Emily Neary

While considering law school following graduation from undergraduate studies in 2020, Jean Hellman Ryan Scholarship recipient Emily Neary decided to seek more practical experience before committing to such a significant investment. It was then that she discovered paralegal certification programs and found that SCPS offered the best fit for her goals.  

SCPS stood out to her because of its ABA-accredited paralegal program and the flexibility of online courses. It provided the perfect balance of structure and convenience, allowing her to continue working while pursuing her education.  

“I had been considering law school since I completed my undergraduate studies in December of 2020; however, I wanted more experience within the legal field prior to taking on the cost of law school tuition. While researching my options, I learned about paralegal certification programs. Loyola's School of Continuing and Professional Studies, in my opinion, offered the best paralegal program in the Chicago area for several reasons, including an abundance of online classes and ABA accreditation.”  

Emily’s time at SCPS has had a profound impact on her professional life. Prior to enrolling in the Paralegal Studies program, she struggled to transition from her career in hospitality into the legal field. However, once she added her SCPS experience to her resume, things quickly changed. The program helped her break into the legal field much faster than she anticipated. She had been applying for jobs with no success before enrolling, but as soon as she added the paralegal program to her resume, she landed a paralegal position. She truly believes she wouldn’t have been able to make this transition so seamlessly without SCPS.  

“There is no downside to adding skills and educational experience to your resume. SCPS offers plenty of resources to help you manage whatever bars you from committing to a professional educational program.” 

The Jean Hellman Ryan Scholarship, which is aimed at professional students pursuing paralegal certification, not only reinforced Emily’s dedication to her studies but also showcased her commitment to building a fulfilling career in law. It fueled her passion for the legal field and enhanced her certification by showing future employers how steadfast she was about advancing her education and career.  

“I was drawn to the scholarship because it was specifically aimed at professional students pursuing paralegal certification. This scholarship award enhanced my paralegal certification, as it shows my dedication to both my studies and my pursuit of a rewarding legal career.”