Liberal Arts and Science - Manchester Community College ...

DEGREES
Paralegal, A.S. Degree
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 associate degree program includes specialized courses in the
paralegal profession as well as related courses in business and liberal arts.
An option in the program is a cooperative education/work experience course
in which students gain practical experience in a legal setting while earning
academic credit.
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.
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Paralegal Requirements
POL* 120 Introduction to Law 3
LGL* 103 Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility 1
Gen Ed ENG* 101 : Composition 3
BBG* 231 Business Law I 3
Gen Ed POL* 111: American Government or
POL* 112: State and Local Government 3
Choose Any course 3
Subtotal: 16
LGL* 112 Legal Research 3
LGL* 208 Litigation 3
Gen Ed Mode 3 3
Gen Ed Mode 4 3
ACC* 115 Financial Accounting 4
Subtotal: 16
Elective ‡‡ Legal Elective 3
LGL* 209 Probate Practice & Estate Administration 3
LGL* 220 ‡ Computer Applications in Law 4
Gen Ed Mode 6 3
Gen Ed Mode 1 3
Subtotal: 16
LGL* 104 Real Estate Practice 3
LGL* 211 Business Organization 3
Gen Ed Mode 5 3-4
Elective ‡‡ Legal Elective (See list) 3
Choose Any course 3
Subtotal: 15-16
Total Credits Required: 63-64
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of all Paralegal degree 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.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of artistic and literary expression,
social issues, and scientific hypotheses.
In addition, the graduate will complete the comprehensive learning outcomes
identified with the General Education Component.
‡ Students without a strong foundation in computer skills should take CSC*
101 or BOT* 230 prior to enrolling in LGL* 220.
‡‡ Legal Elective — Choose 2
LGL* 120, 216, 206
LGL* 215, 210
LGL* 225/CJS* 215
LGL* 226/CJS* 219
LGL* 270
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.
See page 29 for the General Education information about each mode.
Center for Business and Technologies: 860-512-2623 or www.mcc.commnet.edu/cbt/