I returned to Center for Advanced Legal Studies (CALS) in July 2018 after a 10-year absence. In that decade, technological advances have re-shaped our program and content delivery giving students more choices for how they obtain their credentials. Learning still takes place in the classroom, but these days it can be completely virtual. Distance education and online platforms that were just emerging in 2009 have become mainstream.
What hasn’t changed? The paralegal profession is still strong!
The industry still offers long-term viability for paralegals. Newly trained and experienced graduates from CALS are actively recruited for a full range of opportunities. High demand for their skills and expertise is due largely to our 30+ year history of excellence. In 2016-2017, CALS conferred more paralegal credentials than any accredited program in Texas and ranked fourth in the United States. 1 As a result, employers continue to utilize us to source quality talent.
Opportunities vary depending upon the level of education and skill set of the individual seeking to become a paralegal. Large, corporate firms usually hire more experienced graduates who have spent time in the workplace and whose paralegal certificate enhances a post-secondary degree. Smaller law firms and solo-practitioners will often hire graduates with only a paralegal certificate, but many prefer the added value of an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies.
As law firms continue to seek economical processes and procedures to better serve their clients, one thing is certain; career advancement and growth will remain especially high for paralegals. Technology designed specifically for the legal environment has opened new doors for paralegals with proper training allowing them to perform duties that may have formerly been the responsibility of an associate attorney. This creates cost savings and efficiencies for those who utilize them.
Our graduates are thrilled to start their paralegal careers and have expressed tremendous satisfaction with their experience at Center for Advanced Legal Studies. But you don’t have to take my word for it. Check out our most recent Google Reviews.
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Tami Riggs Director of Outreach and Career Services Tami has an extensive and varied professional background that spans criminal justice, paralegal education, and international school marketing and communication. Her career has been guided by a focus on developing strategic partnerships that facilitate school growth and student opportunity. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Texas State University. |
1 U.S. Department of Education. Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics. (2016/2017)
