Paralegal Blog

UPDATE: Due to the ongoing spread of COVID-19 and the recommendations regarding social gatherings, CALS is suspending all unnecessary meetings and interactions, this includes the Alumni Mixer on April 9th.

CALS will continue to monitor all updates related to COVID-19 and will advise on future developments. Rescheduling of the mixer will be announced as soon as possible.

Center for Advanced Legal Studies held its 65th Commencement Ceremony for graduates of its paralegal programs on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at South Texas College of Law. It was one of the best ever!

A total of 105 paralegal credentials were conferred. Paralegal Certificates were awarded to 90 graduates, and Associate of Applied Science Degrees were awarded to 15 graduates. Many graduates were able to attend in person, while those unable to attend were able to view the ceremony via the live stream. Congratulations graduates on your hard work, dedication, and accomplishment.

The commencement address was presented by David DeCasper, a Senior Paralegal at the firm Adame Garza, LLP in Houston, Texas where he manages the firm's Pre-Litigation Personal Injury Department. David is also a graduate of CALS. His address was insightful, inspiring, and witty. Thank you again David.

Additional comments and congratulations were provided by Academic Dean Thomas B. Swanson, J.D. The event was moderated by CALS' Director of Outreach and Career Services, Tami Riggs.

If 2019 wasn't the year you hoped it would be, it might be a good time to do something to help ensure 2020 is full of excitement and possibilities.

In any job search you will be screened, judged and measured against other applicants. Employers  want the ideal candidate, the perfect addition, and the right fit. They are sizing you up - looking for standout traits, specific qualities, education, and experience which demonstrate you are capable of performing the duties assigned to a particular role. Seek out any career counseling  professional, recruiter for coaching, or conduct an internet search, and you will have unlimited access to countless training resources. They will break down the anatomy of an interview and offer suggestions for what to wear, what to bring, and how to “wow” a potential employer. Everything you need to increase your chances for success and not tank in the process is at your fingertips.

As of this writing, Paralegals Connect on Facebook has 10,375 members and is growing. Under the guidance of paralegal and group founder, Crystal Cornett, and a small group of dedicated site administrators, Paralegals Connect has grown rapidly since its founding in 2013.

Center for Advanced Legal Studies has a special fondness for Crystal and has enjoyed watching her group’s development over the years. Recently, Crystal has added several companion groups that are also doing very well. Virtual / Freelance Paralegals Connect now has over two thousand members, as does the associated Paralegals Connect Employment Board. There are also groups dedicated to LSAT prep and student study groups.