{"id":41,"date":"2026-05-13T19:04:43","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T19:04:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sanjac.mycareerfocus.org\/summer-2026-volume-7-issue-2\/liberty-sets-record-straight-on-law-and-legal-studies-program\/"},"modified":"2026-06-28T12:44:43","modified_gmt":"2026-06-28T12:44:43","slug":"liberty-sets-record-straight-on-law-and-legal-studies-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sanjac.mycareerfocus.org\/summer-2026-volume-7-issue-2\/liberty-sets-record-straight-on-law-and-legal-studies-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Liberty sets record straight on law and legal studies program"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

San Jacinto College\u2019s law and legal studies program<\/span><\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe are always available to help with coursework and offer career guidance, and individualized degree planning,\u201d said Jeanette Liberty, legal studies program director. \u201cWe focus on practical training and emphasize hands-on learning, including drafting legal documents, analyzing case law, and working through real-world legal scenarios.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Portrait

Jeanette Liberty (courtesy of Jeanette Liberty)<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

By maintaining strong connections with Greater Houston\u2019s legal community, the program helps students obtain meaningful internships, build professional networks, and find employment opportunities after graduation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not the same as attorneys<\/span><\/h3>\n

While often the backbone of the law office, paralegals are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice or represent clients in court.<\/span><\/p>\n

One misconception is that becoming a paralegal is simply a steppingstone to becoming a lawyer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSome students eventually go on to law school, but that is not the purpose of the profession,\u201d Liberty said. \u201cParalegal work is its own career with its own ethical standards and professional identity.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is it the right fit?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Liberty believes organized and detail-oriented people are the best candidates for this program.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Students

Law and legal studies program students<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cParalegals must enjoy research, writing, and problem-solving,\u201d she said. \u201cThey should also have strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks at once.\u202fPeople who love puzzles, critical thinking, and brain-teasers excel in the legal field!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Another misconception is that the work is easy or primarily administrative. To the contrary, it requires significant analytical thinking, attention to detail, and responsibility.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWorking in the legal field is nothing like \u2018Suits,\u2019 \u2018How to Get Away with Murder,\u2019 or \u2018Law & Order,\u2019\u201d Liberty said. \u201cCases don\u2019t get resolved in an hour. There are very few dramatic revelations during trials, and judges don\u2019t make snap decisions in their chambers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hands-on training<\/span><\/h3>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Internship possibilities include:<\/span><\/p>\n