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
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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
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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


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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

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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

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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, 

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 Brownawell