Paralegal Blog

Center for Advanced Legal Studies (CALS) is excited to announce the availability of a new bachelor’s degree program designed specifically for paralegals and other legal support professionals. Classes in the Bachelor of Law and Business degree program begin January 29, 2024.

CALS has specialized exclusively in paralegal education and training since 1987 and has helped thousands of graduates enter this exciting and rewarding profession through the completion of accredited certificates and associate of applied science degrees. This new bachelor’s degree, intended primarily for graduates of paralegal programs at CALS and other accredited institutions, is designed to help paralegals enhance and advance their legal careers and to better qualify for opportunities in the commercial and business sectors.

On Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 10:00 AM Central, Center for Advanced Legal Studies (CALS) will hold its 71st Commencement Ceremony for graduates of its paralegal programs. Due to the large number of graduates who reside outside of the Houston area, this event will return to a virtual live stream to better acknowledge the accomplishments of all graduates. As always, CALS is committed to making this a special event for graduates and their friends and families.

A total of 80 paralegal credentials will be conferred. Paralegal Certificates will be awarded to 64 graduates, and Associate of Applied Science Degrees will be awarded to 16 graduates. Congratulations graduates on your hard work, dedication, and accomplishments.

The commencement address will be presented by Sherri Schulze Fossati, CEO, PHR. Ms. Fossati holds the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) credential and is founder and CEO of We're Boss, a company providing consulting and administrative services for law firms. We are delighted Ms. Fossati has agreed to provide the commencement address to our most recent graduating class.

The event will be moderated by CALS' Director of Outreach and Career Services, Tami Riggs, with contributions from members of CALS faculty and staff.

On August 20, 2022, at 10:00 AM Central in the Joe M. Green Auditorium at South Texas College of Law, Center for Advanced Legal Studies will hold its 70th Commencement Ceremony for graduates of its paralegal programs. This will be the first commencement ceremony held in person since the global COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. CALS is committed to making it a special event for graduates and their friends and families.

6 months ago graduation was held virtually and 121 paralegal credentials were conferred. For the 70th Commencement Ceremony, attendees will finally be able to attend in person with their friends and families and have their accomplishments acknowledged as they walk to receive their paralegal certificates and degrees. 

A total of 96 paralegal credentials will be conferred. Paralegal Certificates will be awarded to 72 graduates, and Associate of Applied Science Degrees will be awarded to 24 graduates. Congratulations graduates on your hard work, dedication, and accomplishment. Your perseverance under the added difficulties imposed by a global pandemic has earned you the everlasting respect and admiration of us all.

In addition, Center for Advanced Legal Studies is proud to welcome AAS Degree graduates from the previous four virtual graduation ceremonies who were unable to walk cap-and-gown in acknowledgment of their accomplishments due to COVID restrictions. Congratulations once again on earning your paralegal degrees.

The commencement address will be presented by Nickolas A. Spencer, J.D., M.A. We are delighted Mr. Spencer has agreed to provide the commencement address to our most recent graduating class alongside our Legacy AAS graduates from March 2020 to January 2022.

The event will be moderated by CALS' Director of Outreach and Career Services, Tami Riggs, with contributions from members of CALS faculty and staff.

On February 26, 2022, at 10:00 AM Central, Center for Advanced Legal Studies will hold its 69th Commencement Ceremony for graduates of its paralegal programs. This will be the fourth commencement ceremony held virtually due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, and CALS is dedicated to making it a special event for graduates and their friends and families.

6 months ago graduation was held virtually as well and 126 paralegal credentials were conferred. For the 69th Commencement Ceremony, attendees will once again be at home watching with their family and friends on the live stream, and presenters will have submitted contributions to the event several days previously.

A total of 121 paralegal credentials will be conferred. Paralegal Certificates will be awarded to 102 graduates, and Associate of Applied Science Degrees will be awarded to 19 graduates. Congratulations graduates on your hard work, dedication, and accomplishment. Your perseverance under the added difficulties imposed by a global pandemic has earned you the everlasting respect and admiration of us all.

The commencement address will be presented by Sepi Khan, Paralegal at Kherkher Garcia. Sepi has over 20 years of legal and administrative experience with a current focus primarily on personal injury law and related torts. Sepi is involved in all phases of a case. She meets directly with clients, participates in client conferences, schedules appointments and court appearances, confers with court personnel and experts, drafts various legal documents, and obtains, reviews, and compiles discovery documentation and information. Sepi is also responsible for business development efforts of the firm, managing and overseeing sponsorships, events, and charitable contributions.

Prior to joining Kherkher Garcia, Sepi was a paralegal and executive assistant to Steve Kherkher at Williams Kherkher Law Firm. She was responsible for day-to-day paralegal duties in various dockets. Sepi quickly found she had a passion for the field of law and was immediately drawn to helping personal injury clients, as they are often faced with a variety of emotional and physical needs. Sepi also gained extensive administrative and accounting duties while at Williams Kherkher. Clients are drawn to Sepi’s calm, helpful, and supportive demeanor. She strives to provide great client care.

The event will be moderated by CALS' Director of Outreach and Career Services, Tami Riggs, with contributions from members of CALS faculty and staff.

On August 28, 2021, at 10:00 AM Central, Center for Advanced Legal Studies will hold its 68th Commencement Ceremony for graduates of its paralegal programs. This will be the third straight commencement ceremony held virtually due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Just over 6 months ago graduation was held virtually as well and 87 paralegal credentials were conferred. For the 68th Commencement Ceremony attendees will once again be at home watching with their family and friends on the live stream, and presenters will have submitted contributions to the event several days previously.

A total of 126 paralegal credentials will be conferred. Paralegal Certificates will be awarded to 106 graduates, and Associate of Applied Science Degrees will be awarded to 20 graduates. Congratulations graduates on your hard work, dedication, and accomplishment. Your perseverance under the added difficulties imposed by a global pandemic has earned you the everlasting respect and admiration of us all.

The commencement address will be presented by Julee A. Prentice, C.P., Senior Trial Paralegal and graduate of Center for Advanced Legal Studies. The event will be moderated by CALS' Director of Outreach and Career Services, Tami Riggs, with contributions from members of CALS faculty and staff.