View Paralegal Studies A.A.S. (G, TP): 341
View Paralegal Studies Certificate (G, TP): 156
View Legal Analysis Letter of Recognition (G, TP): 804

Paralegal Studies A.A.S. (G, TP): 341

This curriculum is designed for those interested in a career in a law office as a paraprofessional. It is also designed for legal secretaries presently employed in attorneys’ offices who wish to improve their skills for career advancement.

A legal assistant is a trained specialist who can manage a law office operation, relieving a practicing attorney of those routine sections of cases that require knowledge of the legal process, and assisting the attorney with handling of complicated legal problems. The legal assistant also assists the attorney in legal research and in the design and development of new procedures, techniques, services, and processes for the law office. The legal assistant can also prepare and interpret legal documents and analyze procedural problems through the selection, compilation, and use of technical information from various legal references.

Completion of all requirements for this curriculum will lead to the award of the A.A.S. in paralegal studies.

A suggested course sequence for full-time students follows; part-time students should consult an adviser.

Paralegal Studies Certificate (G, TP): 156

Developed in cooperation with members of the Montgomery County Bar Association, this evening curriculum is designed primarily for persons wishing to enter the paralegal field. The curriculum provides the graduate with basic skills in legal research, legal writing, interpersonal communication skills, and legal interviewing and investigating techniques. Competency is developed in at least two areas of substantive law selected by the student. Instruction is offered in law office administration. The legal system, the role of the paralegal in the delivery of legal services, legal ethics, authorized practice, and the code of professional responsibility are studied.

Legal Analysis Letter of Recognition (G, TP): 804

This sequence of three courses is designed for persons who wish to develop skills in legal analysis. To complete each course in this sequence, students must demonstrate skills in the following areas: identifying the kinds of law books and their components, using the various indexes and digests, evaluating the role of key facts in issue development, and organizing materials and writing them in a clear style. A grade of C or better is required in each course.

Refer to course description pages to identify courses with prerequisites.
Courses in italics meet General Education requirements.