Paralegal Education - Suggested Curriculum

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

24 Semester Hours at the college level encompassing the following areas:

  • English Composition/Grammar *
  • Mathematics
  • Logic/Philosophy
  • Speech/Communication
  • Earth or Natural Science
  • Political Science/History
  • Sociology
  • Humanities, including Philosophy

The following areas are desirable electives:

  • Business **
  • Computer Science/Literacy
  • Foreign Language
  • Psychology
  • Economics

* Extensive experience in grammar and composition is important for paralegals.
**Only Accounting, Business Communication and Personnel Management courses are desirable.

LEGAL SPECIALTY REQUIREMENTS

24 Semester Hours* Students need to have exposure to the following theory/practice areas as follows:

  • Litigation/Civil Procedure
  • Legal Research and Writing
  • Real Property Transaction
  • Business and Corporate Law
  • Wills, Trust and Estate Planning
  • Family Law
  • Torts
  • Contracts

Exposure to the following theory/practice areas may be beneficial, depending on the legal market **:

  • Advanced Legal Research and Writing
  • Advanced Litigation/Civil Procedure
  • Bankruptcy, Debtor/Creditor Rights
  • Administrative Law
  • Pension/Profit Sharing
  • Law Office Economics and Management
  • Tax Law
  • Labor Relations/Employment Law
  • Intellectual Property
  • Criminal Law
  • Immigration Law
  • Social Security Law
  • Constitutional Law
  • Environmental Law
  • Elder Law

*An introduction course to law for paralegals may provide the necessary exposure to some of these practice areas. Programs are strongly encouraged to have a separate course on ethics and professional responsibility. However, if a separate course is not taught, ethics and professional responsibility should be taught across the curriculum; additionally, computer applications should be taught across the curriculum.

**Courses entitled "Special Topics" are suggested in order to allow for flexibility in the curriculum. Courses in specific practice areas then could be offered on an "as-needed basis." Intern/externships are strongly encouraged.

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