Change your career. Change your life.
WHAT OUR PARALEGALS SAY ABOUT TAKING THE CLASS
Hear what our graduates have to say about the program, and what it's like to work as a paralegal
If I had to choose one word to describe this program, it would be amazing. Everything from the lesson plans to the guest speakers was fantastic and incredibly engaging. While this class can require students to perform a substantial amount of work, the knowledge imparted through this course is incredible, both in quantity and quality. While the entire course is worthy of a shout-out, the teacher, Jennifer Cabrera, and the guest speakers who participated, are especially worthy of a shout-out. They were all so obviously talented, skilled, and knowledgeable. All were willing to answer questions and help us to build a strong knowledge of what it means to be an excellent paralegal. I wholeheartedly recommend this certificate program to anyone who wants to set themselves up for success in their future legal endeavors.
Jackson G. (Summer 2023)
After taking some time off with my children, I rejoined the legal field excited and eager to progress in my career. I quickly found that the positions I held before taking time off to raise my kids were simply not challenging enough, and I wanted to learn more so that I could perform more substantive legal work. This course not only gave me the information I needed to better understand the process and steps our cases at work went through, but it also helped me realize that my dream of going to law school is an attainable goal. Jen balances being a thorough instructor who expects the best from her students while also being supportive and encouraging. She is the exact type of instructor you need for a course like this. The course is intense and fast, but if you apply yourself and pay attention to the lectures, it will equip you with a great foundation for working as a paralegal or legal assistant. I could easily take lessons learned in class one week and either directly apply them to my work the next day or just better understand the conversations being held around me. Jen keeps her classes interesting by breaking up the lectures with challenging in-class assignments and multiple guest speakers that share their knowledge of different fields of law. I worried that juggling this class plus a full-time job and kids would be too difficult, but because of the way it is structured, I actually enjoyed doing the work each week and graduated top of the class. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to gain valuable legal knowledge and advance their career.
Valerie M. (Summer 2023)
In my case this program really helped me connect the dots between what I already knew and what I needed to know in the legal field. If you are a newcomer or a seasoned pro, this course provides you with a deeper understanding of what is expected of you as a legal professional. From legal writing and research to mock trials and arbitration—this course really helps you feel more comfortable and confident performing in a legal setting. I specifically appreciated the guest speakers in this course as they allow you to get more insight from various legal specialties. There are not enough words to express how GREAT of a professor and motivator Jennifer Cabrera is. She REALLY cares that each student is receiving the necessary skills to thrive not only in class, but in your career as well. If you are thinking about taking this course—this is your sign. I feel like a completely different person and have made so many connections that I would not have otherwise.
Kristin A. (Summer 2023)
I could not praise Jen’s paralegal class more highly. She fuses deep knowledge, carefully-tailored practical exercises, and attempts at humor—with occasional successes!—to craft a class which met even my highly-demanding expectations. Additionally, she draws upon her deep pool of contacts to furnish a steady barrage of guest-speaker lawyers and job opportunities. By the end of her class, I had networked with a judge and found my first paralegal job. This class enabled me to make the career change that I desired, and it ensured that I showed up on day one of my new job with enough skills to make immediate contributions.
Dillon S. (Summer 2023)
This program is extremely rigorous, but do not let that deter you from taking this program. The information you will learn will help you develop skills that are necessary to become a paralegal. You will get first-hand experience in drafting legal documents and gain a better understanding of the legal terminology you may encounter in your career path. This class is a MUST if you are wanting to develop your skills as a paralegal. I recommend it 10/10!!
Mirian A. (Summer 2023)
Participating in the paralegal program was an exceptional journey that transformed my understanding of legal matters. Under the guidance of Jennifer Cabrera, an outstanding mentor, I embarked on this adventure with no prior experience in legal topics. However, her unwavering support and expertise allowed me to blossom throughout the program. The demanding nature of the curriculum certainly required a substantial time commitment, but it was through this dedication that I found reassurance in my newfound skills. I now feel that I have the necessary confidence to excel as a paralegal.
Denisse G. (Summer 2023)
The paralegal program is one of the hardest things that I have ever done! It challenged me for the better. The program is thought provoking and unique. It is very intense, and discipline is a must. Jen changed my life. She is a one-of-a-kind instructor, one that you will remember for a lifetime. She genuinely cares about her students. I was so anxious about the program, but Jen made me feel at ease. Initially, I was not going to enroll in the program, but after one Zoom meeting with Jen, I was all in. Jen is very uplifting and has a wealth of knowledge about the law. Her enthusiasm is contagious! She is a dynamic instructor! During the program, I began to think that I was not good enough to be in the class. Jen would not accept that from me. She always reminded me that I deserved to be in the class. Anytime I needed guidance or felt down about my work, Jen was always there to encourage me to keep going. I consider Jen a mentor because even though the program is over, she is still giving me advice and helping me with the next chapter of my journey. Jen is such an inspiration! I am glad that she convinced me to enroll in the program. I am beyond grateful to have met Jen. It was an honor to be her student. I highly recommend this paralegal program.
