Power to Paralegals

College of Professional Studies program prepares students to pursue a purpose-driven career in law

By Albert Stumm

When Marisa Fugale ’20 CLAS was searching for work as a paralegal, she was surprised at how confident she felt going into interviews.

Although she hadn’t yet completed the Paralegal Professional Certificate Program in the University’s College of Professional Studies, Fugale arrived at job interviews with a portfolio that impressed her prospective employers.

“Every class gave us an assignment that became part of our portfolio—writing samples, captions, a will or something practical,” says Fugale, who had previously earned a degree in Criminology and Sociology at Villanova before returning for the certificate. “I got really good feedback.”

The preparation paid off: One firm was so impressed that it kept a position open for her until she finished the program. She began working as a medical malpractice paralegal in 2021.

Offered for more than 30 years and approved by the American Bar Association, the Paralegal Professional Certificate Program in CPS helps students build the skills needed to advance their careers. Throughout the course, which is offered in person or online, students explore a wide range of legal fields, including intellectual property, contracts, estates and trusts. The curriculum also covers legal ethics, civil procedure and litigation, along with practical training in legal research, writing and office coordination.

Professor Lori Corso, JD, Villanova Law Library’s associate director for Library Services and Legal Research instructor who teaches Paralegal Office Coordination, is assisting in an ongoing curriculum redesign. She says that in addition to preparing students to hit the ground running in their new careers, the program helps them gain a thorough understanding of all the possible practice areas. “This is not just because we want them to be successful in whichever area they pursue, but it also helps them identify their passion—perhaps in an area they didn’t even know about,” she says.

Fugale says one particularly helpful event was the Paralegal Panel, which invites paralegals who have been working in the field for years to take questions and ease students’ concerns. Not only did it help with networking, but it also encouraged/boasted a refreshing candor, touching on topics such as salary. Fugale has since returned to participate in the panel to help other students.

Shannon Hamlin, a certified paralegal and adjunct professor who teaches Civil Litigation and Procedure and Paralegal Office Coordination, organizes the panel each semester. “The program equips students with a broad set of transferable skills,” she said. “Critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication—these are skills that are valuable in any professional setting.”