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UH Paralegal Graduates' Success Stories
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When I was asked to write a success story for the paralegal class I had to find the definition of "success," but
it wasn't listed in the legal dictionary/paper weight that is on my desk so I guess there are many different ways to define
it and it's up to you to decide.
I have only been in my paralegal position for less than a month so "success" might be a stretch, but what the
class gave me that has benefited me the most is confidence. The class is very thorough and always, always open for questions,
debate, and discussion. I believe that there are indeed stupid questions, but not in that class.
This is such a broad field with so many different definitions of paralegal that if you don't ask questions then you're
going to lack the confidence necessary to not only find the field you want, but the capacity to do the job well.
If you choose to take the class then be prepared to work, but be prepared to enjoy and soak it in. This is the calm before
you enter the legal storm. This is when those stupid questions aren't going to get you "who the hell hired you"
looks. This is when you find out you don't remember as much about the judicial branch from high school government that you
thought you did. This is when you memorize every Supreme Court Justice (trust me). This is when you wake up early every weekend
morning and you try to convince yourself it's going to be worth it in the long run. This is when you discover, re-discover,
or continue your affair with legal aid # 1 - caffeine. This is when you start the rest of your professional life.
You have come to the right place at the right time with the right teacher. Nothing to do except kick back, ask questions,
take copious notes, worry about bonus test questions, worry about your ranking, worry about the mock trial, worry about how
many absences you've already accumulated, worry about if the coffee will be fresh, worry about understanding Latin phrases,
but don't worry.
It's all going to be okay, just trust yourself to make that first step and just like me, you too can revel in the fact
you did the work, got the 'A', and now have been employed as a paralegal for three straight weeks. A year ago I didn't think
I'd have accomplished any of those things and looking back I guess that's my "success."
Danny Vara
Locke, Liddell, & Sapp
Spring 2007
************************
Wow, what a start to 2008. I have gone from being a stay home mom for 5 years, to being a very important function of a
law practice. Unbelievable!
I started going to back to college in the Fall of 2006, unsure of what exactly I wanted to do with the rest of my life.
Prior to being a stay home mom, I was an LVN for 7 years. The only thing I knew about going back to work was that I did not
want to go back to being a nurse. One day in December 2007, I was looking through the job listings in the Houston Chronicle
and saw an ad for the UH Paralegal program. I started thinking about being a paralegal. "Yeah, I could do that."
I went to the info session, which happened to be the next day, and decided on the spot that it was something I wanted to do.
I told my husband, I know the cost seems like a lot, but it will pay for itself in no time. I signed up and started the class
on January 13, 2008.
What a first day! The class was full, with all ranges of people. It was a little overwhelming to say the least. But I
got it in my mind that not only was I going to make it through the class, but I would be among the top! Of course I needed
a ton of help along the way. I made friends with the people around me, and of course made friends with the teacher! She, after
all is the best resource available!
The class was great. Not only did I learn a lot about the legal profession, I gained some self-confidence that I hadn't
had in a long time. Being a stay home mom is very hard work, but most of the time I felt underappreciated, and unsure if I
would fit in in the "working world" again. I really got a sense of appreciation and felt like I was really needed
in Jac's class. Not only did I get encouragement from my classmates, I got it from Jac as well, which was really awesome.
After graduating Salutatorian of our class of 24 students, I found a job working in the family law area. I have currently
been employed as a paralegal for 9 weeks, and I could not ask for a better career choice. There is just something about me
and the law that seem to click and I am able to use all my strengths to get my job done well, and have the opportunity to
improve my weaknesses on a daily basis. I feel lucky to have found a great job, through Jac's help, that truly is exactly
what I was looking for in my career change.
I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to take this course. If you are thinking about taking this course, just
remember a few things. You must be dedicated to your career. If you are not willing to give 110% everyday (during the paralegal
course and after), then you might want to consider a different path. If you are not willing to be the "right-hand"
of your employer everyday, consider another career. To be a paralegal, you must be a go-getter, willing to take the fall when
necessary, able to accomplish tasks with minimal instruction, you must be a critical thinker, and most of all be passionate
about what you do. If you don't have the drive to accomplish your tasks and goals, you will never be truly successful as a
paralegal.
I love what I do. I owe the opportunity I have in front of me first to my loving family and secondly to Jac. Thank you
for all that you have done for me, through the class and beyond. You have been a great light in my life and I will cherish
our friendship always.
Jacki Aguilar
Paralegal
Winter 2008
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After graduating from college, I was still a little lost and confused about which career path was right for me. I had
heard about the UH Paralegal Program, but initially thought it wasn't right for me. After working at a dead end job for a
while, I looked into the Paralegal Program again and now I wish I would have done this for myself earlier.
I was instantly in love with the course and could not wait to begin my career as a Paralegal. After graduating, from the
program, I found a job with great ease, and knew that I could perform my duties capably because of what I had learned in class.
I would not trade my job with anyone because I love what I do. This program changed my life in a span of a couple of months,
and I would definitely recommend this program to my friends and family.
Afsheen Gulamali
Fall 2006
***********************************
Hi Jac,
I can barely contain myself right now because a couple of hours ago I was told I got a job! I was actually real happy
that we did the mock group interviews in class because I had never done one before, but I remembered to answer my question
and look at both people while I spoke. I am very excited about working with the vioxx cases and I think it helped that I did
my internship with plaintiff's lawyers. I just want to say thank you for making this happen for me because without the program,
without the right internship, a good reference and telling me about Ad Hoc, I would have never made it. I don't know how else
to express to you how happy I am right now and how grateful I am to you. Thank you!
Marisa Gillam
Fall 2006
*********************************
I had been working in the regional corporate law department at ABB Lummus Global Inc.(part of a very large, worldwide
firm) for the past three years. I was restless and wanted a change and more of a challenge. I happened to hear of the UH Paralegal
class and decided that it would be an opportunity for me to find a better job. I enrolled. Upon going to work on Monday morning
after the second weekend session of class, I happened to ride the elevator up with a senior officer of the company who asked
how I had been doing and I mentioned that I was taking the paralegal course at UH and praising its benefits. A couple of hours
later I got a phone call and by the end of the day I had a new job as a paralegal, a big raise in pay and they paid for the
course because they didn't want to lose me!!!! What a win-win for me, thanks to the UH course and its instructors, I didn't
even have to look for a job to use my new skills.
I love my new position and have new and interesting challenges every day. The course provided me with new knowledge and
materials and I had the privilege of learning from experienced professionals in the field.
Kathy DeLong
Spring 2006
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Jac,
If you told me 6 months ago that in just a few months I would have a new career at a law firm I probably would not have
believed you. If you told me I was going to make more money and work Monday thru Friday, 8-5, I would have laughed and said,
"I wish!" Oh, but how my life changed so quickly! After enrolling your Paralegal class, I realized that I set
the course of my legal career! Your course not only teahces what you need to know, but what you should know! You are truly
a remarkable person and you give so much of yourself to those who surround you, including your students! I would recommend
your course (and it is just that, "your" course- it definitely would not be the same without you) to anyone who
wants to enter the legal field.
