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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.

The Center is selected by NFPA to host PCC Pilot Exam!

noemail@paralegal.edu — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 18:00:00 GMT

Become one of the nation's first CORE Registered Paralegals. Apply to take NFPA's pilot paralegal competency exam. The PCC Exam will be having pilot tests at selected locations throughout the contiguous United States on June 11, 2011. We are pleased to announce that the Center for Advanced Legal Studies has been selected as a test site. Those wishing to participate will need to apply online by clicking here . It is not necessary to contact the Center directly. The reduced application fee for this pilot test will be $65.00. Seating is limited and will be filled on a first come basis. Deadline is April 30th. The Candidate Handbook is posted on the NFPA website in PDF format as a free download. The mini-handbook for this pilot exam will be a very condensed version of the full Handbook. The test sites will be open from 12 Noon to 5 PM on June 11 to accommodate check-in and check-out. The actual test will...

The Center holds a Suit Drive benefiting Dress For Success Houston

noemail@paralegal.edu — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 22:15:00 GMT

The Center is holding a suit drive to help Dress for Success® - Houston promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing them with interview-appropriate suits, and we invite you to join us!

How can you help?

Donate interview-appropriate business suits (pants or skirt) and blouses. Gently used shoes and purses are accepted as well.

• All donations must be cleaned, pressed, and on hangers.
• You will receive a tax receipt for your donation.

Drop Off items during week of March 7th - 11th at:
Center for Advanced Legal Studies
3910 Kirby Drive, Suite 200
800-446-6931
www.paralegal.edu

Dress for Success® - Houston has served over 30,000 women since 1998. The Center is proud to be affiliated with this organization. Your donation will help us support women of Houston as they begin their journey to self-sufficiency.

Judge Ana Otero Provides Paralegals Competitive Edge

noemail@paralegal.edu — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:00:00 GMT

Judge Ana Otero is scheduled to teach the CLA Review Course at the Center for Advanced Legal Studies, Houston, Texas this spring. The National Association of Legal Assistants/Paralegals (NALA) provides certification exams three times each year and Judge Otero prepares students for success in taking the exam. Because of Judge Otero's busy schedule, this will be the last time she is available to teach this course at the Center. We expect a great turn-out for the course based on referrals from previous students. She is an outstanding instructor and her students constantly attest to that fact, states Doyle Happe, Director of the Center's paralegal programs. Judge Otero has taught this comprehensive prep course in alliance with the Center for 20 years with rave reviews from those who attend. Her lectures cover all areas of the exam and diagnostic tests continually assess each student's understanding of complex legal issues which...

New Career books available at CALS library!

noemail@paralegal.edu — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:00:00 GMT

We've made some additions to the career section in the library at Center For Advanced Legal Studies. If you're thinking of furthering your legal career and becoming a lawyer, the McGraw-Hill's LSAT, 2011 Edition is available for use. Other books included are Know Your Rights by Richard M. Alderman, Employment Law: A Guide to Hiring, Managing and Firing for Employers and Employee by Lori B. Rassas, Intellectual Property: Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights by Richard W. Stim and much more! All current students, Alumni Network members, and legal employers are encouraged to visit the facility during hours of operation to take advantage of these available resources. Hours of Operation: Mon, Tue, Thurs 7:30am-9:45pm Wed 7:30am-4:00pm Friday 8:30am-4:00pm Saturday 9:00am-1:00pm ...

Center for Advanced Legal Studies Welcomes Guest Speaker Jan Hargrave to their Annual Faculty In-Service.

noemail@paralegal.edu — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:00:00 GMT

Every year, Center for Advanced Legal Studies hosts a faculty in-service meeting for the purpose of enhancing teaching skills and knowledge. This gives their faculty an opportunity to learn and apply new instructional techniques which ultimately benefits their students. Previous in-service topics include adult learning styles and the role they play in student outcomes, Wimba and Blackboard classroom demonstrations and instruction, improving the teaching environment, and the role teachers have in helping others reach their goals. This year, the Center is honored to have professional consultant and speaker, Jan Hargrave present at their in-service. Ms. Hargrave is an expert on the topic of non-verbal communication and will discuss how it relates to legal professionals, the traditional and online classroom, as well as a person's everyday life. As a distinguish lecturer and author of Let Me See Your Body Talk, Freeway of Love, Judge the Jury and Strictly...

