Jac's Teaching Style -- and survival tips from graduates

The Unofficial Website for the University of Houston Center for Paralegal Studies

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.

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!

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-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

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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

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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

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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

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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

I am a graduate of the Paralegal Certificate Program, Winter Class 2009. If you are considering this program or have already registered for the next class, I wanted to share some survival tips I learned. I recommend that you attend the midweek tutoring sessions starting the first week. Though Jac will not tell you exactly what needs to be done to make your assignment perfect, she’ll give you a very good idea about what needs to be corrected. I didn’t attend the midweeks at the beginning and I can tell you there was a big difference between the weeks that I did attend and the ones that I didn’t in eliminating careless errors and time consuming guesswork. I went into class on Saturdays feeling much more confident about what I had accomplished in that week’s homework assignments after having attended midweek. One of our guest speakers early on told us that our answer to anything we’re asked to do as paralegals should be yes. That is a good approach to everything that you’re asked to do in this class. Just think, yes I can. There will be times when you’re not sure what is expected or how to go about completing an assignment, but with that attitude you’ll find a way. Also, a good resource if you’re lost is to communicate well with your classmates right from the beginning. You’ll want to challenge yourself to figure things out on your own with each new assignment, but when truly stuck, or to make sure you’re on the right track, a classmate can give you some helpful hints. Remember to e-mail and call classmates just to offer motivational support. No one else will really understand what you are going through in taking this course. Family and friends should be made aware that time you usually have to spend with them will be scarce during these weeks. You can make up for it when you finish. Plan your week‘s assignments beginning on Saturday so that you can get all your homework accomplished by the Wednesday midweek. Then you’ll have Thursday and Friday to make any corrections necessary to the assignments and study for the tests. The earlier you start the better. I also learned never to take too much time with an assignment if I got stuck. I would move on to the next thing, and come back to what I was stuck on later when I’d finished everything else. This especially was helpful with Lexis and O’Connor’s assignments. That strategy reduced the amount of time I was spending on homework assignments significantly. However, I was usually just finishing my work in time each week. The course load is heavy, and there’s no way around that. In studying for tests, I found that reading over my notes that I’d taken in class was helpful and making flashcards using the Powerpoint study guides prepared me well. Try to do as many of the extra credit assignments as you can and start early. Finally, enjoy your awesome teacher and the wonderful guest speakers she brings to class.

Kathryn Murphy

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What Graduates Say:

My top four recommendations for students:

1. Develop and understand your study technique. Even if you have recently graduated from high school or college or perhaps never attended college, you can benefit from reading Appendix E in the textbook - Effective Learning: How to Study.

2. Arrive to class a few minutes early. You will find that these few minutes will help you to get organized and focused, especially if there is a test that day.

3. This is an accelerated program and you must have good listening skills. Keep your ears open for important information and take good notes. Jac will say things that might appear on a test.

4. Consider attending the Midweek Sessions. Only so much can be shared in an 8 hour rigorous class period, so midweek sessions are very beneficial. This is an informal and comfortable setting that will allow you an opportunity to get extra help and ask questions about tough assignments. To get the most out of your midweek experience, you should complete all assignments in advance and bring those with you.

Wilma Bradford
Spring 2008

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I would describe Jac's teaching style as:

Very informative but makes you think for yourself, just like you will have to do in your job. You do not just give out answers, you teach the material and then help students walk through the process of getting to the answer of any questions they might have.

Tracy Moore
Fall 2007
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My advice, do whatever it takes to get that light bulb to go "ding!" The sooner one realizes to stop resisting the sooner it will all start to make sense.

Suhan Shae
Spring 2008
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Survival tips: Always ask questions. If there is anything that you are not sure about, ask and get the clarity and direction you need before you spend hours doing it the wrong way.
Gidget Ortiz
Spring 2008
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A valuable tool that helped me study for tests were the outlines that you can print out from the Powerpoints. First of all, ask Jac, or someone you know, to show you how to print out the Powerpoint lessons in the correct handout format, and the outline form. I, for one, did not know how to access this information, and it was really stressful at first trying to figure it out. It is so much easier to study when the information is in a concise format on two or three pages, rather than having to flip from page to page trying to remember all the data. When there were no powerpoints but only large volumes of information, like the handouts from the Houston Bar Association, I found it very useful to type my own notes from the information that we highlighted. It took some time, but typing it helped to get the information in my head and gave me a shortened version to study.

