Meet South University Grad Tramaine Francis Luster
Every day, Tramaine Francis Luster uses both her legal and business training as a senior freelance paralegal and the owner of Mosaic Legal Support Services. Her company offers a variety of services to law firms, solo practitioners, and the public in Texas and Oklahoma. (She’s also a Certified Estate Planning Specialist and licensed Advance Funeral Planning Consultant.) To run and grow her business, Tramaine draws on what she learned in each of the three degrees she earned online at South University: the Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies (2012), Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies (2016), and Master of Business Administration (MBA, 2026). A Balance Between Parenting and School
Why South University for all three degrees? “I was a single parent raising three children while working a full-time job,” Tramaine explains. “I needed a school that offered flexibility and allowed me to balance my education with my responsibilities at work and at home.”
The online programs provided support and convenience that helped Tramaine stay involved in her children' s extracurricular activities and important milestones. “The ability to pursue my degree without sacrificing my role as a parent made South University the ideal choice,” she says.
South University also allowed Tramaine to get to know her online classmates, and she always liked reading their biographies at the start of each class. “I enjoyed seeing the diversity of perspectives, careers, and life journeys represented in each class,” she recalls. “Those introductions helped create a sense of community and reminded me that we were all working toward similar goals despite our different paths.”
The Skills and Qualities Needed to Build a Paralegal Career
Tramaine has spent over 15 years in the legal field across a range of practice areas. Many factors have helped her succeed. She has a strong work ethic, makes connections by networking and volunteering, and keeps an open mind in a constantly changing field.
“By being open to meeting new people, building relationships, and continuously learning from experienced professionals, I gained valuable knowledge and opportunities that helped advance my career,” she shares. “I was willing to accept entry-level and unfamiliar positions to get my foot in the door. I worked hard, absorbed as much information as possible, and viewed every experience as a learning opportunity.”
Tramaine’s education was essential as well, even beyond growing her skills. “Returning to school demonstrated my commitment to personal and professional growth, which helped others recognize my passion and dedication to the legal field,” she says.
The Best Parts of Working as a Paralegal
“I truly enjoy getting to know my clients, hearing their stories, and understanding the unique challenges they face,” says Tramaine. “Building those relationships allows me to provide not only legal support but also compassion and guidance during important moments in their lives.”
Tramaine also likes that no two days as a paralegal are the same. Sometimes, she’s in client meetings and on phone calls. Other days, she reviews medical records, negotiates settlements, or prepares attorneys for depositions, mediations, hearings, and trials. She also drafts pleadings, discovery requests and responses, and other documents critical to her cases. “I have learned to embrace the unexpected, stay organized, and approach each day with a willingness to tackle new challenges, which is one of the reasons I love what I do,” she shares.
Whatever her day holds, Tramaine knows her efforts matter. “Whether I am helping a family plan for the future, assisting a client through a legal matter, or providing resources through community outreach, I take pride in being able to positively impact the lives of others,” she says. “Seeing the relief, confidence, and peace of mind my clients gain through the process is what makes this work so fulfilling and continues to inspire me every day.”
Paralegal Community Service & Public Education
Tramaine believes giving back is among the most fulfilling aspects of being a paralegal. She regularly supports attorneys on pro bono work, including free estate planning for underserved adults who cannot afford legal representation. In addition, Tramaine contributes to weekly informational videos that help people understand their legal rights and options. The videos cover DWI cases, probate, estate planning, personal injury claims, car accident cases, and other complex legal issues. Tramaine also created Life's Blueprint: Journaling Essential Information for Life's Uncertainties to help families navigate difficult conversations and prepare for the future.
“I am passionate about serving others, empowering individuals through education, and making a positive impact in my community,” she says. “I truly love what I do.”
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Testimonials have been provided by students/alumni in their own words and without coercion. This spotlight is based on information shared in 2026.
