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Associate of Applied Science
Degree - 90 credits
One Year Certificate
45 credits
Business Technology & Public Services Division Page
Paralegals, also called legal assistants, perform many of the same legal tasks that lawyers can. Paralegals prepare briefs, research cases, assist at trials, and draft agreements, however they cannot present cases in court or give legal advice.
The duties of paralegals also differ widely based on the type of organization in which they are employed. Paralegals who work for corporations often assist attorneys with employee contracts, shareholder agreements, stock-option plans, and employee benefit plans. They also may help prepare and file annual financial reports, maintain corporate minute books and resolutions, and secure loans for the corporation. Paralegals often monitor and review government regulations to ensure that the corporation operates within the law.
One of a paralegal's most important tasks is helping lawyers prepare for closings,
hearings, trials, and corporate meetings. Paralegals investigate the facts
of cases and ensure that all relevant information is considered. They also
identify appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles, and other materials
that are relevant to assigned cases. After they analyze and organize the information,
paralegals may prepare written reports that attorneys use in determining how
cases should be handled. Should attorneys decide to file lawsuits on behalf
of clients, paralegals may help prepare the legal arguments, draft pleadings
and motions to be filed with the court, obtain affidavits, and assist attorneys
during trials. Paralegals also organize and track files of all-important case
documents and make them available and easily accessible to attorneys.
In addition to this preparatory work, paralegals also perform a number of other vital functions. For example, they help draft contracts, mortgages, separation agreements, and trust instruments. They also may assist in preparing tax returns and planning estates. Some paralegals coordinate the activities of other law office employees and maintain financial office records.
Paralegal programs usually include courses that introduce students to law and legal research methods. Furthermore, you may study a specialized legal area, like contract law or real estate. Private employers may prefer applicants with this type of training, since their firm may focus on a specialized field.
Many paralegal training programs include an internship in which students gain practical experience by working for several months in a private law firm, office of a public defender or attorney general, bank, corporate legal department, legal-aid organization, or government agency. Experience gained in internships is an asset when seeking a job after graduation. Prospective students should examine the experiences of recent graduates before enrolling in those programs.
If you decide to become a lawyer after working as a paralegal, then you’ll
have experience in the legal field, which will give you a competitive edge.
However a paralegal education is not the equivalent of a law school education.
Graduates of legal assistant programs are not qualified or eligible to take
the bar examination. Also, academic credit for paralegal courses may not be
transferable for advanced standing in law school.
According to the National Association of Legal Assistants, paralegals earn an average salary of $38,000 in 2000.