Also, just like Bonnie Battinelli said when she spoke to our class, the midweeks were very helpful in giving us insight into Jac's expectations. I enjoyed the sessions immensely and used them as a type of individual tutoring session that there is not time for in class. Additionally, having to doing one or two homework assignments every day in order to complete them before midweek was also helpful to keep the assignments from getting put off to the last minute.

Every comment and bit of knowledge Jac shared became important on taking tests and in figuring out how to do homework. Intent listening skills are a must!

Deborah Rhodes
Spring 2008
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"You must be prepared to work hard. Hard work could get you somewhere if you take this class. Do your best on every homework. Remember to look over and correct any mistakes. Study every day,so you can do well on tests. Get your homework done as soon as possible so you can have some studying time. You must be capable of memorizing everything Jac teaches you. Do your best and do not give up."

Adam Fung

Winter 2009

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Adivce

What to leave at the door:

- Your bad attitude

- Your excuses

- Your cell phone ringer

- Your notion of "what's right" or "how my lawyer does it."

- Your free time

What to bring in to class:

- An open mind

- A fiery wit

- An open heart

- A willingness to learn

- Your brain

- A hunger for knowledge

- Your sense of accountability

- Your sense of humor

Although I graduated as valedictorian, I couldn't have done it without some of the people in my class. Make friends and be nice. Use the old-school rules of playground politics. You'd be surprised at how some people forget this rule.

And have fun. I'm actually gonna miss weekends with Jac.

Melissa Wethe

Winter 2009

LISTEN! Take notes (mental or written)even if it doesn't make sense at the time...it will. Jac does not waste words, nor does she say anything for nothing.

Alberta Hill
Winter 2008
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My advice for future paralegal students would be to start on your homework Sunday night, and finish it before midweek on Wednesday. Then use the end of the week to make corrections from midweek and study for tests.

Ashley Strawmyer

Fall 2008

This program was very challenging but the 10 weeks went by fast! I will admit I had my doubts about committing to every weekend, but now I'm glad I did and am looking forward to advanced classes with Jac.

As time consuming as this program was, I was able to keep working 50 hours per week and attend my daughter's games, but that's about it. I had to give up fun activities such as going to the grocery store, cooking, and cleaning. Be prepared to be committed!

You will have lots of homework and you will have to spend every free moment studying. I would recommend getting started on homework as soon as it is posted and DEFINITELY attend midweeks. Attending midweeks is what got me through this program!

Jac is a no nonsense kind of person, as are many attorneys. She will tell you what to do or what not to do and she is NOT joking! When reading assignments, do exactly what Jac says to do. You will learn to accept criticism but this will only help you in the professional world. You will hardly ever make the same mistake twice. Jac is punctual, do not be late! Take notes and study the PowerPoints. Ask questions but don't expect a flat out answer from Jac. Get help from AND help your classmates. Do all the extra credit you can early on. Always be aware of what is going on in the world.

Jac did more than give us the skills to become paralegals, she helped us to become well rounded people.

Marta Ramirez

Fall 2008

Enrolling in the 10-week UH Paralegal Certification Program in January 2008 was one of the more valuable actions I've taken in my life. I could cite many reasons for this conclusion, but for the sake of brevity, I'll mention just three or four.

The course is a rigorous mental challenge. You have to think. You have to search for information in many sources. You have to consider opposing points of view. You have to be willing to question the validity of your beliefs. You must read, read, read, and not just the course texts, but other publications, especially newspapers, as well.
The law is not formed in a vacuum, but rather from the stuff of everyday life.
The course for me was an enormous confidence builder. Well into my 60s when I enrolled, I was by far the oldest student in our class. I had serious doubts about my ability to keep up with my classmates, who for the most part were much, much younger. I was prouder of the A I earned in the program than I was of top grades I received in college.
What a relief it was to realize my age was an advantage, not a detriment!
My classmates and instructor became more than that; they became my friends. And there is no way I could overstate the admiration I have for Jac Brennan. She made the program so interesting and so much fun that it was always enjoyable, even when it was difficult. Moreover,
Jac has continued as a mentor to her former students.
In addition to all of the above, I went to work two months after graduation as a legal assistant for one of Houston's top family law attorneys.
I recommend this program to anyone who has an interest in becoming a paralegal.

