Paralegal Studies

Description

The Paralegal Studies Program is intended to prepare students for employment as paralegals in various legal sectors. The terms "paralegal" and "legal assistant" are often used interchangeably to refer to persons who are qualified through education, training, or work experience, and are employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency, or other entity in a capacity or function that involves the performance of substantial legal work under the direction and supervision of a licensed attorney. Tasks performed by a paralegal include, but are not limited to, case planning, development, and management, legal research, interviewing clients, fact gathering and retrieving information, drafting and analyzing legal documents, collecting, compiling, and utilizing technical information to make a recommendation to the supervising attorney.

The Paralegal Studies Program emphasizes practical application and the development of up-to-date paralegal related job skills, in addition to teaching legal theory. The program is designed to enhance the ability of students to reason, understand, and apply correct principles of law by teaching research, and analytical and critical thinking skills. Graduates of the program will possess skills to enter the paralegal profession. It also allows those already working as paralegals to improve their understanding of the paralegal profession. Pursuant to California law, students who earn a degree or certificate from an accredited post-secondary institution and complete sufficient coursework may work as paralegals. Chaffey College’s Paralegal Studies program meets and exceeds those requirements. Chaffey College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Paralegal students are required to complete enough coursework to satisfy the state mandate. The Associate of Science degree in Paralegal Studies is appropriate for students who do not have a college or university degree.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon the successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate competence and understanding of basic job skills to enter the paralegal profession.
2. Understand different career opportunities for paralegals in the business and legal sectors.
3. Demonstrate legal problem solving skills, supported by appropriate analytical and critical thinking techniques.
4. Produce professional quality documents of the type used in the legal profession.
5. Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication and teamwork skills in a collaborative setting.
6. Examine a variety of general education subjects that enable them to better understand the broader world in which the legal system operates.

Other Information

Business, Technology, and Hospitality

Local Program (Major) Code: S077

Program Control Number: 36238

TOP Code: 1402.00*

CIP Code: 22.0302