Testimonials and Student Reviews

Our students can tell you in their own words about the great benefits of the Washington Online Learning Institute's Paralegal Certificate Programs, Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Programs and Continuing Education courses.

If you would like to speak with one of our current or former students to hear first-hand about their experience at Washington Online, please contact one of our Student Affairs Coordinators.

Jessica Brockway
The Roberts Law Firm - Paralegal
Senior Paralegal Certificate Program

The program is great! I would not be in the position I am in now without a Certificate and the experience that I have. I learned a lot through the Certificate program in a very short time. The course work really teaches you some of the skills you need to do your job as a Paralegal, along with the ethics of law firms.

Patricia Patrick
Director of Legal Recruiting and Benefits
Greenberg Glusker Fields Claman & Machtinger LLP
Business Organizations Certification

It has been many years since I've attended school of any kind, having received my BA in 1980. It was a pleasure to attend and I highly recommend WOLI. Efficiency accompanied by courtesy is a rare combination in today's work world and this is how I rate WOLI's staff. They provided detailed explanations and personal assistance when needed (and it was needed often in my case).

If you are looking for online courses where information is readily available to its students, I can recommend WOLI with complete knowledge and confidence.
Thank you.

Jennifer Bautista
Medical Billing and Coding with Foundations Certification

I had a great time completing my online education with WOLI. It was my very first online education and I felt welcomed and the website was very user-friendly. I learned a lot of things from my professors and fellow students. I thought it would be very difficult, but it was smooth sailing from start to finish.

Allison Oliver
Paralegal Certification - Pathway Program

WOLI was a wonderful experience for me. I am in the legal industry, but did not have any legal training. I am so much more productive in my career now that I have completed the paralegal courses.

The convenience of the online classes, blogs, forums and professor's feedback was extremely helpful. I have recommended WOLI to others.

Ashleigh Simmons
Paralegal Certification - Pathway Program

When I needed to call the 'help line' everyone who did answer my calls were very helpful, knew exactly how to answer/help with my concerns & were able to fix/correct my issues. This made everything very easy.

I'd like to say that my professor was amazing!!! I was the only student in my class which made it a little difficult not to be able to share/talk about my work but my professor was so helpful, understanding, detailed, seemed very happy with teaching and passionate on what she was teaching. She was encouraging and made me feel like I could really do this course being a new mommy, working full time & not having done ANY kind of schooling since highschool 10 yrs ago..she made me feel confident.

Brenda Allen
Accountant/Paralegal
Paralegal Certification - Pathway Program

Woli gave me the opportunity to increase my level of education and understanding at a pace that was comfortable and affordable for me. The new job skills that I learned have helped to increase my ability to provide for my family without taking a lot of time away from them.

Charlene Ward
Senior Paralegal Certificate Program

Because of my Paralegal certification from WOLI I was able to get a job as a Legal Assistant right after receiving my paralegal certificate. I had already had a BA in Criminal Justice & Psych, but the paralegal cert is what got my foot in the door for a specific paralegal/legal assistant job.

Denise Beatty
Senior Paralegal Certificate Program

I thought the education was helpful and complete. Well executed.

Michael Freeman
Senior Paralegal Certificate Program

My WOLI experience has been great, I use what I learned to help others and it feels good. I feel confident I could find work if I so desired using what I learned at WOLI.

Douglas Mix
Hyundai Motor America
Senior Paralegal Certificate Program

I really enjoyed your school.

Frank Aragona
White & Case LLP
Senior Paralegal Certificate Program

WOLI gave me an excellent foundation to begin working as a paralegal in a large law office. Because of my training at WOLI, I was able to completely understand all of the activities that I was engaged in and it made the transition to full time paralegal duties very smooth.

Howard Johnson
Senior Paralegal Certificate Program

The best online education available for Paralegal studies. Work at your own pace, develop lasting professional relationships across the country and in different areas of law.

Rushenthree Hohl
Criminal Justice Certification

This was the greatest experience of my life; Washington Online Learning Institute has helped me in taking the first step in educating myself and the professors were awesome. Professor Koplen is really tough but he challenges you in order to challenge yourself, thanks prof!

Go with WOLI, be a dedicated student and you will achieve anything you put your mind to. Good luck to the new students!

Jane Tigano
Paralegal Certification - Pathway Program

My educational experience was a pleasant one. The administration and professor were pleasant and helpful. It was my first experience with an online educational program and I would recommend the program to anyone that I knew was interested in the paralegal field.

