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New paralegal students, or those considering the program, often ask, "What is your teaching style?" and "How
will I survive the class?" Those questions are answered here.
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What Jac has to say:
Paralegal students are in class
for a very short amount of time (although I'm sure it doesn't seem that way to them). Still, in that roughly 144 hours, I
must instill in them the skills, knowledge, resources, and thought-processes they need to become smart, essential, indispensable
paralegals.
Paralegals must know how to figure out the pet peeves of their attorneys and avoid those. Paralegals
must know what's going on in the world around them. Paralegals need a basic understanding of how the government works, how
laws are made, how to cite laws, how to read cases, and how the court system works. Paralegals must know the difference between
the state and federal systems, courts, and laws. Paralegals must know how to draft documents, how to interview clients, how
to draft legal memos, how to brief cases, and how to perform electronic research -- both legal and general. Paralegals must
understand procedural law, and have broad stroke knowledge of some common areas of law, such as contracts, torts, wills, powers
of attorney, real estate, criminal, disability, employment, juvenile, criminal, appellate, tax, immigration, business organizations,
social security, products liability, family, consumer, and elder law. Above all, paralegals must know their ethical and professional
responsibilities and the ethical lines they must not cross, particularly relative to the unauthorized practice of law. Students
learn all of this -- and much more -- in this program. And they learn it all in ten weeks!
This program is skills focused.
This is not a class in which you just simply take notes and memorize things. This class requires you to do things as you learn
paralegal skills. You will interview clients, prepare for trial, participate in a mock arbitration and a mock trial, prepare
briefs, analyze cases, look up law, cite cases, draft pleadings, propound and answer discovery, prepare the paperwork for
incorporating a business, learn to use O'Connor's, learn to use document production software. I could go on about the skills
you will learn, but I guess I've gotten a little off the subject of my teaching style. I make use of the Socratic method of
teaching when feasible. This is involves my asking questions, rather than answers. I do not give a great deal of detailed
information because figuring things out for yourself, or through collaboration with others, is part of what you will do as
a paralegal - so it is part of what you will do in class.
I encourage questions -- not just during class, but in between
classes. I will not always just give you an answer, though. Sometimes, I will talk you through the analysis to find the answer
on your own. That's an important part of learning to think like a paralegal.
Paralegals must be well-organized and
very detail oriented. To that end, I am a very, let's say, particular. The students who write on this page will probably
use less flattering words, but I'm writing this part so we'll go with particular. I'm a lawyer and I know what jerks we can
be. Paralegals need to understand the pressures of lawyering and how that translates for paralegals. This class discusses
that and students experience exactly how, ummmm, particular, lawyers can be.
There is a method to my teaching madness.
There is a specific reason for every single thing I do in class. Every assignment has at least two levels in terms of what
students must learn. Most have more levels. You'll understand that more as you get into the work of the class. I've come to
realize that I don't really teach so much as I create conditions that foster learning. You have to have an affimative desire
to actively learn to really "get it" in this course.
This is a challenging course and, because the challenge
is great, the sense of accomplishment at the end is nothing short of complete.
Take the leap -- and build your paralegal
wings on the way down. You'll soon be a high-flying paralegal!
************************************************ Study Tips – University of Houston Paralegal Certificate Course 1. Finish all of your homework before worrying
about completing the reading assignments. This doesn’t mean don’t read, by all means it will
undoubtedly help you exponentially. However, if you find yourself pressed for time, save reading the entire
assignments until after the homework is completed. Only use the books as necessary until the homework is
ready for midweek. Then, and only then, finish reading the material to solidify it in your memory.
