Program Codes:
PLC.CER
Certificate
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Paralegals are trained specialists who, under the supervision of an attorney, perform a wide variety of legal tasks. These tasks may include legal research, law office management and preparation of legal documents. Only an attorney may provide legal services directly to the public. Students can earn the Associate in Applied Science which prepares graduates for employment in law offices, corporate legal departments, legal services corporations, state government offices, title companies and federal and state courts. Students who have already earned an A.A., A.S., A.A.S., B.A. or B.S. degree can earn the certificate. Students with one of these degrees plus three years of full-time paralegal work experience can earn the Certificate of Achievement.
The Paralegal Studies Certificate is designed for the person who already has a college degree - Associate’s, Bachelor’s or higher. The Program is approved by the American Bar Association and the College is a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education.
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing argument synthesis essays. Students engage in formal written argumentation based on extensive reading and analysis of complex texts. Through the research process, students will locate, analyze, and synthesize scholarly sources to advance their own informed positions on relevant issues in the composition of a formal research paper.
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
An introduction to the functions and duties of the paralegal. Students explore the regulation of paralegals, rules of ethics, privilege and ABA considerations. Students are introduced to the court system and law office routines.
An introduction to the American legal system and the New Jersey court system. Students use the law library including encyclopedias, reporter systems, digests and administrative codes including updating sources. Students are introduced to the use of computer assisted research by use of Westlaw.
ENG 121, PLS 100
A writing course focusing on the tasks commonly encountered by paralegals. Topics covered include legal correspondence, opinion letters, briefs and memoranda, Emphasis will be placed on clarity and precision in the use of language.
PLS 100, PLS 101
A continuation of the study of legal research using online resources, with an emphasis on Westlaw and the Internet.
An independent study writing course focusing on the preparation of legal memoranda as well as citation form. Emphasis is placed on clarity and precision in the use of language.
Select from the following electives (14 credits minimum). Students may choose to take more than 14 credits of electives.
Forms and procedures used in real and personal property transactions including the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS 121
A study of the substantive and procedural aspects of family law in such areas as divorce, adoption, support and separation agreements, including domestic relations court procedures.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS 121
A study of the substance and procedure of estate administration with respect to wills, estates, trusts, probate, life insurance, federal and state taxes.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS 121
A study of the principles of tort law, their application in commonly faced situations in law practice and the role of the paralegal in the preparation of a tort claim or defense.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS 121
A study of the rules governing courts and litigation procedures including client interviews, complaints, motions, discovery and appeals.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS 121
A study of the substantive law of contracts, sales law and commercial paper. In applicable areas, the Uniform Commercial Code is covered as well as common law principles.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS 121
Detailed study of the substantive law of agency and employment, security devices, bankruptcy, partnerships and corporations. (In applicable areas the Uniform Commercial code is covered as well as common law principles.)
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS 121 and PLS 123
A study of the elements of crime and the criminal procedure system including incidents before and after trial and an analysis of the impact of the Constitution on crimes and criminal procedure.
PLS 121
Students integrate their knowledge of theoretical concepts and practical application of legal research and substantive law through case analysis and the completion of the assigned project. Students review news and legal sources regarding the project. Students review news and legal sources regarding an issue pending before the Supreme Court, analyzing the issue and the positions of the parties and predicting the outcome of the case. Students also prepare resumes in proper business format.
Graduates of the Program will be able to:
Contact Name: Aslihan Cakmak, Chairperson
Contact Phone: 732.906.2526
Contact Email: BusinessAndCompSci@middlesexcc.edu
Department Web: https://www.middlesexcc.edu/business-and-computer-science
Articulation agreements with public and private institutions offer students who earn the A.A.S. degree the opportunity to transfer all of their coursework to the four-year institution. Students in specialized programs, or who earn an A.A.S. degree should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.
Associate Applied Science Degree - Students must either have a high school diploma or have passed an equivalency examination. Algebra I is a prerequisite for all majors. Algebra I competency may be verified with a passing score on the College’s placement test or completion of the appropriate course.
Certificate - The Paralegal Studies Certificate is designed for the person who already has a college degree - Associate's, Bachelor's or higher.
Once students complete developmental coursework (if needed), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. They can shorten the amount of time by taking courses in the summer and winter sessions.
Note: For students matriculating in this program, degree credit will not ordinarily be given for any course designated PLS which was completed more than six years prior to completion of the degree program.