Paralegal Studies, Certificate
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Send to friendThis program is approved by the The American Bar Association (ABA). The certificate in Paralegal Studies is intended to educate a generalist paralegal. Graduates are likely to find employment working under the direction of an attorney (to do otherwise would be practicing law without a license) in law firms, legal departments of large corporations, insurance companies, title companies, legal service companies, and/or federal, state or local governmental agencies. In short, wherever lawyers are employed, paralegals are likely to be employed as well.
The certificate of proficiency program in Paralegal Studies may be completed only by an individual who holds an associate or bachelor's degree with at least 21earned credits in approved General Education courses.
Program Competencies
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Conduct legal research to identify the appropriate laws, judicial decisions, regulations and other legal literature applicable to specific legal problems.
- Research and draft written memoranda as directed by an attorney.
- Research and draft pleadings and other legal documents as directed by an attorney.
- Investigate and develop the facts of a case under the direction of an attorney.
- Assist an attorney to prepare a case for trial and assist during trail.
- Maintain all relevant case documents.
- Maintain files of a case including but not limited to correspondence, pleadings, reports and briefs.
- Draft basic documents applicable to contracts, real estate transactions, domestic relations, and estates, trust and wills as well as other appropriate legal documents.
- Apply modern technology to the performance of legal work and tasks.
- Discuss the ethical issues that arise for the Paralegal Professional.
- PLG 199 Co-op / Internship or Paralegal Elective 3 Credits
Associate's or Bachelor's degree required. An Associate in Applied Science degree is also available.
Total Credits: 30
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