Julie Pettite
U.S. Courts - Federal Public Defender
Paralegal Certificate Program

I appreciated the talented instructors at WOLI; they were all very helpful and knowledgable in my field. I also appreciated the administrative staff at WOLI - who were also very friendly and helpful.

Marilyn Riesenfeld
Pearson Education
Senior Paralegal Certificate Program

My experience at WOLI was excellent. The teachers were great, the books were interesting and understandable, and the pacing was just right.

Michael Newton
Individual Online Paralegal Courses

I greatly appreciated the Introduction to Immigration Law course. As a Homeland Security employee, this further enforced the actions required by applicants and their representatives in obtaining legal status in the United States.

Malcolm Mitchell
Senior Paralegal Certificate Program

WOLI is second to none in the area of Paralegal Education. The instuctors and administrative staff are the best in the field.

Susan Bayer
Master Paralegal Certification Program

What I like about WOLI is that they teach you what you need to know and not courses that you don't, and the teachers at WOLI practice what they teach. I left my Community College to start WOLI and I'm glad I did because now I hold a Master Certification in Paralegal. I think if you are serious about your future you should attend WOLI.

Penni Bertonneau
Lister, Martin, & Thompson - Paralegal
Senior Paralegal Certificate Program

I had a wonderful experience at WOLI. I loved the coursework, loved the teachers, and felt challenged, empowered snd invigorated. I highly recommend the school and felt like I learned a tremendous amount. I am very grateful for the experience and knowledge I attained during my studies.

Paul Lucas
Wine Compllinace Pro - Paralegal/Legal Analyst
Paralegal Certification - Pathway Program

WOLI was the right choice for my continued educational needs. Professor Koplen, staff, and fellow students made for a fun and rewarding experience. Anyone who considers changing or upgrading their career should look into the options available at WOLI.

Shirley Robinson
Senior Paralegal Certificate Program

Well as a student I immensely enjoyed the classes and contact with the other students in the online classes. We had excellent, well educated, and well informed instructors. I highly recommend this school to anyone who wants to further their education in the legal field. Even though I have not worked as a paralegal, the different books and the law and forms gave me a better understanding of peoples rights as a social worker.

Rosalie Sanzo
Bilotta and Metz - Paralegal
Paralegal Certification - Pathway Program

As a middle aged woman, I was hesitant to enroll in an online program when my technical skills are less than stellar. However, the online classroom is user friendly and does not require computer expertise. The polite, professional, pleasant, and knowledgeable staff were always available with answers to any questions I had which required a human. I would highly recommend WOLI to someone interested in receiving a Paralegal Certificate without stepping into a brick and mortar classroom.

Online education is not the wave of the future...it is the wave of the PRESENT. I would recommend WOLI's Paralegal program to anyone interested in a career as a paralegal and/or legal assistant.

John Archer
Paralegal Certification - Pathway Program

WOLI has helped me get sucessful resolusions to Civil Litigation. The staff, course, and text books are very helpful and professional. I reccomend this online learning Collage to those who are seeking a first class education.

Shauna Parsons
Senior Paralegal Certificate Program

My experience was excellent. The staff, teachers and students are all instrumental to the program and furthering your career. All the professors were courteous, extremely helpful and pushed students past average thinking!

Victoria Schall
Legal Services of Northern Virginia - Attorney
Senior Paralegal Certificate Program

I got the WOLI paralegal certificate while I was working for a law firm after college. I was looking at going to law school, but was concerned about what would happen if I could not pass a bar exam, and I wanted to ensure that I could get an advanced job as a paralegal in the DC area, rather than continue as a legal secretary/office manager. I went to law school and have since passed 4 bar exams and am working at a legal aid service in northern Virginia. WOLI definitely provided me with that confidence though that if something didn't happen for me after graduation, I could find gainful employment as a paralegal. Thanks!

Carol Gollobith
Robert T. Moxley, PC - Paralegal/Legal Assistant
Paralegal Certification - Pathway Program

It was a great experience. The instructors were very helpful and knowledgable. We are a 3 person office and have gotten very busy. Our office does civil, criminal, and vaccine law.

Vicki LaFayette
KONE Inc - Paralegal
Senior Paralegal Certificate Program

It was a wonderful experience. There were several of us here at the time who all took this course together and that was nice because we studied together. Our attorneys here helped us with studying also. We picked the topic and they answered any questions we had. Everyone at WOLI was very supportive and helpful too, of course. We were like family.

