A paralegal must continually review assigned tasks, prioritize tasks and schedule high priority tasks for completion. Use Blackboard Calendar to schedule exams and other events, assignment due dates and set deadlines for the timely completion of tasks.

3. Timely completion of tasks – A paralegal must accomplish assigned tasks when they are due and meet all deadlines. Monitor due dates and scheduled events. Meet all deadlines for the submission of assignments. Take all scheduled tests.

4. Following instructions – A paralegal must painstakingly follow instructions of attorneys. Carefully read all instructions given regarding assignments and follow them precisely. Pay attention to details. Ask for clarification if instructions are not clear.

5. Self-reliance – A paralegal must take responsibility for projects and tasks and be able to work independently with minimal supervision. Figure things out for yourself. Use available Help files and Web resources to learn how to use untried software programs, unfamiliar features of Blackboard and how to complete new assignments and projects.

6. Organization skills – A paralegal must independently organize multiple tasks, projects and documents. Don’t rely on the instructor to remind you when assignments are due or when tests are scheduled. Keep yourself organized. Follow the Syllabus and materials in Course Content. Be a self-starter. Plan ahead. Give yourself plenty of time to complete assignments and study for tests. Don’t procrastinate. Follow through.

7. Interpersonal skills – A paralegal must work well with attorneys, fellow paralegals, court personnel and clients. Participate in group discussions in class and online Discussions. Listen to and read what others say, process it and respond with your own thoughts and questions. Show up and interact. Be a responsible member of the class.

8. Communication skills – A paralegal must communicate clearly and concisely. Use Blackboard Mail to communicate with other students and the instructor. Be precise in your language. Be aware of the words you use and how they appear to others. Make it look professional. Use spell check. Proofread what you write. Look up terms in Glossary.

9. Presentation skills – A paralegal must organize documents, legal authorities and other materials for presentations to attorneys, clients, and public officials. Learn how to use Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point to present information.

10. Initiative – A paralegal must think about what needs to be done and then do it! Don’t settle for just doing what you are required to do. Challenge yourself to do more than is required. Look for additional things to do and learn using Blackboard Web Links and Course Content.

To find out more about Larry D. King, J.D. and the class he teaches at the Center visit : http://www.paralegal.edu/en/helpfiles/v/22

17-Sep-10 11:00 AM

Certificate vs Certified

James Scheffer - noemail@paralegal.edu — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:00:00 GMT

If you are interested in the paralegal profession, then it's important to understand the difference between being a certified paralegal and having a certificate in paralegal studies.

PARALEGAL CERTIFICATE

A person who has successfully completed a paralegal education and training program may receive a certificate. Receiving this certificate designates the conclusion of the educational process. It does not mean that this person is “certified” as a paralegal. At the Center, the Paralegal Certificate is earned by students that have received a Bachelor’s Degree prior to entering the program. Undergraduates earn their Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies upon completion of their education rather than a certificate. For more information about our paralegal programs, talk to an Admission Advisor.

CERTIFIED PARALEGAL

A certified paralegal is a paralegal that has completed a certification exam and has met specific requirements. The requirements, in general, include:

graduation from an accredited paralegal program
acceptable performance on a qualifying examination or series of examinations, and/or
completion of a given amount of work experience

There are several organizations that offer certification exams.

The National Association of Paralegals (NALA) awards the designation Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Certified Paralegal (CP) to persons who have met its requirements, which include passing a competency exam. Advanced specialty certification (CLAS) exams are also administered by NALA, as are a few state-specific advanced competency examinations. www.nala.org
The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) awards the designation Registered Paralegal (RP) to persons who have met its requirements for education and work experience and who have passed the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE). www.paralegals.org
NALS, the Association for Legal Professionals, offers three unique paralegal certifications of varying levels. www.nals.org
The Texas Board of Legal Specialization offers a voluntary specialty certification program in six areas of Texas law. Other states have state-specific examinations. www.txpd.org

The American Bar Association does not certify paralegals. Paralegals may not represent themselves as "ABA-certified paralegals," because the ABA's approval applies to the paralegal education program rather than to the individual paralegal. Center for Advanced Legal Studies offers the Certificate Program for College Graduates and the AAS Degree for Undergraduates. Both programs are ABA approved.

