play a critical role in the legal process, conducting research, interviewing clients and witnesses, drafting documents, organizing case files, and helping attorneys prepare for hearings, trials, and transactions.

San Jacinto College’s law and legal studies program prepares graduates for a career that puts them at the forefront of a competitive workforce. The American Bar Association-approved program trains students in legal and interpersonal skills.

“We are always available to help with coursework and offer career guidance, and individualized degree planning,” said Jeanette Liberty, legal studies program director. “We focus on practical training and emphasize hands-on learning, including drafting legal documents, analyzing case law, and working through real-world legal scenarios.”

Jeanette Liberty (courtesy of Jeanette Liberty)

By maintaining strong connections with Greater Houston’s legal community, the program helps students obtain meaningful internships, build professional networks, and find employment opportunities after graduation.

Not the same as attorneys

While often the backbone of the law office, paralegals are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice or represent clients in court.

One misconception is that becoming a paralegal is simply a steppingstone to becoming a lawyer.

“Some students eventually go on to law school, but that is not the purpose of the profession,” Liberty said. “Paralegal work is its own career with its own ethical standards and professional identity.”

Skills are transferable across the legal field and beyond, making paralegal work a strong option for students who want experience before committing time and money to law school.

Is it the right fit?

Liberty believes organized and detail-oriented people are the best candidates for this program.

Law and legal studies program students

“Paralegals must enjoy research, writing, and problem-solving,” she said. “They should also have strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks at once. People who love puzzles, critical thinking, and brain-teasers excel in the legal field!”

Another misconception is that the work is easy or primarily administrative. To the contrary, it requires significant analytical thinking, attention to detail, and responsibility.

“Working in the legal field is nothing like ‘Suits,’ ‘How to Get Away with Murder,’ or ‘Law & Order,’” Liberty said. “Cases don’t get resolved in an hour. There are very few dramatic revelations during trials, and judges don’t make snap decisions in their chambers.”

Hands-on training

Students are matched with opportunities for practical experience through internships with law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies, observing the daily operations of legal offices. Assisting practicing attorneys with preparing cases and drafting legal documents is often part of the experience.

Internship possibilities include:

• Harris County District Attorney’s Office or the Office of the Public Defender
• Non-profit groups like Beacon Law and the NAACP
• Solo practitioners like Sam Adamo or Eddie Cortez
• Small private law firms like Hinojosa & Salinas
• Growing firms like Johnson Garcia, Slate Family Law, or the Law Office of John K. Zaid
• Large firms like Smith and Hassler

Other career opportunities

Most paralegals work in law firms, but employment opportunities exist outside the legal field.

“Paralegals are often hired by corporate legal departments, government agencies, insurance companies, title companies, compliance departments, and nonprofit organizations,” Liberty said. “In the Houston area, industries such as energy, health care, and finance frequently employ paralegals to support regulatory compliance, contract management, and internal investigations.”

Students practice specialized skills like research, writing, analysis, and compliance knowledge, which are valuable in many career fields. Compliance, contract administration, legal operations, risk management, or government service are other options for graduates. Some also pursue careers in human resources, real estate, or regulatory affairs.

Based on current job listings, Liberty recognizes that career opportunities for bilingual paralegals are almost unlimited — “probably the most sought-after skill I see in job postings.”

“So many of our students had a personal experience with the legal system, either in the family court, the immigration system, or a criminal case,” she said. “By becoming a member of the legal team, they can help people going through things they went through, contributing to the justice system by giving back.”

Learn more about the law and legal studies program.

By Neesha Hosein