Balancing motherhood and a career is no easy feat, but Bessy Moreira discovered a path that allowed her to thrive in both. As a single mother, she pursued USF’s Paralegal Certificate, which gave her the tools to propel her career forward. She also completed the Litigation Specialty Certificate, positioning herself for new opportunities at Overchuck Law Firm, where she’s advanced her career for the past six years.
Moreira didn’t start out in the legal field. She spent years working in the medical field, but, in search of a new challenge, she landed a role as a receptionist at Overchuck Law Firm in Orlando. She soon moved into a legal assistant role, gaining exposure to several departments, including litigation, precinct services, and workers’ compensation.
She fell in love with the field and began dreaming of a new career – as a paralegal.
She wondered, could she work, go to school, care for a child, and have a moment to breathe every once in a while?
BOOSTING HER SKILLS
Moreira began researching paralegal certificate programs that would give her the skills necessary for her next step while working with her schedule. With a four-year-old child and a full-time job, in-person classes would be challenging. Her research kept bringing her back to USF’s online Paralegal Certificate, which provided affordability and flexibility.
“USF’s Office of Corporate Training and Professional Education definitely offered the best option for my lifestyle,” Moreira said.
Moreira began the Paralegal Certificate earlier this year and was quite impressed with her experience.
“One thing I really appreciated was how responsive the instructors were. Anytime I had a question, I could send an email and expect a response within 24 hours,” she said.
THE ONLINE EXPERIENCE
Moreira knew she would have to learn to juggle her various responsibilities – work, childcare, housework, and her studies. So, she quickly developed a routine, dedicating one to two hours after her son went to sleep and using her lunch breaks at work to study for upcoming quizzes.
“I had a lot of support from my son’s grandparents, especially during the busier weeks,” she said, acknowledging the importance of her support system.
FOCUSING ON A SPECIALTY
After earning her Paralegal Certificate, Moreira was eager to take her newfound knowledge even further. She consulted her colleagues at the law firm, seeking their insight on which specialization would be the most beneficial for her career. Based on their advice, and a recommendation from one of the firm’s attorneys, she decided to pursue the Litigation Specialty Certificate.
The Litigation Specialty Certificate covers topics in evidence and constitutional law, combining content with relevant course cases, allowing participants like Moreira to understand the legal reasoning and decision-making process behind the laws.
APPLYING HER SKILLS
With her new credentials in hand, Moreira has already noticed a difference in her day-to-day work.
“I feel like I have more knowledge now, especially in filing paperwork,” Moreira said. “My colleagues have also noticed how much more detailed and organized my communication has become – whether it’s writing emails or managing my schedule.”
Though she still officially holds the title of a legal assistant, Moreira’s responsibilities now mirror many of the tasks traditionally handled by paralegals. She’s confident that her journey up the legal ladder is far from over, with plenty of growth and opportunities on the horizon.
Learn more about USF’s Paralegal Certificate program here.