Thank you for your knowledge and expertise!
Sincerely,
Marie El Attar
Spring 2007
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As my husband's army career was coming to an end I knew I had to get a job. I had graduated from college 3 years earlier
but I was a stay-at-home mom. All the careers I envisioned as a teenager and in my first years of college were suddenly not
nearly as exciting as being around to see my babies grow up. I set out to find a career that would allow me to provide for
my family but not keep me away from them too much. After many hours of research I decided to become a paralegal. I found
the UH class and signed up. I was so excited at the prospect of a real career and people pumped me up with comments about
how employers would be chasing after me since I had a degree to go with my certificate. I quickly discovered that that was
not the case. I had no job experience whatsoever and that turned people off (imagine that?). I resigned to the belief that
I would have to start at the bottom and work my way up to paralegal status. I applied for filing clerk, legal secretary,
law library clerk, etc. but not one of those people called me in for an interview. As luck would have it, the one place that
did call me was Texas Childrens Hospital. It took 2 long months (and a lot of kudos from Jac) but I got the job. Now, here
I sit, with a job that I love at place that is all about helping kids! I am truly grateful to Jac for all that she did and
does for her students. She genuinely cares for each and every one of us and it shows. Thanks Jac and good luck to all the
future paralegals!
Jennifer Tharp
Paralegal
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I began working for two corporate attorneys a year ago with the condition that I take a paralegal certification class.
No problem, right? I had the same reasoning as Kinky Friedman, a former (not elected) candidate for state governor (Paralegal,
"how hard could it be?"). After researching the internet for courses offered here in Houston, I decided to attend
an information session for the University of Houston Paralegal Certificate Program. At that time I was introduced to the
attorney who would be teaching the class, Jac Brennan. Jac was very personable and her bohemian appearance that day made
me think the class would be very laid back and undemanding. I thought that as long as I memorized the names of the Justices
of the Supreme Court things would be rather simple. I signed up right then and there. I had no idea how much my life would
change for the next two months. Jac's classes were a tad more difficult than I thought they would be. In fact, after the
first few weekends I felt like I was running in a swamp. I never had to learn so much in so short a period of time! It was
tough, but very rewarding. This class taught me the skills needed to be a paralegal. Along with that, I also have the confidence
in myself to complete whatever task I am given at work. After graduating from the class last July, I made the decision to
sign up for the National Association of Legal Assistants CLA/CP exam to be given in November. Because of the things learned
in Jac's class, and with just a bit more study, I passed the examination on the first try! I am very proud of this accomplishment
as there were paralegals with many years of experience that took this test and were unable to pass the first time. I credit
taking the University of Houston Paralegal Certificate Program and the things I learned from Jac Brennan for helping me to
accomplish my goals. Thank you, Jac!
Gayle Carpenter, CP
Member, State Bar of Texas Paralegal Division
******************************** I
just wanted to thank you so much for forwarding these job openings. As for the internship, watching Cathy Herrington work
in the court room and getting a closer look at the day to day operations she does is really amazing. Over the last week,
I've realized Prodoc is everywhere in the courthouse and it's been used for most of the documents I've read. I had no
idea that it was this widely used. In addition, at her hearing last Friday, it was great to see her cite a case previously
made in Corpus Christi, and then present that ruling to the judge to support her client. I had never before known just
how those cases would be presented and I now have a much better idea of it works. Cheyenne and I also got to the chance to
speak with Cathy's client and after hearing him tell a little of his story, it was really gratifying to know that Cathy would
be helping him and making such a huge difference in his life. Overall this has been a wonderful experience seeing all
these pieces tie together. I think I've finally found what I want to do, and am truly grateful to your class and especially
to you.
Phillip Lehmann Summer 2011
***************** Jac,
I don't think there is anything that I could ever write in an email that could sufficiently
convey how much this class has meant to me, but I'll give it a try anyway. I took this class because I needed to find
a quick way into a new job - not a career, but just a job. The last several years have really been a stream of setbacks
for me. Constant medical problems have forced me to put my education on hold, and after enrolling
in and subsequently having to withdraw completely from my last three semesters, I had come to terms with the fact that it
wasn’t so much “on hold” as it was just not meant to be. I came into this class
with the mindset that I can do anything for two months, and while maybe this wasn’t a part of my original plan, at least
I would walk away from it with a marketable skill set and a stable job. My mindset has changed. Finishing
this class is one of the hardest things I have ever done, and I don’t look back on it and think “I can do anything
for two months,” but more “if I can survive Jac Brennan’s class, I can do whatever the hell I set my mind
to.” This class was hard. It demanded so much of my time and energy
and it completely and totally dominated the last nine weeks of my life. I really have to thank you
for making such a difficult, demanding curriculum so completely fascinating. No other person could
have made that class what you made it. Even on the nights that I never made it to bed because I was
studying, feeling like a truck hit me because I was sick, and just wanting to cry because it was all too much and too hard,
I couldn’t imagine missing class the next morning for fear that I would miss out on what you had to say. As
much as I may have wanted to stay in bed and go back to sleep (and I did), I always wanted to come to class more. No
other teacher could have done that for us. Thank you for making it fun. Thank
you for loving The Daily Show as much as I do, so I didn’t have to feel guilty for not studying that one hour a night. Thank
you for making sure I knew my shortcomings, without ever making me feel stupid. Thank
you for putting our names on that board – it drove me crazy, but also drove me to do my best. And
of course, thank you for sharing my strange love of all things peanut butter. Because of you, I am walking
away from this with not only the skill set that I had hoped for when I enrolled in the class and more legal knowledge than
I thought could safely be crammed into my brain in such a short time span, but also the motivation to keep learning (even
when I want to quit), the determination to do the best job that I can at whatever task is in front of me, and more confidence
in myself than I think I have ever had. You Rock. Jennifer Bonds Summer
2009
Jac,
I wanted to thank you for teaching us just a sample of your vast knowledge about our legal system. I have learned
so many different things in your class. I have grown both physically (I think I gained 10 lbs.), mentally, and intellectually.
I understand more about how the legal system works and how it is the best system in the world. I learned how to spell definitely,
learned world leaders (got to say I didn't learn them all), and of course the meaning of hearsay. Most of all I learned how
to be more efficient, detailed, and aware in all the things that I do, whether it is personal or professional.
I was skeptical coming into this class thinking, I can't believe I just spent $4,000 for a 9 week course and what can they
teach me in that amount of time. Well I'm not skeptical now. You got it all in and then some. Our heads were spinning from
beginning to end but in the end we did what we set out to do. I hope that we can make you proud to have taught us. If you
didn't do anything for us, you asked for and expected the best out of us. My plan is to go into the corporate sector to apply
the training and knowledge that you gave me. I believe that I will get the job and career that I have been looking to achieve
for so long.
