Posted: 4/22/2009
At age eight, Carmalita Moore told her mother she wanted a book from the library about lawyers. “I remember like it was yesterday,” she said. “The book was orange with black and white pictures. Some of the lawyers shown were women.” She thought about joining their ranks.
After high school, Carmalita learned more about the work lawyers do by securing employment in the legal department at Progressive Insurance in Atlanta, Georgia. “Once I saw what attorneys do, I didn’t want to be one,” she said. “But I wanted to stay in the legal field.” As time went on, Carmalita realized she could not advance on the job without further legal training.
Brown Mackie College – Atlanta appealed to her because of the small class sizes and flexible schedule. “I liked the idea of the one-on-one feel with faculty, and it was important to me that the instructors had real life experience in the field,” she said. She graduated in 2006 with an Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies.
“The one thing I loved most was the family-oriented school environment,” Carmalita said. “I didn’t feel like just a student. Communication was easy and the nice rapport developed in just a little time.” Carmalita credits Ms. Monique Burge, Director of Career Services, for encouraging her to become involved in campus activities.
Even while working fulltime, Carmalita focused on her studies. She received the Student of the Quarter trophy, which she still has. “Students are recognized for achievement throughout the program. It makes you feel good about what you’re doing, and makes you want to keep going,” she said. Carmalita also bolstered her experience by joining the Legal Eagles, a campus group focused on community service.
Carmalita now works as a paralegal for The Olson Law Firm, a medical malpractice group in Atlanta. Happy in her career, she pays meticulous attention to detail as she reviews medical records, works on discovery, and prepares cases for trial. “It’s not just a job. People’s lives are at stake,” she said. “I really enjoy my work which is extremely important I think.”