In a tight economy, many people decide to take the opportunity to hone their skills by returning to school. Some take courses to update their skill set, while others elect to explore a field that has always interested them or seems more secure.

Yolanda Rodriguez is such an example. With ten years of experience as an advocate for victims of domestic violence for the Catholic Immigration Service, Yolanda is pursuing a degree as a paralegal. She feels a specialized associate degree will allow her to continue working and expanding her role in the field of family mediation.

In addition to traditional legal coursework, Empire’s program provides opportunities for students to intern and volunteer in the community. For Yolanda, this has included work as an interpreter for the Sonoma County Small Claims Clinic and assisting clients for Legal Aid of Sonoma County.

“I enjoy talking with clients and letting them know what their options are to have a better life,” says Yolanda. “Many of them are in crisis for one reason or another. Some are really scared, and directing them toward community resources is a comfort to them.”

Yolanda is one of five Empire paralegal students, along with several Empire law students, who are currently interning/ volunteering for Legal Aid, which annually provides services to approximately 800 clients who are victims of violence.

“It is a pleasure to know Yolanda and to see her shining face in our office helping our clients, particularly those who are Spanish-speaking,” says Louann Smallwood, who manages Legal Aid’s volunteer staff. “Yolanda’s efforts have focused on working with clients who are victims of domestic violence, and we have found her to be knowledgeable and very patient in working with people in this emotionally-charged situation. She has learned to listen to clients’ stories and to draft declarations and to prepare the necessary pleadings.”

Louann adds, “Legal Aid of Sonoma County has a staff of five paid employees and seventeen volunteers. It would be impossible to run our program without the volunteers.”

Addressing the hard and soft skills required for employment is the hallmark of training at Empire College. Career-oriented education incorporates students’ life skills through project-based learning. The 10- to 18- month certificate and associate degree programs prepare legal graduates for positions ranging from legal secretaries to paralegals for private law firms and government.

"I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback from our paralegal students about the opportunities available at Empire College to intern and volunteer at legal organizations such as Legal Aid, the Small Claims Clinic, SHAC (Self-Help Access Center), and the Disability Services & Legal Center, among other legal outreach programs,” says Monica Lehre, Empire’s Legal Department Head.

Adds Monica, “The students gain an invaluable perspective about how their knowledge in the law, under the supervision of attorneys, can help bring justice to individuals in our community. Applying knowledge of the law to real people and real situations is an empowering act, both for the student and the person the student is helping.”