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A paralegal is a trained specialist who can manage a law office operation under the supervision of an attorney. A paralegal can relieve the practicing attorney of those routine components of managing legal cases that require knowledge of the legal process and assisting the attorney with handling of complicated legal issues. The paralegal also assists the attorney in legal research and in preparing and interpreting legal documents. Paralegals analyze procedural problems through the selection, compilation, and use of technical information from various legal references.
This curriculum is designed to provide students with a general knowledge of the American legal system and concentrated knowledge of various aspects of law. The student will learn basic skills in legal research, legal writing, interviewing, and law office administration and knowledge of legal ethics. The student will learn to prepare and interpret legal documents and analyze procedures and processes. The student will have the opportunity to focus on various areas of civil law such as contracts, litigation, family law, and torts among other areas of civil law and on criminal law. The curriculum will also expose students to new and growing fields within the legal profession such as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), electronic discovery, and intellectual property. Students will also be exposed to many widely used legal software applications and the growing use of Artificial Intelligence in the practice of law. The Program also provides internship opportunities to enable students to gain real world experience.
This curriculum is intended for those interested in careers as a paralegal professional. Such careers include working in law offices and business legal departments, local and Federal courts and agencies, corrections facilities, insurance companies, etc. This curriculum is also designed for students currently employed as paralegal professionals who wish to improve their skills for enhanced job performance and/or career advancement.
Completing all requirements for this curriculum will lead to the award of the A.A.S. degree in Paralegal Studies.
This program is approved by the American Bar Association.
IMPORTANT NOTE: PARALEGALS MAY NOT PROVIDE LEGAL SERVICES DIRECTLY TO THE PUBLIC EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY LAW.
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