Kelly O'Brien

When did you graduate from the COD Paralegal Studies program?

Summer 2015

Where are you currently working?

I recently accepted a full-time Paralegal position with Lillig & Thorsness, Ltd. in Oak Brook.

How did you choose that area of practice?

I have always had an interest in criminal law, and was fortunate enough to gain criminal experience through my internship. Now I will be focusing more on civil litigation, real estate, and estate planning.

What was the most important lesson you learned from the COD Paralegal Studies program?

Networking works! Take advantage of the resources provided to you by the Program, and keep in touch with people in the Program before and after you graduate. You never know who will be able to help you in the future.

What class did you find to be the most practical?

I found the writing classes to be most useful, as they provided me with good practice to get back in the habit of formal writing.

What advice would you give to a current paralegal student?

Don't be afraid to put yourself out there, and step out of your comfort zone. This is how you learn quickly.

Tell us an interesting story that sums up your experience as a paralegal.

I started as an intern in May 2015, and in July, the paralegal that was training me left without notice. Since then, I have been thrown into the fire, so to speak, and have been literally learning by trial and error. I have had very little training, but am exceeding my own expectations. It's sort of like being blindfolded and walking into a busy intersection, and hoping you don't get hit. Each day, I learn more, and it feels less like being blindfolded, or it feels that the intersection is getting less busy. The more I practice, the better I get, and the easier the work becomes. It has been quite the roller coaster ride, but it has paid off, as I now have been offered a new job with a bigger firm.

Who or what inspired you to become a paralegal?

My brother passed away in 2011, and since then I have done nothing but try and better my life. My brother, Joey, has been and always will be my biggest inspiration to do great things, including becoming a paralegal. He would be incredibly proud.