Southern Illinois University Carbondale | Paralegal Studies

Michelle Mansfield

The Paralegal Studies program at SIUC is one of the best programs SIUC has to offer. The dedication from the professors made such a positive impact on my future career and really helped to "spring" me into what the "real world" is all about.

Lauren Heischmidt

Graduation Date: May 2008 – Law School May 2011

Major: Administration of Justice
Minor: Paralegal Studies

I chose Paralegal Studies as a minor because I was interested in going to law school and I thought the program would prepare me. I was right. When I got to law school, it was very helpful to have taken courses in the same subject matter. I had already started to develop legal writing and research skills through my courses in the program and that gave me a strong foundation to build on when I got to law school. The success of the program can be attributed to the great instructors. It was invaluable to learn from practitioners in the community.

Kimberly Kuhlengel-Jones

Graduation Date: May 1992

Major: Paralegal Studies
Minor: English

I chose the Paralegal Studies Program because I wanted to pursue a legal career and SIUC offered the best paralegal program in the area. The program met all of my expectations. The legal research and writing provided a wonderful platform for obtaining my Juris Doctorate. When other law school students were stumbling around the library learning how to research and how to properly do blue book citations, I was ahead of the curve because I already possessed these skills. The internship program was also a good insight into the practical aspects of being a paralegal. It was a wonderful program that was taught by attorneys that had a great interest in the topics. Although I did not enter the program with the intent to go to law school, the instructors and teaching assistants made a great impact on me and offered encouragement for me to attend law school.

Maria Hightower

Graduation Date: Fall 2009

Major: Paralegal Studies (Pre-Law Specialization)

I chose SIUC’s Paralegal Studies Program because it’s the only program in the state of Illinois that offers a Bachelor degree in Paralegal Studies that is ABA approved. I chose it as a preparation for law school. The program has given me the confidence, preparation, and knowledge I need to be successful as a paralegal and to be ahead of the game as a law student. Paralegal Studies was an excellent program and I would highly recommend it. It is very beneficial and rather lucrative for my future career, due to the fact that the demand for paralegals is on a continuous demand. This program offers job security now, even in a poor economy and in the near and distant future. I believe this program was a good investment for my future.

Hillary Mathis

Graduation Date: May 2010

Major: Paralegal Studies

I chose the Paralegal Studies Program because I felt that it would best prepare me for law school. The program allows you to gain hands on experience and knowledge through drafting documents that you would in the law office. I felt like I would have an advantage over others that were attending law school if I already knew the basics about a law office. The program has definitely exceeded my expectations! I feel that even if I did not want to continue on and attend law school, I would certainly be prepared to obtain a job as a paralegal. The program has given me the knowledge and experience that I feel I will need to succeed in the workforce. I think the thing that has helped me succeed the most in the program is the fact that the professors go the extra step to get to know the students on an individual level. Within the program, you feel comfortable going to the professors for help because you know that they genuinely care and will not hesitate to help you. Overall, the program has been the best option for me. I feel like I have gained valuable knowledge that will forever help me to succeed in my field. I also feel like the program has given me the networking skills that I will need to further my career in the future.

Brittany Lingle

Graduation Date: May 2010

Major: Paralegal Studies
Minor: History

I chose the Paralegal Studies Program because I thought it would prepare me for Law School better than any other program our University offers. I have always had a strong interest in the law and how it works and I thought this program could provide me with the knowledge I would need for the future. The Paralegal Studies Program has fulfilled all of my expectations. I feel very prepared to either go out into the work force or on to law school. I know I will have the upper hand due to this program that I would not have had if I had chose a different area of study. The most important thing that helped me to succeed in the program was the interaction with the professors. They all know you by name and are willing to help in any way they can, you can tell they really care if you succeed or not. In addition, the Registered Student Organization, Organization of Paralegal Students was a great way to meet new people in the program and make lasting friendships.