Paralegal Studies

paralegal in office

The Paralegal Studies concentration was developed with the Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) and with input of practitioners, lawyers, and educators. The program is approved by the CBA for continuing legal education (CLE) credits.

The concentration will prepare graduates to either enter the paralegal field or to further develop the skills of those already in the field. The concentration is not designed to prepare students for law school.

The concentration is intended to focus on the different kinds of law, legal ethics, effective verbal and written legal communication, the use of technology, doctrines of the Attorney/client privilege, and the state's court structure and the role of the paralegal's law firm in that structure. Students will learn legal research techniques, practical applications required of paralegals, and basic management skills.

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  • Business Law

    3 credits

  • Introduction to Management

    3 credits

  • Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibilities

    3 credits

  • Legal Research & Writing

    3 credits

  • Technology in Law

    3 credits

  • Communication: e.g., Interpersonal Communication, Business Communication

    3 credits

  • Civil Procedures

    3 credits

  • Paralegal Electives: e.g., Public Administrative Law, Family Law, Wills/Probate and Administration, Intellectual Property, Elder Law, Environmental Law, Bankruptcy Law, Criminal Law, Real Estate Law, Health Care Law, Insurance Law, Juvenile/Education Law, Internships

    12 credits

  • PLG 499: Capstone

    3 credits

  • TOTAL

    36 credits

Co-requisite

  • American Government
  • Constitutional Law

Recommended

  • Introduction to Psychology
  • State and Local Government

Notes: Internship is required for those with no paralegal experience. Students must secure their own internship and have it approved by the faculty of Charter Oak State College.

Outcomes & Pathways

Students who graduate with a concentration in Paralegal Studies will be able to:

  • articulate the role of a paraprofessional in various settings;
  • articulate, apply and adhere to ethical and professional practices within the scope of their position;
  • communicate effectively orally and through writing;
  • use technology – software and hardware, required of the industry and for communication (i.e., Legal Technology Certificate);
  • explain the doctrines of the Attorney/client privilege and apply that to legal review;
  • explain the state and federal court structures and the role of the paralegal's law firm or corporate legal department within that structure;
  • conduct legal research effectively;
  • explain the different kinds of law;
  • demonstrate practical applications required of paralegals;
  • demonstrate basic skills of management;
  • demonstrate the ability to work in teams; and
  • discuss diversity concepts and apply them to the workplace and the law.

Why Charter Oak State College?