I will not miss the homework, the tests, or not having weekends, but I will however miss the
people of this class. I have developed a lot of friends and contacts in this class and I have you to thank for that. I believe
that most of us will be friends for many years to come no matter where we end up in our careers. We banded together to get
through this class and we will band together to help each other in our respective careers. I don't think that you will have
to worry about us, we will be just fine. I just hope that I live up to the expectations that you for me and the expectations
that I have for myself.
Warmest Regards,
Brian Harrison
Summer 2009 *******************************
I was working as a gaschromatograghy-mass-spec analyst for an environmental laboratory in Houston, Texas. I was working horrible
hours and making minimal pay. I found the University of Houston paralegal program in the Sunday edition of the Houston Chronicle.
Little did I realize how this program would change the course of my life and my future. After completing the program I have
more
confidence in myself and my abilities. I now work for a large law firm in Downtown Houston that focuses on insurance
litigation and personal injury defense. I am the paralegal for the managing partner as well as the paralegal for four other
attorneys. I love my job. I have great hours, great pay, and benefits. It can be very difficult
at times, but it is always challenging and rewarding. My advice to those of you who are in the program now or are looking
to join, always have faith in you abilities and remember, the job opportunities are endless once you complete the program.
Dana Reaves
Jac,
You
have had such a huge impact in my life. To be honest, yes, there have been times I have been frustrated with certain things
you have said and grades you have given, but I realize that they were due to my mistakes and you were simply being a good
teacher to help change your students for the better. Now that this class is coming to an end, I just want to say how much
I appreciate you in my life. Thank you for being an important part of my life. It's what I needed to grow. I will never forget
your influence. Kristin DiMatteo Winter 2009 Class
Jac,
I would like
to thank you for teaching our class. When I first started the paralegal course in January I had no idea how much work would
be involved. However, through the course of this class I definitely can say I have learned a lot and feel prepared to begin
my new career as a paralegal. I know that teaching these classes can be demanding but the work that you do is very appreciated.
To be able to learn from an attorney and hear from all of the wonderful guest speakers was invaluable. Through the guest speakers
I was able to learn things that would be expected of me that were not in our textbooks. Also, Jane and James were great teachers,
bringing us different perspectives from the individual fields of law they each practiced. This class offered me so much and
I am extremely grateful for it.
Karen Hicks
Paralegal
Jac,
Just wanted
to says a huge "THANKS" for everything! I have taken a
position with an attorney in LasVegas (another story) that does
BME
work. She has her RN, business degree and JD. She was ok with my
lack of experience because the way the Board
system works is slightly
different than going before a judge. Guess she won't have to re-train
me!
Thanks, for
always pushing harder, for showing me I was not as dumb as
I thought I was that first day, and for making me realize I
really
could be a good paralegal - age is not a factor! I will keep you in
the loop as this position progresses!
You
are my hero!
Rita BrownawellSummer 2008
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A month
or so before completing the paralegal course, I applied for a temporary legal assistant position to get feel for this radical
career change I was making. About two days before my assignment was to end, an attorney who was looking for a paralegal came
into the office. I met with him and his associates and started the day after graduation. I worked at that firm and was slowly
given multiple responsibilities that allowed me to apply legal procedures taught in the paralegal course. I am now working
for Harris County in the Community Supervision and Corrections Department (former adult probation) and enjoy learning new
areas of law and how they intertwine with each other. From the first day I started working in the legal field, I have felt
prepared, and although sometimes I think my pleadings and memos look perfect, I always see Jac’s red pen correcting
and polishing it up, keeping me on point. It’s been more than a year since I took this course and I highly recommend
it for anyone wanting to go into the legal field on any level, be it as a legal assistant or an attorney. Christina Lara ************************
******************* Dear Jac, Once again I would like to thank you for all your inspiration. More than ever in
my career I realize my place as a paralegal and how vital my role is in serving what ever attorney I work with. I use
to think I wanted to go to law school and become an attorney, but now I realize that I really enjoy my work as a paralegal
and if I were an attorney I would not be performing such duties. I might be making more money, but I really like what
I do. Someone once told me behind every good lawyer is a great paralegal. I understand that now. I understand
what I'm supposed to do and what I'm not suppose to do as a non-lawyer. There is so much more to being a paralegal than
just going through the motions. Now I can go through the motions and understand how each motion comes into play and
why. I understand O'Connors :). Things are going really well. I'm working part time and I'm getting alot
of full time opportunities presented to me. I can't wait to start applying all that I have learned with the mechanics
of what I knew. I am thankful that I knew how to get things done prior to entering the class or I might have been in
trouble. I wonder if I took the class now that I'm not pregnant, my memory would serve better for testing. LOL! Last but not least, thank you for everything. Josie
Cervantes Fall 2010
************************** I started working for a one attorney law firm and his office consist of a receptionist
and myself. He is a Judge in the city of South Houston, Texas and is on the bench three days a week. He practices mostly
criminal law which includes more juvenile offenders. He practices litigation and is currently in the middle of a very large
case. Some family law but not his speciality. He dictates and types all of his own motions and filings. I attend
client and attorney meetings and mediations with him when asked. He gave me a chance to come into his office and begin a learing
process and attend court room cases while he is on the bench, teaching me the correct aspects of certain motions and the process
of each detail from the beginning to the end and to take each task that I have learned from you and your class and
apply it one day at a time. There are days that I ask myself what am I doing here and the stress is to much. On
those days I must admit that I think of you and your class and remember so many things that you taught me. Yes,
there were ups and downs but I will always admire you for being you, there could never be another, not in this life.
You taught me to be strong and you gave me confidence when there was none. My position is not really a job, of course I
get paid, but it is a learning process each and every day and I am thankful. I have taken computer classes at San
Jac. I have currently registered for a mediation class on Sat and Sun. I constantly go back to all my notes taken in your
class each day. I would love to visit some of your classes again when they start, please contact me. If given the chance it
would be a great honor to speak to one of your classes. I miss the class and you, not the homework!. Ha!. My family and friends
were all here during the holidays to support me knowing that this was my first christmas without my Mother and it helped a
great deal but emotions were high and the feeling of past years just wasn't there. We all discussed you and the class and
everyone seemed very interested concerning all of the class, the graduation, homework, and guest speakers.
When I was asked to describe you, the only word that came to mind was captivating. That one word covers it all and I
will always admire and respect you for taking time out for an older woman that needed to learn a new path and the confidence
to step out there and achieve it. Debbie Bryant Fall
2011 Weekday Class
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Jac, How do I put in words
how one person had the power to completely change another person’s life in a way that no one ever imagined possible?
