Paralegal Program

When people think about a law career, their first thought is often of lawyers and judges.  We often see these professionals dramatically depicted in popular films and TV shows as they question witnesses, uncover evidence, and cast verdicts.  But you'd be mistaken if you thought the legal profession was limited to judges and attorneys.  Paralegals make up a significant sector of careers in the law field, assisting attorneys every step of the way.

Paralegals are legal assistants who provide support to lawyers.  Although they don't actually give legal advice or represent clients during trials, they play a huge role in legal proceedings. Paralegals investigate the facts of cases to be sure that all relevant information is considered. They identify appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles and other materials that are relevant to cases. They analyze and organize the information they find and write reports that attorneys use to decide how cases are handled.

Introduction to Law

Introduction to Law Overview of the law and the legal professions including legal concepts, systems, and terminology; substantive areas of law and the federal and state judicial systems; ethical obligations and regulations; professional trends and issues with an emphasis on the paralegal’s role.

Legal Ethics

Presents ethical and legal responsibilities as well as rules of professional responsibility a paralegal owes to the public, the court, clients, and colleagues. Includes a review of the canons and codes (32 hours).

Legal Research and Writing

Gain a working knowledge of the fundamentals of effective legal research and writing. Topics include law library techniques, computer-assisted legal research, briefs, and legal memoranda.

Civil Litigation

Review and understand the fundamental concepts and procedures of civil litigation with an emphasis on the paralegal's role. Topics include pretrial, trial, and post-trial phases of litigation

Family Law

Learn the fundamental concepts of family law with an emphasis on the paralegal's role. Topics include formal and informal marriages, divorce, annulment, marital property, and the parent-child relationship (48 hours).

Contracts

Review the fundamental concepts of contract law with an emphasis on the paralegal's role. Topics include formation, performance, and enforcement of contracts under the common law and the Uniform Commercial Code.

Interviewing & Investigating

Review and understand the fundamental concepts and procedures of civil litigation with an emphasis on the paralegal's role. Topics include pretrial, trial, and post-trial phases of litigation

Torts & Personal Injury Law

Learn the fundamental concepts of tort law with an emphasis on the paralegal's role. Topics include intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability.

Criminal Law

Learn the procedures from arrest to final disposition, principles of federal and state law, and the preparation of pleadings and motions as applied to paralegals.

Advanced Civil Litigation 

Review the implementation of advanced civil litigation techniques with emphasis on the paralegal’s role. Builds upon skills acquired in prior civil litigation courses.

Internship 

Experience a work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. A learning plan is developed by the college and the employer.

Business Organizations

Learn the basic concepts of business organizations with emphasis on the paralegal's role. Includes law of agency, sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and other emerging business entities.

Immigration Law

Review the fundamental concepts of immigration law with an emphasis on the paralegal's role. Topics include substantive and procedural law related to visa applications, deportation, naturalization, and citizenship.

Law Office Technology

Learn about the computer technology and software applications within the law office emphasizing the paralegal’s role in the use of law office technology

Advanced Legal Document Processing

Learn the use of office technology skills in the preparation of legal documents by paralegals based on hypothetical situations drawn from various areas of law.