Paralegal Studies Certificate

Bedford Campus - Evening • Lowell Campus - Day

Program Description:

The Paralegal Studies Certificate program prepares graduates for employment assisting lawyers in gathering and analyzing factual data, researching legal questions, and preparing legal documents. The program emphasizes solid academic and practice-oriented preparation. The certificate program focuses on legal courses, and is appropriate for someone who has already earned an associate degree or bachelor’s degree and is interested in changing careers. This program has been approved by the American Bar Association.

Career and Transfer Outlook:

Paralegals (legal assistants) perform legal work under the supervision of a lawyer. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. Paralegals work in law firms, social service and government agencies, banks, health care organizations, large corporations and other businesses where lawyers need assistance. Graduates enter the job market directly or continue their studies toward a bachelor’s degree. Academic advisors work closely with students on specific program planning. Paralegals continue to be in a growth occupation with high demand in this region.

Gainful Employment Disclosure Information:

In accordance with Federal regulations, Middlesex Community College discloses information about student costs, tuitions, fees and employment statistics to various governing bodies to ensure certification and oversight.

See: Gainful Employment Information

Helpful Hints:

Successful completion of Introduction to Law (LGL 101) is recommended before attempting other paralegal courses in the program. Students should plan on taking an internship in preparation for the workplace.

Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the Paralegal Studies Certificate program are prepared to:

Describe the federal and state systems of government, the sources of U.S. and state laws, and the role of precedent.
Develop effective soft skills for participation in a professional legal environment
Conduct effective legal research.
Construct logical legal arguments in support or against specific positions and present their arguments in written and oral communications.
Draft legal documents.
Identify the legal and ethical principles that guide paralegal conduct and propose resolution of those ethical issues.
Demonstrate proficiency in current legal technology.

Required Courses

Semester 1
LGL 101 - Introduction to Law 3
PAR 110 - Legal Research and Writing I 3
PAR 131 - Computer Applications For Paralegals 3
Elective Requirement - Choose two from Legal Specialty (LS):
PAR 130 - Business Organizations 3 (LS) Or
PAR 132 - Contract Law 3 (LS) Or
PAR 133 - Criminal Law for the Paralegal 3 (LS) Or
PAR 134 - Family Law 3 (LS) Or
PAR 135 - Real Estate Law 3 (LS) Or
PAR 136 - Wills, Trusts and Estates 3 (LS) Or
PAR 199 - Paralegal Internship 3 (LS)
Total Credits: 15
Semester 2
PAR 210 - Legal Research and Writing II 3
PAR 102 - Litigation 3
Choose One PAR Elective: PAR 130, 132,133,134,135,136,198 or 199 3
PAR or LGL elective 3
Total Credits: 12

Total Credits: 27

Admission Information

Associate or bachelor’s degree required.

Note: Additional coursework may be required based on college placement testing. Students are urged to meet with their academic advisor for proper course sequencing. Students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.

To review MCC’s policy for transfer of Legal Specialty Courses, please refer to the Paralegal Studies Department website at www.middlesex.mass.edu/paralegal