Paralegal Practice (Certificate)

Metropolitan Community College (MCC) offers a Legal and Paralegal Studies program at the MCC-Penn Valley campus.

About the role

The Legal and Paralegal Studies program prepares students for careers as paralegals, also referred to as legal assistants. Paralegals are non-lawyers who perform many of the same tasks as lawyers, working in law firms, courts, government agencies, and various areas of law including litigation, criminal law, family law, contracts, bankruptcy, intellectual property, real estate transactions, and immigration.

Program details

• Degree: Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Legal and Paralegal Studies, typically completed in two years of full-time study.
• Start terms: Fall or Spring.
• Program format: Can be completed remotely through a combination of online and virtual courses.
• Internship: The program concludes with an internship where students work in a legal environment under the supervision of a lawyer or judge.
• Curriculum: Includes fundamental courses such as legal research, legal writing, and ethics, along with electives covering various areas of law (e.g., litigation, family law, torts, contracts).

Certificate option

The Paralegal Practice Certificate is available to students who already hold an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. This certificate focuses on core paralegal knowledge and skills, with elective courses allowing specialization in various legal areas.

• Application periods:
  • Fall start: April 1 to June 30.
  • Spring start: July 1 to October 15 (preferential admission), with a final deadline of November 30.

Skills you'll learn

• Modern technology: Access to legal library resources and computer-based research tools such as Westlaw or LexisNexis.
• Practical experience: Course assignments replicate real-world legal tasks to prepare students for employment in law firms.
• Writing emphasis: Strong writing and communication skills to stand out in the job market.
• Ethics: Training on ethical rules and boundaries for paralegals.

Faculty

The program faculty includes working judges, lawyers, and paralegals with expertise in the law and direct experience working with or as paralegals.

Career outlook

The job outlook for paralegals and legal assistants is expected to grow 14% between 2021 and 2031, much faster than average job growth. Paralegals perform a variety of tasks, including:

• Investigating facts of cases and interviewing witnesses.
• Conducting legal research and identifying relevant laws, judicial decisions, and legal articles.
• Drafting legal arguments, pleadings, motions, contracts, and other legal documents.
• Assisting in preparing tax returns, establishing trust funds, and planning estates.
• Organizing and tracking case documents and preparing for closings, hearings, trials, and corporate meetings.

Key skills for success

• Detail-oriented with excellent writing and communication skills.
• Understanding of legal terminology and strong research and investigative skills.
• Proficiency in computer applications for legal research and litigation support.
• Awareness of new developments in relevant laws.
• Commitment to ethical standards and professionalism.

Note: Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.

Transfer options

MCC has transfer agreements with many four-year colleges and universities to facilitate the transfer of credits. Students should consult with an advisor for specific transfer information.

Contact information

Maggie Goodman, J.D., Program Coordinator
816.604.4007