“When I graduated from UNC Charlotte in 2016, I knew that I wanted to go to law school. My path to law school was anything but straight, however. After a few attempts at the LSAT, I decided to take a break and gain work experience. I got a job as a legal secretary at a boutique law firm and worked for a local gym. During this time, a colleague who had received their paralegal certificate from Meredith recommended that I look into the program.
After investigating, I chose to pursue the program at Meredith because the classes were taught by individuals who work in the legal field. I am grateful to have had instructors who not only lectured on concepts from a textbook but also provided insights into real-world experience.
Obtaining my paralegal certificate at Meredith was one of the best decisions I’ve made. The same year I completed the program, I began working as a paralegal at the N.C. Department of Justice. While working full-time, I took the LSAT again and applied to law school. I was accepted to the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law this year.
Meredith played a critical role in my growth and experience. Under the guidance of the program director, I obtained helpful feedback on my resume and cover letters that I still use today.
I also learned that I can achieve anything I set my mind on. Pursuing an education beyond a four-year degree is challenging but I am equipped to rise to the occasion. Given that I completed my paralegal certificate during the pandemic, I had no choice but to transition to an online learning setting. I was concerned about getting distracted and staying focused but I overcame those obstacles. It was a reminder that I could conquer any kind of opposition.
As my specialty course, I choose to take civil litigation. One lesson that left an imprint on me was a lecture on computing time, which means knowing how to calculate your civil litigation deadlines. Having the ability to accurately compute time and determine the hard deadlines was an essential skill that I relied on while working at the Department of Justice. I also learned how to write legal citations, which has been crucial when writing memos in law school
In the brief time that I have been in law school, I have learned how to adapt and be willing to pivot when necessary. The law school journey is not for those who give up easily. My experience so far has been rewarding. After graduation, I plan to sit for the North Carolina Bar Exam. After becoming licensed, my goal is to serve the public as an Assistant District Attorney and continue working in the government sector.”
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