2. Flashcards
are a great memory tool. After some experimenting they became my most efficient method for memorizing class
material. For a practical timesaver in making these, I recommend the following: printout the PowerPoint
slides, 6 per page, and cut them up into individual “cards.” Take a black marker and mark out
the key terms (those that predictably look like good fill-in-the-blank candidates) on the front side and write them on the
reverse side. The same goes for dates, and anything else that looks important. This
will save long stretches of time spent writing out flashcard after flashcard ad nauseum. 3. After making those flashcards, keep
them with you everywhere. Every time you have to wait on someone or something else, do as many flashcards
as you comfortably can. If you’re not able to leave or do anything particularly
more fun, you might as well get some use out of those moments. I did them at stoplights, while I was put
on hold on the phone, while waiting to meet people, etc. There are so many of these little bits of time
scattered throughout the day, that if you spend these moments reviewing, you’ll have more time to relax later.
4. Do your homework
at a specific time each day. Having a regular time set aside for homework makes it easier to get yourself
“in the zone,” so to speak. In addition, since you know exactly what time you will be stopping,
as soon as that time arrives, you’re free for the day. For example, I happen to be more of a morning
person, and I often worked on my homework from 5-7 a.m. without breaks, and then more later that evening if and when necessary
for touch-ups. This requires self-discipline of course, but the benefit of stress reduction makes this
invaluable. 5.
If at all possible, work somewhere where not only are you completely alone, but the room is silent (i.e no music, no
television, no internet, etc.). I used to be a big believer in the idea that studying was easier and more
enjoyable if I had a soundtrack keeping my mood elevated throughout those inevitable rough patches. But honestly, after doing
away with these, my attention was infinitely more focused. I could finish more work in one hour in this manner, than I use
to spend three to fours hours doing in university. It may take some getting used to, but in the end, the
time this frees up is well worth it. 6. If you find yourself particularly stuck on one assignment, put it aside and move on to the
next. Don’t drag yourself slowly through it trying to finish. Instead, move on
to a fresh one. This not only keeps you from getting too frustrated during those parts you may not understand, but it keeps
your mind more awake to get more done. Plus, after you return to those assignments that gave you trouble
previously, for some reason, they’re always a bit easier the second time around. 7. Attend midweeks.
These are indispensable for discovering what’s expected of your work. I’m absolutely
certain I would not have received the grades I did if I had not attended midweeks. For those assignments
you don’t get to or don’t complete before midweek, pay attention to Jac’s criticism of your classmates’
work, make notes, and don’t repeat them in your own work. If you can attend midweeks with the bulk
of your work (if not all) already completed and pay careful attention to her criticisms, I don’t believe you can fail
to get high grades. 8.
Don’t try to be fancy with your language in your homework and on tests – simply repeat word for word the
definitions just as they are given to you. From personal experience, even if a word may seem like a decent
synonym, it’s still incorrect. Those precise definitions were given for a reason, don’t botch
them on purpose. 9.
Never argue about why you got something wrong unless you’re sincerely trying to understand a concept.
Just immediately accept your error and vow not to repeat it. This saves time
and you will not later be repeating your previous mistakes in your head, only the correct information. This
consequently seems to allow for easier recall – the correct answer doesn’t have to compete in your mind with other
“possible” or “close” (i.e. incorrect) answers. -- Phillip Lehmann Summer
2011
Survival Tips for Jac’s Paralegal Class
1. Go to Midweek – this is a life saver and will help you achieve a much higher grade.
2. Do not miss class – missing one day will hurt you.
3. Ask questions – even if it is a dumb question, ask it!
4. Make friends – get to know your classmates and develop relationships with as many of
them as you can. They are all going through the same thing you are.
5. Do ALL of your homework – do NOT turn in your homework folder with something missing. It
is careless and will dramatically affect your grade.
6. Study the PowerPoint presentations – take notes and highlight the printed versions. This
is where test questions come from.
7. Check spelling on EVERYTHING you turn in – if you question the spelling of something, check it!
8. Do not give up – it is going to be hard, but push through and it will all be worth it
in the end.
9. Be organized – keep track of PowerPoint presentations, tests and notes. It
makes studying so much easier!
