Two Recent Grads Fulfill Dreams Of Working In Law At Middlesex Community College

Winchester MA

14 July, 2022

10:45 PM

Description

Press release from the Middlesex Community College: July 14, 2022 Middlesex Community College's Paralegal Studies program helped two graduates fulfill lifelong dreams of working in law. Both Kristen Wolf, of Haverhill, and Hannah Moudree, from Montana, chose MCC's American Bar Association (ABA) approved program because it was affordable and provided the knowledge, skills and experiences they needed to jump into the workforce. "This was a way for me to incorporate my interest into a career," Wolf said. "MCC helped me reach my goals by making the transition back to school truly seamless. If I had a question, it was quickly answered and I was able to concentrate on my studies." Moudree – who relocated to the area for the military – enjoyed working with faculty member Halye Sugarman, MCC's Paralegal Studies Program Coordinator & Professor, as well as staff in the college's Veterans Resource Center (VRC). Whether she was asking a question related to her classes or GI Bill, everyone was "responsive and willing to help." "MCC opened the door for me and gave me confidence to secure a job in the legal field," Moudree said. "There are supportive staff and the campus is beautiful." As the only Paralegal Studies advisor for the program, Sugarman works with each student as they go through their courses, internship experiences, and take their next steps. Students can choose from a Paralegal Studies certificate or one of two associate degree options to transfer to a four-year college or enter the workforce in a variety of fields of law and other industries. Middlesex also offers a fully online option for students who would not otherwise be able to fit education into their schedules. While Wolf said, "This worked for me as I am a later in life learner and I still needed to work to provide for my family," Moudree said, "the professors made [online courses] worthwhile and engaging." "This has been life-changing for our students as so many of them have full-time jobs and families," Sugarman said. "Being able to take classes online frees up their time and people from different areas can take courses without worrying about traveling." To enhance classroom learning, many students take on internships. Moudree completed hers online at a court service center in Lowell working with family law. The combination of her education from MCC and her internship is helping her in her position at a real estate firm in Waltham. "I aided two supervising attorneys with client intake from the MA area," Moudree said. "We would help clients fill out affidavits, complaint forms, and guide them through the steps of filing legal paperwork." Wolf's experience at a small law office in Groveland allowed her to apply her skills to real-life situations. She continues to work there after she was hired as an official employee a few months into her position. Wolf is now at Merrimack College and hopes to start in law school in Fall 2023. "Attending MCC was truly a turning point in my life," Wolf said. "It invigorated my love of learning and it gave me an incredible base for my future in law. I could not be happier about the choice I made with MCC." This press release was produced by the Middlesex Community College. The views expressed here are the author's own.