Why it’s Important

Attorneys are encouraged by their State Bar Associations to promote continuing education and excellence among their paralegals. A paralegal that successfully completes a professional Certification Exam helps ensure employers and clients that they possess a specified level of understanding and competence.

26-Aug-10 3:00 PM

Paralegals for the Cure T-shirts Go Above and Beyond

noemail@paralegal.edu — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:00:00 GMT

On December 15, Center for Advanced Legal Studies presented a generous donation to the Susan G. Komen Houston Affiliate office. The $1015 was collected from donations made in exchange for a t-shirt designed by the Center specifically for paralegals in support of the Komen Houston Race for the Cure® held in October.

After the race, paralegals who attended the Texas Advanced Paralegal Seminar (TAPS) were given the opportunity to donate for the t-shirts, and have been sending in their donations – from Amarillo, Austin, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston, Beaumont, Corpus Christi and beyond! The t-shirt was originally intended for students and alumni who participated in the one-day Houston event. However, the cause proved so important to the paralegal community that the opportunity to donate for a shirt was extended.

Additional funds were originally donated by students and alumni in support of this cause as they registered for the event. For more information about Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, visit www.komen-houston.org.

Graduate Finds Value of Placement Services

noemail@paralegal.edu — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Words couldn't express the gratitude Iris Hymel felt when Placement Director, Tina Ghanavati, helped her search for the right job. Iris was passionate about networking and job searching, but it was Tina's persistence that landed her a fabulous opportunity. The graduate shared her excitement and appreciation by delivering a spectacular bouquet of flowers.

Iris added, “Tina is wonderful and such a great help to the students. This is my second placement since graduation and Tina was the source for both interviews.” She said, “I sent the flowers because I was so grateful for her help. I had been doing my own due diligence in the job search and had even registered with an agency.”

But Iris stressed the Placement Director’s persistence helped her get her foot in the door for an interview. “Tina truly cares about the students and would love to place each and every one,” Iris added.

“I am currently working at FosterQuan LLP which is an immigration law firm. Everything I do here is new to me and a challenge, which I love. I feel so indebted to Tina.” Iris concluded, “This is a fabulous opportunity and I am very excited to be here. Thanks again Tina. You are the best!”

Texas State Bar Paralegal Division invites CALS to be an Educator Panelist at TAPS 2011 Educator's Forum

noemail@paralegal.edu — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:00:00 GMT

Center for Advanced Legal Studies is invited to join the panelist of speaker for this year's Texas Advanced Paralegal Seminar (TAPS).

The event will be facilitated by Texas State Bar Paralegal Division Past President, Rhonda Brashears, CP, of Amarillo. Educator panelists will include Eric Happe, IT Director and Larry King, Instructor, with the Center for Advanced Legal Studies. Paralegal panelists will include Lisa Sprinkle, Paralegal Division Past President, from El Paso and Erica Anderson, ACP, Paralegal with Mullin Hoard & Brown in Amarillo.

Texas Paralegal Educators’ Forum will bring together a wide range of stakeholders in paralegal education – from educators and academics to practicing paralegals – to talk about the challenges of running a successful paralegal program.

The forum will provide a unique opportunity for participants from across the state to engage in face-to-face dialogue, exchange ideas with their colleagues and peers and build networks in the field of paralegal education.

Click here for more information about TAPS 2011.

