ECC Paralegal Alumna Finds Career Path Through Faculty Support

These days, Elgin Community College (ECC) paralegal alumna Janell Tucker spends most of her time working remotely in her Florida home as a paralegal in construction litigation, finishing her bachelor’s degree, or being a mom. Back in 2013, she was just beginning her paralegal journey at ECC.

When she was an ECC student, Tucker, who lived in Plainfield, chose the college because of its proximity and because it offered the only American Bar Association (ABA)-approved paralegal program near her.

In her classes, Tucker studied topics like legal research (her favorite), where she learned to use LexisNexis and Westlaw, both legal research platforms she has often used during her career.  Tucker said having that knowledge has directly helped her in her career.

The instructor who “changed” her life was ECC Paralegal Adjunct Faculty Laurel Vietzen, she said. Although Tucker initially struggled in Vietzen’s required real estate course, she finished with the highest grade in the class.  

“She said, ‘This is what you’re made for,’” Tucker said. “I didn’t think so.”

Tucker would also meet regularly with Laura Haske, paralegal instructional coordinator, who she said made time to answer all of her questions. 

“She was really instrumental in getting me where I was going to go,” Tucker said, adding that she’s known for her strong network of employers. 

She would later connect with a local attorney who was hiring thanks to an introduction from Vietzen. After graduating in 2015, Tucker joined his Bensonville firm, where she spent four years building her foundation in the field. 

“He taught me everything about real estate, commercial, residential, civil litigation, probate, and corporate work,” Tucker said. “I worked there [for Subach] for two years remotely, and then I got a job in complex construction litigation.”

Tucker is currently finishing her bachelor’s in organizational management to become a project manager. She also sits on a local college advisory committee for the new paralegal studies program at St. John’s River State College in Lakeside, Florida, where she is completing her bachelor’s degree.  

“I really enjoy it, it changed my life,” Tucker said about her career trajectory. “I’m very happy that I’m pivoting a little bit now. But, I’m still a paralegal. It's great, the money I put into it was a great investment.”

To learn more about ECC’s Paralegal program, visit elgin.edu/paralegal.