Well, I’m going to try really hard in attempting in explaining this. So here goes nothing. I’m
sure you are fully aware in how awesome you are. If you didn’t know, then you wouldn’t have told our class many
times how you were always right and until we realized this, we were going to have serious problems in class. Ha! I specifically
remember one incident when a group of us were at midweek in the morning and you told me that I was wrong about something that
I had done wrong on my homework assignment. Silly me thought that I could convince you otherwise by arguing my “wrong”
point. Then while trying to explain to you why I thought that I was right, I realized how terribly wrong I was. I corrected
myself and said, “You know what, I think you’re right.” You looked straight at me and said, “I know
Maribel. See, if I agreed with you then we would both be wrong.” I never once argued with you again. Jac, you have completely
turned my world around. Thanks to you, I can’t ever look at this world the same again. I am so aware of my surroundings
now, I could just kiss it on the face if I could! I appreciate culture, history, politics, news, current events, and yes even
sports now! You showed me the importance of political figures that will not only determine my future but my girls’ future
as well. You brought out the absolute best in me. This class has completely opened my eyes like I just woke up from a deep
sleep. This class has done more for me than I could possibly fit in this letter. I just want to shout to the world, “I’m
a changed human being! Look at me world, you better watch out, Maribel’s coming!” I remember many times during midweek, it would feel like you were taking me over your knee and spanking me over
and over again with your words. I was always terrified to go to midweek because I knew the humiliation I would soon come across
but every time I walked away, a small piece of me was slowly changing. I didn’t quite understand it or could explain
it if I had to, but I could definitely feel it happening. I was no longer thinking like the “old Maribel” anymore,
I was thinking more like some kind of paralegal that Jac was slowly molding and creating behind our backs. The more I listened
to your words and the lessons you taught us in class, the more knowledgeable I became. It would almost feel at times like
I was starving mentally during the week but as soon as the weekend came, you would take a spoon and feed me all of this knowledge
that you possessed, and just then I could function all over again. I knew every time you yelled at us, criticized us, made
us cry (Well some of us), and hammered us with your words, it was because you were trying to shape the “perfect”
paralegal in us. A lot of us didn’t understand why you were the way you were and some of us just wanted to throw something
at you during class. (Preferably a kolache or cinnamon roll.) After we all realized what it was that you were doing, we couldn’t
help but respect you that much more. Classes on weekends, I wanted to literally devour every word you would say. I didn’t
want to forget anything that you said for one second, it was too valuable! Your lessons have changed me into this thinking
machine and I can’t make it stop! I don’t want it to stop and I give you all the credit for it. Thank you. You
have inspired me to want to improve myself in all areas of my life because anything less is just simply not acceptable. You
have taught me to not only to think like an amazing paralegal but to be a remarkable US citizen as well. You taught all of
us in class that it’s a privilege to live here, that this country doesn’t owe us a damn thing. Just because we
were born here doesn’t give us a God given right to walk around like fools not knowing who runs this country. As a US
citizen, we need to educate ourselves and understand why it’s such an honor to live in this great country. People from
other countries would kill to live here and those that have lived here all of their lives have taken advantage of this privilege.
They throw away the opportunity to get to know this country better and share her to the rest of the world. This nation is
so valuable and it has very rich meaning behind it. You showed us that we, who call ourselves Americans, should feel ashamed
for not knowing our great nation like the back of our hand. You taught us to learn the significance of all of this and I will
FOREVER be indebted to you. You truly are an amazing human being. Jac Brennan, you are my personal hero. This class has truly given me so much hope. It has taught me that if I work hard enough, I can accomplish all
things. And believe me when I say that I worked my panties off! Thank you so much for absolutely everything that you have
done for us. Thank you for caring the way you do. I know you tried to put up this “bad ass” front but we all knew
that you genuinely cared for us. We knew that you wanted the best for us and above all, you wanted us to pass this class.
Thank you for putting us through hell and never hand feeding anything to us. Thank you for never accepting anything but the
best from us and for never giving us a “break.” We are better individuals today because of your no mercy attitude.
You taught us that nothing comes easy, especially if it’s worth it. This course was so worth it and you were definitely
worth putting up with for those two months. J I don’t believe you will ever truly realize
how much you have impacted many people’s lives through this course. I only hope to one day have the opportunity to show
you how honored it was to have met such an outstanding person like yourself. If I don’t, then you have this letter and
that should be enough …I’m just sayin’! Before I end this very long letter I just have to say one thing
because it just wouldn’t be a proper good bye without saying it. Are you ready? Here it goes, “YAY!!!”
Very Truly Yours,
Maribel Castro
Summer 2011 ********************************************************** Jac: It's been since 2009 when I took your paralegal class.
Although I have not pursued a career as a paralegal your class has been invaluable to me in my present position. I work
for an insurance company who writes non-subscribers workers' compensation policies. Because this is not statutory workers'
compensation the employee has a right to sue their employer if they believe (not feel) their employer was negligent or was
the cause the of accident. In my position, I work closely with our defense attorneys and taking your class was the best
education I could have received. Before taking your class I didn't know a pleading from a petition. In the three
years since getting my certificate I have been able to read and understand the motions filed, understand the discovery process,
and speak with some intelligence with our attorneys. It was your class that gave me the confidence to do my job and
do it well. Thank you for
being so tough on us because if you had not been then I don't believe I would have learned as much. I wish the best
for your future classes. I know you'll be just as tough. Best wishes for you and your family.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Torlucci
Fall Class of 2009
Jac, I want to tell you some good news. I accepted an offer from Yellow
Cab to become their new Safety Manager. Although it is not a legal position, i will be working directly with their law firm
on accident investigations. I just wanted to say none of this would be possible with your class and you. Taking the
class opened up so many doors for me and exposed me to a world i could only dream of. You truly inspire me with
your tenacious spirit and wit. I felt challenged for the first time in long time in your class. Your support and
insights have impacted me in such a special way.
With much love, Cheri Jasper Weekday Class Fall 2011 ***********************************
Jac,
My life
is so different after taking your class, yet nothing has really changed but me. Along my 18-class journey to becoming a paralegal,
I found so many dormant parts of my life that I had been missing...oh, and I got a certificate out of the deal, too.
I
have found so much more time in my day that I hadn't been using. I found I had a fear of expecting anything out of myself,
because I didn't want to fail. I found out how I learn. I found out how I procrastinate. I found my intelligence. I found
out that I am capable of living on 10 shots of espresso and two hours of sleep on the weekends.
I walked in to your class
thinking I just needed a piece of paper saying I learned how to be a paralegal to change my career. But I walked out with
a bag full of tools that I can use for the rest of my life and they almost make the very important certificate that I was
so desperate to earn seem insignificant.
Your class is one of those experiences that no on can understand until they've
have been through it with their own blood, sweat, tears, and study notecards. There were days where I was literally brought
to my knees and delirious with exhaustion, confusion and frustration. But somehow, I pulled through. I look back and wonder
how I pulled it off on the nights I worked late, was suffering from the flu, battled kid issues and combated printer problems.
I found out, I'm a pretty tough person. I would have never see that in myself on my own.
Because of this class I know how
to spell the word "definitely," I dream the definition of hearsay, I'll push myself even when I feel like I can't go on and
I'll never doubt myself again. I'm a better person, a better mother, a better employee, and a better human.
