From campus to courtroom: Grace Riley, C’26, fast-tracks a paralegal career

For Grace Riley, C’26, the path to her future began with a clear desire to build on the past. After graduating from William & Mary in 2022 with a degree in International Relations and Russian & Post-Soviet Studies, she spent several years working as a Legal Assistant at the Richmond Public Defender’s Office. It was there that she realized she wanted to deepen her expertise and solidify her career trajectory in the legal field.

Returning to school as an adult learner, Riley chose the University of Richmond School of Professional and Continuing Studies (SPCS) and its post-bachelor’s certificate in Paralegal Studies for its commitment to the human element of education. “It was important for me to meet with my professors and peers face-to-face,” she explains. Living in her hometown of Richmond, she found the ability to attend in-person classes to be a significant advantage over the online-only programs she considered elsewhere.

Riley’s time at SPCS was defined by an intense focus and an appreciation for the campus atmosphere. While she balanced a heavy course load with other commitments, she made a point to savor the University’s beauty, often taking time to walk around the lake and library on crisp autumn days. She also developed a deep fondness for the architecture of Jepson Hall and the Humanities Building, which served as the backdrop for this leg of her academic journey.

Her success was fueled by the guidance of faculty members like Professor Peggy Sanner, whose Environmental Law course sparked a new interest in nonprofit work, and Professor Bruce McKechnie, whose rigorous instruction in Legal Research & Writing helped her build a professional-grade portfolio. “Both professors encouraged me during my job search,” Riley notes, “and I’ve really appreciated their support for my academic and professional growth."

As she approaches graduation, Riley reflects on what this milestone represents: “It means having an official credential that shows I possess a set of skills that would make me an asset in the legal field.” That confidence is already paying dividends. As the semester concludes, she is stepping directly into a new role as an Assistant Clerk for the Virginia State Bar.

While she says she will miss the structure of the academic environment, Riley remains a lifelong learner at heart. “Earning this degree helped me confirm the field I want to pursue, and it gave me the confidence to know I can be successful,” she says.

With a new credential in hand, she is ready to take her skills from the classroom to the office and the courtroom.