Major: Paralegal Studies
As a senior in high school, Lori Swanson began working as a receptionist in a law firm, which sparked her interest in a legal career.
She attended College of DuPage for two years after receiving a full scholarship while continuing to work. Swanson then advanced her career as a legal secretary in small suburban firms before moving to large firms in Chicago.
After two decades, she decided to take the next step with her career and returned to COD for the Paralegal Studies program. She had learned about the program when one of her employers worked with the program’s director to post job openings.
Clubs and Organizations at COD
“While I felt comfortable at COD, I started out in the paralegal program as a very shy student,” Swanson said. “I eventually was encouraged to consider becoming an officer of the Paralegal Club by another student, who is a good friend to this day. In my last semester, I was president of the Paralegal Club and became very active in volunteering my time.”Her involvement with the program continued after she graduated with both an Associate in General Studies and an Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies. Swanson serves on the Paralegal Studies program advisory board, gives frequent presentations for the program’s practicum classes and volunteers as an evaluator for the practicum expos held each semester.
“In 2021, my husband and I funded an endowment that provides the Paralegal Studies program with its own dedicated classroom in the Berg Instructional Center. This classroom dedication is the first of its kind at COD,” she said. “Coming back to COD so many years later helped me appreciate my start with a scholarship, and it inspired me and my husband to also start a full-ride scholarship for COD’s Paralegal Studies program.
I have developed a strong network of colleagues as well as life-long friends through the students, alumni and faculty of the program.
Lori Swanson
“Volunteering feels so rewarding, and it inspired me to serve on another board of directors for a special needs school and group home. I continue to look for other ways to volunteer my time and for charitable giving.”
In late 2021, Swanson and her husband gifted $30,000 to COD’s COACH program, earmarked for the purchase of an accessible van. The COACH program is a two-year cohort program for young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities that provides post-transition students with educational and life skill training to help them prepare for meaningful employment. The Swansons also established an annual full-ride COACH scholarship.
In 2022, Swanson was among five COD alumni who were awarded COD’s Distinguished Alumni Award.
After graduating, Swanson worked remotely as a paralegal and obtained a national paralegal certification as well as an advanced credential in e-discovery through the National Association of Legal Assistants. She graduated from Northern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Swanson also obtained her real estate license, as she wanted to do so after years of experience working for attorneys on residential and corporate real estate matters. She continues to work remotely as a paralegal.
She strongly recommends the Paralegal Studies program at COD to anyone looking for a career in the legal field.
“It is an award-winning program that is highly respected by the local legal community,” she said. “Many law firms want to hire the program’s graduates. The faculty is amazing and dedicated to the paralegal students, while the Paralegal Club is one of the top student clubs at COD. I have developed a strong network of colleagues as well as life-long friends through the students, alumni and faculty of the program.”
Learn more about the Paralegal Studies program at College of DuPage