Thank you for
caring enough about me to kick me in the ass, inspiring me to be intelligent and teaching me to live my life with intention.
Melissa
WetheValedictorian Winter 2009
I took Jac’s class in the fall of 2011. I had just graduated with my Bachelor
of Art in History in May 2011 and had no luck finding a job or even getting an interview. I decided to sign up for Jac’s
class on a whim, and it was the best decision I could have made. I had never considered the legal field before but I quickly
discovered that it was something I really enjoyed. Jac educated us in a wide range of legal fields and I think that each student
was able to find one field that they preferred. It was not an easy class by
any means. In fact, it was more difficult than any of my undergraduate classes because it was so condensed. But I worked hard
because I have a competitive nature and I wanted to keep my name towards the very top of the board. Now comes the “success” part of the story. I was able to earn an internship through Jac’s
class. The internship was in the corporate/business legal field. When we did the corporate lecture in Jac’s class, I
thought that there was no way I would ever enjoy that field. But I was very wrong. It turns out, the corporate legal field
could not have been a better fit for me and I see it as a field that I want to make a career in. The internship was immensely
valuable. The hands on education I received in two short weeks prepared me for what I was going to expect as an entry- level
paralegal. The education that I received from Jac’s class stuck with me and was even able to answer a question of two
that the attorney’s didn’t know the answer to. I graduated Jac’s class
on November 19, 2011 and began my internship November 30. On December 14th, I was hired by the firm where I had
been interning. So even in a difficult job market, during a difficult time of the year, I was able to get a job less than
a month after graduating Jac’s class. And all of it was a result of the class. I have
been working this job a little over a month now and I could not be happier. I have the “paralegal” job title which
is great for someone like me who had no previous professional experience and my assignments are increasingly challenging.
The education gained in Jac’s class and potential resulting internship are a great way to lay the foundation for a new
career. Katherine Castillo Fall 2011 Weekend Class
*******************************
My quest to pursue my paralegal certificate started in the Fall of
2010 when I realized that I had to do something to push my career forward if I wanted to move any further ahead in my field.
The economy was already in a mess and I had witnessed numerous layoffs within my company. At that
time I was working for a national commercial real estate developer in its Legal Department. I was working
in the New Development division of that department until the economy tanked and the layoffs started. Fortunately
the company wanted to retain me so I didn’t suffer through a layoff, but I was transferred into another division and
over a few months I realized I had hit the ceiling with that company and was unhappy with my current position.
So, I started researching paralegal programs and after much due diligence I chose the
University of Houston’s Center for Paralegal Studies. I took the plunge, enrolled, got my student
loan and started telling myself that I had made a good decision. Although I knew it would be challenging
going to school in such a fast paced program while working full time, I was certain that in the end it would all be worth
it. Well the class was hard and by the end of the term I was mentally exhausted,
but I managed to survive the class, graduated valedictorian, and along the way boosted my self confidence and self esteem.
I quickly decided it was time to put the paper to the test and see what new opportunities may be out there for me.
I updated my resume and my LinkedIn profile the week following graduation and was preparing to start my hunt.
The day after I finalized my resume and was preparing to send it out to recruiters I received an unsolicited email
from a local recruiter stating that she had a position she would like to speak with me about. Turns out
she found me on LinkedIn. My work experience along with the recent educational updates and a strong recommendation
from Jac had caught her attention. I had a telephone
interview that Friday with the company, a large telecommunications company, and received positive feedback from my recruiter
before the end of that day. Within a week I had a formal in-person interview with two managers at the company
and about 10 days later arrived home from work to find a UPS express overnight package at my door containing a formal offer.
I never anticipated things moving that quickly and especially didn’t
expect such a perfect opportunity to open up for me so quickly after graduation. I graduated on March 13th
and on May 2nd I was starting my first day with the new company, had better benefits and higher compensation.
All that along with a position that will allow me to grow and excel in my chosen career field of commercial real estate.
I owe so much to Jac and the University of Houston’s Paralegal
Certificate Program. Jac and the program boosted my self esteem and pushed me to move forward and take
a chance on a new opportunity and not stay stuck in the rut I was in because I was too scared to venture out.
It also gave me the paper I needed on my resume to show that I had not only the work experience, but also top notch
training to do the job. Thank you UofH Center for Paralegal Studies and thank you, most sincerely,
Jac for the outstanding instruction and positive learning environment! Matthew Blanscet Valedictorian,
Winter 2011
******************* Dear Jac, I have been working for Bailey and Bailey and Tom Liddell for a little
over three weeks, and I cannot fully express how helpful the preparation I received in your class has been. I will
attempt to express some of the ways that your class has changed my life. I started the UH
Paralegal program as a frustrated graduate student who was 2/3 of the way through a Masters in Library Science. I was
frustrated with my graduate program and concerned about how the job market was drying up in my field. I started looking
around for alternate occupations that would utilize my strengths, namely my organizational skills, my customer service experience,
and my love of research. By chance, the Sunday after my epiphany, the cover article in the Houston Chronicle job section
was on the growing number of jobs available as a paralegal. The article mentioned the UH program, and after doing some
extensive research, I decided this was the field for me. I signed up for the program the next day. The
class was grueling, time-consuming, but it was also incredibly interesting, fast-paced, and provided glimpses into what life
as a paralegal is like. I am happy to say that I earned an A and an internship in the class. I started my internship
in December of 2009 with the Herrington Law Firm. During the course of my internship, I practiced much of what you
taught us in class and learned many more things that I knew would be applicable in the real world. Days one and two
included working in ProDoc, using ProDoc SOS, and calling a hospital worker to use as a possible expert witness. Days
three and four had me writing a deposition outline and organizing a deposition notebook. I loved the constant change
in duties and was all the more certain that I was in the right field and that your class had more than prepared me for
the field. Then came the job searching...I knew the job market was still pretty unstable, so my
goal was to get a job by the summer of 2010. Much to my surprise, I found myself gainfully employed by the first of
March in 2010. I followed up on one of Jac's leads, to Bailey and Bailey, and Tom Liddell, and applied.
I felt confident that my internship with a family law firm would be an asset to this small firm of family lawyers. Two
weeks after applying, I got a call-back, interviewed with confidence, thanks to your mock interviews, and was offered
the position the following week. The paralegal I was replacing also graduated from your class (see Tina Crichfield's
success story),so I was trained by someone who knew what the UH paralegal class was like, was incredibly organized, partially
because of your class, and was an incredible wealth of information about the demands of working as the one
paralegal for three attorneys. What do I love about my job? No day is ever the same.
