Blinn Paralegal and Legal Assistant Student Organization to host Brazos Valley Paralegal Forum

Blinn alumni, local legal professionals will share their experiences and answer questions at the Blinn-Bryan Campus

April 2, 2024

The Blinn College District Paralegal and Legal Assistant Program and Legal Assistant Student Organization (LASO) will provide a unique opportunity for the public to engage with local legal professionals during the annual Brazos Valley Paralegal Forum.

Blinn will host a panel of veteran paralegals, including alumni of the Paralegal and Legal Assistant Program, from 7-8 p.m. Thursday, April 4, in the Bryan Campus Student Center Room F-120 (map). There will be a short reception preceding the forum at 6:30 p.m.

Billy Hart, chair of the Brazos County Legal Professional Association and litigation paralegal with the College Station-based law firm West, Webb, Allbritton & Gentry, P.C., will lead the discussion. The panelists will share their personal experiences and focus on how legal professionals interact and collaborate with lawyers, their clients, the judicial system, and the public.

Panelists include Brandy Cooke, paralegal with the law firm Rodgers, Miller and Rodriguez P.C.; Kristie Evans, court coordinator of the 85 ^th District Court of Brazos County; Melissa Parker, litigation and dispute resolution legal assistant with the Office of General Counsel for the Texas A&M University System; and Ashley Schonewolf, Blinn College Paralegal Program alumna and paralegal with Paradowski Law.

“The Brazos Valley Paralegal Forum is a great opportunity for current and prospective students to learn, ask questions, and network with veterans in the paralegal profession,” said Robert Stanberry, Program Coordinator. “The presenting panel and chair Billy Hart reflect years of experience with their stories and insights serving as an invaluable resource for our students and those interested in the legal field.”

Blinn’s Paralegal and Legal Studies Program prepares students for a variety of legal careers with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, Legal Office Certificate, and Occupational Skills Award in Mediation. Daytime and evening classes are available online and on campus, and faculty is comprised entirely of lawyers and judges whose classes are structured to promote quality student-faculty interaction. Students who complete the Legal Assistant AAS degree are eligible to sit for the National Association of Legal Assistants certification exam.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, legal assistants earn a median salary of $59,200 per year. In addition to preparing students for careers, Blinn’s program provides a strong foundation of legal knowledge for students who choose to continue their education by pursuing law school.

“This event is just one example of how our program strives to connect local professionals with students currently enrolled in the Blinn’s Paralegal and Legal Studies Program,” Stanberry said. “This event also is a unique way for prospective students to learn more about our program and the numerous career opportunities that exist in the legal field.”

For more information on Blinn’s Paralegal and Legal Studies Program, visit www.blinn.edu/paralegal.