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Paralegal Studies Certificate


The American Bar Association (ABA) has approved Lehigh CarbonCommunity College 's Paralegal Studies program. This certificateprogram is designed to meet the needs of the student who presentlypossesses college credit and is interested in pursuing a career as aparalegal.

Admission to the certificate program is limited to students thatcurrently possess 30 semester hours of college credit, with grades of"C" or better for each course, of which 18 credits are distributed inat least three of the following acceptable General Educationdisciplines: English, Math, Science, Humanities and Social Science. Thecourses must be liberal arts credits and not technical. Admission isconditional.

The growth of the paralegal field provides excellent opportunitiesfor employment and advancement. Qualified graduates of the ParalegalStudies certificate program can be hired by law firms, banks, titlecompanies, real estate firms, corporations, and government agencies.Career possibilities include paralegal supervisor, trust coordinator,title searcher, settlement clerk, litigation specialist, contractcoordinator, and a variety of other positions. An individual with legalskills can take those skills into a multitude of positions in thebusiness environment, including but not limited to, human resources,records management, legal support, and government.

The students will gain an understanding of what paralegals canaccomplish, as well as the limitations imposed by the unauthorizedpractice of law statute. An internship is available to provide studentswith practical experience in the paralegal field.

The primary goal of the program is to educate students to becomeparalegals who can perform effectively in a variety of legal settingsand adapt to changes in the legal environment and law practice. Theprogram prepares students for careers as paralegals working under thesupervision of lawyers in either the public or private sectors.

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

  • apply legal and business skills necessary for a position in a lawoffice, bank, real estate office, government authority, or any positionthat 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 informationsources, including but not limited to courthouses, countyadministrative agencies, public libraries, Internet sites, anddatabases.
  • 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 andthe application to paralegals and to internalize values of ethicalconduct, competence, and professionalism.
  • pursue a baccalaureate degree.
First Semester
Credits
AOT 112
 Keyboarding I *
 1.00
AOT 113
 Keyboarding II *
 1.00
AOT 114
 Keyboarding III *
 1.00
PLG 120
Intro to Paralegal Studies 3.00
PLG 150
Torts and Personal Injury Law 3.00








9.00


Second Semester
Credits
AOT 117
 Keyboarding VI *
 1.50
AOT 118
 Keyboarding V *
 1.50
PLG 200
 Civil Litigation & Procedures 3.00
PLG 215
 Law Office Management 3.00
Elective
PLG Elective **
2.00 - 3.00








 11.00 - 12.00


Third Semester
Credits
CIS 105
Intro to Comp & Applications 3.50
PLG 245
 Legal Research and Writing 3.00
Elective
 PLG Elective ** 3.00





950


Fourth Semester
Credits
PLG 220
Contract Law & Business Organ 3.00
PLG 225
 Legal Writing
 3.00
Elective
 PLG Elective ** 3.00





9.00


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 individual student's needs.

**The student must select the PLG electives from the following list: RES/PLG 110, PLG 115, PLG 125 & PLG 130 & PLG 135, PLG 230, PLG 235, PLG 240, PLG 250.