CIP: 220302
Program Description
The expanding role of the paralegal in the delivery of legal services has created increased opportunities with private law firms, corporate legal departments, insurance companies, real estate and title firms, banks, and government agencies. Graduates are prepared for careers in business, industry, or non-profit corporations that interface with the legal system.
Paralegals organize and manage workflow in law office settings, draft legal documents, research and draft legal memoranda, and file documents with the appropriate court. They conduct background checks, interview clients, and pursue factual investigations for employers. Paralegals may prepare witnesses for depositions, develop materials for trial, organize client files, and assist with title searches. Paralegals may serve as employer liaisons to business, the police, other attorneys, government officials, and the courts. Paralegals cannot accept a case, set fees, give legal advice, or represent a client in court.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Conduct legal research using appropriate resources and technology.
- Produce legal documents that meet professional standards, reflect accurate legal research, and display correct formatting.
- Differentiate the various areas of law and their importance.
- Use correct legal terminology in an appropriate context.
- Explain the ethical responsibilities of paralegals and the rules of professional conduct governing lawyers and apply these rules to the professional conduct of paralegals.
Program Assessment
Students take the Paralegal Core Competency Exam (PCCE) prior to graduating. The PCCE serves as one assessment tool for the Paralegal Studies program and also allows students, upon successful passage, to become Registered Paralegals through the National Federation of Paralegal Associations. Other methods of assessment include exams, homework assignments, surveys, class presentations, and various assigned projects.
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