MC partners with local law firm for summer internship programJune 15, 2023

This summer, Midland College (MC) Paralegal students Amanda Burton and Magaly Ortiz are receiving firsthand experience, professional opportunities and personal growth as paid interns with Cotton Bledsoe Tighe & Dawson (CBTD) law firm in Midland.  Burton and Ortiz are part of the firm’s inaugural summer paralegal internship program.

“We view this program as not only providing opportunities for the students, but also allowing us to recruit interested students as possible employees,” Brandy Wrangham, CBTD Human Resources director, said.

“This is a wonderful, new opportunity created by a Paralegal Advisory Committee member,” Charity Rohlfs, MC Paralegal program chair and assistant professor, said.  “CBTD created this summer paralegal internship specifically for Midland College students.  I’m beyond excited for this opportunity as I know it provides real world application of the students’ coursework.  This program is offering Amanda and Magaly the chance to work in a law firm and gain first-hand insight into their chosen career field.”

Both Burton and Ortiz are nontraditional, older students who experienced family and work commitments before enrolling in MC in 2022.   

Amanda Burton is a native Midlander and graduated from Midland High School in 2002.  

“I was a full-time mom for 12 years before deciding to go back to school in order to help support my family,” Burton explained.  “I learned that I can’t provide for a family flipping burgers!  

“When I first enrolled in Midland College, I was taking prerequisite courses to get into the Nursing program but soon discovered that wasn’t for me.  The Paralegal program appealed to me because of the opportunities for advancement within a law firm and the opportunity to help others through the American legal system. “

Magaly Ortiz graduated from high school in Mexico in 2008 and moved to Midland in 2010.  She currently works part-time in MC’s GED®/English-as a Second Language program.  

“I was attracted to Midland College’s Paralegal program because it is a career that will allow me to use my bilingual skills to interact with people, businesses, organizations and the community in order to shape how others view and are affected by the law.”

MC’s paralegal program is completely online, and while both Burton and Ortiz agree that they feel they possess the knowledge and skills to work at a law firm, this opportunity is also allowing them to “get from behind their computer monitors,” apply their knowledge and interact on a daily basis face-to-face with professionals in the legal field.

“After the students complete their internship program, there is a possibility that they will receive an employment offer as a legal secretary,” Wrangham said.  “Right now, they are assisting our legal secretaries in the litigation department.  They are getting experience with time and client billing, opening and closing case files and drafting legal documents.

“The internship program allows our firm to invest in its own future success and discover new talent.  It’s a first step for us to partner with the Midland College Paralegal program on other endeavors, such as interview technique workshops and guest lecturers.  We see this a ‘win-win’ for everyone.”

Photo:  Midland College paralegal interns Magaly Ortiz (left) and Amanda Burton (right) with Cotton Bledsoe Tighe & Dawson Human Resources director Brandy Wrangham (center).