Full Circle Preparation

Kalisah Bouknight is serious about reaching her goal of becoming a paralegal, which is why she went looking for a serious program to take the next step in her education. 

Bouknight currently works full-time as a legal administrative assistant and client intake specialist with Gross McGinley, LLC, a mid-size law firm based in Allentown, Pa. At Northampton Community College (NCC), she found a paralegal program that would help her build real skills that she can apply in the office and a college environment that provides the support, experienced professors, and opportunities to gain hands-on knowledge that help students succeed.  

“The paralegal program at NCC provides one of the most realistic views of what a day in the life of a law firm support staff looks like,” she explains. “During my second semester, I took a Law Office Procedures course, and it was exciting to learn about the same tasks I was already experiencing in my professional role. It really showed me how full circle this program is and how well it prepares students for life after graduation.” 

Bouknight’s classes are also helping her take her skills to the next level. For instance, she gained more confidence in research and writing—essential skills for a good paralegal—through her Legal Research and Legal Writing classes.  

Eager to grow more in her field, Bouknight appreciates how NCC’s program focuses on teaching students what she calls “the practical side of the law.” Students, she says, don’t just read about legal concepts; they practice drafting legal documents and analyze real-life scenarios. The program also covers different areas of the law—from family law to estate planning—so students aren’t limited to one specialty. 

“The program connects what I am learning in school with what I see happening in the legal field every day,” she says.   

Juggling full-time work at a busy law office with a demanding course load can be difficult, which makes Bouknight’s natural love for organization a superpower. In fact, if she has downtime, she might watch a few organization and productivity videos. It’s how she stays on top of tracking case deadlines, monitoring attorney calendars, and handling client matters. It also helps her stay ahead of class assignments, due dates, and long-term projects. 

She admits it takes discipline to balance it all, but she knows earning her degree and reaching her goal are worth it.  The law is something that has long interested Bouknight, who always wanted a career where she could help others. In fact, helping people advocate for themselves and seek justice is the best part of her job. 

Just as she supports others at work, Bouknight has found support at NCC. After making the Dean’s List in her second semester, she joined the Honors Program. She also received the Clinton Budd Palmer Memorial Scholarship. 

“[The scholarship] has truly been a gift,” she says. “It has helped me purchase legal textbooks and the software needed to support my coursework, allowing me to fully invest in my education and continue growing professionally.” 

Growing more each day—both in the classroom and in the office—Bouknight is organizing quite a career for herself.