Paralegal Students test their knowledge of the Constitution

noemail@paralegal.edu — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 17:00:00 GMT

Center For Advanced Legal Studies honored National Constitution Day (September 17), by providing mini Constitutions for all to enjoy. Many showed their patriotism by wearing red, white, and blue and others simply enjoyed the snacks provided in the student lounge. The biggest part of this event was the online Constitution Quiz. Students who took the quiz entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card. The student with the highest grade and who completed the quiz within the shortest amount of time was the winner of the gift card. Congratulations Evelyn Martinez! Evelyn got all the questions correct and was able to complete the test in nine minutes. Other participants who scored 100% are as followed: Evelyn Martinez - 9 min (Winner) David Mosier - 10 min Allison Horner - 11 min D. Eryka Johnson - 16...

CALS joins Susan G. Komen Race For the Cure!

noemail@paralegal.edu — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 19:00:00 GMT

Center for Advanced Legal Studies is proud to support the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The race will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2011 at Sam Houston Park, 1100 Bagby, Downtown Houston. Events begin at 6:00 a.m. on race day. The Center is participating in the 5K Walk which starts at 8:35am. Please plan on being there 30 minutes prior to start time (8:00am) to meet the CALS team. Go to the Louisiana location to meet CALS team! The Team LOCATION: 1100 Louisiana Street Houston, TX 77002 Susan G. Komen is a non-profit organization that was developed to help find a cure for breast cancer. With community support, the Komen foundation has raised over $303,920.91 this year alone. We are inviting all Students, Alumni, Faculty, and Staff to join the Center's team to support the Susan G. Komen's Race for the Cure event. Be...

Debbie Oaks Guerra - Graduation Keynote Speaker

noemail@paralegal.edu — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 14:00:00 GMT

Immediate Past President, Paralegal Division of the State Bar of Texas

With more than twenty years of corporate and transactional paralegal experience, thirteen of those spent with the Trammell Crow Company, Debbie Oaks Guerra brings to our August graduating class an array of firsthand stories that will inspire all. She currently is an in-house paralegal for NGP Energy Capital Management, LLC, a multi-billion dollar private equity firm headquartered in Las Colinas, Texas. In addition to her paralegal training, she has five years legal recruiting experience, including three years as the Vice President of Dallas office of Paralegals Plus.

Debbie’s extensive background and involvement with the State Bar of Texas, Paralegal Division and other Paralegal Organizations, make her an instrumental speaker for our students who are launching their career in the legal industry. We are pleased to have Debbie Oaks Guerra, Immediate Past President of the Paralegal Division of the State Bar of Texas, as our keynote speaker for the August graduating class.

Paralegal CORE Competency Exam Pilot Test Results

noemail@paralegal.edu — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:00:00 GMT

On June 11, 2011, 188 paralegals took the Paralegal CORE Competency Exam™ pilot test at 12 test sites across the country. The Center was one of these sites with paralegals from New Orleans, Dallas and Houston sitting on our campus for the exam. Of the paralegals who completed the test, 148 achieved a passing score of 550 or better. Those paralegals are the very first CORE Registered Paralegals™ and have earned the right to use the CRP™ credential. Congratulations to all who passed!

A special congratulations to the graduates of the Center listed below who passed and are now CORE Registered Paralegals!

Linda W. Akhter, CRP

Irene M. Alexander, CRP

Jennifer A. Brunner, CRP

Joe Cropper, CRP

Sarah A. deHaas, CRP

Iliana C. Galan, CRP

Elsa Garrett, CRP

Connie A. Guinn, CRP

Laura C. Hepner, CRP

Jeannine Mayfield-Marchette, CRP

Trent Miles, CRP

Matthew Casella, CRP

Please check the NFPA website frequently for additional information and updates concerning the roll out of the computer based version of the exam in November.

www.paralegal.org

The Center is the spotlight vendor for Capital Area Paralegal Association event in Austin, TX.

noemail@paralegal.edu — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 20:00:00 GMT

On May 25, the Center was proud to be the Spotlight Vendor for the monthly CAPA (Capital Area Paralegal Association) event in Austin, Texas. It was an honor to be showcased while reaching out in support of students and paralegals in this area.

