Alumni Spotlight: Claudia Chase

Class of 2000

Degree:

Paralegal Studies

Current Role:

Attorney

Claudia Melara Chase is an attorney at the law offices of Brian V. Ebert, P.C. in Fairfax, Virginia. Born in El Salvador, Claudia was the first in her family to graduate from college. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies from Marymount University in 2000 and her Juris Doctor from University of Maryland School of Law in 2011. After completing a legal externship at the U.S. House of Representatives, Claudia was awarded a Certificate of Congressional Recognition. Claudia has a passion for assisting marginalized immigrants. Using her bilingual and legal skills, she changes lives. During her early years as lawyer, Claudia represented immigrant families facing foreclosure and enabled them to remain in their homes. More recently, Claudia was a staff attorney at Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) where she represented children fleeing persecution. While at KIND, Claudia worked tirelessly defending many children facing removal in immigration court and helped them to ultimately live safely in United States. In her current role, Claudia continues to represent low-income clients without access to legal representation. Claudia enjoys playing soccer and cooking. Most of all, she enjoys time with her three children, Cristina, Cruz and Santana, and her husband, Jason Chase. 

What advice do you have for future graduates? 

If in your shoes, I would ask myself these questions: What will be my legacy? How will I make a mark in this world? What am I doing in the next year to five years? What should I be doing today to reach my goals? I would use this opportunity, before your work life consumes you, to focus on your connections, including faculty members and professors, especially part-time students. With technology today, it will be possible to stay connected for a long time.