When a legal matter emerges, an entire team of legal professionals is assembled to resolve a matter whether it's a lawsuit, an estate matter, or a driving violation. A key part of any legal team is the paralegal. Paralegals are professionals who have specialized legal training and perform a wide array of legal services on behalf of a lead attorney, such as investigating cases, interviewing witnesses, drafting legal documents, assisting in trial preparation, and accompanying the attorney to court or depositions (where parties give testimony). Â Whether you are filing documents in court, listening to testimony, or performing legal research, there are many different roles for a paralegal.*
Paralegals take specialized law courses that prepare them for the practical aspects of supporting attorneys in legal matters. Courses include legal topics such as:
- Contracts
- Criminal law
- Litigation
- Family law
- Real property law
- Intellectual property law
- Bankruptcy law
- Environmental
- Legal research and writingÂ
In addition, all paralegal students have the opportunity to perform an internship in which they do legal work under the direct supervision of a practicing attorney. For those interested in additional hands-on experience, you may work in our paralegal clinic to provide legal support to attorneys in Housing Court, Family Court, and representing asylum-seekers at Journey's End.
The demand for paralegals is growing and students who are well-prepared can begin an exciting career immediately. Legal courses can be taken as electives as well for students with other majors who desire to have a unique or more complete set of skills within their fields. Those who wish to go on to graduate school or law school will find themselves well-prepared with hands-on training in specific legal topics and skills.
*Paralegals assist attorneys in legal research, writing and case investigation. Paralegals cannot provide legal advice to the public except as authorized by law.
*All students receiving a Paralegal Certificate or a B.S. in Paralegal Studies must take at least 9 credits of synchronous instruction.