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Paralegal
Studies Program, College of Southern Maryland FACT SHEET |
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What is a “paralegal”?
What does a paralegal do? Because paralegals are trained as both
generalists and specialists, the duties delegated vary greatly and depend,
largely, upon the size of the law firm and the nature of the employer's
practice. The duties that paralegals typically
perform under the supervision of an attorney include:
Paralegals (and non-attorneys) are
prohibited by law from practicing law, which means they cannot give legal
advice, represent a client in court, establish a fee, or accept a case on
behalf of a client. Where do paralegals work? Most paralegals work in private law firms;
however, other organizations in the private sector employ paralegals. Some examples include corporate legal
departments, insurance companies, estate and trust departments of large
banks, hospitals and health care organizations, real estate and title
insurance companies, and professional trade associations. Job opportunities in the public sector are
available in community legal services programs, consumer organizations,
offices of public defenders, prosecutors and attorneys general, city
attorneys, a wide array of state and federal government agencies, and the
judicial system. According to the U.S. Department of Labor,
Paralegals and legal assistants are projected to grow faster than the average
for all occupations through 2012. |
What are the goals of CSM’s paralegal studies program? > To
prepare graduates for careers as paralegals by providing substantive
knowledge and practical skills necessary for entry-level paralegal positions
in public, private, or business entities. > To
teach students critical thinking, organization skills, communication skills,
legal research, legal writing, technology skills, interviewing skills, investigating
skills, and management techniques that they require to be successful
paralegals. > To
prepare students for transfer to University of Maryland University College
and other four-year institutions. > To
meet the needs of the employers for entry-level paralegals as expressed by
the needs-assessment studies and the Advisory Committee meetings. What are learning objectives of CSM’s paralegal studies
program? Graduates should be able to demonstrate that they possess A. general communication skills B. organizational skills C. critical thinking skills D. computer skills as required in the paralegal
field. E. an understand of the paralegal profession
and ethical obligations, including (1) knowledge and information relating to
the role of the paralegal in the delivery of legal services, (2) ethics and
professional values, & (3) personal responsibility F. general legal knowledge G. legal research skills H. legal writing skills I. interviewing and investigation skills J. management skills essential to the
entry-level paralegal What
is required for the A.A.S. degree? Paralegal students complete 60 hours of
coursework including 20 credits of general education courses, 21 credits of legal
specialty courses, and 19 credits of other courses. Required paralegal courses include
Introduction to Paralegal Studies I, Legal Ethics/Law Office Management,
Introduction to Paralegal Studies II, Legal Writing, Legal Research, Torts,
and Litigation and Discovery. Students
must also take two elective courses from the following courses: Wills, Trusts & Estates, Domestic Law,
Real Estate Transactions, Criminal Law and internship/cooperatives. Transfer
Note: At least nine (9) credits of
legal specialty courses must be completed at the College of Southern
Maryland. Updated 2/2006 |
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