10. Do not do any of Jac’s pet peeves – and if you decide to do any of them, be ready for JAC!
11. Turn your cell phone off or leave it in the car – Jac is not kidding when she says she will ask you to leave.
12. Stay focused, but have fun! – this class really is amazing and Jac is a wonderful teacher. She
cares about everyone in her class and wants everyone to succeed.
Ashley Winter
Summer 2011
************************ At some point, most of
you will all find yourselves sitting around a large wooden table in the dining room of Jac's cozy house for your first midweek
session. You will be staring at the top of her head while she feverishly scribbles all over your once clean copy of the week's
homework. You will sit nervously and wait for the madness to stop. When she finally looks up, your paper will most likely
be covered in red ink and there will be one single, indiscriminate word scrawled over and over again on your paper, MORE.
I can think of no better way to describe this class than with the word MORE. It describes
what Jac puts into this class, what you are expected to put into this class, and what you will get out of it if you truly
do the work.
This is not a course that you will coast through at your leisure,
it will come at you fast and it will only get harder. But if you take the time to put all of yourself into this class, you will get so much MORE than
you ever anticipated in return. Ashley Evans Fall 2011 Weekend Class ***********************************
1.
You need to give it your all.
2.
You need to pay attention to the world
around you. a.
Watch the news b. Read the paper c. Watch the Colbert and Daily Show d. Know
the people who run our country and city e. Know
the people who are in the Supreme Court 3. MIDWEEKS ARE VERY IMPORTANT a. I
strongly encourage you to go b. It’s
better to get your homework marked up on Wednesday, rather than have it marked up on Saturday when it counts.
4.
Always remember to thank the guest speakers
5.
You have to prioritize and organize your
time 6.
Come up with a study schedule
a.
Every week come up with a study plan
7.
Test are fill-in-the-blank
a.
You really need to know the material
8.
Flash cards are great 9. You can succeed through this course a. You need to be fully committed b. Devote any free time you have to this class c. If you prioritize your time and stay organized you will come out victorious
10. This class is stressful and demanding, but at the end of it
you will feel so accomplished. a. This
class truly shows you what you are able to accomplish when you truly are committed to something. 11. Only the people in this class will understand what you’re going through. a. Get know your classmates b. Exchange email addresses and phone numbers -- Shammara Polk Fall 2010
******************* My survival tips for students: 1.
Pay attention to everything Jac says! If she says it, you need to know it. Take good notes. 2.
GO TO MIDWEEKS!!! Take advantage of the opportunity to have your homework looked over before it is graded! 3. Get a schedule set up for doing homework and studying. Set aside a few hours every day. This is especially
important if you work. 4. Use the power points to make practice tests for studying. 5. Do not argue with Jac. Ever. Jac is always right. Because she is a genius. 6. Take this class very seriously.
You will get out of it what you put into it. Study hard and pay attention. Alison Shirley Fall 2011 Weekend Class *********************************
***************************************************** -Try to get your homework done by Wednesday,
so you have Thursday and Friday to prepare for your tests
-Watch the Daily Show and the Colbert Report
-Know world leaders and current events
-Get to know your classmates. They can help with your homework, any questions
that you're too afraid to ask Jac, and they are the only people who know what it's like to go through this class. Also,
your classmates could help you get a job in the future.
-Bring food to class, and be prepared to gain weight during this
class.
-Don't miss class, if possible.
-E-mail your guest speakers when you get home from class. The speeches
are fresh in your head then, and you need to do so before you forget. The speakers are giving up part of their weekends,
so tell them you appreciate that! (They could be your future bosses.)
-Don't be afraid to ask Jac questions.
She doesn't really bite...
-Start doing Extra Credit when you start the class instead of cramming them all in at the
end of class.
