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The
Paralegal Associate Program provides training for the person seeking an
entry-level career in a law office or in a law-related profession. The
program stresses practical and specific paralegal skills designed to
meet the employment and personnel training needs of attorneys,
corporations, government agencies, law firms, and the legal departments
of banks, insurance companies, and various business organizations.
Students explore legal research, writing and analysis, basic concepts of
substantive, administrative, and procedural law, acquire basic office
skills, and gain a general understanding of the ethical and professional
responsibilities of a legal assistant. Graduates may pursue careers as
paralegals, legal office assistants, legal secretaries/receptionists,
claims examiners, and compliance and enforcement inspectors in business,
industry, and government.
Occupational Skills
Upon successful completion of the
Paralegal program, the graduate will be able to:
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Demonstrate basic knowledge of the law
and the legal system.
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Create, edit, and file legal and
related documents;
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Organize filing and document systems
for litigation;
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Draft and review documents in a variety
of legal venues;
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Assist in analyzing statutory and
legislative material;
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Use electronic research systems; and
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Demonstrate basic office skills.
Paralegals help attorneys
prepare for closings, hearings, trials, and corporate meetings. 7 out of
10 paralegals work in private law offices.
Income Range
Salary Range: 2006
median annual earnings were $43,040 with the middle 50% earning $33,920
to $54,690*.
Employment Outlook
Employment of
paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 22 percent between
2006 and 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Employers are trying to reduce costs and increase the availability and
efficiency of legal services by hiring paralegals to perform tasks once
done by lawyers. Paralegals are performing a wider variety of duties,
making them more useful to businesses.
* Occupational Outlook
Handbook 2008-2009
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