Paralegal Studies

Paralegal Studies Associate Degree
Paralegal Studies Certificate (Post Baccalaureate Option)

Due to the explosive growth of legal services now being requested in all sectors of our economy, there is a continuous demand for well-trained personnel in all facets of the legal assisting process. The need for paralegal assistants is so great that it is estimated that one paralegal will assist every three or four attorneys, and, in some areas of practice, such as corporate legal departments, there will be one legal assistant hired for every attorney.
 
The nature of the paralegal assistant’s position in the legal community requires individuals with a well-rounded educational background. Critical thinking and excellent communication skills are essential competencies of a legal assistant and are included in courses in English, mathematics, humanities, social science, and basic science.
 
The technical curriculum has been designed to provide students with knowledge and skills in the role of a legal assistant, ethical requirements, legal research, analysis, the preparation of legal documents, litigation practice and procedure, real estate transactions, family law, administrative law, criminal law, and probate law and practice.
 
The Paralegal Studies Certificate (Post Baccalaureate Option) is designed for persons who currently possess a bachelor’s, master’s or Ph.D. degree.
 
Paralegal assistants have traditionally been utilized in legal environments that are intensive in both client contact and document preparation.
 
Upon completion of the associate degree in Paralegal Studies, the graduate will be able to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in manual and computer assisted research of legal questions and incorporate the same into properly cited memoranda of law.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the legal and ethical responsibilities of a legal assistant.
• Demonstrate an ability to use municipal, county, state, and federal clerks of court, and other recording offices.
• Prepare deeds, notes, and other documents for residential real estate transfer.
• Draft documents required to complete family law matters.
• Draft pleadings, motions and other documents within the applicable rules of evidence and procedure to prepare and complete civil and criminal litigation.
• Prepare documents for use in corporate, partnership, and other business related matters.
• Draft wills, trusts, and other documents necessary for estate administration.
• Describe the legislative and judicial functions of administrative agencies.

NOTE: Paralegal assistants may not sign legal documents, appear in court, or give legal advice. All activities in legal matters must be supervised by a licensed attorney.

Paralegal Studies Associate Degree

Paralegal Studies Certificate (Post Baccalaureate Option)