It’s Never Too Late: How One Harper Legal Studies Alumna Changed Her Life with Education

A Chat with Harper Legal Studies Alumna Kellie Turner

Kellie Turner earned her Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Paralegal Studies in December 2022 from Harper College. Since then, she has gone on to a career as a paralegal and executive assistant for a global law firm. Harper’s Legal Studies team recently interviewed Kellie, and she shared her experience with the legal studies program and how it helped advance her career.

What’s your current job?

Kellie: I work remotely as a paralegal and executive assistant for a global law firm. In my current role, I prepare client engagement agreements and draft procedural notices, motions, and other court documents for a litigation partner. I also eFile documents across multiple platforms and track/coordinate case docket calendars. My other responsibilities include communicating with clients and managing projects for attorneys in different practice groups.

What do you like best about your current job or your career in general?

Kellie: I've worked as a secretary in the legal community for more than thirty years. The best part of my career now is that my job title, paralegal, finally matches the level of responsibility and nature of the work I've been doing for so many years.

How and why did you choose your program of study?

Kellie: With over three decades as a secretary in a law firm, my opportunities for advancement and higher income had stalled. I knew I would have to earn a degree to create more opportunities for myself in the legal field.

Why did you choose Harper?

Kellie: Harper College had everything I needed to reach my goals. It offers an affordable degree program, flexible learning with evening and online courses, and the campus is close to my home. My path to Harper began with my 2020 New Year's resolution to go back to school. When I learned of Harper's Legal Studies program, I knew it would be a perfect fit.

What did you like the most about your studies at Harper?

Kellie: I liked that Harper’s legal studies professors were current or former attorneys with law firm experience. They provided real-life examples beyond the course textbooks. I also really appreciated the diversity of the student body in my program. I hadn't taken a college course or been on a college campus in years. I was initially concerned about being an older, returning student and not fitting in with the younger students, some of whom were the same age as my young adult children. I found that many of the students in the program came from similar life circumstances. We were working adults with families and long lists of responsibilities, looking to change or enhance our careers.

What do you like the most about your current position or career path?

Kellie: The aspect of the paralegal career path I like most is the income potential and the ability to work with attorneys in different areas of law.

What inspires you?

Kellie: My family inspires me. I want to be the best example for my children so they know that it's never too late to work for your goals and dreams.

What would you tell someone who may be thinking of following a similar career or educational path?

Kellie: I would tell them that Harper College is the perfect partner to help them reach their career goals. The advisors and mentors are helpful and genuinely interested in helping you succeed even after graduation.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience at Harper or your career path?

Kellie: Completing the Legal Studies Degree program at Harper has opened many doors in my career path and set the stage for me to continue my educational pursuits toward a bachelor's degree.

Learn more about how you can advance your education and your career with Harper’s Legal Studies program. RSVP to attend an upcoming virtual information session.