Samantha Friedman, a 2009 graduate of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, was named the 2008-09 recipient of the Excellence in Paralegal Studies (EIPS) Award. The award was given by the Paralegal Studies Advisory Board at its semi-annual meeting on April 20, 2009.

In giving this award, committee chairperson Cathy Canny, senior paralegal for Dann, Pecar, Newman & Kleiman, P.C., in Indianapolis said, “This recipient has flourished in her studies at The Woods. She was a finalist in the Indiana INTERNnet awards, competed and won a position as a Legislative Intern in the 2008 Indiana General Assembly, completed an internship that resulted in employment, and still maintained high honors in her academic pursuits.”

Friedman, a native of Jasper, Ind., was recognized by Indiana INTERNnet, the statewide resource for internship opportunities from the Indiana Chamber, as one of the top interns for 2008. She served as a Senate Democrat intern during the 2008 session of the 115th Indiana General Assembly, working with State Senator John Broden (D-South Bend) and the Minority Attorney's Office.

In addition to winning a coveted spot as a legislative intern, Friedman received an award for Legal Research and was employed part time in a law office where she completed a second internship. She was also involved in Indiana Legal Assistants at the Woods, serving as president during her senior year; she served on the Paralegal Advisory Board; and she helped organize the College’s annual Law Day.

“In our paralegal program, we place an emphasis on teaching practical skills and on making the students market-ready upon their graduation,” said Kathryn L. Myers, associate professor and coordinator of paralegal studies at SMWC, “Employers know that our students can do the job of a paralegal and that their foundation of education is broad-based and rigorous.  Samantha's winning of this award is evidence of her readiness for the marketplace.”

SMWC’s paralegal program aims to set the standard of excellence in liberal arts-based, career-oriented education that is both academically and technologically progressive within a personal, supportive environment. To achieve its educational mission, the paralegal program provides for the study and exchange of ideas and for the acquisition of career skills so that students think and communicate with greater awareness of themselves and others, gain valuable tools for employment, and develop resources for future opportunities. The program enjoys a 90% placement rate.

Students can pursue a bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree or post-baccalaureate certificate in paralegal studies through the campus-based program or the Woods External Degree (WED) distance-learning program. For more information, contact the SMWC Office of Admission by email at smwcadms@smwc.edu or by phone at 812-535-5106 or 1-800-926-SMWC.