About This Program
The Paralegal Studies minor provides you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to support legal professionals in a variety of settings. With experienced faculty, hands-on learning opportunities and a flexible curriculum, you will gain valuable insights into the legal system and develop the critical thinking and communication skills that are essential for success in the field. Read more...
Contact Information
Program Delivery
Accreditation
The Paralegal Studies minor is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).
Admission Requirements
Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Analyze a legal problem as well as identify and evaluate alternative solutions.
- Formulate logical solutions to problems and construct logical arguments in support of specific positions as well as evaluate solutions and arguments.
- Determine which areas of law are relevant to a particular situation.
- Apply principles of professional ethics to specific factual situations.
- Identify interrelationships among cases, statutes, regulations and other legal authorities.
- Apply recognized legal authority to a specific factual situation.
- Analyze factual situations to determine when it is appropriate to apply exceptions to general legal rules.
- Apply exceptions to general legal rules.
- Distinguish evidentiary facts from other material and/or controlling facts.
- Identify factual omissions and inconsistencies.
Full Description
The Paralegal Studies minor provides the foundation for students to pursue the paralegal field. A paralegal is employed by a law office, corporate legal department or public entity to perform substantive legal work under the supervision of a lawyer. Paralegals conduct legal research, maintain and organize files and draft legal documents. Paralegals also work with clients and witnesses in preparing cases for trial.
The program prepares students for the Certified Paralegal exam from the National Association of Legal Assistants. A paralegal is not a lawyer and may not give legal advice, accept cases, argue in court or set fees.
