Paralegal Studies

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Description
The Paralegal Studies Certificate program was approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) in February 2004. This program prepares graduates for entry level employment as paralegals. An entry level paralegal typically works under the supervision of an attorney researching the law, investigating facts, preparing drafts of legal documents, and working with clients. Paralegals are employed in almost all areas where law-related work is performed, including, but not limited to: private law firms, government agencies, courts, insurance companies, corporations, and other types of legal environments. As non-attorneys, paralegals are prohibited under state law* from establishing attorney-client relationships, setting legal fees, giving legal advice, and representing clients in court. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as provided by law. *Some exceptions may apply under applicable federal administrative law.

Monroe Community College's curriculum was prepared in partnership with the Monroe County Bar Association and the Paralegal Associates of Rochester. Course work covers national law, but emphasizes New York law, legal research and writing, ethics and professional responsibility, procedural applications of the law, law office technology, and client satisfaction through legal teamwork.

The Paralegal Studies Certificate program commences every fall semester, but may include options for admission and new entry into the program in other semesters. The majority of classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings at the Downtown Campus. The curriculum consists of 16 courses varying from one credit hour to three credit hours, and the program takes 15 months to complete. Each course must be taken in the sequence in which it is offered.

Program Learning Outcomes
1) Identify legal concepts and their practical applications
2) Deliver an effective oral presentation
3) Write effectively in a variety of legal contexts
4) Use legal technology for legal research
5) Apply analytical thinking skills in legal contexts.
6) Apply knowledge of ethical obligations and reasoning to situations in the law

Requirements for Program Entrance
Admission to the program has specific educational requirements that include either a bachelor's degree, or an associate's degree with 18 credit hours in broadly based liberal arts courses (an MCC degree in Criminal Justice is deemed to meet this requirement) and Program Director approval.

Students seeking admission to Paralegal Studies must possess an associate's degree; a bachelor’s degree preferred. For students without a bachelor’s degree, a departmental interview/recommendation is required.


Distribution Requirements

Credit Hours
SEMESTER ONE

PLS 260 Introduction to Paralegal Studies
2
PLS 266 Legal Research and Writing
3
PLS 267 Litigation and the Federal and NYS Procedural Laws
3
PLS 255 Law Office Technology 2
First Semester Total:
10


SEMESTER TWO

PLS 263 Contract Law for Paralegals
2
PLS 268 Personal Injury Law
2
PLS 269 Domestic Relations and Family Law
2
PLS 270 Bankruptcy Law
2
PLS 272 Real Estate Law
2
Second Semester Total:
10


SEMESTER THREE

PLS 271 Corporate Law and Business Organizations
2


Third Semester Total:
2


SEMESTER FOUR

PLS 250 Paralegal Communication Skills1
PLS 256 Criminal Law & Procedure for Paralegals 2
PLS 265 Fact-finding Research
1
PLS 274 Estate Planning, Estates and Trust Administration
3
PLS 276 Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility
1
PLS 299 Paralegal Internship 3
Fourth Semester Total:
11


TOTAL CREDITS:
33