Jay B. (Summer 2023)
This course was hard but worth it. Jen is hands down one of the most brilliant and driven women I have ever met. She is not just a lawyer but a nerd lawyer who loves what she does. The class taught me a lot about myself and a lot about law. Every paralegal should take this class.
Jen H. (Summer 2023)
I am so thankful I enrolled in the program. This program changed my life and prepared me for my current position. Jen is a great instructor and really takes her time to make sure you understand every subject. Jen always made herself available to us if we ever fell behind or needed serious help. Jen invited some amazing guest speakers with knowledge in different areas of law. The classmates I met were great, and I even created great friendships with a few of them. My favorite part of the whole program was the mock trial. It was fun to create all the exhibits, exchange discovery, and get to play as an attorney for a day. I know this program seems intimidating at first, but if you take it seriously and really focus, you can most definitely earn your certificate. This program is perfect to further your career or to start your career in the legal field.
Angel C. (Spring 2023)
Jen is excellent and so is the class. This class taught me everything I needed to know about paralegal work and led to me getting a paralegal position shortly after graduation. Also the mock trial is EXCELLENT practice for legal drafting and research. Highly recommend this class.
Andrew O. (Spring 2023)
Deciding to take this class was the best decision I made! Professor Jen is an incredible educator and I recommend her class to EVERYONE!
Carolina V. (Spring 2023)
The paralegal program is a wonderful program that I recommend to anyone interested. Jen has an amazing teaching style and is incredibly resourceful. The program taught me how to follow directions well and to pay attention to detail, which is important in the legal profession in any aspect. The best part about Jen's teaching style is that it keeps you engaged and can actually be fun. I was privy to hearing from incredible guest speakers and participating in hands on learning experiences. My best piece of advice is to utilize any help that is offered from Jen, including midweek checks if still applicable, and to follow directions! The curriculum of the paralegal program has prepared me for my first year of law school in several different ways. This program is truly the best choice!
Cyrina B. (Fall 2022)
This is the perfect course for anyone in the legal field or looking to get into the legal field. At the time that I took this course, I was fairly new in the legal field and I had recently switched to civil litigation. The course was tremendous help. It helped me understand various motions, pleadings, processes and legal terminology. I also feel more confident when directly working with my attorneys. Jen Cabrera is an amazing instructor. She's tough but at the end of the day, wants everyone to succeed. She is understanding but will also push you because she knows you're more than capable. As long as you do your homework and really study the material, you will gain so much from this course. As an added bonus, you will develop such a kinship with your peers.
Michelle D. (Fall 2022)
The UHD Paralegal Certificate Program is a fast-paced and challenging program that will test and improve your time management skills. However, the weekend class structure makes it attainable to anyone working full-time while studying for career advancement or to make a career change. Ms. Cabrera is an engaging instructor who completed the paralegal program and worked as a paralegal before pursuing her law degree; she is relatable and able to give you the professional insight (from both paralegal and attorney perspectives) and knowledge needed to navigate the most common challenges of this legal profession. She also truly cares about her students’ success. The class is well structured, and skills like document drafting and legal research were my major takeaways. I also really enjoyed the weekly guest speakers that allow you to learn more about the different practice areas and opportunities for paralegals in the workforce. All in all, I would recommend this program to future paralegal students.
Alejandra R. (Fall 2022)
Jen is a wonderful teacher. She lets you know right from the beginning it's going to be a tough journey, but it will all be worth it in the end. Throughout my class, I had times I wanted to give up, but she would set times up for the students to meet with her and give me words of encouragement. She helped me set up a plan for me to be successful. Thanks to Jen and the paralegal class, I am now a paralegal in family law.
Amanda M. (Fall 2022)
I recommend taking the UHD Paralegal course if you are considering it. Don't hesitate—this is a great program. Since I took this course, my life has changed for the better. This program has given me confidence and knowledge on how to do my job duties at my current position. The instructors know what they're doing; trust them. You're going to be so grateful at the end.
Valerie R. (Fall 2022)
The paralegal certification was a life changing experience for me. When I moved to the U.S., I knew little about the laws and the judicial system here. Being an attorney in a different continent with an entirely different judicial system, I was inquisitive and wanted to learn about how things worked here. I definitely did not want to go to law school again. The class helped me learn a great deal about how the courts work and the laws of this country. Whether you’re planning to go to law school or not, in my opinion - the class really helps you learn everything you really need to know to be a paralegal, and I would highly recommend it to all new and upcoming paralegals!
