Program Description
As defined by the American Bar Association, “A paralegal is a person qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.”
The paralegal studies program at Union County College is designed to prepare graduates for a variety of paralegal job opportunities. The utilization of paralegals improves the efficiency, economy and availability of legal services. A paralegal performs substantive legal work under the direct supervision of an attorney.
Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
The Certificate of Achievement Program Option will prepare students who have already earned a college degree to work as paralegals.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:
- Identify, analyze and evaluate legal issues;
- Perform legal research using library resources and computer technology;
- Perform factual research incorporating computer technology;
- Write clearly and accurately according to the standards of the legal profession;
- Prepare forms, pleadings, legal instruments, and litigation documents.
Transfer Policy: Prospective students may transfer no more than 9 credits of legal specialty courses into the Certificate of Achievement program, and only with the approval of the Social Sciences, Business, and History Division.
