COD Students Awarded Prestigious Paralegal Scholarship

College of DuPage Paralegal Studies students Linda Chan of Naperville and Kristal Solis of Carol Stream recently received $500 Lambda Epsilon Chi (LEX) scholarships.

The American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) annually awards the LEX scholarship to no more than five students nationwide. The award selection is judged on 500- to 750-word essays on a topic selected by the AAfPE. Established in 1981, the AAfPE promotes quality paralegal education, develops educational standards and encourages professional growth, in order to prepare graduates to perform a significant role in the delivery of legal services.

Solis said the win came as a surprise.

"I did not expect to win at all, but I was thrilled when I received the news," said Solis. "I'm delighted that two students from COD's Paralegal program were able to win this scholarship. It was truly an honor to represent our school and the program in such a positive manner."

Chan said she was thrilled with the competition.

"It was very exciting to win the LEX Scholarship," she said. "I was told that there were 170 National Paralegal Honor Society Clubs across the country. That's a lot of competitors."

Chan said she became interested in law after meeting well-known Chicago attorney Leon Despres. A graduate of Loyola University, she plans to earn her Paralegal Studies certificate through COD and go on to a career in the legal field. She is pleased with her experiences in the American Bar Association-approved Paralegal Studies program at College of DuPage.

"I've had some really great professors who are all lawyers, and I've met some great people," she said. "I would definitely recommend the Paralegal program to other students pursuing a career as a paralegal."

Solis plans to graduate from COD with an associate's degree, transfer to a four-year school and eventually work as part of a law firm specializing in immigration. She said she is grateful and thankful to the instructors and coordinators in the Paralegal Studies program at COD.

"I am so glad I chose this program," she said. "The coordinators and instructors make this program such a wonderful experience for all students. They are passionate about sharing their knowledge and encouraging students to ask questions and do their absolute best. In addition, all of my classes feature great diversity of students pursuing this field of study, including students of different age groups, educational backgrounds, previous law office experience, and educational goals."

The Paralegal Studies program at College of DuPage provides students with the knowledge, training, skills, values and attitude they need to become highly competent, ethical paralegals who will make a positive contribution to the advancement of the paralegal profession. Students gain knowledge and skills in a broad range of topics, including criminal law and procedure, ethics, law office organization and technology, legal research and writing, and litigation. In addition, a required paralegal practicum provides students with crucial hands-on practical experience in the paralegal profession.

Click here for more information on the Paralegal Studies program at College of DuPage.