This is a fast-paced office, mainly because I am the one paralegal, so I always have something to do. I get to
apply what Jac taught us to real-world situations. I get to interact with clients and am actually the first person the
client sees, and, yes, first impressions are everything. I am responsible for the lawyers finding the information or
cases they need, so I get to utilize my organizational skills. This field is everything I wanted and more,and I leave
every day thinking how much I love my job. (I also love saying that I have a job again!) I
told Jac immediately how much I loved my job and how appreciate I was for everything she taught us. She suggested I
write a success story, but I told her I would do so after working for the firm for a month. However, one of the things
Jac drilled into us, and something that is expected as a paralegal, is that procrastination is not a trait that helps you
succeed in this field, or in life, in general. So, using some of the time management skills that were honed in Jac's
class, I budgeted some time to write this success story today. Thank you Jac for the life skills
you taught me in your class. They and the paralegal skills are already proving themselves invaluable. Sallie Woodell Fall class of 2009
****************************** Hello Jac, I
just wanted to wish you a happy holiday season, and to thank you once more for running such a wonderful and informative paralegal
class this fall. I feel honored and blessed to have taken your course and I am appreciative of the knowledge and
confidence I acquired during those difficult eight weeks. I want you to know that I
am working as an intern at a small law firm in Richmond, Texas. I start my second week there tomorrow, so I am just
getting my feet wet in the profession, but I know your letter of recomnendation was instrumental in landing the position for
an unproven and totally green paralegal, so I have that to thank you for as well. It is now up to me to prove myself
in this new profession, but I am certain with the groundwork that has been laid for me by your course that I will succeed. So,
have a great New Year, and may you inspire and educate new classes of paralegals in 2010 and beyond. You will remain
a beacon of light and learning in my life and I an certain in the lives of many others as well. Eric Buck Paralegal - Winter 2009 ************************************
Hey
Jac,
I just wanted to write a personal thank you to you for yelling at me and pushing me to do my best. You
were the drill sergeant that I needed to kick my butt into doing the best I could and I appreciate that more than you will
ever know. I honestly came into this class not really knowing if this was the way I wanted to go with my life and now I am
thinking of law school. I owe all of this to you. You have inspired me to go above and beyond in life. Reading your family
website and just reading about all the things you do and have done is just inspiring. I hope one day to be half the person
you are. I know I ended with a preposition but I hope you forgive me just this once. I can't believe the class is over. This
has been the hardest, most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life. You are by far, hands down, my favorite teacher I
have ever had and I will never forget you or the class. I hope I didn't annoy you too much with all my little questions or
remarks during class. I appreciate everything you have taught me and I pray I don't ever disappoint you. I hope that we keep
in touch and thank you so much! Sarah Kaufman Summer 2009 ********************************
Jac, You made the class what it is. You made it hard.
You made it worth taking. Its sort of
like what John F. Kennedy said in a speech about going to the moon. We took this class, "not because it
was easy, but because it was hard." Chris Lee Summer 2009 ****************************
It is with great pleasure that I write about my experience with the paralegal certification program at the University of Houston.
My class began January 13, 2008. I started a paralegal position on March 14, 2008, with a downtown law firm. I graduated
on March 15, 2008, Co-Salutatorian, with an average of 101. With that said, I will tell you that you are about to have an
experience that you are not prepared for. You will be amazed at what you are capable of doing, and you will be a better person
for having taken this class. On this first day of class, I could not believe how much I did not know, or had forgotten about
our government and how it works. Also on that first day I learned that you have to possess all the facts before you jump
to conclusions and form opinions about a subject you really know nothing about. As you will read from other testimonies on
the website, we all asked ourselves what in the world have we gotten ourselves into. This class will test you and you will
be so surprised by the things you will be able to accomplish if you set your mind to it. For me, it took quitting the job
I had, and studying and doing homework about 70 hours a week. Others I have found did not have to study that long, and they
were still able to graduate in the top 10 of our class. You must be prepared for lots of homework, tests every weekend, and
on top of all of that, it is important that you know what is going on in the world around you, whether it be at home or in
another country. You are offered the opportunity to earn extra credits; however, it will require you to take time away from
your studies. Sometimes you will ask yourself, how I can take 4 hours out of my day to sit in court to observe how it works
when I could be doing my homework. This is just one of many opportunities you will have to increase your grade average.
You will soon learn that by observing, some of the things you are doing in class become clearer. My advice to you is to
start your homework early, go to mid-weeks, do the extra credits and study, study and study for the test!!
The most important thing Jac taught me was how to think outside of the box. The statement that things are not always
as they seem is so true. Be willing to open your mind. You will be pleased with the results.
Good luck!!!
Bonnie Battinelli
Paralegal
Winter 2008
***************************
"We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly.
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit."
-- Aristotle
How true these words ring, now that I've completed Jac's class. Although I've worked in the legal field for several years,
I still had a lot to learn. I had many struggles in the beginning weeks of class, some of them excruciating. The research
projects were real killers. I had no idea where to begin, and felt like I was stumbling around blindfolded and bumping into
walls. Paralegal Lesson No. 1: I now realize that it's not unusual for an attorney to give a paralegal a research project
with the only instruction being "I don't have time to hold your hand - - just figure it out." My research skills
continue to improve today as I gain additional opportunities to "figure it out." Another tough lesson for me was
being required to be exact in providing my test answers. The answer had to be exactly what Jac taught in class, not some
similar word I dreamed up later in my head. "Good grief," I'd mumble to myself after seeing a big red "X"
on my test question. What does it hurt if I say " . . . the requests for admission are considered admitted," when
the correct answer should have been "deemed admitted?" "What's the big deal?" I'd ask myself. Paralegal
Lesson No. 2: This taught me the importance of proper legal terminology. What attorney is going to take me seriously, much
less respect me as a paralegal, if I don't use proper legal terminology?
Thank you, Jac, for demanding that we repeatedly demonstrate excellence in the classroom. I've carried that over into
my career, and it has become my habit.
My successful completion of your paralegal class has earned me new respect from the attorneys I work with. The icing
on my career cake is that your class additionally prepared me to take NALA's grueling 2-day certification exam, which I passed
on the first attempt - - a real victory for me!
Paula Hooper, CP
Summer 2007 Graduate
*******************************************
I signed up for the Paralegal program in a fit of desperation. I'd like to dress it up in a more flattering way for the
sake of my ego and the reputation of the program, but candor compels me to tell it to you straight. I was miserable.
I graduated from college in 2006 with hazy career plans and accordingly I received hazy results. There were job interviews
that went nowhere and jobs that went in a direction that felt worse than nowhere. When I registered for the paralegal program,
I was coming off a year of substitute teaching and I was yearning for a position that might offer a pittance of respect. (I
can hear Jac laughing right now).
What I thought I knew of the paralegal profession seemed good. I had considered going to law school and even took a sick
enjoyment from the logic puzzles in the practice LSATs. I needed a job that both paid something and allowed me my delusions
of grandeur. Law & Order and old episodes of The West Wing suggested an environment rife with opportunities.
I showed up that first day with no idea of what to expect. Would the class be a wake-up call after two years out of school
or would it be more like a 10-week Driver's Ed class for my career? I'm pleased to tell you it was the former but without
the anticipated humiliation.
