At the University of Tennessee Center for Professional Education & Lifelong Learning, we pride ourselves on the fact that our instructors are experienced professionals that truly care about student success. The curriculum for our online Paralegal Studies Certificate was developed by Dana Chavis, an expert with over twenty years of experience in the legal field.

There’s nothing more fulfilling than empowering students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in the legal field. Witnessing the remarkable transformation of students, from uncertainty to confidence, is a truly rewarding experience.”

—Jennifer Webber, Program Instructor, Paralegal Studies Certificate

Dana Chavis

Dana Chavis

Founding Program Instructor

Dana Chavis was the lead instructor for the UT Paralegal Studies Certificate Program from 2003-2022. She is a 1996 cum laude graduate of Albany Law School in New York and served as an assistant federal community defender in the Capital Habeas Unit of Federal Defender Services of East Tennessee Inc. Chavis has briefed and argued cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Amanda DeVincenzo

Amanda DeVincenzo

Instructor

Amanda DeVincenzo has over twenty-five years of professional experience that spans across law, business, public policy, journalism, human services, academia, and volunteerism. She spent fifteen years working as a senior paralegal and legal analyst in family, civil, criminal, immigration, contract, and bankruptcy law. She now runs her paralegal coaching and consulting business, where she empowers the next generation of paralegal entrepreneurs to build the business and life of their dreams. Amanda earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at the University of Oregon and her Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration at Northwestern University.

Lora Hortert

Lora Hortert

Instructor

After an early career working in accounting and a seven-year hiatus in the workforce to raise children, Lora Hortert returned to college and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in pre-law from Middle Tennessee State University in 2008. Over the next 13 years, she worked as an in-house paralegal in family law, personal injury, estate planning and administration, business law, and general civil litigation, gaining extensive experience and insights into the complexities of legal practice.

In January 2022, Lora founded Tennessee Paralegals, LLC, a virtual paralegal service company that provides paralegal services to solo practitioners and small law firms. What started as a collaboration between one paralegal and three attorneys, quickly expanded to 12 attorneys by the end of the first year. Today, the company partners with 38 attorneys in four different states, achieving a remarkable 285% increase in revenue over the first year, with no signs of slowing down.

In addition to her professional achievements, Lora is dedicated to empowering paralegals and legal professionals. She actively participates in mentorship initiatives, seminars, and industry advocacy efforts to promote the advancement of paralegal excellence.

Outside of work, Lora and her husband Tony have been happily married for 26 years and have three grown children. They enjoy spending their spare time on pickleball courts and traveling.

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To learn more about the Online Paralegal Studies Certificate, fill out the form below to download a free brochure and receive a sample syllabus. You can also call 866-967-3486 to speak with an enrollment specialist.

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