Paralegal (HP)

Paralegals are qualified through education and training to perform substantive legal work under the supervision of an attorney. The objective of the Paralegal Program is to provide high quality paralegal education combining legal theory and practice to enable students to achieve professional competence and to contribute to the advancement of the profession. The study of legal ethics, including the prohibition against the unauthorized practice of law by lay-persons, is an integral part of the curriculum. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. Students are prepared to assist attorneys in investigating facts, researching legal issues, drafting legal documents and correspondence, and preparing for trial.

The paralegal occupation is one of the fastest growing in America today. Paralegals are employed in law firms, federal, state, and municipal government, banks, insurance companies, corporate legal departments and business entities, and other public and private enterprises. The Paralegal program is offered at the Danvers Campus. Courses are also scheduled Evening/Weekend and Summer Sessions. Evening/weekend students should refer to Program Requirements in the College Catalog. The Paralegal Program is approved by the American Bar Association.

Course See Note  Course Title Credits       GOV104   State and Local Government in America     or  SS-ELECTIVE   Social Science Elective(s) (OL) 3   CMP101   Composition 1 (OL, CT) 3   PLG101   Introduction to Law and Paralegal Practice (OL) 3   PLG102   Legal Research 3   PLG104   Basic Criminal Law and Procedure (OL) 3       ACC101   Basic Accounting 1     or  ACC104   Essentials of Accounting for Business     or  ACC108   Financial Accounting (OL) 3   CMP104-150   Composition 2 Elective (OL, CT) 3   CPS100 1 Fundamentals of Computer Concepts (OL) 3   PLG106   Legal Writing 3   PLG202   Litigation 3   BUS102   Business Law (OL) 3   LIT202-214   Advanced Literature Elective(s) (OL) 3   PLG-ELECTIVE 2 Paralegal Degree Directed Elective 3   PLG201   Estates and Trusts 3   RES204   Real Estate Law 3   OPN-ELECTIVE   Open Elective(s) (OL) 3   PLG203   Business Organizations 3   PLG204   Family Law 3   PLG206   Field Placement for Paralegals 3   SPE102/104   Speech or Small Group Communication 3

Notes  1 May be fulfilled by challenge exam and 3 liberal arts credits.  2 Recommend PHI116-Ethics; but may also be fulfilled by ART102-108; ASL; CMP104-190; DRA102; FRE; HUM; IDS101, 112, 118, 122, 134, 142; LIT; MDA108, 110, 112; MUS104, 106, 126, 128; PHI; REL; SPE; or SPN.

Program Information  • PLG106 prerequisites are CMP101, PLG101 and PLG102.  • PLG201, PLG203, and PLG204 prerequisites are PLG101 and PLG102.  • PLG206 prerequisites are PLG201, PLG104, BUS102 and RES204; Corequisites are PLG203 and PLG204 or by permission.

Admissions Information  • Contact Student Support Center for information on State College and University Joint Admissions.