MCC Helping Student on Her Path to Becoming a Lawyer in the U.S.

A practicing lawyer for the past 14 years in her home country of Colombia, Fernanda Chamorro Arias is now pursuing the field in the United States. Through Middlesex Community College’s Paralegal Studies Certificate, she is able to start out in the field in a new country, while improving her English-speaking skills.

“I chose MCC because they are approved by the [American Bar] Association,” Arias said. “It made me confident about starting the program here, and I definitely made a great choice. I also had the opportunity to take some English courses as a requirement of the program and it has been helpful for me.”

In May of 2022, Arias – who now lives in Worcester – began interning at MCC’s Law Center in Lowell. One of her duties is to handle complaints from the community for every day issues, such as automobile repossession, sales and repairs, as well as shopping rights and credit problems.

She is also a trained mediator and is able to practice her English-speaking and writing skills in circumstances related to law. This includes drafting letters and emails, and making calls.

“I wanted to get involved as much in the legal system as I could because I love to help people, and I think this place is one of the best for making it possible,” she said. “The internship has been an enriching experience alongside a team of people who are highly trained in the field with exceptional talent and who are very willing to help those who need advice or direction in specific legal matters.”

In addition to her volunteering responsibilities, Arias learned a lot from her internship through Heidi Rowell, Coordinator for MCC’s Local Consumer Program. With her experience in conflict resolution management, Rowell showed a willingness to share her knowledge and work on providing service to the community with Arias.

Another person who has impacted Arias during her time at the college is Halye Sugarman, MCC’s Paralegal Studies Program Coordinator & Professor. In her classes, Sugarman assigns “interactive and interesting” activities, including group work. Outside of the classroom, Sugarman offers Arias and her classmates support and guidance on their next steps in the field.

“I admire her as a woman, as a lawyer, as a professor, and the human quality she has,” Arias said. “She is an empathetic person, always willing to help her students and to recognize the effort that students have in the learning process.”

Arias is enjoying the challenge of learning as much as she can about the legal system in a new country, both through her internship and in her classes. Her ultimate goal is to become an attorney in the United States to help others. While she started her education at Middlesex under uncertain circumstances as the pandemic began, MCC helped her find a clear path to reach her goals.

“MCC helped me to believe in myself again,” she said. “I feel really grateful for.”