The Central Illinois Paralegal Association (CIPA) offers students in a paralegal studies program the opportunity to be the recipient of a $500 scholarship. CIPA recently solicited essays from area paralegal students, reviewed the submissions, and named Illinois State University legal studies major Artdesha Williams the winner of this competitive award.

Artdesha Williams standing

Legal studies major Artdesha Williams

Williams served as an intern last summer for the Baltimore City Public Defender’s Office in Maryland. She has volunteered at community centers in Normal and in Chicago. She also has assisted international students in improving their English language skills and served as a resource person for members of the general public at the McLean County Law and Justice Center as part of the Illinois Justice Corps.

CIPA is a National Association of Legal Assistants affiliate and is composed of volunteer paralegals working every day to advance the paralegal profession.