Last week marked the 37th anniversary of Center for Advanced Legal Studies (CALS). During the past 37 years, CALS has supported, guided, and prepared students to become paralegals. For nearly four decades, CALS has pushed its students to grow, believing that every single one could find success, and has provided them with the training to achieve it. The dedication and determination of many incredible people – our students and alumni – have made this continuous progress possible. They invested in their hopes, dreams, and career aspirations, believing that a paralegal education could transform their lives. And it did! CALS has instructed and inspired thousands of paralegals and has countless accomplished graduates. CALS has also benefited from the support of faculty, staff, and community partners.
On February 23rd, 1987, the first group of 26 students (16 day students and 10 evening students) began classes on Richmond Avenue in Houston, Texas, studying law and embarking on a journey to become paralegals. Over the years, CALS has grown and transformed into a technologically savvy educational institution providing students with access to advanced learning technologies, tools, and resources.
As a measure of success, CALS ranked second nationally in the number of paralegal credentials conferred, according to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2021-2022 survey. CALS ranked first in Texas with 229 credentials conferred, representing nearly 23% of all accredited paralegal certificates and degrees awarded in the state!
While CALS has a significantly larger population today, its primary mission remains to build a strong paralegal workforce that meets the needs of the legal community. CALS continues to operate under the philosophy of its initial mission and vision – to ensure students, graduates, and their employers receive premium paralegal education and training. It is through a comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, dedicated staff, a multifaceted Program Advisory Committee, and relationships with local firms and professional organizations that CALS consistently graduates students who are prepared to be high performers.
CALS’ objective is to be recognized as the national leader in paralegal education, not only in the number of students served or credentials awarded, but also in the scope and quality of its programs. CALS’ commitment to continuous improvement has marked the institution’s growth and evolution since its inception. It will undoubtedly continue to carry the school forward – in partnership with students, alumni, and supporters – to have a lasting and positive impact.
Important Milestones
- Paralegal Certificate – The college opened in 1987 as a branch of Career Institute, San Antonio. Two years later, it became free-standing and changed its name, based on suggestions from current students, to Center for Advanced Legal Studies.
- Associate of Applied Science Degree Program – CALS sought approval and began offering the Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) program in 1994. This more comprehensive program enabled students to earn their first college degree and specialize in a broader range of practice areas.
- Financial Aid – Financial assistance has always been available for those who qualify; however, many students choose to limit their debt by paying for their education while attending.
- Institutional Accreditation – CALS was initially licensed to operate by the Texas Education Agency and was accredited by the Commission on Occupational Education Institutions Division of Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1987. Between 1989 and 1995, CALS was approved as an independent institution, authorized by the Texas Higher Education Board, approved to train Veterans, and accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. In 2020, CALS earned accreditation by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Accreditation is an external quality review process used by higher education to scrutinize colleges, universities, and educational programs for quality assurance and improvement. Only accredited institutions can participate in federal student loan programs.
- Blended/Hybrid Evening Classes – In 2006, CALS was approved to offer blended/hybrid evening classes. This enabled students to attend class one evening per week on campus and complete the balance of their studies online. Students preferred the blended format and enjoyed a better work/life balance. For the next three years, this delivery method proved successful, enabling CALS and its faculty and staff to gain experience in distance education.
- Online Interactive Instruction ™ – In 2009, CALS was approved to offer courses via 100% online delivery. This allowed CALS to serve a larger number of students, including out-of-area individuals and local students who preferred the convenience of online classes. By 2013, CALS was offering complete paralegal certificate and degree programs online.
- Bachelor of Arts in Law and Business – This innovative program launched in January 2024. It is intended primarily for graduates of paralegal programs at CALS and other accredited institutions and is designed to help paralegals enhance and advance their legal careers and to better qualify for opportunities in the commercial and business sectors.
During the past 37 years, CALS has been in three different locations, conferred some 6,000 credentials, overcome numerous obstacles, and embraced countless opportunities. A lot was learned along the way. Some lessons came easily, and others were quite challenging. All the while, CALS has delivered on the goals, values, and principles it started with in 1987. Hats off to CALS! The current staff and faculty are grateful to be on this journey and excited to see where it leads our students next.
The Center for Advanced Legal Studies (CALS) is a leading paralegal school based in Houston, Texas, offering fully online Paralegal Certificate, AAS Degree, and BA in Law and Business programs. Since 1987, CALS has helped students nationwide launch and advance careers in the legal field through practical, career-focused education.
