Major: Paralegal Studies
After spending more than 30 years in marketing and advertising, Jeff Lapides was looking for a second career.
“I had always been somewhat interested in the legal field, which prompted me to look into a career as a paralegal,” he said. “I researched various paralegal programs and discovered College of DuPage was consistently one of the top-rated programs in the state. It’s also close to home, so the decision was easy.”
COD’s program more than lived up to his expectations. It provided the flexibility that allowed Lapides to take classes in the evenings so he could work two part-time jobs during the day. He also made contacts in the legal field and was able to transition smoothly into a new job after earning his Paralegal Studies certificate.
The professors/instructors are all wonderful people who are doing everything they can to help students succeed.
Jeff Lapides
After leaving the program, Lapides worked in a real estate law firm as a paralegal for two years. He is now an intake specialist for Prairie State Legal Services.
“I’m thoroughly enjoying it as the organization is able to help low-income people and senior citizens with their legal issues,” he said.
His advice for students considering the Paralegal Studies program is to just do it.
“The professors/instructors are all wonderful people who are doing everything they can to help students succeed,” he said. “The fact that all of the instructors are attorneys or judges currently or formerly practicing gives another level of experience that is probably not available everywhere. I also recommend to students that they participate, whenever possible, in the Paralegal Club to listen to interesting speakers and help benefit the paralegal community today and in the years to come.
Paralegal Studies Success Stories
“My association with COD, a high-class institution and reasonably priced for the quality of education received, and the Paralegal Studies program has been nothing short of spectacular. Sally Fairbank runs an exceptional program and I am honored to have been asked to evaluate students at various Portfolio Expo events, as well as speak to the Paralegal Practicum class as they begin the curriculum each semester. I try to pay it forward to those going through the program who are starting new careers, coming back into the workplace or changing careers, as I have.”
Learn more about the Paralegal Studies program at College of DuPage