PRACTIUCM APPLICATIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE

If you are ready for the Paralegal Practicum, please come to the Office, Room C-245a, and pick up your application and handbook now.  Deadline for submission is NOVEMBER 20.

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WANTED:

Two paralegal  or Legal Nurse students willing to serve as student representatives on the Paralegal Advisory Committee.  Input from students for the betterment of the program is desired.  Meetings take place twice a year.  If interested, please contact the Paralegal Studies Office as soon as possible!. 

 

 

Certificate - Paralegal Studies 

Area of Study: Paralegal Studies 
Degree/Certificate: Post Degree Professional Certificate 
Program Description

This certificate program is designed for students who already have an associate or bachelor's degree. The program educates students to serve as paralegal professionals and work independently in the legal field under the supervision of attorneys. Students receive a general legal education with course work in law office technology, law office administration and computer assisted legal research.

Graduates are prepared for careers in business, industry or in non-profit corporations that interface with the legal system. Typical employers include law firms, insurance companies, local, state and federal government, title companies, banks and corporations.

Paralegals organize and manage work flow in law office settings, draft legal documents, research and draft legal memoranda, and prepare attorney billings. They conduct background checks, interview clients and pursue factual investigations for employers. Paralegals may prepare witnesses for depositions and for trial. They organize client files and generally maintain client relationships. Paralegals may serve as employer liaisons to business, the police, other attorneys, government officials and the courts. Paralegals cannot accept a case, set fees, give legal advice, or represent a client in court.

This is an American Bar Association (ABA)approved program.

This program is designed to prepare students to demonstrate the following program outcomes:
Paralegal Studies Post-Degree Professional Certificate Outcomes.pdf

Program Requirements

Suggested Semester Sequence

First Semester Credits

PL-1000

Introduction to Paralegal Profession

2

PL-1300

Civil Procedure

3

PL-1400

Basic Legal Research and Writing

3

PL-2440

Business Transactions

3

PL-xxxx

Any PL elective course (1)

2-3

 

Total

13-14

Second Semester   Credits

PL-2301

Torts and Evidence

4

PL-2400

Computer Assisted Legal Research

3

PL-2420
OR
PL-xxxx

Probate Law
OR
Any PL elective course (1)


3

PL-2460

Business Organizations

3

PL-2851

Paralegal Practicum (2)

1

PL-2990

Paralegal Capstone

2

Total

16

Program Total Credits

 

29-30

Notes

(1) Elecitves - see table below for some samples.

(2) May be waived with documentation of comparable or equivalent experience.

PL Electives Credits

PL-1460

Workers’ Compensation Law

3

PL-1700

Employment Law

3

PL-1710

Immigration Law and Procedure

3

PL-1800-1819

Special Topics in Paralegal Studies

2-3

PL-2510

Juvenile Law

3

PL-2520

Debtor/Creditor Law

3

PL-2540

Family Law

3

PL-2560

Advanced Litigation

3

Program Outcome