Harper College will be closed on Wednesday, February 12 in observance of Lincoln's Day.
Kelly Hussey is a graduate of Harper College’s Legal Studies program. Since concluding her studies, she has begun a career in law, currently working as an independent contractor at Newland and Newland, a law firm specializing in personal injury, workman's compensation, foreclosure defense, real estate, and estate planning cases. Recently, Harper’s Legal Studies team spoke with Kelly to discover how her experience at Harper College helped launch her career. Kelly also shares valuable advice for those interested in following a similar path.
Kelly: I work as an independent contractor at Newland and Newland law firm, operating primarily on the personal injury side. I assist with discovery and opposing counsel for the client's questions, and I translate the responses into legal language and add additional information from what we have on file. I enjoy the challenge of finding all the necessary information and putting it together like a puzzle or detective work. When I follow up with clients, I know my work helps people. I can constantly improve my work and see how I have progressed by reviewing my boss's final drafts.
Kelly: I got a bachelor's degree in global studies with minors in psychology and global markets. That experience taught me to look at issues from all angles. However, I needed practical career training. I have always been interested in law, but law school would be a lot of pressure and debt. My plan was to do a 16-week online program until a paralegal friend of mine told me to do an ABA-approved program. That’s when I found out how great Harper College is! I lived in the district, so Harper's tuition rates were very affordable. Halfway through the program, I moved out of the district, but thanks to joint agreements between my new local community college and Harper, I still paid in-district tuition.
Kelly: My time here was fantastic. Harper's legal studies faculty was incredibly supportive and always accommodated my disabilities. Their knowledge and passion for their subject matter, combined with my insatiable curiosity, motivated me to take more electives than I needed. I especially learned a lot once the pandemic hit. I appreciated the convenience of online learning. I can’t drive, my parents had to drive me to class. Online classes were more manageable and allowed me more independence.
Kelly: I’m focusing on increasing my hours and responsibilities at my current job. Communicating your ideas through writing is helpful in any career and many other areas of life, so I am pursuing the Professional Writing Certificate through the College of DuPage. I also take online paralegal studies electives to develop my skills further.
Kelly: Since I am so curious, I try to learn something or take a little inspiration from anyone I connect with. For example, I admire Professor Carol Carlson-Nofsinger and her passion for teaching future legal professionals and dedication to improving the program. Without the support of my parents and everything I have learned from them, I wouldn’t have completed my paralegal studies degree or any other accomplishments. I’ve been in a support group for kids with physical disabilities since I was 8 years old. The pediatric therapy clinic I went to started it, but now that we are all adults, we've continued unofficially via Zoom. We've spent well over 20 years learning from and supporting each other.
Kelly: Harper’s legal studies program faculty want to teach and support their students, so you won’t be doing it alone. There is a fit in the legal field for anyone. There are certain aspects of being a paralegal that I physically cannot do. Still, my curiosity and fortunate connections with open-minded and compassionate people allowed me to find a niche I never expected. If you are interested in a career in legal studies, stay curious and open to connections; you will eventually find your place. The legal studies program is a great first connection.
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.