From Jo Anne Neary
Paralegal

I received my results from NALA and I am happy to report that I passed the CLA. What an accomplishment! The two-day exam is grueling and I thought my results could go either way. Passing on the first attempt is a bonus.

Thank you for creating a program that is accepted by NALA. The fact that your program gave me the requisite hours I needed so I was eligible to sit for the exam was one of the main reasons I liked WOLI so much.

Now I'm going for the Advanced Certified Paralegal designation in Trial Practice. I can't wait!

Take care!

Jo Anne Neary

From Christine Foster
Corporate Governance Paralegal - ING

"I got my job offer as a corporate paralegal before my course was completed. I work with a team of corporate paralegals for a major international finance company and another paralegal on staff was also taking paralegal classes at the same time as me. She was using an onsite program from a local school that is highly regarded. I was able to study with her and help her with her projects due to the quality of the education I received. She asked to see one of my textbooks and commented that it was easier to understand than the one used in her class. Thank you WOLI for the great education; I love my job as a corporate paralegal."

From Melissa Azetine
Paralegal - Dellecker, Wilson, King, McKenna & Ruffier LLP

"I got the job! I interviewed Monday and was called back this morning for a second interview with one of the partners. There were about fifty candidates for the job...I believe that the certification is what distinguished me from other applicants for the job."

From Donna Profeta
Paralegal and Realtor

"I can say with certainty, given my long educational resume, [that] the education delivered by the professors at WOLI was stellar," she said. "It was comprehensive. Not a stone was unturned. You exit this program feeling quite capable."

"Online education is an especially good choice for paralegal students because the information is delivered in an efficient manner. Having the ease and the convenience of the Internet allows the student much more flexibility without rigid schedules or boundaries. The education moves with you; and with the advent of Wi-Fi hotspots, and mobile PCs, there is no reason not to pursue higher learning." (Excerpted from LawCrossing interview.)

From Charlene Becker
Paralegal

"After getting my certification from WOLI, I obtained a job working at a mid-sized law firm in NJ. I feel that my certification from WOLI is what opened the door for my interview, which ultimately landed me the position.

From Susan Feaster
Paralegal

"I am currently working as a paralegal in a firm that has 9 offices throughout the country. I know that taking the paralegal course at WOLI gave me the edge I needed to obtain this position and to have the confidence I needed to come up with a plan and go for it! Thanks WOLI!"

A selection of answers from our survey of graduates:

Thank you for offering such a quality learning experience. -Diane Stevens

This curriculum worked well for me under the circumstances of working full time and running a household with two kids. -Mary Johnson

The teachers were very responsive, an excellent quality. I can't say enough good things about them. -Annette Scott

I would recommend this school to anyone wanting to become a paralegal. -Brenda Taylor

I felt that the curriculum was informational and descriptive. -Maria Bradbury

I thought the curriculum was very well planned and organized. The courses are organized, easy to read and easy to follow. The professors are very nice and very helpful! -John Greene

This program was my first experience with online courses, and I was completely satisfied with the convenience and professionalism that I experienced. I would recommend it to anyone! -Jennifer Olney

The WOLI instructors were great. The communications system is great! -Ray Hughes

Every time I had an issue to be resolved, the Student Affairs staff were quick to help me out. They were pleasant always and very efficient. -Melissa Oldman

The student affairs staff is GREAT!! They were always eager to help and concerned with my educational goals and concerns. -Susan Netter

This is my first experience with online classes and it was a good one. All of the staff at WOLI has been wonderful and I didn't have any technical mishaps with the web site. I would definitely recommend WOLI to others interested in online learning. - Jason Moore

I just want to say "Thank you" for allowing me to participate in your program. This has been a wonderful opportunity for me and I have learned a great deal. Your program has allowed me to accomplish something that I otherwise may not have been able to do! Thank you so much! -Gayle Johnson

From Konthal Cheng
MBA Certification

I am very glad to have completed the MBA Certificate Program, and recently received my certificate in the mail. When I enrolled in my first class at WOLI, it was my first experience with an on-line school, and I did not think that I would get that much out of it. After that first class I realized that while the on-line classes are mainly "self study", they are designed to make you research the topics and scenarios, and to examine them from several different viewpoints.

As you were my instructor in the MBA Certificate Program, and in six of the eight classes I took at WOLI, I want to say a special "Thank You" to you for contributing to a memorable and rewarding educational experience.

The articles you provided were very informative and helpful, and your comments on my responses were both thought provoking and insightful. I particularly enjoyed the Terrorism and Homeland Security class and the four classes for the MBA Certificate Program.

