Paralegal Studies Diploma PS12

The Paralegal Studies program is a sequence of courses that prepares students for positions in the paralegal profession. Learning opportunities develop academic, technical and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The knowledge and skills emphasized in this program include ethical obligations; research state and federal law; legal correspondence preparation; family law matters; criminal law and procedure, and tort law The program of study emphasizes opportunities that provide students with specialized legal knowledge and skills required to aid lawyers in the delivery of legal services. Program graduates receive a Paralegal Studies Diploma.

Purpose:  To prepare program graduates for gainful employment opportunities in paralegal services while working under the supervision of experienced attorneys in the public/private sector.  Graduates will employ knowledge, skills, values, ethics, and attitudes indicative of integrity, diversity, and equity while providing competent-quality services for clients, attorneys, and the community.  

Goal:   Provide optimal training and quality instruction for students to secure gainful employment in the paralegal profession.

Objectives:

-Develop oral and written communication skills to effectively work in a professional environment
-Construct and format legal documents for a wide range of legal processes
-Apply ethical principles governing conduct in a legal environment
-Demonstrate analytical, organizational, and critical thinking skills

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to produce legal documents.
2. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to conduct legal research.
3. Upon completion of the program, students will be able compose a legal argument based on factual information using appropriate legal terminology.
4. Upon completion of this program, students will be able to demonstrate employability skills learned in the paralegal program in a professional setting.

*Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law*
*students must take at least ten semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through traditional classroom instruction*
The Paralegal Studies Program is not approved by the ABA (American Bar Association)

Total Credit Hours: 38