The work was challenging, but manageable. My classmates were a wonderful source of support and laughter. Jac was sphinx-like
at first, but hilarious and extremely knowledgeable. She does a great job of inspiring hard work with a healthy amount of
play. By the end, I was truly sad to leave the people who came to feel like friends and comrades. The class taught me a lot.
Sometimes those things felt small, but have proved to be invaluable. I was extremely fortunate to turn my internship into
a job and now I'm working as a paralegal for an attorney that specializes in Tax and Corporate law.
I am extremely grateful to Jac and the program for providing me with that opportunity. I have regained self-confidence
lost to years of unclear direction. I love my co-workers and I revel in the chance to grow into a profession. My advice for
aspiring paralegals is to take a chance. This is a dynamic profession and largely is what you make out of it. There is a great
variety of choices and opportunities. Be prepared to run into lots of different lawyer personalities. It helps if you are
patient and eager to learn. Being a paralegal is often in the details.
Thanks again to Jac and all of my classmates for a great experience. Good luck and Wrist Strong!
Katie Manton
Paralegal
******************************************
I think I am testimony to your success as a great teacher. I am perfectly comfortable in this law office.
I have done a telephone interview for a potential client and it went very well. It is a family law situation and I asked
all the right questions for the lawyer to talk with the client. I can look at all documents and know what they are.
I have updated client file indexes, added appointments to the calendar and more. You really prepared us to be paralegals
and I am so grateful for all the hard work you put us through. You are so right to emphasize good computer skills as
a requirement for paralegals. Although I have not yet had a chance to show off my skills, it was a big gold star for
me that I came to the office knowing ProDoc. I go to work every day feeling that you fully prepared the class to step
right into a law office and be an asset. I can hardly believe that just one week after finishing the program I am working
in a law office, getting paid, and getting experience. Sometimes life is just good.
Thanks again,
Linda Martin
************************************************
A year and a half ago, I moved to Houston after losing nearly everything I owned in Hurricane Katrina. At
that time, I made a decision to make my life new again by seeking a new and more fulfilling career. I had heard about becoming
a paralegal from a family friend, and decided to enroll in the University of Houston’s Paralegal program. It was just
what I needed as a single parent working a full-time job, a fast track program that would teach me the skills I needed to
enter the legal field. Not even a month after I completed the program, I had a great position with a well-known law firm.
Jac was really instrumental in assisting me with job placement. I am confident in my ability to do an outstanding job because
of the skills I obtained in the program. I am very happy I choose to pursue the Paralegal profession and would recommend the
UH Paralegal program to anyone looking to do the same.
Nashira Rachal
*****************************************
Hello Jac, I am currently working as a paralegal for a Family Law Attorney in the galleria area. I am making a little
more an hour now, but the experience I am getting will definitely benefit me more when the time comes to make more money.
Without the class I would not have had the confidence to find a better job and have a successful interview. I actually went
on two interviews after the class ended and I was accepted for one (this) position and called back for a second interview
for the second position. I had already accepted this position when I got the call about the other position, but it sure did
feel good to know that I was wanted back. I really appreciate everything that you taught me, Jac.
Ashlee Pitta Lima.
*************************
I am so thankful to the UH paralegal program for helping me get a job at one of the largest, most prestigious law firms
in the country. I had no legal experience coming into the program. Consequently, I lacked confidence in my initial job search.
When I expressed my fears to Jac, who is a wonderful instructor and gifted lawyer, she gave me thoughtful insight, which helped
me land the first job for which I had an interview. I am now a project assistant for a prominent tax attorney/partner at Andrews
Kurth LLP. This is the law firm of my dreams, and I am still in awe that I am working here. Also, I think it’s worth
mentioning that I got the job two days before graduating from the UH paralegal program. Because of Jac, I am a tiny thread
away from reaching my ultimate goal. That goal is to become a public law or business transactions paralegal at Andrews Kurth
LLP. I love my job and I plan to stay at this firm forever! Everyone in the firm is so nice, and the added bonus is the complimentary
food and drinks the firm has catered for its employee’s everyday. Thank you a thousand times over Jac for giving me
the knowledge, skills and confidence to work in an otherwise intimidating atmosphere. I strongly recommend this program to
anyone who wants to achieve quick and efficient results in the legal field. This program gave me individualized help/attention
from Jac, I got to establish networks with legal placement agencies, lawyers and other paralegals, and the program’s
curriculum allowed me to complete and understand actual paralegal tasks. The program is challenging, but trust me, it’s
definitely worth your money and eight weekends of your time.
Shundrelle Armstrong
Project Assistant Andrews Kurth LLP
Spring 2007
**********************************
I had been working in the Banking Real Estate industry for ten years when I realized it was time for a change.
However, I didn't want to spend a lot of time going to school or get out of the Real Estate industry. Being a full time
parent and working full time I had to find something that could fit into my schedule. I decided to become a Paralegal
and began looking at available courses. After I enrolled at another school (which I won't name), I found the website
for the UH Paralegal Program. The program sounded very hands on and interesting, of course, I had my doubts. I
emailed my concerns to Jac and she was quick to respond to me and helped minimize my fears. It's always scary starting
something new. After speaking with Jac, I knew the UH Program was exactly what I needed. The Unknown is so intimidating,
but you know what is worse? Regretting that you didn't do something and always wondering "What If?".
After the first two days of class my thought was, "What in the HECK did I get myself into?"
There was SO much work and everything sounded like Greek to me. I didn't know if I could finish the course. I
adapted, went without sleep, and sacrificed a lot of things. I kept telling myself, it is temporary and will payoff
in the long run. Mainly, I told myself - This is an investment in myself, to better myself.
Who else can teach what an attorney is looking for in a paralegal - than an attorney? So, I hung in there and took it
one class, one assignment and one test at a time.
Now, three weeks after graduation what do I say?
First and foremost, Thank You Jac for everything you taught me! You were a wonderful teacher and I loved every
day of class. Thank you for being brutally honest with me and counting 10 points off my homework when it wasn't
typed in 12pt font (yes, attorneys really are that picky!!). I learned so much during the course that
I don't know where to begin. I loved the hands on training I received doing research, requesting/answering
discovery, legal document preparation on ProDoc and preparing for trials. Thank you for always being available
for any questions I had, even if they were dumb.
But more than anything, you gave me the confidence (that I so needed) to go into a law firm and tell them
that I was exactly what they needed.
I have begun a great job at the Downtown firm Hughes, Watters & Askanase, LLP as a Real Estate Paralegal. I
support two Partners and absolutely love the Firm! I am so glad I took the course and didn't wonder "What
If." I can look back years from now and know that I made the right choice taking the course.
Jac, Thank You for everything you did for our class and for always being there for us.