I will therefore wholeheartedly recommend WOLI to my friends and those seeking to further their education.

From Joey Billy
Paralegal

Hello Professor Koplen, I wanted to thank you with what you are doing running the online courses for paralegal certificate program. It is certainly working out for me with the certificate. I am working for the Kuskokwim River Watershed Council as Brownfields Coordinator. It is the same title where I was working at Native Village of Tununak, IRA Council, but different organization and it is wonderful! This is very incredible having a certificate. It is certainly making a big difference with my career. I do work with State DEC, EPA, and 39 Tribal organizations with the work that is demanding. I do not know how else to express my feelings, but this is just too incredible.

WOLI Staff are incredible, professional, and certainly know what you are doing! The instructions and surfing the WOLI website are easy to access, with a very friendly atmosphere. I enjoyed being a student and am very lucky to have had a chance to go through your institution and I graduated with a good future with a Paralegal Certificate. Thank you!

It all makes sense and the staff looking up at me with what I am doing is excellent ... Thank you again. Joey Billy

"Yuut Atauciuluteng!"

From Joan Bristol
Paralegal
Newtek Business Services

"Months ago I said I was on the verge of a great job and it finally came through in April. After I got my Paralegal certificate I started meeting with the lawyers and judges in the DC Rotary to get their input as to how I could combine 25 years in the financial services industry with the law, thinking bankruptcy, contracts, financial institution in-house counsel work.

One lawyer met another lawyer on the street. Was told he was looking for someone to open a DC office for Newtek Business Services, a publicly traded company in NYC which provides financial services to small businesses. Do I have the person for you said my friend! Interviewed here and by the CEO in NYC and got the job. What sealed it was that I was experienced as a manager, could read and execute legal documents, under supervision, such as lease contracts, corporate resolutions, and other corporate contracts. I have been here 2 months and am working practically 24/7 as it is a startup and very entrepreneurial. Currently I am working with 2 clients who are in Chapter 11 and need financing, so again the training came in handy.

Bottomline: I would never have been networking with the legal profession except for WOLI. Thank you!"

From Jan Ireland
Legal Assistant

"Professor Maloney,

I have just gotten a job as a Legal Assistant, working for the three partners in a local firm. It was a tough interview process - I might even say grueling - but I was finally selected over several other applicants. It was the quality of the instruction I have had at WOLI that enabled me to convince them that I can do the job.

I especially credit your answers to my continual list of questions, for giving me down-to-earth knowledge of different fields of the law. It helped tremendously in interviewing with three different lawyers at once.

You are a wonderful teacher, Professor - bright and positive and inspiring."

From Gela Brooks
CLA/Paralegal
Alworth Law Firm, PC

"I have good news for you. I joined NALA sometime back, based on my certification from WOLI. Because of that membership, the university I am currently attending, gave me 21 credits, I am also a member of the Texas Bar Association Legal Assistants Division (active member).

The training I received has really advanced my career. I was hired as head-paralegal for a large litigation firm based out of Brownsville and San Antonio, Texas.

I have been and was working as legal assistant, for an attorney, but I have moved upward so fast, simply because of the training and memberships. I have 350 cases under my watch, needless to say, I work 12-14 hours a day but I love the fast, exciting pace."

From Maureen Liszewski
Senior Contract Specialist
Newark, DE

"I've learned so much at WOLI and it has been extremely useful in my current job and in my personal life. Every course in the program has been paced nicely and you have wonderful instructors. I always have great things to say about WOLI to my colleagues and highly recommend the program."

From Naomi Fisch
Paralegal
Hillsborough, NJ

"Thank you so much for your phone call and e-mail.

As you know, I am a new student; I’ve taken the Intro course, Civil Litigation and now I’m taking Real Estate. I have no background in law; this is a complete career change.

I was looking on Monster to see what the job market had to offer and I saw an ad for an experienced Paralegal for a firm that specialized in Community Association Law. I live in a Townhouse community and I’ve been President of the Board of Directors for many years so I knew a fair amount about community associations. This is the law firm that represents our Association and of course, I knew the two partners in the firm. I sent an e-mail with a resume (showing my background, which of course, indicated that I had no legal experience). I explained that I was taking a Paralegal program.

I received a phone call and we set up a meeting. The meeting went well. They were impressed with what I told them about WOLI’s program and that I would have completed 11 courses and have my certificate around the end of the year instead of via a traditional classroom program that would probably take about two years.

