November 2025 Volunteer Spotlight – Jeff Watts, CP

Jeff Watts, CP, joined NALA’s Certifying Board (CB) in spring 2024 out of appreciation for the paralegal field.

“This profession has done a lot for me,” he shared. “I just wanted to do something to give back.”

That sense of gratitude and purpose has guided Jeff throughout his career, from his start as a paralegal about three decades ago to his current role as a full-time faculty member in the Paralegal Studies Associate Degree Program at Lone Star College in Houston, Texas.

Lone Star College’s Paralegal Studies Program is one of only 14 ABA-approved paralegal programs in Texas, and one of just 223 nationwide. Maintaining that distinction is no small feat.

“ABA approval is the brass ring that every program wants,” Jeff explained. “Graduates from those programs are distinguished from others.”

Right now, his program is preparing for a site visit from the American Bar Association, which occurs every seven years. In addition to the site visit, they must file an annual report every few years. He described the preparation as “a Herculean task.”

The review process is thorough. Site visitors speak with students and alumni, observe classes, and even examine the library to confirm it contains the required materials.

“We have to track every program graduate,” Jeff expounded. “If they’re working, we have to know exactly where. If they’re in school, we have to know where and what they’re studying. If they aren’t working in the legal field, we have to know why.”

It is a grueling process, but it is worthwhile to maintain the unparalleled distinction of ABA approval. The program also uses student surveys to evaluate and update the courses to meet the ABA’s rigorous standards. Recently, the college received a grant to cover the cost of taking NALA’s Certified Paralegal (CP^®) Exam for a group of program graduates.

Jeff’s journey into higher education began with a paralegal certificate from Lone Star College in the early 1990s. After several years of working as a paralegal, he felt he had gotten as far as he could without a degree. He wanted more, so he returned to school in his 30s.

Balancing part-time classes with full-time paralegal work to support his family, Jeff earned his bachelor’s degree in political science at 42 and his master’s degree in criminology at 47. He became the first person in his extended family ever to graduate from college.

“It was a difficult journey,” he admitted. “My spouse was my biggest cheerleader.”

Shortly before he shifted from paralegal to paralegal educator, Jeff achieved his CP^® credential. He values his certification and asserts that it has helped advance his career. His years of experience in the field prepared him for the exam.

“I had been working as a paralegal for close to 15 years, so I just went and took it,” he said casually. “I passed on the first try.”

Jeff started as an adjunct professor at Lone Star College in January 2009, the same month he became a CP^®. The woman who hired him had been his teacher when he was taking paralegal classes at Lone Star in the late 80s and early 90s. She became his mentor and later lobbied for him to be hired as a full-time faculty member.

After his foray into teaching as an adjunct, Jeff realized he would do whatever it took to become a full-time educator. With the help of his mentor, he moved into teaching full-time in 2014. Jeff served for three years as program chair before returning to his true passion in the classroom. Along the way, he earned an Outstanding Faculty Award in 2013 as an adjunct and in 2018 as a full-time teacher.

As a member of NALA’s Certifying Board, Jeff helps ensure that the CP^® credential continues to meet the highest professional standards.

“Anything that has anything to do with the CP^® Exam, we have oversight over,” he clarified.

He first learned about the opportunity through a NALA email calling for Certifying Board volunteers and decided to express his interest. After an interview with Chris Lillo, ACP, the CB Chair at the time, and several CB members, Jeff was invited to join.

His admiration for NALA influenced his decision to get involved.

“It’s an outstanding organization,” he remarked. “I can’t say enough good things about NALA.”

His advice to NALA members comes from his experience with the CP^® program and continuing education.

“Certification is worth it,” he declared. “It will open more doors. Stay on top of your CLE hours. You can’t learn enough.”

As a man in a female-dominated field, Jeff believes that the misconception that the job is entirely clerical might dissuade men from entering the paralegal profession.

“There’s a clerical component to it, but it’s more critical thinking and analytical skills.”

Jeff often brings real-world lessons to the classroom, including one memorable teachable moment during a field trip to a local court. The prosecution was barred from calling its only witness because the defense had not been given the witness’s contact information. Without that witness, the jury ruled in favor of the defendant. Jeff uses that experience to stress the importance of attention to detail and the dangers of overlooking what may be considered the small stuff.

He also tells his students that he is a first-generation college graduate, which tends to resonate with them. Jeff reveals how people doubted that he could finish simply because he was the first in his family to attend college. He shares his story to connect with students who face similar challenges.

Outside of teaching and volunteering, Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife. They make frequent trips to the Gulf of America (Mexico), which is about 60 miles away.

“Just sitting on the beach, listening to the waves roll in, and doing nothing is very relaxing,” he mused.

They also love traveling, going to concerts, and visiting with family.

Jeff’s journey embodies what it means to keep learning, growing, and giving back. The guiding principle he lives by and hopes others will embrace is simple: “You are never too old to do something new.”