Jan Whaley
Paralegal
Hughes, Watters & Askanase LLP
Spring 2007
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Hello,
I'm a fifty three year old lady who was looking for a career change. I decided to attend the U of H Continuing Education Paralegal
Certificate Program. If I can do it, so can you! The last time I was in a classroom was 35 years ago. In the beginning I did
not know how in the world was I going to make it. I had thoughts of quitting but I'm not a quitter. As the class progressed
so did I, with support from my family, classmates, and the instructor. I found gold at the end of the rainbow. It takes dedication
and commitment to pass this class, If I did it, so can you! This class opened my eyes, ears, and heart in looking
forward to my life changing career. Diane Jaime Soto Summer 2009
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"Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of
victory." - George Patton
A
previous paralegal graduate suggested defining success, so I looked up the definition myself. While I do agree with
Webster's "favorable or desired outcome," I don't much agree with "attainment of wealth, favor or eminence." I believe
that if you are happy with what you have accomplished and pleased with where you are and what you are doing in your life,
then you are a success.
After 16 years of sales and marketing, five and a half years of
personal experience with
the good and the bad of the legal system and six years of unemployment, I decided it was time to go back to work.
At 40
something years old, and enough life experience to make me
appreciate what success really means, there was no way I could
go back to a sales and marketing job I hated, just to get a paycheck. I was doing volunteer work for DePelchin Children's
Center, my children were still "in the system" of protective services and I had learned quite a few ins and outs of the legal
system and found that it was a process that really meant something to me. Being involved with the legal system would
be a way for me to not only give back a lot of the good my children and I had received, but to also help others find the good
in the legal system. I just couldn't imagine the time and expense of four more years of college to get a law degree. I
needed to get back to work now! It seemed like being a paralegal would be a good place for me but who would hire me
with no legal office experience? I started researching Paralegal programs and discovered that while I was already in
college, it would still take me the majority of two years to even get a Paralegal degree. Then I ran across the Paralegal
Certificate Program on the U of H website. My husband and I talked about the money, the weekends, the kids and my determination
and decided this was the best thing for me to do.
The first weekend of the paralegal program, I felt just like Jan
Whaley,
"What in the H.E. double toothpicks have I gotten myself
into?" I thought I would never survive the class, the homework,
the
tests. It was definitely a challenge, but oh how sweet that challenge
made the victory!
I wasn't going
to look for a job until I was finished with the
program. I really didn't think I could handle the homework load,
interviewing
and possibly working all at the same time. But life
doesn't always work the way you "plan" it and sometimes, it's
the
spontaneous moments in life that work out for your best. I responded to one of the many job opportunity emails
that Jac sends out to her students, three weeks before graduation. The job was everything I had decided I would look
for, when I started looking for a job. The position was with a small law firm that handles primarily family law, wasn't
downtown and was only 30 minutes from my house. I created my resume (the same day she sent the email), sent my resume
and cover letter the same afternoon and had an interview the next day. I started my job as a paralegal two weeks before
my graduation from the U of H Paralegal Certificate Program.
Thanks to Jac and the program, I had the knowledge necessary
to not ony do my job, but to do it in ways my employer didn't even expect me to know yet. Not only that, my employer
told me that it was my personal life experience that played as important a role in their decision as any law office experience
could ever have. Those five and a half years of actually living my way through the legal experience, taught me things
that you just can't learn any other way.
Thanks to Jac and the UH Paralegal Program, I learned the tools I
needed to learn and achieved the confidence level
I needed, to be able to interview and obtain the career I could only dream about a year ago. Success truly is going
to work every day to do something that makes a difference in other peoples lives. The paycheck at the end of the week,
is just icing! I have never been happier in my life than where I am right now and that makes me successful.
Thank
you Jac and Guy for helping me to be a Success Story!
Tina Crichfield
Paralegal to The Law Office of
W. Thomas
Liddell, Bailey & Bailey
"If at first you do succeed try not to look too surprised." Anonymous
*************************************
Taking the Paralegal class at UH was the beginning to a career in the legal industry. I thought I was being proactive
by signing up with various legal staffing agencies after the class was over. The class ended in November which is a slow time
of year for hiring. I applied for every entry-level position, as well the positions I did not qualify for just so I could
get my foot in the door. Every potential employer I spoke to recognized my certificate, but I had no experience. As a result,
it was slow for about four months. At that point, I was on the verge of giving up on a career as a Paralegal and was contemplating
waiting for a later date to continue my search. Then I received a call from Kim Burrows of Providus Group for a document review
assignment at Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP. The assignment was to last for about eight weeks. I was so excited and accepted
the offer. I started in May and, four months later, I am still here. I am working on several white collar crimes cases on
the litigation floor of the firm. I am learning the basics of paralegal work and litigation hours (sun up to sun down).
They are willing to instruct me on what I am not familiar with and answer any questions that I might have. My certificate
has been a plus and definitely recognized. My attitude has changed about working in a law firm because I was so
concerned about doing a good job and not making any costly mistakes. I have learned how to manage my billing. This is a great
firm -- including the attorneys
as well as the support staff. I am working for Sara Tubbs, Esq. and Stacy Williams Esq. and will be working with more
partners in the future. This certificate has paid for itself and I believe it was a great investment for me.
Renita Boudreaux
November 2006
****************
I was working for a family law attorney in Rice Village area, as the receptionist, when I decided to take this class.
Immediately after graduation, I was promoted to junior paralegal at my firm. I worked as the junior paralegal for only about
a month when I was offered a paralegal position at a firm downtown. Now I work in the same building as the Houston Club, where
the benefits are unbelievable. To get to valet park my car everyday and use the Houston Club gym is a luxury. I'm the only
paralegal at the firm and it is a lot less stress here compared to my old job. Thanks so much, Jac, for all that you have
done for me and for your referral to this great firm.
Crystal Hernandez
Legal Assistant
Sufian & Passamano,
L.L.P.
After graduating I received several emails from Jac regarding open positions in firms throughout the
area. It was this way that I learned that Locke, Liddell, and Sapp was looking for an Intellectual Property Paralegal Assistant.
I had two interviews and throughout the process I was very nervous. Jac gave me the support and advice I needed to stay confident
and do the best I could. I succeed in obtaining the position and I'm extremely happy with my job. I'm constantly learning
and my supervisors expect that I will continue to learn and take on greater responsibility and move up. I have a great position
with a great firm and it's all because of the Paralegal Program and Jac! Thank you!
Ashli Irwin
Intellectual Property
Paralegal Assistant
I work for a security consulting and private investigative firm that does a lot of work
for attorneys in Houston and in other locations. Prior to enrolling in the paralegal certificate program, I was a Case Manager
for the firm, handling the oversight of investigative cases, conducting research (legal and other), and compiling all the
information into a comprehensive report for the client. After completing the course (which I did not tell them about, because
I wanted to successfully complete it first!), they compensated me for half the cost of the class, promoted me to Senior Case
Manager and gave me a 12.5% raise. They also hired some additional investigators that currently report to me. In fact, one
of the new employees is a paralegal who decided to get out of the "attorney" side of it and focus primarily on research.
Cathy
Kelly
To share your success, email Jac.
Paralegals -- the REAL Power of Attorney!
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