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Courses/Programs

PARALEGAL STUDIES A.A.S.

LCCC’s Paralegal Studies is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and, because of the growth of the paralegal field, provides excellent opportunities for employment and advancement. Qualified graduates of the Paralegal Studies program can be hired by law firms, banks, title companies, real estate firms, and corporations. Career possibilities include paralegal supervisor, trust coordinator, title searcher, settlement clerk, litigation specialist, contract coordinator, and a variety of other positions. Individuals with legal skills take these skills into a multitude of positions in the business environment, including human resources, records management, legal support, and government.

Students will gain an understanding of what paralegals can accomplish, as well as the limitations imposed by the unauthorized practice of law statute. Internships provide students with practical experience in the paralegal field. Students may also transfer credits to various four-year colleges or universities toward a bachelor’s degree.

The primary goal of the program is to educate students to become paralegals who perform effectively in a variety of legal settings and adapt to changes in the legal environment and law practice. The program prepares students for careers as paralegals working under

the supervision of lawyers in either the public or private sectors, as well as striving to encourage and facilitate graduates to pursue advanced degrees.

Through a collaborative program of study between LCCC and Kutztown University, LCCC’s Paralegal Studies graduates may transfer directly to Kutztown University to major in English, Political Science, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, History, Psychology, and Sociology.

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

• apply legal and business skills necessary for a position in a law office, bank, real estate office, government authority, or any position that utilizes the knowledge of law.

• apply research skills to a variety of situations.

• engage in legal and factual research using both traditional and emerging technological tools.

• work independently in a law library.

• work independently in a professional environment.

• communicate and interact with clients, lawyers, paralegals, and other relevant office personnel.

• demonstrate substantive knowledge in at least three areas of law.

• draft legal documents in at least three areas of law.

• perform clerical tasks at an acceptable level of competency, including word processing, file management, and document control.

• explain the court system and process of civil litigation from inception through trial and post-trial matters.

• differentiate federal and state governmental jurisdictions, including administrative agencies.

• perform factual research and comprehend relevant information sources, including courthouses, county administrative agencies, public libraries, Internet sites, and databases.

• perform document production tasks, including the ability to recognize a privileged document.

• interview clients and others effectively.

• communicate orally in a professional environment.

• draft time sheet descriptions that adequately demonstrate work performed.

• recognize the emerging role of the paralegal and the place of the paralegal in expanding the delivery of legal services.

• apply the rules of professional conduct governing lawyers and the application to paralegals and to internalize values of ethical conduct, competence, and professionalism.

• pursue a baccalaureate degree.

Up to nine PLG credits will be accepted for transfer into LCCC’s PLG program from an ABA-approved program. PLG 200 must be completed at LCCC. PLG credit by assessment is limited to three credits. Total PLG transfer credit and credit by assessment is limited to nine credits.

*Or other appropriate courses as determined by the Paralegal Studies Coordinator to meet an individual student’s needs.

**Professional electives note: The student must select two to three credits with a PLG prefix from the following list: PLG 125, 130, 230, 235, 240. The other professional elective must be selected from the above list or CJA 201, 240; ENG 107; HIT 140; ENG 111; or any other credit course that is approved by the Paralegal Studies Coordinator.

***Recommended Social Science/Humanities electives: PSC 231, 233, 235, 236; ECO 201.

****MAT 110 and 125 do not fulfill this requirement.