Paralegal Blog

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.

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.

Last week marked 38 years that Center for Advanced Legal Studies (CALS) has supported, guided, and prepared students to become paralegals. For nearly four decades CALS has pushed its students to grow, believing every single one could find success, and providing them with the training to achieve it. The dedication and determination of many incredible people – our students and alumni – have made this continuous progress possible. They invested in their hopes, dreams, and career aspirations and believed that a paralegal education could transform their lives. And it did! CALS has instructed and inspired thousands of paralegals and has countless accomplished graduates. CALS has also benefited from the support of faculty, staff, and community partners. 

On February 23rd, 1987, the first group of 26 students (16 day students and 10 evening students) started classes on Richmond Avenue in Houston, Texas, beginning their study of law and embarking on a journey to become paralegals. Over the years, CALS has grown and transformed into a technologically savvy educational institution providing students with access to advanced learning technologies, tools, and resources.

Many employers have candidates present their qualifications in a video call before inviting them for an onsite interview. This was precipitated in large part by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, remote interviews during early rounds have become standard practice in the recruiting and hiring process. They are a strategic tool used by employers to screen a wider pool of candidates with more scheduling flexibility and fewer delays and cancellations. Not only do they save hiring managers time and overhead, but they also assess an applicant’s IT savviness and credible technical skills with platforms like Zoom, Skype, and Teams. This can be particularly important for hybrid and remote positions. Video calls are equally beneficial to those who interview because they eliminate commute concerns, parking difficulties, and waiting in queues. Virtual meetings hold as much value as in-person meetings before final interviews, yet there can be downsides.

On Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 10:00 AM Central, Center for Advanced Legal Studies (CALS) will hold its 73rd 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 better acknowledge the accomplishments of all graduates. As always, CALS is committed to making this a special event for graduates and their friends and families.

A total of 109 paralegal credentials will be conferred. Paralegal Certificates will be awarded to 100 graduates, and Associate of Applied Science Degrees will be awarded to 9 graduates. Congratulations graduates on your hard work, dedication, and accomplishments.

The commencement address will be presented by Claudia Helweg. Claudia graduated from CALS with her Paralegal Certificate in 2013 and entered the legal field as an intellectual property paralegal. In her most recent role with Kroll, LLC, Claudia supported an IP management system implementation project for a billion-dollar Fortune 500 tech giant. She is extremely passionate about spreading awareness of the IP profession and mentoring students who may be interested in this area of law.

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