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

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

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.      Recognize and describe the proper role of the paralegal in the delivery of legal services to the public and apply the ethical rules that govern the conduct of the legal profession.

2.      Demonstrate critical thinking, reasoning and analytical skills, conduct factual and legal research using print and computerized methods, and organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing.

3.      Describe the organization of the American legal system, apply procedural law to litigation and administrative agency law, and demonstrate substantive knowledge of principles of law.

4.      Draft and interpret legal documents, including pleadings, deeds, mortgages, probate documents, court forms, business documents, and contracts for review by the supervising attorney.

5.      Perform file and case management tasks in accordance with office policy and court procedures, using problem-solving, organizational and computer skills.

6.      Recognize opportunities for professional development through continuing education and affiliation with professional organizations.

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

Source: 2011-2012 Course Catalog