Paralegal, A.S. Degree

Program Design

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 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 Paralegal associate degree program includes specialized courses in the paralegal profession as well as related courses in business and liberal arts. 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.

The MCC Paralegal Association is an active student club that offers seminars throughout the year and distributes a newsletter to members.

The Paralegal program has been approved by the American Bar Association since 1984. It is a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education.

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.

Note: All legal courses, and POL* 120: Introduction to Law, require students to be eligible for ENG* 101, or permission of the instructor.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all Paralegal degree program requirements, graduates will

1. Understand the proper role of the legal assistant in the delivery of legal services to the public, and the ethical rules that govern the conduct of the legal profession.
2. Understand how to analyze a fact situation, identify legal issues, research these issues, and prepare memoranda of law.
3. Prepare legal documents such as deeds, mortgages, wills, trusts, pleadings, probate forms and business documents and agreements for review by the supervising attorney.
4. Perform law office management and administrative tasks, through the establishment and implementation of office policy and procedures, and the development of computer competencies for maximum efficiency.
5. Approach new problems and subject matter in an organized and efficient manner, with an understanding of the importance and responsibility placed on the paralegal.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of artistic and literary expression, social issues, and scientific hypotheses.

In addition, the graduate will complete the comprehensive learning outcomes identified with the General Education Component.

Source: 2007-2008 Course Catalog