Legal Studies and Paralegal Program, Associate in Arts (LGL)

The Legal Studies and Paralegal Program (LGL) is an associate degree program intended to train generalist paraprofessionals as well provide a pathway for those who wish to pursue higher education or other occupation in the law. Graduates from the associate degree program will have a strong foundation in the areas of legal research and writing, contracts, torts, criminal law and property law. Associate degree program graduates are likely to find employment as paralegals under the direction of attorneys (to do otherwise would be practicing law without a license) in law firms, legal departments of large corporations, insurance companies, title companies, legal service companies and federal, state or local courts and governmental agencies.

The Program also provides three concentration areas, which enables students to select a particular area of expertise they wish to pursue either as paraprofessionals in law and business or to transfer to a four year institution for higher education. These concentrations include:

Paralegal Studies
The Paralegal Studies Concentration offers students with a body of laws that are broadly practiced in the legal industry. Courses such as Family Law, Wills Trusts & Estates, Real Estate Law, Criminal Law, Elder Law, Labor and Employment Laws etc. are bread and butter for the general legal practitioners. By offering this concentration we prepare students to become paralegals who are well suited or choose to work in the general practice of law. This will not limit students from moving forward to achieve higher education should they wish to do so.

Law, Business & Management 
In addition to completing general education and required legal courses, this concentration area allows students to choose from courses that are aligned with business. Those courses will include Intro to Business, Business Organization, Bankruptcy Law, Business Communications, Principles of Marketing, Spanish for Business and the Legal Environment of Business. Combining students' legal knowledge with business will broaden students’ knowledge and understanding that the practice of law is also a business.  It enhances the possibility of students finding employment both in the law and business either as paralegals or in a coordinator/management position within a law office or other businesses. Similarly, students may choose a higher education pathway either in the law or business.

Law and Criminal Justice 
In addition to completing general education and required legal courses, this concentration area allows student to choose from courses that complement and enhance their learning in criminal law.  The courses available include Introduction to Criminal Justice, Ethics of Criminal Justice, Criminology, Correction, Probation and Parole, Criminal Procedure and Adjudication, and Domestic Violence: Impact on Individuals, Families and Communities. Criminal Law and Adjudication of Criminal Justice are two sides of the same coin. Students who have an in depth understanding of what the law is and how it applies to the adjudication of criminal matters are likely to be interested in both the law and its enforcement. Paralegals who work in the criminal law practice are better situated when they can identify why crimes happen, the different philosophies underlying the adjudication of crime, and the ethical constrains that are essential to safeguards the administration of justice. This concentration opens job opportunities in both the practice of criminal law and certain aspects of law enforcement and adjudication. Similarly, students may choose a higher education pathway either in the law or administration of justice.

Notes:
Students who wish to pursue additional education in law or in other disciplines as part of their future plans should consult with a transfer advisor before selecting courses and understand the transferability of the course to a four-year institution.

No person shall engage or assist a person who is not a member of the bar in the performance of activities that constitutes the unauthorized practice of law.

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of terminologies, concepts, process, and principles applicable to the laws and legal theories.
• Utilize critical thinking to conduct legal research and identify the facts, appropriate laws, judicial decisions, rules, regulations and other legal literature.
• Prepare/draft legal documents pertaining to substantive and procedural laws, such as contracts, memorandums, case briefs, and documents necessary for trial preparations and proceedings.
• Utilize organizational and communications skills relevant to the role of paraprofessionals in the operation of law offices such as managing office calendar, case files, correspondence, pleadings, reports, and briefs.
• Identify and analyze the ethical issues that arise for legal professionals.
• Apply modern technology to the performance of legal work and delivery of legal services.

The College Transfer Office is set up to help Delaware County Community College students transfer to four-year colleges and universities. If you are planning to transfer, you are strongly encouraged to meet with a transfer advisor within your first two semesters (or before you reach 30 transferable college credits from all institutions attended).

College Academic Learning Goals

CR

Critical Reasoning

DJ

Diversity and Social Justice

GU

Global Understanding

IL

Information Literacy

TC

Information Technology

OC

Oral Communication

QR

Quantitative Reasoning

SI

Scientific Inquiry

WC

Written Communication

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MAT 120 Modern College Mathematics or higher, excluding MAT 125 Mathematics for Teachers of Children I

Concentration Electives:

*

Required for Concentration

A maximum of twelve (12) LGL(legal specialty) credits may be transferred in from an ABA accredited college or university.

No more than nine (9) specialty credits may be awarded for Credit for Prior Learning assessment by portfolio or exam.

Students must take at least nine (9) semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through traditional classroom and/or synchronous online instruction at Delaware County Community College.