About the Program
The Paralegal profession is an exciting, highly respected career choice. Graduates of our American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal program are qualified to seek employment with law firms, corporations, banking institutions, real estate companies, insurance companies, publishing companies, government and public interest groups. The program offers recent high school graduates an opportunity to learn about the law while developing a marketable skill. The paralegal field is also well suited for someone who wants a new career that capitalizes on previous experience. Persons with business, medical, or education backgrounds, for example, will find many opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in the legal environment. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, check out our ABA approved, Post-Baccalaureate Professional Certificate. This program can be completed in under a year.
The program places a strong emphasis on learning legal technology. Many of the classes are taught in a computer lab with hands-on use of the software typically used in a law office setting. Paralegal students have an opportunity to practice their skills, prior to completing their education, through the practicum/internship component of the program. The practicum is offered for academic credit during the student’s last quarter. Students work in law or law-related offices to perform actual paralegal duties and are evaluated by their employers. This placement is arranged with the assistance of the Program Director during the quarter prior to the practicum.
Career opportunities In the last ten years, the paralegal profession has become one of the most booming occupations in the country. “Ranking among the fastest growing occupations in the economy through the year 2006—as law firms and other employers with legal staffs increasingly hire paralegals to lower the cost, and increase the availability and efficiency of legal services.”
— U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
What does a paralegal do? A paralegal works with an attorney in providing vital legal services in fields such as business law and banking, corporate law, real estate closings, family law, estate planning, personal injury and criminal law. It is the function of the paralegal to support the attorney in legal research, document preparation, information gathering, interviewing, and investigation.
Opportunities for paralegals also exist with corporations in their legal departments handling corporate matters, the banking industry in their trust departments, and with insurance companies handling claims. The government at every level from municipal to federal hires paralegals in a wide variety of positions offering security and advancement.
**Completion of the paralegal program does not authorize graduates to engage in the practice of law.
About the ProgramThe Paralegal profession is an exciting, highly respected career choice. Graduates of our American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal program are qualified to seek employment with law firms, corporations, banking institutions, real estate companies, insurance companies, publishing companies, government and public interest groups. The program offers recent high school graduates an opportunity to learn about the law while developing a marketable skill. The paralegal field is also well suited for someone who wants a new career that capitalizes on previous experience. Persons with business, medical, or education backgrounds, for example, will find many opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in the legal environment. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, check out our ABA approved, Post-Baccalaureate Professional Certificate. This program can be completed in under a year.
The program places a strong emphasis on learning legal technology. Many of the classes are taught in a computer lab with hands-on use of the software typically used in a law office setting. Paralegal students have an opportunity to practice their skills, prior to completing their education, through the practicum/internship component of the program. The practicum is offered for academic credit during the student’s last quarter. Students work in law or law-related offices to perform actual paralegal duties and are evaluated by their employers. This placement is arranged with the assistance of the Program Director during the quarter prior to the practicum.
Career opportunities
In the last ten years, the paralegal profession has become one of the most booming occupations in the country. “Ranking among the fastest growing occupations in the economy through the year 2006—as law firms and other employers with legal staffs increasingly hire paralegals to lower the cost, and increase the availability and efficiency of legal services.”
— U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
What does a paralegal do?
A paralegal works with an attorney in providing vital legal services in fields such as business law and banking, corporate law, real estate closings, family law, estate planning, personal injury and criminal law. It is the function of the paralegal to support the attorney in legal research, document preparation, information gathering, interviewing, and investigation.
Opportunities for paralegals also exist with corporations in their legal departments handling corporate matters, the banking industry in their trust departments, and with insurance companies handling claims. The government at every level from municipal to federal hires paralegals in a wide variety of positions offering security and advancement.
**Completion of the paralegal program does not authorize graduates to engage in the practice of law.