Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 Academic Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Paralegal Studies with Land Management Concentration, A.A.S.


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Dr. Susan Woods Coffindaffer, Program Coordinator
144 Education Building / (304)367-3668
Locust Avenue Campus
Susan.Coffindaffer@pierpont.edu

Program Purpose

Paralegals are highly skilled paraprofessionals who work in a variety of settings under the direct supervision of an attorney. Job responsibilities require the Paralegal to have knowledge of the law and legal procedures, interviewing and case investigation skills, the ability to conduct legal research and prepare and manage legal documents. Interpersonal communication and office management skills are also important for success. The Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies is designed to build professional 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:

  • Apply knowledge of local, state, and federal law and legal procedures in a variety of situations, both civil and criminal
  • Apply concepts of interviewing and case investigation skills in a variety of situations to establish baseline information for cases being handles through the law practice
  • Conduct independent legal research using primary and secondary documents, both physical and from on-line databases
  • Prepare and manage legal documents for multiple applications, maintaining confidentiality, security, and ethical issues
  • Practice and apply interpersonal communication and office management skills contributing to the successful operation of the legal office

Opportunities

Graduates of the Paralegal program can enter the field into a variety of paralegal and related jobs, including the following job titles: Paralegal (private and public); Director and or Coordinator for law office; Preparer of legal documents (including briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills); Contract and Estate Closing Officer; Real and Personal Property Appraiser (may require some additional training); Assistant Real Estate Closing Processor; Legal Investigator; Data Collection/Analyzer; Legal Writing Assistant (statutes, decisions and legal articles, codes and documents); Private investigator; and Legal Aid Assistant.

Paralegal Studies - Land Management Model Schedule 60 SEM. HRS.


Notice to All Students


  • It is to the responsibility of the student to meet with the faculty advisor to schedule all courses for the completion of this degree. Failure to seek assistance from the advisor may delay graduation.
  • A “C” or better is required for graduation in PARA 1101 , PARA 1102 , PARA 1103 , PARA 2201  and PARA 2202 .
  • A “C” or better in PARA 1141 , PARA 2243 , PARA 2213 , PARA 2241  PARA 2242 , and PARA 2243  is required to take PARA 2995 . A cumulative 2.00 overall GPA is required for graduation in all Paralegal Studies and Landwork specialization courses.
  • The semester before graduation, the student should schedule a Graduation Audit through the Registrar’s Office and must also apply for graduation. There is no graduation fee.
  • In the semester in which they graduate, Paralegal Studies students should enroll concurrently in PARA 2994 , PARA 2995  and PARA 2996 , which together comprise the Paralegal Studies capstone experience.
  • Students are reminded to review campus policies and procedures posted in the college catalog and student handbook.

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