Those in attendance were also invited to watch a presentation by Robert Elder of the Texas State Securities Board, entitled "Fraud starts in the Parking Lot: A Step-by-Step Examination of How Financial Scammers Pay for their Bentleys, Lamborghinis, and Mercedes.” In his presentation Elder shared information about how scammers entice investors with the promise of unusually high returns with low risk. Presentations of this nature provide attendees with the opportunity for career growth, development, and valuable insight into specialized sectors of the paralegal profession.

As part of the day’s activities, Meredith McMullen, Admissions Advisor at the Center, raffled off a door prize. The winner, Rose Angela Ruiz of DuBois, Bryant & Campbell, took home a deluxe wine, cheese, chocolate gift basket from Spec’s.

In continued support of this organization and Austin’s legal community, the Center will be featured at CAPA’s upcoming Vendor Parade on June 29^th, 2011.

Rugina Poellnitz, PHP Alumni Network Member chosen to be featured on Contract Law for Paralegals Textbook published by Prentice Hall.

noemail@paralegal.edu — Tue, 17 May 2011 14:00:00 GMT

In 2009, the Center for Advanced Legal Studies was invited to submit the names of practicing paralegals from around the country to be chosen for a featured section called Paralegal Perspective in a new textbook from Prentice Hall titled Contract Law for Paralegals: Traditional and E-Concepts. Out of hundreds of entries from across the nation, Rugina Poellnitz, a graduate of the Center and an active Alumni Network Member was selected to be featured in the new section. The goal of this feature is to expose paralegal students to the experience of practicing paralegals from around the country. This feature serves not only as an interesting sidebar; but as a way to help students understand the daily job requirements of a paralegal. Rugina graduated with an Associate's of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies from the Center and she has been working as a paralegal for 12 years....

Center For Advanced Legal Studies Houston Paralegal College wins the Better Business Bureau Award of Distinction for 2011!

noemail@paralegal.edu — Wed, 04 May 2011 21:00:00 GMT

Houston’s only college specialized in Paralegal Education has been presented the Award of Distinction from the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston in the Education category.

The award was presented to the Center’s Founders Doyle Happe and Gail Armatys by Chair of the BBB Education Foundation, at the Better Business Bureau’s Annual Awards of Excellence Luncheon held at Houston’s Intercontinental Hotel. The Award of Distinction is awarded to a select group of Houston businesses who have maintained a superior commitment to ethics, overall excellence, and quality in the workplace.

“We are honored to accept this award on behalf of all the experienced and hard-working faculty and staff at the Center who put the success of our paralegal students first. We’ve been graduating job-ready paralegals for over 24 years and we are continually humbled by the ambition of our students and dedication of those we employ who encourage and guide them through the learning and job placement process.”, says Gail Armatys.

Mr. Happe added, “receiving an award for excellence by the Better Business Bureau is outside the realm of recognition usually bestowed to accredited colleges and universities. We are indeed humbled."

Center for Advanced Legal Studies is the only college in Texas that specializes exclusively in paralegal education. The Center offers ABA approved programs, and the curriculum is taught by lawyers that focus on providing high quality academic, substantive, and skill-based preparation. For 24 years, the Center’s reputation has granted them recognition from the legal community as a leader and expert in paralegal education. The Center has been an Accredited Business by the Better Business Bureau since 1998.

Paralegal Alumni Network

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:30:28 GMT

As you become a paralegal you discover that interacting with people in the legal industry provides great opportunity. One fun and interesting way to become involved and grow your career is to become a member of the Alumni Network! The Center's graduates may join the Alumni Network today and receive the great benefits listed below! Attend Career and Networking Social Events Receive Discount on CLA Review Course Contribute articles to the Center's newsletter and website Retake individual courses as a review at no charge. Receive a Recommendation Recognition Certificate awarded in your name. *We are pleased to offer free Placement Assistance services to alumni of the Center. Please note, however, the priority for service is given, by necessity, to the most recent graduates who seek help beginning their careers. Alumni of years' past may receive assistance as job requests for experienced paralegals become...