Jim Belew
Winter 2008

Teaching style:

Jac's teaching style for the Paralegal Certificate Program includes various methods but mainly textbooks, PowerPoint handouts and lectures. The handouts, textbooks and lectures are all easily followed. I always found Jac's lectures to be extremely informative, interesting and always peppered with sample cases that really bring the topic of discussion to life. Like the McDonald's hot coffee lawsuit - I never knew the details and wow, do the details make a difference! However, Jac does not teach with the typical "hand holding" approach. This is extremely important because you are being taught by an attorney on how to work for an attorney. While Jac is always available for any questions or assistance she is REALLY trying to teach you to think on your own, learn from your mistakes, how to be resourceful and how to assist your attorney. This kind of guidance is priceless!

Survival tips:

The Paralegal Certificate Program is condensed, hardcore and not for the faint of heart. Be prepared!!

1. Make sure all assignments are typed and in 12 point font. This may sound picky, but attorneys like things done a certain way and you need to learn that way fast! My attorney can spot a font error instantly.

2. Be organized!!! In a law firm you will be relied upon to keep your attorney organized. A good attorney is always supported by a great paralegal!

3. Start homework the day it is assigned. DO NOT wait until the Friday before it is done to begin. Always anticipate the worst and be ahead of schedule. You never know when you may get sick, have to work late, or your computer crashes! Start early and pace yourself - do a little each night.

4. Take notes.

5. Get to class early. Jac is punctual.

6. Do all of the extra credit assignments. The assignments will really help you see the big picture.

7. Study for the test during the week and during any spare moment.

8. Mid-weeks are an extra cost and not affiliated with the University however, these are awesome opportunities for one on one time with Jac. Also, you learn a lot by listening to other students' questions.

9. Be 100% committed to the course and yourself. You are spending a lot of money on the course so make the investment in yourself. This may mean putting your social life on hold, but it is a small price to pay for everything you'll gain. Get all you can out of the course, you never know what your attorney will assign to you next!

Jan Whaley

Winter 2007
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Jac's Teaching Style:
Tough. Hardcore. Precise. Unapologetic. Exactly what you need. Jac's teaching style isn't for the weak. You better be ready to bring it!

Joanna Meade
Spring 2008
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Survival tips:

Attention to Detail:
Pay particular to details, whether it be a period, a comma, or making sure that the grammar is correct in a sentence. This attention to detail will be extremely important in the professional world.

Ask Questions:
Do NOT be afraid to ask a question (even if it sounds stupid). If you do not understand a concept or what is being taught, ASK. Make sure you have questions for guest speakers. When someone asks, "do you have any questions," this is not a rhetorical question. Ask.

Become a Knowledge Sponge:
You will be hit with LOTS of information. Sometimes it can seem overwhelming. Learn to become a sponge and suck up all the knowledge. Take good notes, and if need be, bring in a tape recorder and record the class.

Your fellow students can help you:
You will build some great friendships in the class. Learn from your other classmates. Meeting early or staying late after class will benefit everyone involved. A quiz time before class ALWAYS helps.

The world does not stop because you are in class:
Know your current events and what is going on in the world. What might seem mundane could be important (politics, world leaders, important things that affect the courts) to the class. It is also important to know these things in the professional world.

Rich Brzoska
Spring 2008

How to survive Jac's Class:

1 Keep a positive attitude & stay determined.

2. Remind yourself of why you are there: To learn.(because you will question yourself every week! )

3. Starting on day one, take notes on EVERYTHING!

2. Read & Study all power points.

3. Start your homework on Sunday or Monday.

4. Start with the easiest assignment first.

5. Ask for help at all times.

6. Study with your classmates.

7. Study for tests everyday of the week.

8. Study the spelling of EVERY WORD.

9. Have faith & do not give up.

10. Do not ANYTHING personal & HAVE FUN!!! ;)

Before you know it, you will learn:

The Constitution

Supreme Justices

Basic Law

How to spell

Correct Grammar

Organization Skills

How to be self sufficient

Current Events

More than you ever imagined in a short time &

How to overcome anything!

The best advice I can give, is to stay positive & be prepared for the next challenge!

Tursha Gaddy

Fall 2008