Paralegal Studies, A.A.S.

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Dr. Susan Woods Coffindaffer, Paralegal Studies Program Coordinator
ATC 221B; (304)367-3668
Susan.Coffindaffer@pierpont.edu

Program Purpose

Paralegals perform specifically delegated, substantive legal work for which a licensed attorney is responsible. Paralegals must possess a basic knowledge of substantive and procedural law and develop effective skills in interpersonal communication, organization, office management, interviewing and investigating, technology, and legal research, analysis, and writing. The Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies is designed to develop professional, entry-level competencies in each of these areas.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies, graduates will be able to do the following:

Describe the proper role of a paralegal in the delivery of legal services by an attorney, identify the ethical rules that govern the responsibilities of the legal profession to clients and the public in general, and recognize ethical dilemmas.
Demonstrate effective critical thinking, reasoning, and analytical skills in applying knowledge of applicable law and procedural rules to facts in both civil and criminal cases.
Identify legal issues, conduct factual research using proper interviewing and investigative techniques, and locate pertinent primary and secondary legal sources in print and electronic forms for legal analysis.
Write clearly and concisely, utilizing appropriate legal terminology, correct citation and style, and proper grammar and format, in drafting intra-office memoranda, client correspondence, and other basic legal documents.
Complete routine legal tasks proficiently and produce a draft of standard legal documents competently, using software applications and technology commonly used in legal employment.
Consistently model effective personal, interpersonal, time management, and project management skills, as required of those working in the legal profession.

Opportunities

Graduates with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies qualify for an entry-level position in a law firm, corporate legal department, financial institution, government agency, insurance company, or other legal employer.

Required Courses (60 Hrs)

General Studies (15 Hrs)

COM 2200 - Introduction to Human Communications 3 hr(s).
~ENGL 1104 - Written English I 3-4 hr(s). (“C” or higher required for graduation)
~MTH 1207 - Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics 3-4 hr(s).
OFAD 1150 - Computer Concepts and Applications 3 hr(s).
~ENGL 1108 - Written English II 3 hr(s). (“C” or higher required for graduation)
OR
~ENGL 1109 - Technical Report Writing 3 hr(s). (“C” or higher required for graduation)

Required Core Courses (45 Hrs)

CRJU 2240 - Adjudication Process 3 hr(s).
PARA 1101 - Introduction to Paralegal Studies 3 hr(s).
PARA 1102 - Legal Terminology 3 hr(s).
PARA 1103 - Introduction to Legal Practice Areas 3 hr(s).
PARA 1104 - Interviewing and Investigating 3 hr(s).
PARA 2201 - Legal Research and Writing I 3 hr(s).
PARA 2202 - Legal Research and Writing II 3 hr(s).
PARA 2203 - Computer Applications for Legal Professionals 3 hr(s).
PARA 2204 - Civil Litigation and Procedure 3 hr(s).
PARA 2213 - Property and Probate 3 hr(s).
PARA 2241 - Title Examinations and Abstracting 3 hr(s).
PARA 2242 - Negotiating Essentials 3 hr(s).
PARA 2994 - Ethics and Professional Responsibility 3 hr(s).
PARA 2995 - Paralegal Professional Practicum 3 hr(s).
~POL 1101 - American Government 3 hr(s).

Model Schedule (60 Hrs)

Grade Requirement

A “C” or better in all Paralegal Studies courses is required for graduation.

Notice to All Students

Annual Notification: All career and technical education courses and programs are offered at Pierpont regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, or disability.
Advanced Skill Set and Skill Set programs do not qualify for financial aid. Students seeking financial aid eligible degrees may incorporate the classes as electives when their schedule allows or may declare an associate or certificate degree in which the skill set and advanced skill set courses are embedded.
Students are reminded to review campus policies and procedures as stated in the catalog.

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