Paralegal Studies
- Certificate
- On Campus
- Online
- Hybrid
Advance Your Career through Paralegal Studies
Monroe’s 36-credit Paralegal certificate program will provide you with an introduction to the United States legal system and how to make informed decisions based on your understanding of legal language and concepts. You will gain career-relevant skills needed to participate, under the supervision of an attorney, in these areas:
• The Courts
• Law Firms
• Government Agencies
The Curriculum
The Paralegal certificate program prepares students for meaningful careers in law-related disciplines through a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum based on the fundamentals of the law as it pertains to contemporary issues.
Legal Research and Writing Skills:
Students will develop proficiency in legal research methodologies. Students will also enhance their writing skills to draft legal documents, including pleadings, memoranda, and legal correspondence.
Substantive Legal Knowledge:
Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of legal terminology, concepts, theories, and principles. Students will strengthen their analytical skills in reviewing legal problems and assessing the viability of a lawsuit.
Technology and Legal Software Proficiency:
Students will develop proficiency in using legal research databases, including demonstrating proficiency in citation and the application and use of legal authority.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
Students will enhance their communication skills for effective interaction with clients, attorneys, and other legal professionals.
Ethics and Professional Responsibility:
Students will understand the ethical obligations and professional responsibilities of paralegals.
Fundamentals of Criminal Trial Practice
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of the trial process. Emphasis is placed on the importance of witness statements, police reports, medical records, as well as other documentation in trial practice. Students are taught how to effectively conduct each phase of the trial process, including pre-trial motions, opening statements, direct examination, cross examination, and closing statements through mock trial presentations and proceedings.
Earn Prior Learning Credits
Credit for experience is evaluated based on the relevance, substance, and extent of practical work experience directly tied to paralegal studies. Your prior learning will be assessed based on the learning objectives of appropriate and relevant courses.
Candidates are assisted in building a Prior Learning Portfolio that compiles past experiences through various sources:
• Work experience
• Volunteer work
• Training programs or in-service courses
• Military service
• Community activities
• Independent reading and study
Once the portfolio is completed, candidates provide letters of recommendation from current and former employers. An interview follows. A committee reviews the completed prior learning portfolio to recommend admission.
Careers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of paralegals is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. Monroe University has established partnerships with over 400 local companies, practices, and government and civic organizations to facilitate job placement as well as enriching internship opportunities related to the law.
Although law firms will continue to be the largest employers of paralegals, many large corporations are increasing their in-house legal departments to cut costs. For many companies, the high cost of outside counsel makes it more economical to have an in-house legal department. This will lead to an increase in the demand for legal workers in a variety of settings, such as finance and insurance firms, consulting firms, and healthcare providers.
Factsheet
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