Alumnus, Paralegal Studies Certificate
As UMA celebrates 60 years of expanding opportunity across Maine, we continue sharing the stories of the people who bring that mission to life.
Chandler Dugal earned his Paralegal Studies Certificate in December 2022 through the University of Maine at Augusta’s Prison Education Program (PEP). That credential set his career in motion, leading to remote paralegal work and, ultimately, a position as a Senior Paralegal at a Manhattan litigation firm. With a master’s degree from Penn State already behind him and law school ahead, Chandler’s story is a powerful reminder of what education can unlock when it meets people where they are.
Chandler was kind enough to share more about his UMA journey through PEP and life beyond.
What was your program of study and official degree title?
Paralegal Studies Certificate
What year did you graduate?
I finished my certificate in December 2022.
What led you to pursue your education through UMA?
UMA provided me the best opportunity for practical training in the field I wanted to start a career in, particularly given my circumstances at the time.
How did support from UMA, whether from faculty, staff, or the program itself, shape your experience?
The UMA staff were incredibly supportive, both in terms of navigating the difficulties of distance learning from a carceral setting, as well as during my later law school application process.
What did earning your degree or certificate mean to you personally?
It meant a great deal to be able to continue my education while incarcerated. It turned what would have otherwise been wasted time into productive time. Additionally, my paralegal studies certificate led to my remote employment as a paralegal while I was incarcerated, as well as my current position as a Senior Paralegal at a Manhattan litigation firm.
What does your life look like today, and what are you most proud of? How has your UMA experience influenced where you are now?
I am most proud of the fact that I was able to continue my education and improve my life while incarcerated. In addition to my UMA certificate, I was able to earn my master’s degree through Penn State, and start remote employment as a paralegal which allowed me to have money for housing and a vehicle upon my release. My UMA education gave me the requisite credential for that paralegal job.
How do you see your future today? What feels possible now that didn’t before?
My future looks bright! I was just accepted into law school. My UMA studies were a step along the journey that brought me to where I am today.
What would you say to someone who is unsure if education is possible for them, no matter their circumstances?
Simply put, education (particularly college education) will open doors for you that would likely otherwise remain closed. It is hard work, but it can make your life immeasurably better.
In what ways are you using your education or experience to make a difference in your community or field?
My paralegal studies certificate allowed me to get a job in the legal field, which I have since turned into a career. I am further pushing that envelope by beginning law school studies in fall 2026. In my work at the firm, and in my intended future employment, I can fight for justice inside and outside of the courtroom.
If you had to describe UMA in one sentence based on your experience, what would you say?
UMA makes collegiate studies accessible where they otherwise wouldn’t be, improving our community and providing pathways to better life outcomes.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I would deeply appreciate a link to my Substack, The Daily Prisoner
As UMA marks 60 years, stories like Chandler’s highlight the lasting impact of education that meets people where they are, wherever they are.