Paralegal Blog

The challenge with any resume is to communicate applicant value so that it resonates in the best way possible. Presentation, content, and readability are critical. A resume should illustrate what a candidate has done, what a candidate has achieved, and how these accomplishments can support the position advertised. Resumes ARE marketing documents, and they need to be visually appealing and convincing. However, highly distinctive features can sometimes compromise content quality.

Fanciful resumes do not align with a conservative corporate environment and can come across as “gimmicky.” Resumes with multiple columns, graphics, colors, photos, and other design elements may be great for artists, influencers, and social media job hunters. For candidates seeking employment in traditional professions, the resume should reflect industry expectations. This means using a one-column, reverse chronological resume in a conventional and standard format – which hiring managers are accustomed to viewing and typically prefer.

On Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 10:00 AM Central, Center for Advanced Legal Studies (CALS) will hold its 74th Commencement Ceremony for graduates of its paralegal programs. Due to the large number of graduates who reside outside of the Houston area, this event will be presented via a virtual live stream to acknowledge the accomplishments of all graduates equally. As always CALS is committed to making this a special event for graduates, families, and friends.

A total of 110 paralegal credentials will be conferred. Paralegal Certificates will be awarded to 85 graduates, and Associate of Applied Science Degrees will be awarded to 25 graduates. Congratulations graduates on your hard work, dedication, and accomplishments.

The commencement address will be presented by Amy Rainwater, TBLS-BCP.

Amy Rainwater is a board-certified paralegal at Patterson-UTI Management Services, LLC’s corporate office where she assists with litigation, labor, and employment matters. She began her paralegal career in 1989 after graduating from Center for Advanced Legal Studies. In 2012, she obtained her paralegal certification in Civil Trial Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Ms. Rainwater is dedicated to giving back to the legal profession. She is an active member of the Houston Metropolitan Paralegal Association (HMPA), where she has been a member since 1991. She has served on the HMPA Board of Directors in various roles and was elected as the president of HMPA from 2019 to 2020 and from 2023 to 2024. Ms. Rainwater continues to serve on the HMPA Board of Directors.

In addition, Ms. Rainwater is involved in the State Bar of Texas, Paralegal Division, where she has served as the Online CLE Chair and the District 10 Elections Subchair. She is also a member of NALA – The Paralegal Association.

The event will be moderated by CALS' Director of Outreach and Career Services, Tami Riggs, with contributions from members of CALS faculty and staff.

Please share the following links with your friends, families, and colleagues. The ceremony will be streamed on YouTube at 10:00 AM, and attendees can share their comments and photos on the Facebook event page located at https://www.facebook.com/events/485657777515049/

A printable event program is available for download at Graduation Program.

A resume plays a huge role in whether a candidate lands in the “Do Not Interview” pile. Experience, education, and competencies included in a resume should demonstrate a reason for a prospective employer to conduct an interview. However, many job seekers showcase non-relevant details that have no direct correlation to workplace-useful skills, or they overload their documents with ineffective content. This takes up prime real estate on the page and reduces the space available to illustrate concrete value. Interviewers may pass on a resume if they must put extra effort into verifying a candidate’s primary location, qualifications, and background. 

First resume impressions (positive or negative) take less than 15 seconds! That’s a small amount of time to make a big impact. An influential resume will quickly tell a story about the candidate: who they are, what they offer, where they gained skills, why they should be interviewed, and how they could contribute if hired. Resumes can make a candidate stand out or be passed over.

The idea of attending college and graduating with a degree has long been an integral part of the American dream. Some argue that due to the rising costs associated with higher education, pursuing it is not worthwhile. However, studies have shown that people with a degree tend to earn significantly more over their lifetime than those without.¹ A college degree is strongly correlated with higher earnings and better employment opportunities. This fact alone should make pursuing a degree worth considering.

Accredited colleges and universities offer several types of financial aid, one of which is the availability of federal loans that students can access to pay for higher education.² Federal aid can also cover other necessary living expenses such as housing, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, etc. This is especially crucial for students struggling to balance personal expenses while still attending classes.

A paralegal certificate or degree is often required to qualify for paralegal job opportunities. Earning an academic credential significantly enhances employment opportunities for anyone seeking to diversify their career portfolio and showcase their qualifications for a legal position. Paralegals can obtain formal education through a training program like those available at Center for Advanced Legal Studies to earn a paralegal certificate or degree. Once paralegals have achieved a requisite level of education and experience, they may choose to seek a paralegal designation and become certified. Several national associations offer certification opportunities. However, paralegals who do not pursue certification through one of these associations are just as likely to enjoy long-term, career success. Paralegals are qualified to perform their responsibilities by completing an educational program, receiving training on the job, or through actual work experience.¹ A distinct advantage exists for paralegals who begin their career by earning an academic credential. As they progress, certification can add value to the expertise previously acquired through education, training, and experience.