Salary Survey for Texas Paralegals

noemail@paralegal.edu — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 21:00:00 GMT

The Paralegal Division of the State Bar of Texas is requesting that paralegals across the State of Texas participate in a salary survey. The direct link below is to the 2010 Paralegal Division (Division) of the State Bar of Texas Compensation Survey. The information from this survey will be used to generate reports that will allow paralegals in Texas to see how their compensation packages compare to others in their geographic region. By completing the survey you are helping the Division to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Each question can be answered by simply checking a response or filling in a blank. All responses will be kept anonymous.

Please complete this survey by December 15, 2010 at Salary Survey.

Thank you for your participation. This information will provide summary demographic information about paralegal work, compensation, benefits, and job satisfaction in Texas.

Court Victory for Academic Dean Tom Swanson

noemail@paralegal.edu — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 18:15:00 GMT

November has proven to be a successful month for Center for Advanced Legal Studies Academic Dean, Tom Swanson. In addition to his position at the Center, he holds a State Bar of Texas license allowing him to practice law before various federal courts. He recently won a case before the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in State v. Wilson, S.W.3d, 2010 WL 4483504 (Tex.Crim.App.2010). Wilson was a felony probation violator who was arrested 19 years after the violation. Wilson was released upon writ of habeas corpus after it was determined that he should have been convicted of a misdemeanor instead of a felony. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals upheld Wilson’s release by the trial court.

In addition to his appeal court victory, Swanson was successful in his defense of an Army recruiter charged with sexual assault. In State of Texas v. Phillip McAuley, 185th District Court, Harris County, Texas, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty on November 18, 2010.

Swanson received paralegal, investigation and law enforcement training while serving in the United States Air Force. Afterwards, he received his undergrad from University of Florida and later his law degree from South Texas College of Law. With more than 25 years of experience in the field, and 23 years teaching at the Center, Swanson continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the students who attend Center for Advanced Legal Studies.

Swanson’s comment to his recent good fortune was "I'm so glad to be back in the classroom".

For more information about the Center's Academic Dean, Tom Swanson, visit http://www.paralegal.edu/en/helpfiles/v/17

Available Scholarship through CAPA (Capital Area Paralegal Association)

noemail@paralegal.edu — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 21:00:00 GMT

The Capital Area Paralegal Association annually offers the Nancy McLaughlin Scholarship award, which could be used for various paralegal related activities. We are please to inform all applicants that they are able to designate this award towards the tuition for one of our paralegal programs at Center for Advanced Legal Studies.

For more information about this scholarship, please visit: http://www.capatx.org/

Center for Advanced Legal Studies celebrates Texas Paralegal Day!

noemail@paralegal.edu — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 19:00:00 GMT

Did you knowthat the State Bar of Texas was the first bar association in the United States to create a separate division for paralegals? What was originally “the Legal Assistants Division” and is now “The Paralegal Division” of the State Bar of Texas (the "Division") was created on October 23, 1981. The members of the division thought we were worth recognizing, so with their encouragement, on April 5, 1993, Texas Senate Concurrent Resolution 69 was signed by the President of the Senate, Bob Bullock, and the Speaker of the House, Pete Laney, commending the Division and the legal assistants of the State of Texas, and resolving that the 73rd Legislature of the State of Texas had declared October 23 as Texas Legal Assistants Day.

The Center is honored to celebrate Texas Paralegal Day and recognizes all paralegals and their dedication to the legal profession.

Here is State Bar of Texas Paralegal Division recognizing Texas Paralegal Day.

Excellent Students. Excellent Placement Assistance!

noemail@paralegal.edu — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:00:00 GMT

We are pleased that we have partnered with many employers in the area and have been able to provide them with excellent paralegal students. Below are three quotes from employers regarding our students and our placement assistance program.

Sadler Law Firm LLP

“We are very pleased with the students that graduate from the Center for Advanced Legal Studies. As entry level employees in the world of law, they exhibit professionalism, knowledge and eagerness to be given the opportunity to be employed by law firms. We have hired employees from this school and have found ourselves promoting them into other positions as a result of their great work ethic and motivation to perform additional work duties. I highly recommend any law firm to seek students from this center of excellence.”

Yolanda Lopez, Legal Support Manager/HR Director, PHR

Holt & Young, P.C

“Thank you for consistently referring superb paralegal candidates to our firm! Your efficient, professional approach is greatly appreciated.”

Russel T. Holt, Owner

Charter Staffing

“The Center for Advanced Legal Studies has worked with Charter Staffing since 2003. The Center has consistently referred qualified paralegal candidates to our company. Our clients are impressed with these applicants' legal knowledge and professionalism.”

Jo and William Schorp, Owners

Karol Springer, Staffing Coordinator