Paralegal Blog

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.

A good instructor will evaluate your school performance in much the same way that a supervisor will assess your execution of work responsibilities. You will receive feedback on your knowledge, recall, competence, quality of product, completeness, communication skills, time management, punctuality, and more.

Sometimes that feedback can make you feel threatened and insecure.

Before shifting the blame for any shortcomings to your instructor, remember that getting better at anything requires feedback and follow-up. Accepting feedback, even if it is not candy-coated, is an opportunity to improve, grow your competencies, and advance your career. Faculty move into higher education because they genuinely like to teach. They care about their profession and want to make a difference – connecting with students is a big part of that. Keep the following points in mind the next time you receive instructor feedback:

UPDATE: Due to severe weather in the Houston area, the Graduation Live Stream has been postponed to February 27th.

On February 27, 2021, at 10:00 AM Central, Center for Advanced Legal Studies will hold its 67th Commencement Ceremony for graduates of its paralegal programs. This will be the second straight commencement ceremony held virtually due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Just over 5 months ago graduation was held virtually as well and 103 paralegal credentials were conferred. For the 67th Commencement Ceremony attendees will 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 87 paralegal credentials will be conferred. Paralegal Certificates will be awarded to 66 graduates, and Associate of Applied Science Degrees will be awarded to 21 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 Thomas B. Swanson, J.D., Academic Dean at Center for Advanced Legal Studies.  The event will be moderated by CALS' Director of Outreach and Career Services, Tami Riggs, with contributions from Eric H. Happe, Director of Distance Education.

On September 12, 2020, Center for Advanced Legal Studies will hold its 66th Commencement Ceremony for graduates of its paralegal programs, and wow how different it will be. Just over 6 months ago graduation was held in person at South Texas College of Law and 105 paralegal credentials were conferred. For the 66th Commencement Ceremony attendees will 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 103 paralegal credentials will be conferred. Paralegal Certificates will be awarded to 81 graduates, and Associate of Applied Science Degrees will be awarded to 22 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
Larry D. King, J.D. In over 40 years as an attorney, his practice areas included civil litigation, employment, insurance defense, contracts, and business law. In addition to the private practice of law, he has worked for both an insurance defense litigation firm and corporate law departments. His corporate experience includes over fourteen years in the American General Corporation Law Department where he served as Associate General Counsel and was responsible for major corporate litigation, and he supervised other attorneys and paralegals. Mr. King has been an instructor at Center for Advanced Legal Studies since 2002. During his 18 year tenure Mr. King has helped educate and inspire thousands of paralegals. Mr. King was the first instructor at CALS to teach a 100% online class session and is currently teaching his 100th Corporate and Business Law course. His commencement address is sure to be insightful, inspiring, and witty.

Additional comments and congratulations will be provided by Academic Dean Thomas B. Swanson, J.D. The event will be moderated by CALS' Director of Outreach and Career Services, Tami Riggs, with contributions from Eric H. Happe, Director of Distance Education.

Virtual Graduation and Achievement Recognition Program (PDF)

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every business across the U.S. and globally, dramatically changing the recruiting and hiring landscape. The long-term impacts on the workforce are unknown, but it is still possible to conduct a successful job search. Here are five ways you can thrive during this crisis and get hired.