Future legal workers graduating from College of Lake County’s legal studies program this May were celebrated at the annual pinning ceremony, the 17th year of the special event.

“When I was hired by CLC back in 2005 to create a paralegal education program, I never imagined how many students would pass through our doors and become leaders in the paralegal profession,” said Legal Studies Instructor Gayle Miller, J.D. “Our legal studies students are held to the highest standards in the paralegal education field while receiving real-life work experiences and meaningful support from their professors as they enter their professional careers. There is no higher reward to me, as a community college instructor, than seeing my students emerge as competent, caring professionals dedicated to meeting the highest standards in our profession.”

Even though half of the students at the pinning hadn’t graduated, nearly all of them are already either employed in a law-related capacity or are accepted by a university to continue their legal education.

Along with faculty, CLC alumni Melissa Jurik and Samantha Misch, the outgoing and incoming presidents of the Illinois Paralegal Association respectively, spoke to the graduates to wish them success and reflect on their time at the college.

“Celebrating the pinning ceremony, I reflect on my transformative journey at CLC, where my education became a voyage of self-discovery,” Misch said. “As president of the Illinois Paralegal Association, I aspire to elevate our profession, empowering others to achieve greatness. Each pin symbolizes perseverance and passion, reminding me that leadership is about serving with integrity and purpose, fostering a community where we all can grow and thrive.”

Robert Luna is a graduate who currently audits law firms. He’s also applied to several paralegal positions.

“Since I took classes remotely, I greatly enjoyed meeting the professor and classmates from the past couple of years,” Luna said. “We will see where life takes me, but I am interested in utilizing what I've learned in the real world.”

For more information about the legal studies program, visit www.clcillinois.edu/programs/bssdv/legal-studies