-Proofread ALL homework assignments before you turn them into Jac. Sallie Woodell Fall
2009 ********************
Tips for surviving the Jac Brennan School of Paralegal Hard Knocks 1. Do not miss class. A lot goes
on each session, and much information is disseminated. You are paying a good deal of money to take
this class, and in theory it is preparing you for a new and important life. So, take everything seriously
and treat the class in a professional manner. 2. Words are important. Pay
attention to them, especially if Jac says them. For example, if Jac casually says as she discusses
a topic of law, “Oh, incidentally, this is important and might be on a test,” chances are good the topic being
discussed will make an appearance on a test. Quite possibly that appearance will be on the next test. 3. Be organized and stay on top of things. Each
week will be composed of three elements: readings, home work, and the tests on Saturday and Sunday. So,
develop a game plan, a rhythm, if you prefer that term, to get through each week. For example, many
survive the incessant pressure by completing the readings and the homework by Wednesday (see number 4, below),
use Thursday to prepare for the test on Sunday, and leaving Friday open to prepare for the Saturday test. That
may not work for you, but the key is to develop a strategy that works for you and then stick to it as closely as possible. The
practice of organizing a plan and following it through to the end will yield enormous dividends to you and your career. 4. Go to the mid-weeks on Wednesday. It will force
you to have the homework prepared by that time, and it will also show you the errors you have made in the homework. That
homework will mount each week, reaching its peak during the discovery process, and believe when I state you will need Jac’s
Wednesday night wit and wisdom to keep you on top of the onslaught. So, do yourself a big favor and
take advantage of her generosity in taking time to meet with you each week. Not many teachers would
take the trouble to help their students like that. 5. Develop a rapport with your fellow
suffers in the class. You will have moments of doubt and insecurity in this class. It
is important to realize you are not alone, and that everyone in the class is experiencing similar
emotions. Also your fellow students can help you the key points in the course, and how to handle
the homework. And lastly, they are the only people who can understand what you are going through,
and they are good people who for the most part are willing to help you. Which of course places a burden
on you to be willing to help your fellow students and to lend a helping hand (and ear) when called upon to do so. 6. Do not hate Jac or the class or the law. It
is a waste of time and energy. If you have a problem, look in the nearest mirror – you will
immediately see the source of the problem and the only person who can get you through the class. Try
to remember: all of your classmates are in the same boat, madly bailing away
to keep the boat afloat. Keep in mind that others-many others-have survived, and so can you (see number
7, below). 7. Believe in yourself. If
this course is the worst thing that has ever happened to you, you are doing quite well in life. I
will trade lives with you, even up. So, believe in yourself and your gifts, do the best you can and
get through the worst of this class with as good a attitude as possible. Just get on with it. Eric Buck Fall 2009 ************************ Here
are some tips: In order of priority focus on Homework, Exams and then Extra Credit. Doing well
on homework assignments will have a greater overall numerical impact on your final score than any other area. You can
conceivably make 100 on your assignments, a 25 exam average and a 25 on your final and still make a passing 70 in the class.
If your assignment average is 90 then your exam average and final score have to come up to 40 to pass. Hence, the importance
on the weekly assignments. MIDWEEK! MIDWEEK! MIDWEEK! MIDWEEK! MIDWEEK! Where else can you have
your assignments reviewed and critiqued by the very person who will ultimately grade them. Although it is not mandatory,
going to Midweek pays enormous dividends on your assignment grades. Come prepared to pet Jac’s dogs. DO
THE EXTRA CREDIT!!!....every little bit helps and some are easy. Create and study using practice
exams from the class presentations using a fill in the blank format. DO not argue with Jac!
She’s right! Even if you KNOW she is wrong she’s right! It’s her class and it is not a democracy.
In addition to teaching you an enormous amount of content, she is also preparing you for the temperamental and mercurial personalities
of most lawyers. Rick Pruneda Fall 2011 Weekend Class ------------------
*****
How to survive
Jac’s paralegal course:
1. Learn all of Jac’s pet peeves. Doing this will save you points on assignments. 2. Flashcards are ideal to quickly learn a lot of information. 3. Always bring your books, power points, pen, highlighter, name tag,
and your homework folder to class. 4. Always attend midweek.