After the meeting, they called me back for a second interview and made me an offer. They said they would be willing to train me since I was showing real commitment by taking WOLI’s program.

I started on Monday and it has been one tough week! I’ve done little, accomplished less but I have come home exhausted every night. Everyone has been great and I’m learning so much. I’ve been seeing the very things we are reading about right now—liens, mortgages, title reports, etc. It’s very exciting and I would never have had this opportunity if I had not enrolled in WOLI when I did.

Thanks for all your help.

With best regards,

Naomi"

From Janaya Snell
Project Coordinator
Siemens Transportation Systems, Inc.
Bronx, NY:

"This is one the best experiences that I have ever had. I have taken an online course before and loved it but this further reinforces my attitude toward this new wave of learning. This is the first time that I will be taking an entire program online and I am very psyched. The most important thing to me is getting a quality education with the greatest flexibility and WOLI is IT!!!

Everyone at WOLI has been so supportive and wonderful, I honestly feel that we wouldn't get this kind of support in a traditional classroom environment from the professors nor one another. I have a lot of responsibilities just as everyone else and there just never seems to be enough hours in a day. I am happy that I made the decision to attend WOLI."

From Kari Belle
Current Student
Barstow, CA:

"I am so glad that I signed up for this class and I have to thank my friend who suggested it! I have been trying to finish college for the last six years and this is my 5th college. Not due to anything I have done except moving with my husband during the last 14 years out of the 18 he's been in the Army and we are still expecting one more move soon! So for me this school has been the perfect decision.

I love how its not just "send the books and leave the student to finish it by him/herself and send in the tests every once in awhile" like correspondence courses are. I can log on when I can and do the work when I can. It's now 10:15 PM and my kids are all asleep and most everything is ready for the next day before I am able to log on and I love it! And I still don't feel like I have missed out on anything today!!

The quick answers and almost immediate responses are terrific! I'm sure I will continue to learn so much throughout this course and will walk away with my certificate and have no regrets or doubts when I finish! Thank you to all who keep this going for students like all of us!"

From Trudy Aldrich
Current Student
Woodbury, MN:

"I just want to take a moment to thank all of you for contributing to my learning experience at WOLI. Your perspectives have enriched my understanding of the law, and your humor and poetry have made the process most enjoyable. I can't believe how quickly the time has gone. ... Best wishes to WOLI for many years of continued success."

From Daniel Anderson
Realtor
Fernley, NV

"I recently completed WOLI's Paralegal certification program and absolutely endorse this on-line system of education to anyone who is truly interested in educating themselves in the paralegal profession. The system of education was a challenging one. Most classroom environments fail miserably at teaching the student how to learn. Quite the contrary here, as the online educational environment demands that the student learn to learn as well as research and define the problem as well as formulate and conclude the solution. Very challenging at times but schedule friendly in the process. I will enroll in more courses like this!"

From Marya Curtis-Pickett
Staff Counsel for Allstate and Encompass Insurance Companies
Senior Legal Administrative Assistant
Santa Barbara, CA

"I really have LOVED this program and will REALLY miss my classmates! I will definitely refer WOLI to anyone who asks."

From Vicky Lafayette
Contract Specialist
KONE, Inc.
Moline, IL

"I love it. I kind of dreaded just the idea of taking a class because I work long hours and there's never enough time at home but with the class being online, that has been a huge plus. The instructors have been great. Answering questions right away and having a sense of humor too! I won't ever feel that I can't ask a question, even if I think it's a dumb question. There has been so much support from everyone in the class that I am so glad I signed up. And, I can sign on at work or at home, whenever I feel like it."

From Fran Beamesderfer
Lab Technologist
Native American Health Clinics
Hemet, CA:

"I love this program and am amazed at how great the communication is between all involved."

From Megan McGuire
Paralegal
Miami Beach, FL:

"These courses have been very helpful to my paralegal job. I have been working as a paralegal for almost four months now, starting from no experience in the legal field at all. These courses have been extremely rewarding for me. I was not familiar at all with Lexis and this helps me a great deal in my work."

From Caroline Cohen
Seattle, WA:

"Thank you again for being so approachable and encouraging. I am enjoying my studies very much."

These are just a few of the compliments we receive every week from our lively and enthusiastic students. (All testimonials are printed with permission from the students themselves.)

For more information about our Paralegal Programs and Courses or Medical Office Assistant Programs and Courses please download our free brochure here, or call us toll-free at 1-800-371-5581.