Paralegal Studies Certificate
Degree
Certificate (Eligible for federal aid as a stand-alone certificate or if combined with AS degree)
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. *Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
Career Opportunities
A successful paralegal finds fulfillment as a contributor in resolving difficult legal situations on 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.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the certificate, successful graduates will be able to:
• Apply substantive and procedural law to a given set of facts, formulate arguments, and identify legal solutions
• Practice professional and ethical standards appropriate to the legal profession
• Perform legal research and summarize findings for supervising attorneys, clients, and/or the courts
• Follow appropriate interviewing and investigational procedures with clients, witnesses, and industry professionals
• Demonstrate professional skills necessary to a paralegal career, including oral and written communication and technology skills
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 Course
Choose one course (2 credits)
| REL 200 | The Eternal Family (Cornerstone) | 2 credits |
| REL 225 | Foundations of the Restoration (Cornerstone) | 2 credits |
| REL 250 | Jesus Christ & His Everlasting Gospel (Cornerstone) | 2 credits |
| REL 275 | Teachings & Doctrine of The Book of Mormon (Cornerstone) | 2 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 2 |
*Note: The required (2) credit religion course will count towards the (8) credits of required religion courses for students who are completing the AS degree + certificate
Paralegal Studies Certificate Core Courses
| ENG 101 | Introduction to College Writing | 3 credits |
| PLS 101 | Introduction to Law and Legal Careers | 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 |
| PLS 299 | Paralegal Internship | 2-3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21-22 |
**Note: PLS 299 will substitute for CAR 299 for students who are completing the AS degree + certificate. However, CAR 299 may not be substituted for PLS 299.
Paralegal Studies Certificate Elective Choice
Requirements List
Choose 2 courses, 6 credits
| PLS 203 | Introduction to Civil Litigation | 3 credits |
| PLS 205 | Contract Law | 3 credits |
| PLS 210 | Torts | 3 credits |
| PLS 215 | Bankruptcy Law | 3 credits |
| PLS 220 | Family Law | 3 credits |
| PLS 230 | Criminal Law and Procedures | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
Total Credit Hours: 29
Graduation Requirements
1. Minimum of 29 total semester credit hours as outlined
2. Grade of C or higher in all program-specific courses
3. Cumulative grade-point average of 2.0
4. One cornerstone religion course
Recommended Sequence of Courses
Individual student circumstances, such as the need for a smaller course load or the number of preparatory English or Math courses a student must take, may require additional semesters to complete the program. Please see your academic advisor for assistance.
First Semester
ENG 101, Introduction to College Writing, 3 credits
PLS 101, Introduction to Law and Legal Careers, 3 credits
PLS 110, Legal Research/Writing I, 3 credits
PLS 120, Evidence, 2 credits
PLS 150, Paralegal Computer Application, 3 credits
Total Semester Minimum Hours 14
Second Semester
PLS 115, Legal Research/Writing II, 3 credits
PLS 160, Ethics, 2 credits
Certificate Elective, Choose from PLS 203, PLS 205, PLS 210, PLS 215, PLS 220, PLS 230, 3 credits
Certificate Elective, Choose from PLS 203, PLS 205, PLS 210, PLS 215, PLS 220, PLS 230, 3 credits
REL,Cornerstone Religion course, 2 credits
PLS 299, Paralegal Internship, 2 credits
Total Semester Minimum Hours 15
Total Paralegal Studies Certificate Minimum Credit Hours 29