On Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Norris Conference Center at Houston CityCentre, Center for Advanced Legal Studies (CALS) held its 78th Commencement Ceremony for graduates of its paralegal programs. It was great to see so many of CALS’ graduates walk to receive their certificates and degrees in person.

Because many graduates live outside the Houston area, not all graduates, their friends, or their families could attend the live event. Now, using video captured at the live event along with additional content designed specifically for a virtual delivery, CALS will host a separate Graduation Live Stream on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM on YouTube. This event will be presented via a live stream to equally acknowledge the accomplishments of all graduates. As always, CALS is committed to making this a special event for graduates, families, and friends.

A total of 85 paralegal credentials will be conferred. Paralegal Certificates will be awarded to 37 graduates, and Associate of Applied Science Degrees will be awarded to 28 graduates. Bachelor of Arts in Law and Business degrees will be conferred on 20 graduates. Congratulations, graduates, on your hard work, dedication, and accomplishments.

Notably, this is the first graduating class in which all credentials conferred are approved by the American Bar Association. Center for Advanced Legal Studies once again became ABA Approved on February 12, 2026.

Christiane “CJ” Chambers, J.D., | Shareholder of Brown Sims, will present the commencement address.

Ms. Chambers is a Houston Bar Association member with more than a decade of legal experience, focusing primarily on insurance defense. She is a 2006 graduate of the University of Houston Law Center and earned her bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from Stephens College in 1997. She was admitted to the Texas Bar in 2006.

Much of her practice is centered on representing insurance company clients in matters involving personal injury, property damage, Texas workers’ compensation, premises liability, dram shop liability, insurance disputes, claims under the Defense Base Act, War Hazards Compensation Act reimbursement, and other legal issues.

Ms. Chambers has represented clients in both state and federal courts across Texas and has extensive experience in all aspects of civil litigation from intake through trial. Notably, she has obtained dismissals, verdicts, and favorable settlements for clients in larger, personal injury slip and fall and motor vehicle accident claims with damage allegations in the millions.

Ms. Chambers is a native Houstonian and lives with her husband, Donald, and two teenagers.

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

Please share the following link with your friends, families, and colleagues. The ceremony will be streamed on YouTube at 10:00 AM.

A printable event program from the August 29, 2026, live graduation is available for download in Booklet Format or Printable Format.

Many graduates provided photographs and personal statements, which will be displayed as their names are called during the commencement ceremony. Those who provided photos and statements will be displayed below in an image gallery. We appreciate their contributions and wish all graduates success and the best of luck in their careers and future endeavors. Way to go, grads! Way to go, paralegals!