The photo captures the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C.

Inside Bryan University’s Fifth Paralegal Program Trip to Washington, D.C.

Bryan University is celebrating another successful trip to Washington, D.C.! 

Since 2017, students in our Paralegal & Legal Studies program have had the opportunity to step beyond the classroom and into the heart of the U.S. legal system. This long-standing trip has become a highly anticipated tradition that brings students together in person.

“It’s a great way to meet everyone,” said Matthew Conard, a current student and president of the Paralegal Club who has participated in two Washington, D.C. trips. “We usually tour the Supreme Court, which is cool seeing where they sit [and] knowing that you have to practice at the highest level to become a lawyer for the Supreme Court.” 

What is the Washington, D.C. Paralegal Student Trip

The first Paralegal Student Association trip took place in 2017 and was initiated by paralegal faculty member Kristel Nielsen after she attended a talk by Justice Sonia Sotomayor at Arizona State University.

“After her lecture, Justice Sotomayor extended an invitation to participants to visit with her personally if they were ever in DC,” Paralegal & Legal Studies Program Director Christine Leavitt said. “This faculty member put the idea out there to the Paralegal Student Association, asking if anyone would want to go meet Justice Sotomayor in Washington, D.C.? Students were very interested in the proposition, and Kristel arranged the whole trip herself! She even funded  a lot of this first trip herself, paying for costs with thousands of her own money.” 

A small group went on this first trip and was able to meet with Justice Sotomayor in a private meeting and watch her in action. Since then, the trip has continued to grow in numbers and thrive. Now, it’s something open to any paralegal student.

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A small group participated in that first trip, where they had the extraordinary opportunity to meet privately with Justice Sotomayor and observe her in action. Since then, the trip has continued to grow and flourish, and it is now open to all paralegal and legal studies students who meet the GPA requirements.

“The DC trip that they do is such an enriching thing because to some people, that stuff is really dry, right? It excites us, and I think that’s a unique attribute,” said Angel Craig, graduate and previous paralegal club president who has participated in 2 DC trips. 

This year’s trip coincided with the government shutdown, which limited some planned activities. However, participants agreed it remained a once-in-a-lifetime and incredible experience.

“This trip was an unforgettable highlight of my time as a Bryan University student. Being immersed in the company of peers who share the same academic interests and course load was profoundly motivating. It created a fantastic sense of community that inspired me to redouble my efforts, achieve my academic goals, and keep reaching for the stars,” student Ardala Johnson said. “Despite the unexpected roadblocks presented by the government shutdown, the dedication of Meredith and Christine ensured that our experience remained seamless and rich with valuable learning. Their planning and commitment made the trip truly exceptional.” 

Program Director Christine and Meredith Hemingway, the Legal Studies Technology and Support Coordinator, are the driving forces behind making this trip possible every eighteen months. 

“Our program would not function like it does without Meredith,” Christine said. “I love working with her, because I can have these big ideas, and Meredith is very detail-oriented and helps to assemble the little pieces that make it a success. Her contributions to our program are truly invaluable.” 

Why Washington, D.C. Matters for Paralegal Education

For many students, this experience strengthens their commitment to a legal career. The nation’s capital functions as a living classroom, one filled with history, today’s legal challenges, and examples of how laws influence society.

“Washington, D.C. is where everything happens. It is the location where the head of the federal government operates, which so much of the legal field is intertwined. Congress makes the laws, then the Supreme Court interprets those laws, and the executive branch, under the President, enforces those laws,” Leavitt said. “To experience this process in action and really understand how our government works is life-changing, and it really helps put perspective on how big our American legal system is.” 

Seeing the places where laws are made helps students understand the legal system in a real, memorable way. 

“My biggest takeaway is the Senate building, and I would like to work for a senator to learn more about politics. It was a meaningful trip to remember,” student Erik Velasco said. 

“If you’re in the legal field, what an opportunity. I would encourage anybody to participate,” she said.

Celebrating Six Years of Experiential Learning in Bryan University’s Paralegal Program

Completing the fifth Paralegal Student Association trip underscores Bryan University’s continued commitment to hands-on learning and career-focused education. The legal profession is demanding and continually evolving, and opportunities like this equip students with a deeper understanding of how the legal system operates at its highest levels as they prepare to enter the workforce.

As the Paralegal & Legal Studies program continues to evolve, the continued success of this experience underscores the program’s mission: to provide future paralegals and legal practitioners with practical training, real-world connections, and opportunities that elevate their professional journey.

For prospective students considering a paralegal program, this trip is just one of the ways Bryan University goes beyond the standard curriculum to support learning, growth, and long-term success.

“​My visit to Washington D.C. was a pivotal moment. Seeing the heart of government and law in action immediately piqued my interest in obtaining my Juris Doctorate (J.D.), and I have already begun researching J.D. programs,” student Ardala Johnson said. “​I sincerely hope that future Bryan University students take advantage of this same opportunity. I believe it is a powerful way to spark an interest in government and law studies, just as it did for me. My deepest thanks to everyone whose hard work, time, and planning made this incredible educational experience possible.”

Learn more about our Paralegal & Legal Studies programs online today!

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