Blinn to host Brazos Valley Paralegal Forum on Thursday

Reception begins at 6 p.m.; panel discussion to follow at Bryan Campus

April 7, 2026

The Blinn College District Paralegal and Legal Studies Program and the Legal Assistant Student Organization (LASO) will host the annual Brazos Valley Paralegal Forum on Thursday, April 9, at the Blinn-Bryan Campus.

The event will begin with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by the forum from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in Student Center Room F-120. The event is free and open to the public.

The Brazos Valley Paralegal Forum offers attendees a unique opportunity to learn about the paralegal profession and the vital role legal professionals play across the legal system, government, and private sector. Panelists will share their experiences and provide insight into their day-to-day responsibilities while answering questions from attendees.

Billy Hart, chair of the Brazos County Legal Professionals Association and a litigation paralegal with the College Station-based law firm West, Webb, Allbritton & Gentry, P.C., will serve as the panel moderator. Hart also serves as Director and Parliamentarian-Elect for the 4th District of the Paralegal Division of the State Bar of Texas.

Additional panelists include Melissa Parker, litigation and dispute resolution legal assistant with the Office of General Counsel for the Texas A&M University System; Veronica Gray, paralegal with the College Station-based Rife Law Firm; and Ashley Schonewolf, Paralegal at Paradowski Law.

“The Brazos Valley Paralegal Forum provides a valuable opportunity for students, prospective students, and community members to learn more about the paralegal profession directly from experienced professionals,” said Robert Stanberry, Blinn Paralegal and Legal Studies Program Coordinator. “Whether you are exploring a new career path or simply interested in how the legal system operates, this event offers meaningful insight into the important work paralegals perform every day.”

Blinn’s Paralegal and Legal Studies Program prepares students for a variety of legal careers through an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, Legal Office Certificate, and Occupational Skills Award in Mediation. Courses are available online and on campus, and classes are taught by practicing lawyers and judges who emphasize practical, real-world applications. Students who complete the AAS degree are eligible to sit for the National Association of Legal Assistants certification exam.

In addition to career preparation, the program provides a strong academic foundation for students planning to continue their education in law school or related fields.

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