Paralegal Studies Program
Area of Study: Paralegal Studies
Degree/Certificate: Associate of Applied Business degree in Paralegal Studies
Academic School: Business, Legal Professions and Hospitality
State of Ohio: Meets educational requirements
The Paralegal Studies program at Cuyahoga Community College is an American Bar Association (ABA) approved program that prepares 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 coursework in:
- Civil procedure
- Legal research and writing
- Law office technology
- Torts and evidence
- Business transactions
- Various specialty areas
Graduates are prepared for careers in business, industry or nonprofit corporations that interface with the legal system. Typical employers include:
- Law firms
- Insurance companies
- Local, state and federal government
- Title companies
- Banks
- Corporations
Paralegal responsibilities may include:
- Organizing and managing workflow in law office settings.
- Drafting legal documents.
- Researching and drafting legal memoranda.
- Preparing attorney billings.
- Conducting background checks, interviewing clients and pursuing factual investigations for employers.
- Preparing witnesses for depositions and for trial.
- Organizing client files and generally maintaining client relationships.
- Acting 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. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
Students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.