Professional Services - Paralegal Studies, Certificate
Overview
The certificate in Paralegal Studies prepares the student for a dynamic career in the legal profession. The student will receive training in case management and legal research as well as learn how to analyze and summarize data to assist attorneys in preparation for hearings, trials, closings, corporate meetings, and other legal functions. The student will experience community learning opportunities that include job shadows, internships, and real-world projects. Paralegal Studies courses are also offered in the evening, tailored for those with family or work commitments. *Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
Personal Traits Leading to Success in Paralegal Program:
- Ability to develop sound academic skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Minimum keyboarding skill of 40 cwpm
- Excellent computer skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Ability to pay attention to detail and accuracy
- Able to work under stressful circumstances
- Assertive
- Exhibit common sense
- Desire to develop research abilities
- Capacity to work as part of a legal team
- Enjoy extensive research and writing
LDSBC Methods and Procedures for Teaching
- Legal courses taught by legal professionals/lawyers
- Caring faculty
- Instructors are facilitators
- Students responsible for own learning
- Students are required to come to class prepared
- Teaching is done by the Learning Model which is based on teaching and learning by the Spirit
- Learning involves the student, the instructor, and the Spirit
- Practical application with project-based learning
- Internship at end of coursework to apply what has been learned
Career Opportunities
A successful paralegal finds fulfillment as a contributor in resolving difficult legal situations in behalf of families, non-profit organizations, law firms, government agencies, and corporations. A variety of positions can be found in numerous industries including banking, insurance, healthcare, business, entertainment industry, real estate, and public agencies.
A number of benefits are associated with paralegal graduation:
- Steady, upward trend for starting salaries
- Attractive to individuals seeking to improve their career and earning potential
- Allows current Legal Administrative Assistants to advance their legal career
- Shows healthy job market in Utah and throughout the country with an increased employment demand for paralegals for the next 7 years
- Listed by Department of Workforce Services in its top “Five Star” jobs at the associate degree level
- Low cost program with high salary potential
- Excellent career possibilities for multiple-language students
Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation, students will demonstrate competency in the following areas:
- Confirm personal testimony in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Collaborate with others using interpersonal skills in an honest, ethical, and Christ-like manner.
- Communicate effectively using written and verbal presentation principles.
- Construct new knowledge using technology and information resource tools.
- Comprehend and think critically to solve problems.
- Cultivate a strong, professional work ethic and lifelong learning opportunities.
- Work knowledgeably through federal, state, and local court systems, including PACER, CM/ECF, and Xchange.
- Apply substantive and procedural law to any fact pattern, including the determination of appropriate jurisdiction and venue.
- Practice ethical obligations and standards, and maintain the appropriate level of professionalism, tact, and diplomacy.
- Demonstrate organizational and prioritizing skills in balancing multiple assignments and deadlines.
- Prepare legal research plans, analyze factual situations, identify legal solutions, summarize legal research findings, and write legal memoranda.
- Follow appropriate interviewing and investigative procedures with clients, witnesses, and others.
- Prepare and file/e-file legal forms, including, but not limited to: complaints, answers, letters, demands, closing documents, subpoenas, summons, notices, and motions.
- Use a variety of legal office management and case management software systems proficiently.
- Articulate career preparation confidently using resumes, portfolios, and interviews.
Course Requirements
Students are responsible to examine the course description of each course listed below for details of prerequisites, which must be satisfied before registering for the course.
Religion Courses
REL One cornerstone religion courses (2 credit hours)
| REL 200 | The Eternal Family | 2 credits |
| REL 225 | Foundations of the Restoration | 2 credits |
| REL 250 | Jesus Christ & Everlast Gospel | 2 credits |
| REL 275 | Teach & Doct of Book of Mormon | 2 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 2 |
College-wide Courses
| ENG 101 | Intro. to College Writing | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Program Core Courses
| PLS 101 | Introduction to Law | 3 credits |
| PLS 110 | Legal Research/Writing I | 3 credits |
| PLS 115 | Legal Research/Writing II | 3 credits |
| PLS 120 | Evidence | 2 credits |
| PLS 150 | Paralegal Computer Application | 3 credits |
| PLS 160 | Ethics | 2 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Electives (Choose 2 of the following)
| PLS 130 | Criminal Law and Procedures | 3 credits |
| PLS 203 | Intro. to Civil Litigation | 3 credits |
| PLS 205 | Contract Law | 3 credits |
| PLS 210 | Torts | 3 credits |
| PLS 215 | Bankruptcy Law | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
**Optional Internship
| PLS 299 | Paralegal Internship | 2 credits |
Total Credit Hours: 27
Recommended Sequence of Courses
Depending upon the number of preparatory courses a student must take, an additional semester may be required to complete the program
First Semester
| ENG 101 | Intro. to College Writing | 3 credits |
| PLS 101 | Introduction to Law | 3 credits |
| PLS 110 | Legal Research/Writing I | 3 credits |
| PLS 120 | Evidence | 2 credits |
| PLS 150 | Paralegal Computer Application | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
Second Semester-Winter
| PLS 115 | Legal Research/Writing II | 3 credits |
| Elective | Choose from PLS 130, 203, 205, 210, 215 | 3 credits |
| Elective | Choose from PLS 130, 203, 205, 210, 215 | 2 credits |
| Religion | Cornerstone Religion course | 2 credits |
| PLS 160 | Ethics | 2 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 13 |
Graduation Requirements
- Minimum of 27 total semester credit hours as outlined
- Grade of C or higher in all PLS core courses
- Cumulative grade-point average of 2.0
- 1 cornerstone religion course
Paralegal Studies Certificate Gainful Employment information.