Paralegal*

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Program Design

The Paralegal certificate program is designed for students who have or will concurrently receive an educational (not vocational) associate or baccalaureate degree in a major other than paralegal or legal studies from an accredited institution. The certificate program provides them with the opportunity to enroll in a paralegal studies program that meets guidelines set by the American Bar Association. An option in the program is a cooperative education/work experience course in which students gain practical experience in a legal setting while earning academic credit. Students must submit official transcripts showing prior degrees must be sent directly to the Admissions office for review.

A paralegal or legal assistant is a person-qualified through education, training or work experience-who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency or other entity. The paralegal performs specifically-delegated, substantive legal work, for which a lawyer is responsible. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.

Paralegals may be asked to conduct research and prepare memoranda; to draft pleadings, deeds or contracts; to interview clients or witnesses; to prepare answers to interrogatories; or to digest depositions. They may prepare inventories, accounts and tax returns in connection with estates and trusts; perform real estate title searches and UCC searches; calendar and track important deadlines; or organize and maintain client files. Paralegals may not give legal advice or engage in the unauthorized practice of law.

The MCC Paralegal Certificate program has been approved by the American Bar Association since 1998. It is a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education.

The MCC Paralegal Association is a student club that offers networking opportunities and guest speakers to members.

Curriculum

The Paralegal program is primarily an evening program of study, offering legal courses during the academic year. Many students work full-time while attending classes at night. Students should note that not all courses are offered every semester, and only some courses are offered in the day. Part-time students should see a counselor for suggested course sequencing. Pursuant to American Bar Association guidelines, students are required to take at least nine (9) credits of legal specialty courses through traditional classroom instruction.

Note: Course prerequisites are listed in the course descriptions.

Legal Specialty Transfer Credit Policy:

Students in the Paralegal Certificate program may not transfer any legal specialty credits.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all Paralegal certificate requirements, graduates will be able to:

Recognize and describe the proper role of the paralegal in the delivery of legal services to the public and apply the ethical rules that govern the conduct of the legal profession.
Demonstrate critical thinking, reasoning and analytical skills; conduct factual and legal research using print and computerized methods; and organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing.
Describe the organization of the American legal system, apply procedural law to litigation and administrative agency law, and demonstrate substantive knowledge of principles of law.
Draft and interpret legal documents, including pleadings, deeds, mortgages, probate documents, court forms, business documents, and contracts for review by the supervising attorney.
Perform file and case management tasks in accordance with office policy and court procedures, using problem-solving, organizational and computer skills.
Recognize opportunities for professional development through continuing education and affiliation with professional organizations.

Required Courses

POL* 120: Introduction to Law 3 Credits
LGL* 103: Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility 1 Credits
LGL* 220: Computer Applications in Law 4 Credits
Choose LGL* 104 , LGL* 209 , or LGL* 211 3 Credits
Subtotal: 11
LGL* 102: Legal Research and Writing 3 Credits
Choose LGL* 104 , LGL* 209 , or LGL* 211 3 Credits
Choose LGL* 104 , LGL* 209 , LGL* 210 , LGL* 211 , LGL* 212 , LGL* 215 , LGL* 216 , LGL* 240 , or LGL* 270 3 Credits
LGL* 208: Litigation 3 Credits
Subtotal: 12

Total Credits Required: 23

Notes:

*Becoming Connecticut State Community College

A merger of Connecticut’s 12 community colleges is underway. As a part of this merger, modifications will be made to academic programs. Students who do not complete their programs by the end of the Spring 2023 term will be matched with the Connecticut State Community College (CT State) program that most closely aligns with the student’s Spring 2023 program and is offered at the current Manchester Community College location. The College is committed to students completing their education with a minimum of disruption. Further details can be found and will be updated on the Frequently Asked Questions page: www.ct.edu/ctstate/academics.

^‡ Students without a strong foundation in computer skills should take CSA* 105 prior to enrolling in LGL* 220 .