Blinn Paralegal Program graduate makes a difference for families in Brazos County

Alanna Schultz serves as court coordinator for the Brazos County Family Law Associate Court

November 7, 2024

Fredericksburg native Alanna Schultz, 29, knows she’s making a difference. She can see it in the faces of the parents and children who come into her courtroom.

“Everything you’re doing is going to impact somebody’s life,” Schultz said. “It’s going to help their kids or it’s going to help keep people safe. This work is really important.”

Schultz works alongside Judge Wendy Wood Hencerling in Bryan, where she supports families as they navigate the legal system.

“I really appreciate how the judge tries to work out situations in the best interests of the kids and getting people through really difficult times,” Schultz said. “I feel like we’re really making a difference in this court.”

Schultz’s path to her current role began in 2015, when she enrolled at Blinn with plans to pursue a liberal arts degree. After a brief pause in her studies, she sought a program that would accommodate her work schedule and discovered Blinn’s Paralegal Program, which offered flexible class options and a curriculum that caught her interest.

“What intrigued me about becoming a paralegal is that it’s not just this one thing. There are so many areas of law and so much you can do,” Schultz said. “There’s criminal, family, contract work, and probate. You can go to school for this one thing, but depending on what skills you have or what interests you, you can go so many different directions.”

Blinn’s Paralegal and Legal Studies Program prepares students for a variety of legal careers with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, Legal Office certificate, and Occupational Skills Award in Mediation. The program offers daytime and evening classes both online and on campus. Students who complete the Legal Assistant AAS degree are eligible to sit for the National Association of Legal Assistants certification exam.

“Our program offers a foundational legal education for all students in all major areas of law,” Paralegal and Legal Studies Program Department Head Robert Stanberry said. “What makes our program truly unique and sets our students up for success is that all of our instructors are lawyers and judges who are experts in the areas they teach. In addition, students can focus on the type of law that really intrigues them. We want them to find their passion and succeed.”

Schultz said her internship was a turning point in her career.

“Mr. Stanberry connected me with Judge Hencerling and the rest is history,” said Schultz. “The internship helped tell me this is what I really want to do.”

As court coordinator, Schultz manages the court docket, handles incoming documents, and schedules proceedings. While she didn’t pursue a traditional paralegal position at a law firm, Schultz appreciates the flexibility her degree offers.

“What I like about the program is that you get to focus on what you’re interested in,” she said. “If you like working with people, you can serve as the liaison between your attorney and their clients. If you like research, you can be a discovery paralegal. You have so many options.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, legal assistants earn a median salary of $60,970 per year. In addition to preparing students for careers, Blinn’s program provides a strong foundation of legal knowledge for students who wish to pursue law school.

Schultz’s future plans include continuing her education by earning a certified court manager certification.

“I’m just really happy with the path Blinn set me on,” Schultz said. “Some days are tough, but some days are really happy, like when we do adoptions. The court is filled with family and friends to celebrate this big moment, and I love that.”

For more information on Blinn’s Paralegal and Legal Studies Program, visit www.blinn.edu/paralegal.