The paralegal field is popular with adults seeking to change careers. They tend to bring administrative and management skills which assist in their success in the paralegal field. Former teachers also train to become paralegals. Their education is put to good use when explaining procedures and documents to clients. Here is a great example of a teacher who changed careers after graduating from the Virginia Center for Paralegal Studies.
Clare McBee graduated from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Polytechnic in the Northeast region of England in 1981. She obtained employment in Tunisia (North Africa) where she taught English at the University of Tunis. Clare was fortunate to have the opportunity to travel throughout Western Europe and Asia before settling down in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
A mother of two teen-age children, Clare decided that a career change was in order when she arrived in the United States. Through researching different career fields she learned about the Virginia Center for Paralegal Studies. She completed the program in 2002.
Clare presently works as a paralegal in the law firm of Woehrle & Franklin, a prominent law firm in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Her current caseload consists of condemnation cases/eminent domain law with a heavy dose of family law focusing on divorce and custody cases.
Due to her prior teaching experience, Clare was asked to serve as an adjunct instructor at the Virginia Center for Paralegal Studies. Her employer graciously allows her time-off from her daytime responsibilities to teach family law to our students.
In an interview with Clare, she discusses her experience at VCPS and how it aided her:
VCPS: How did you end up living in Fredericksburg, Virginia?
Clare: After teaching in Tunisia, I decided to explore more of the world. I traveled extensively throughout much of Europe and Asia. Once my travels were completed, I settled down in Fredericksburg with my two teenage children and decided to pursue a career in the paralegal field. After extensively researching different paralegal programs, I decided to attend VCPS.
VCPS: What stood out to you about VCPS program?
Clare: One of the biggest differences in the program was that VCPS offered hands-on internship experience and that wasn't something that most other paralegal programs offered. VCPS also offered general skills courses that are necessary for the paralegal profession. Courses in written communications and computer applications, which do not directly relate to the paralegal profession, are absolutely essential to becoming a successful paralegal.
VCPS: Did your certificate from VCPS open any doors for you?
Clare: After graduating from VCPS in 2002, I had no problem finding a law firm interested in a trained paralegal. I was able to apply all the knowledge I learned at VCPS and carry it over to The Law Firm of Woehrle & Franklin in Fredericksburg, VA, where I currently work as a paralegal.
VCPS: When you entered into the work force after graduating from VCPS, how prepared did you feel?
Clare: Due to my extensive internship experience, I felt very confident in my paralegal abilities upon entering the work force. The curriculum was geared more towards learning paralegal skills. I was productive when I began my first day on the job.
VCPS: Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Clare: My pleasure. Thank you.
The Virginia Center for Paralegal Studies and its online component was able to provide Clare the opportunity to change careers and get right back into the work force with the proper training and skills to begin her legal career. We are confident that Clare will have continual success in her future as well. Many other VCPS graduates have similar successful stories where they launched new careers. VCPS believes in providing a strong, practical education for students who hope to work in the legal world.