The homework assignments and tests really helped me in the real world. On top of it - Jen is a great instructor! Learning from a great attorney is definitely the best thing ever. She will give you a broader picture of what attorneys expect and the structuring of law firms here. I learned a great deal from the guest speakers as well. You will enjoy listening to the guest speakers - they give you a true picture of how certain fields of law are and what is expected out of you in their respective fields. It will make it easy for you to decide as to what area of law you want to pursue.
Mallika V. (Summer 2022)
This is a very well-rounded course for those who plan on entering the legal profession. It gives students a thorough understanding of different types of legal fields (family, criminal, civil, employment, etc.). This program prepared me for the legal industry by giving me hands on experience in drafting discovery requests and responses, motions, correspondence, affidavits and other documents used in court. In addition, I was able to learn a lot from the variety of guest speakers, each of whom gave great insight into their respective fields of law. It is also a great place to meet people with like-minded professional interests. I highly recommended this program. Excellent instructor.
Gabriel L. (Summer 2022)
This course was recommended by a paralegal who saw potential in me. After a year, I decided to enroll. I was already doing the work of a paralegal but felt like a robot, as I didn’t fully understand what I was doing. This course helped me understand my job better. It helped me be more proactive and efficient as I understood and saw everything from a different perspective. Jen is an awesome teacher! This course is intense but it’s all about reading and following instructions. If I, a mom of 4 children under 10, with a full-time job, could take this course for a better future, so can you.
Lily V. (Summer 2022)
One of the best decisions I could have ever made was to take the Paralegal Program at UHD. It was hard work, but immensely rewarding. Not only did I learn how to become an excellent paralegal but also what it means to be a great citizen. Jen is an incredible teacher; she is intuitive, smart, and caring. The program is very well thought out and provides you with learning opportunities, hands-on experience via Mock Trial, and guest speakers that may have started their career with this program or use paralegals every day in various scenarios. My career has greatly benefited from becoming a paralegal, and I shall be forever grateful to Jen Cabrera for her mentorship, guidance, and teachings.
Michaela E. (Spring 2022)
I took the UHD paralegal course thinking I would only learn how to draft motions, assist with trial preparation, cater to attorney's needs, and the overall expectations of someone working in the field of law. While I did learn extensively about all those aspects, I also gained many valuable lessons through the course. We learned how to work together as a team even with differing opinions. We got to hear firsthand from guest speakers who were outstanding attorneys that told us their expectations and just how valuable paralegals are to them. We also got to hear from paralegals who taught us what to expect. We heard about how each attorney will have a different preference in the way tasks are completed, the different tasks we will be responsible for, and how valuable and rewarding this career is. The program prepared me for drafting motions, key terms and rules in the law, researching, and what to expect when we worked at a law firm. The class got to have a mock trial which allowed us to see just how a trial works, from discovery, to witness prep, pre-trial motions, to opening statements, and objections. Jen was an amazing teacher who was able to tell us about her previous career as a paralegal and her current career as an attorney. She catered to our needs both individually and as a whole and always made sure we understood assignments and lessons. Having an uplifting teacher like Jen makes all the difference. I graduated salutatorian and I can confidently say this class taught me how to walk into my first job as a paralegal with my head held high.
Alexia C. (Spring 2022)
With honor, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Instructor Jen for her extraordinary support with the Paralegal Program at UHD. This was one of my most rewarding accomplishments. The class was very tough and challenges your intelligence, but it’s absolutely worth it. Instructor Jen did everything she could to make sure we all knew we were worth every bit of effort it took to get that certificate. Since graduation, I have been offered many opportunities and incredible experiences. I would highly recommend this program, it’s “definitely” life changing!
Nicole H. (Spring 2022)
Deciding to join paralegal program at UHD was the best! Jen is an amazing instructor who is thorough, and truly cares about helping her students do the best they can. I had the pleasure of taking the first session she taught and I’m glad I did. Working in the legal field now, I go back to the lessons she taught and wasn’t at all intimidated by any of it because I was so prepared from this class. Consider taking this course if you want a career in the legal field. You’ll have a teacher who is an inspiration, and a new set of knowledge that’ll make you ready for the paralegal profession.
Claudia P. (Spring 2022)
I cannot say enough about the UHD course to truly do it service. Coming from well-recognized undergraduate institution, the course exceeded all of my expectations. I felt more than prepared to work as a paralegal and have the skills necessary to excel. The UHD paralegal course gave me the skills to work at an incredibly high level with no previous legal experience. The instructor is incredibly knowledgeable, considerate and compassionate. The program truly wishes to see everyone succeed.
David D. (Spring 2022)
I graduated from the UHD Paralegal Certificate Program in the Spring of 2022 and can say that it is one of the best decisions I have made. The program prepared me through challenging and intensive work. I developed the knowledge and foundation necessary to begin my career as a paralegal as well as being exposed to many networking opportunities. I am currently working as a paralegal and am happy with my decision to enroll in this program while pursuing this career path.
Oscar M. (Spring 2022)