Paralegal Studies Certificate, Credit Certificate
The certificate in Paralegal Studies is designed for students who already have an associate or baccalaureate degree in another field, and would like to start a career as a paralegal. Students without a degree are encouraged to enroll in the Legal Studies A.A.S. degree program.
This American Bar Association-approved program provides students with the essential knowledge and skills to find employment as a paralegal. According to the American Bar Association, "[a] paralegal is a person, qualified by education, training or work experience, who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible."
Graduates of this program will possess a knowledge of the jurisdiction and function of legislative, judicial, and administrative bodies; the structure of the court system; and the roles of attorneys and paralegals as they pertain to the legal system. They will be knowledgeable in a variety of fields, including but not limited to: estate administration, personal injury law, civil litigation, contract law, family law, criminal law and business organizations. They will possess the basic research and writing skills that apply to these fields. This combination of knowledge and skills will enable the graduate to fully assist the lawyer in the practice of law.
Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
Program objectives
Upon completion of this certificate, students will be able to:
- recognize the impact that laws, rules and regulations have on society, businesses and individuals;
- analyze and apply legal concepts, terminology and procedures necessary to the practice of law and to a variety of legal specialty areas;
- research, analyze and communicate, orally and in writing, as paralegal professionals using relevant, current legal authority;
- demonstrate mastery of analytical reasoning and critical thinking skills;
- identify, interpret, and independently apply principles of legal ethics and professional responsibility, including identifying situations that may result in the unauthorized practice of law;
- utilize legal theory and practical skills to competently assist lawyers in the provision of legal services; and
- apply computer-based and cloud-based technologies relevant to the profession.
