Paralegal Studies

Catalog 2023-2024

Associate in Applied Science

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.

Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the Program will be able to:

  • Use the law library, including encyclopedias, reporter systems, digests and practice manuals; utilize computer-assisted research including Westlaw, lexis, and Internet databases. 
  • Apply rules governing courts and basic ligation procedures, including telephone technique, client interviews, complaints, interrogatories, motions and correspondence. 
  • Complete forms and filing procedures relevant to legal proceedings and use different legal software packages. 
  • Complete forms and filling procedures in real and personal property transactions, including the real estate settlement procedures act. 
  • Demonstrate ethical/professional responsibility in the performance of professional duties in a legal setting.

Recommended Course Sequence

Below are required courses and recommended course groupings and sequences for program completion.  Courses may have prerequisite and corequisite requirements. Check course descriptions for details.

Semester I

CSC-105

Computer Applications and Systems
3

Students may select an alternate Computer Science (GE MST) course for which they have appropriate academic advisement and preparation in mathematics, such as CSC-106.

ENG-121

English Composition I
3

PLS-100

Introduction to the Paralegal Profession
2

PLS-101

Legal Research
3

PLS-113

Legal Writing
2

__ __

GE Social Science Elective
3

Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).

Semester 2

PLS-121

Advanced Legal Research
2

ENG-122

English Composition II
3

PLS-104

Property Transactions
4

PLS-110

Litigation Procedure
4

PLS-111

Contracts and Uniform Commercial Code
3

PLS-123

Advanced Legal Writing
2

Semester 3

PLS-108

Torts
3

PLS-112

Business Organizations and Government Regulations
3

SPE-121

Fundamentals of Public Speaking
3

__ __

Physical Education Elective
1

Students may satisfy this requirement with any PED course.

BUS-115

Mathematics of Finance
3

BUS-115 will satisfy the math requirement. Students considering transfer to a baccalaureate program should consult an academic advisor as to other math choices.

Semester 4

ECO-201

Principles of Economics I
3

PLS-225

Portfolio Project for Paralegals
1

PLS-105

Family Law
3

OR

PLS-106

Wills and Estate Administration
3

OR

PLS-109

Criminal Law and Procedure
3

OR

PLS-208

Paralegal Field Experience
3

__ __

GE Humanities Elective
3

Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).

PLS-105

Family Law
3

OR

PLS-106

Wills and Estate Administration
3

OR

PLS-109

Criminal Law and Procedure
3

OR

PLS-208

Paralegal Field Experience
3

Total Credits 60

Contact Information
Business and Computer Science

Contact Name: Mirian Curry, Acting Chairperson
Contact Phone: 732.906.2526
Contact Email: BusinessAndCompSci@middlesexcc.edu
Department Websites:
Business Programs:   https://www.middlesexcollege.edu/academics/business-and-professional-studies/
Computer Science Programs: https://www.middlesexcollege.edu/academics/computer-science/

 

 


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