Liberal Arts and Science - Manchester Community College ...

Paralegal, Certificate
Program Design
A paralegal or legal assistant is a person, qualified through education, training
or work experience, who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, governmental
agency or other entity. The paralegal performs specifically delegated,
substantive legal work, for which a lawyer is responsible.
Paralegals may be asked to conduct research and prepare memoranda; to
draft pleadings, deeds or contracts; to interview clients or witnesses; to prepare
answers to interrogatories; or to digest depositions. They may prepare inventories,
accounts and tax returns in connection with estates and trusts; perform
real estate title searches and UCC searches; calendar and track important
deadlines; or organize and maintain client files. Paralegals may not give legal
advice or engage in the unauthorized practice of law.
The Paralegal certificate program is designed for students who have or are
obtaining an educational (not vocational) associate or baccalaureate degree
in a major other than paralegal or legal studies. The certificate program provides
them with the opportunity to enroll in a paralegal studies program that
meets standards set by the American Bar Association, the National Federation
of Paralegal Associations, and the American Association for Paralegal
Education. Transcripts showing prior degrees must be sent directly to the
Admissions Office
A student who applies for graduation from the Paralegal certificate program
must provide proof that he/she has received, or will concurrently receive, an
educational associate or baccalaureate degree in a major other than paralegal
or legal studies from an accredited institution.
The MCC Paralegal Association is an active student club that offers seminars
throughout the year and distributes a newsletter to members.
The Paralegal program has been approved by the American Bar Association
since 1984. It is a member of the American Association for Paralegal
Education.
Curriculum
The Paralegal program is primarily an evening program of study, offering legal
courses during the academic year. Many students work full time while attending
classes at night. Students should note that not all courses are offered every
semester, and only some courses are offered in the day. Part-time students
should see a counselor for suggested course sequencing.
Note: All legal courses, and POL* 120: Introduction to Law, require students
to be eligible for ENG* 101, or permission of the instructor.
Required Courses
BBG* 231 Business Law I 3
POL* 120 Introduction to Law 3
LGL* 103 Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility 1
LGL* 112 Legal Research 3
LGL* 104 Real Estate Practice 3
LGL* 211 Business Organization 3
LGL* 220 ‡ Computer Applications in Law 4
LGL* 208 Litigation 3
LGL* 209 Probate Practice & Estate Administration 3
Elective Legal Elective — Choose 1 3
LGL* 120, LGL* 216, LGL* 206, LGL* 215,
LGL* 210, LGL* 225/CJS* 215,
LGL* 226/CJS* 219, or LGL* 270
Total Credits Required: 29
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of all Paralegal certificate program requirements,
graduates will
1. Understand the proper role of the legal assistant in the delivery of legal
services to the public and the ethical rules that govern the conduct of
the legal profession.
2. Understand how to analyze a fact situation, identify legal issues,
research these issues, and prepare memoranda of law.
3. Prepare legal documents such as deeds, mortgages, wills, trusts,
pleadings, probate forms and business documents and agreements
for review by the supervising attorney.
4. Perform law office management and administrative tasks through the
establishment and implementation of office policy and procedures, and
the development of computer competencies for maximum efficiency.
5. Approach new problems and subject matter in an organized and
efficient manner, with an understanding of the importance and responsibility
placed on the paralegal.
‡ Students without a strong foundation in computer skills should take CSC*
101 or BOT* 230 prior to enrolling in LGL* 220.
WARNING: All course numbers in the Connecticut Community College System
are in the process of change. For up-to-date information on any course number,
contact the MCC Registrar’s Office.
Center for Business and Technologies: 860-512-2623 or www.mcc.commnet.edu/cbt/
101
CERTIFICATES