Alumni Recommendation Program

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:25:16 GMT

Help Give a Friend a New Future. As a graduate and alumni member, you can award your friends $1,000.00 towards their paralegal education at the Center. Just follow these three easy steps: Join our Alumni Network by registering here. Speak to friends about this opportunity and with their permission, submit and email to alumni@paralegal.edu and include their contact information. We will then be in touch with them and provide details regarding the paralegal profession, our programs and services, and this tuition reduction opportunity. Once they begin class, we will fund the first $500.00 of the scholarship and your friends can earn the other $500.00 by maintaining a 3.0 GPA while attending school. You will receive recognition for providing this opportunity, and your friends will benefit as they gain a legal education and the opportunity to move toward a new future. Alumni Network Members who refer students...

Financial Aid Quick Links

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:29:23 GMT

The links below are provided to assist you with the financial aid process. The first step, complete the Federal Application for Student Financial Aid (FASFA). Please be sure to enter the school code as 026047. Next, after you complete the FASFA and receive your PIN, you must complete entrance counseling before proceeding. To take begin entrance counseling, sign in to manage your direct loan. Finally, once you complete entrance counseling, stay signed in and complete the Master Promissory Note (MPR). If you need assistance, contact our financial aid department. Net Price Calculator >> Federal Application for Student Financial Aid >> Manage My Direct Loan >>

Paralegal Application Process

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:17:50 GMT

At the Center, submitting your application is a streamlined process and your Admissions Advisor is here to assist you along the way. Submit Application indicating interest in program. (Select application below) Interview with your Admissions Advisor. (May be completed on campus or online.) Sit for and pass entrance exam. (May be taken on campus or online) Prepare a writing sample describing reasons for pursuing a paralegal career. Submit enrollment documents and provide official copies of college transcript, high school diploma or its equivalent. Please Note: Students attending classes via Online Interactive Instruction™ must also provide one letter of recommendation preferably from a legal professional. When necessary a personal recommendation will be considered. Application for Admission Contact an Admissions Advisor today to discuss this process in more detail. Contact us today. ...

Video Library

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:23:58 GMT

Online Interactive Instruction

Faculty at Center for Advanced Legal Studies

Outstanding Paralegal Faculty

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:06:45 GMT

View Video Library

Online Interactive Instruction

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:05:49 GMT

View Video Library

**Home Page - Video Area

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:13:22 GMT

Online Interactive Instruction

Click above image to watch video.

Faculty

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:45:38 GMT

Law Faculty Thomas Blair Swanson, J.D. Academic Dean Larry D. King, J.D. James I. Wiedemer, J.D. Aida Ziemnicki, J.D. Robert M. Freedman, J.D. Tony Hale, J.D. Harry M. Collins, J.D., M.C.L. Vy Nguyen, J.D Syed M. Ali, M.A., L.L.M. Teaching Assistant Jacquelyn Joy, J.D. David Mora, J.D Sahar Grovas, J.D. General Education Faculty Susan McGuire, M.A. Darin Baskin, Ph.D. Gretchen Havens, B.S. K. Joy Oden, B.A., M.L.A....

Which Paralegal Program is Right for You?

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:29:39 GMT

Paralegal Certificate Program

Satisfactory completion of Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university
Passing score on entrance exam.

Associate of Applied Science Degree Program

Minimum of High School Diploma or its equivalent
Passing score on entrance exam.

Contact an Admission Advisor for a brochure or to schedule a tour of the Center at 800-446-6931 or james.scheffer@paralegal.edu.

Provide your contact information below to receive a free brochure.

Lorem ipsum survey

noemail@paralegal.edu — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:59:18 GMT

Objectives:

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Release Date: 12-Feb-09 8:59 AM
Expiration Date: 12-May-09 8:59 AM

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How do I log into Blackboard?

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 20:34:15 GMT