Even if you haven’t completed all the assignments, bring what you have completed for Jac to check. 5. Listen to what Jac corrects on your classmates assignments and don’t make the
same mistakes. 6. Do as much extra credit as you can. 7. Make friends with your classmates. If you have a question they are
a great resource. 8. Follow Jac’s directions for every
assignment. There is a reason she gives them to you! 9.
Form study groups and make a practice test. 10. Turn your
phone off or leave it in the car. 11. Organization is extremely
important in this class as well as being a paralegal. 12.
Always take time to thank the guest speakers. 13. Get to
class early. This gives you an opportunity to study with your classmates before the test. Jac will not be late and will not
wait for you to begin the test. 13. Most importantly, enjoy
the class! As crazy as it sounds the class is a lot of fun and you will learn so much in a short amount of time. This class
really does make you a better citizen, thinker, and person. My schedule for the class was as follows:
Monday and Tuesday
homework, Wednesday midweek, Thursday correct homework, Friday and Saturday study for the test, Sunday breathe! Stacie
Johnson Summer 2011 ************************************
To all
future paralegals,
Jac is an excellent teacher for this course. She demands and expects excellence from each
and every one of her students. She can be tough, but tough is what you need. She has a purpose for everything she does and
says. Jac prepares you for the career that you will have as a paralegal. Here are a few things to help you get through paralegal
boot camp.
1. Go to Midweeks - Jac will help you to get on the right track with your homework.
2.
Finish your homework no later than Wednesday afternoon so you can take it to midweek so she can tear it apart.
3.
Take Thursday and Friday to study for the test, after you have made your homework corrections.
4. Know the Supreme
Court justices.
5. Know the world leaders.
6. Keep up with current events and sports.
7.
Remember all the guest speakers. And pay attention to what they have to say because they have valuable information for you.
8. Use spell check on your computer and proofread your work.
9. Be detailed on your tests.
10.Do as
much as you can of the extra credit.
11.Have fun!!!! And don't give up!
Good luck to all of you.
Brian Harrison
Summer 2009
*****************************
Go to mid-week every week! It gives you a chance
to do really well on homework which is worth the most.
Form a study group for tests. They really help when someone else is there asking you questions and puts you in
the hot seat to find the answers.
Make friends. I
didn't do this until a few weeks in because I didn't see the point in making friends for such a short class. It turned out
to make the class more fun and bearable even with all of the work and tests.
Listen to Jac. If she says something specifically, and especially if she harbors on it or
repeats it, it is going I be on the test-just pay attention.
Last but not least, ask guest speakers lots of questions if you can. I was never good at this but some students
in the class were and the speakers really do appreciate it. Chelsea Bieber Fall 2011 Weekend Class **********************************
My
survival tips: 1. Make friends with your classmates. They are the only
people who will ever understand what you are going through in this class, and you’re going to need them. Even
if this means stepping outside your comfort zone – even if it means cramming seven total strangers into one car to go
to lunch on the first day of class – it will be worth it in the end. 2. Pay
attention to the little things Jac says in class. If she quietly, nonchalantly says “So, in
case anyone ever asks you, this is…” what she really means is “Someone is going to ask you, it’s
going to be me, and it’s going to be in the form of a test question. Know it.” 3. Re-learn
all those really basic things about American history that any fourth-grader could easily tell you, but most adults couldn’t
remember if their life depended on it. 4. Bring food to class. It will
help with that whole making friends thing, and put everyone in a better mood. 5. GO TO MIDWEEKS. If
you want to do well in this class, they are essential. 6. If you don’t already have a
gmail account, you need to get one. 7. Go ahead and invest in a few thousand
note cards, extra ink cartridges, and several reams of paper. Paralegal students kill a lot of trees. 8. Pay
attention to what’s going on in the world around you. Watch the news, read the paper, be a fan
of Houston sports teams, learn who does what in our government, and know the people in charge of other countries. 9. Respect
your teacher. There is a method to her madness, and everything she says or does will eventually serve
a purpose. Never forget that. 10. Have fun, and enjoy your class. This
is one of the hardest things you will ever do, and you will come out of it a better person. In the
meantime, take lots of pictures, make lots of inside jokes, and make some great memories with your classmates. It
will be over before you know it. Jen Bonds Summer 2009 ****************************
Survival Tips for the UH Paralegal Certificate
Program Get as much rest as possible: You think more clearly and absorb more information when you are rested. In
addition, you may avoid colds and things like that. Find
a study method that works for you: Repetition is key for getting
all those facts to stay in your head. Some people hand wrote the main ideas of the handouts and PowerPoints
on cards, some people typed the main ideas into documents that they printed out, and some people just re-read all the handouts
and PowerPoints. Make sure you review your information for each week’s test, but you also want to
retain the information for future usage. Maintain
your sense of humor and stay relaxed: Make sure you keep your
perspective on all the work involved. It just seems insurmountable, but you will succeed. Be
able to laugh at yourself and your foibles. Take
deep breaths: If you find yourself on the verge of panic, whether
completing homework or taking a test, take a deep breath. You think more clearly when you breathe deeply.
It helps you to relax. A relaxed brain is more likely to grab that arcane piece of information needed
or look at things in a new light. Do your work now,
not tomorrow: This course is over before you know it.
Many times meaning to get to something doesn’t always get things done. If you have to scramble
at the last minute, you can start panicking, then you aren’t thinking clearly, and then it takes twice as long to get
things done. Go to Mid-Weeks: This is so valuable. Jac reviews your homework and gives you ideas for improvement.
Since homework counts for 60% of your grade at a minimum, this really helps. Listen to what she
says to others, because that can help you, too. Take
advantage of your classmates: If you have a question, send it
out to any or all of your classmates. It’s amazing how many times we exchanged thoughts in person
and found out that others felt the same frustration. Make sure you do your own work, but classmates can
help. Do the extra credit work: Almost all of the extra credit work takes at least three hours and may involve a small cost (renting
/ buying DVDs, obtaining books to read, and so on). But you actually learn things about the legal system
and specific court procedures and laws and cases. All the time you invest in any extra credit assignment
is time invested in yourself and your knowledge bank.
Treat Jac as your supervising attorney: Listen to what she says. In this class, Jac is the lawyer
you are trying to please. She doesn’t want to hear what other lawyers think or say about her preferences.
She is the one to review your work. What they may think about your work means nothing to Jac.
Pay attention to Jac’s pet peeves: Here is a list obtained from the first class, but I’m sure more things can be added:
- Be on time all the time;
- Turn off
your cell phones in class;
- Use complete sentences in your homework;
- Use
12 point font, so it looks big enough to read without glasses;
- Only use the word “hopefully”
when you can substitute it for the phrase “full of hope.” You can hopefully approach
the loan officer, but you won’t hopefully get a loan;
- Don’t use “try and.”
Use “try to;”
- Definitely spell “definitely” correctly;
- Don’t end any sentence with a preposition;
- Make sure you
always have proper agreement with singular/plural subject / verbs / objects;
- “Who”
refers to people; “that” refers to objects;
- Be careful of homonyms:
their, they’re, there; your, you’re; it’s, its;
- Make sure you
correctly use the words “loose” and “lose;”
- You don’t feel that the court meant to say . . . ; you believe
or think so;
- If you use the word
“literally,” make sure it is actually so;
- Don’t use fill-ins, like raising
your hand, being recognized, and stating “I have a question;”
- Don’t
ever cite Wikipedia or any Wiki site;
- Pay attention and don’t ask questions that
have already been asked and answered;
- If you use quotations, put the punctuation marks
inside the quotation marks;
- Don’t use “etc.” Law is
all about the exact meaning of the words and “etc.” could mean anything at all;
- When
using bullets in the law, end each bullet point with a semicolon and put either “and” or “or”
at the end of the penultimate bullet point; and
- When you use a pronoun to refer to Congress
or a court, always use “it,” not “they.
Peggy Colligan Summer 2009
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