Paralegal Studies

General Description

Paralegals, also called legal assistants, assist lawyers in the delivery of legal services. Lawyers today are learning that much of their work can be done by trained paralegals, thus, by working as a team, they can better serve their clients.

Paralegals work under the supervision of a lawyer and are considered professionals who must respect confidentiality. Although they do not counsel, advise, or appear in court for clients, paralegals assist lawyers in bringing cases to fruition.

One of a paralegal’s most important tasks is helping lawyers prepare for closings, hearings, trials, and corporate meetings. Paralegals investigate the facts of cases and ensure that all relevant information is considered. They also identify appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles, and other materials that are relevant to assigned cases. After they analyze and organize the information, paralegals may prepare written reports used in determining how cases should be handled. Should lawyers decide to file lawsuits on behalf of clients, paralegals may help prepare the legal arguments, draft pleadings and motions to be filed with the court, obtain affidavits, and assist lawyers during trials. Paralegals also organize and track files of case documents and make them available and easily accessible to lawyers.

Career Options

Paralegals are found in all types of organizations, but most are employed by law firms, corporate legal departments, and various government offices. Other employers include banks, real estate development, and insurance companies. A small number of paralegals own their own businesses and work as freelance legal assistants, contracting their services to lawyers or corporate legal departments.

Employment Outlook

According to the most recent career studies, employment of trained paralegals is projected to grow faster than the average, ranking among the fastest growing occupations in the economy.

Salaries vary greatly and depend on training experience, type and size of employer, and geographic location. According to recent data, the average paralegal salary nationally is $35,360. Entry-level paralegals should expect to make less than the national average. Employers of the majority of paralegals provide life and health benefits.

Program Description

The paralegal program at Merced College offers individuals an opportunity to earn an Associate Degree or a Certificate of Completion in Paralegal Studies.

The courses are taught by full-time Merced College instructors, local lawyers, and paralegals active in the field. In addition, students may have an opportunity for hands-on experience in the field via internships.

Today’s paralegal must have knowledge in related disciplines such as psychology, sociology, electronics, computers, and business as well as the traditional paralegal skills. Students are encouraged to enroll in a wide variety of courses in order that they might enhance their paralegal major and employability.

Program Requirements

• Paralegal Major & Course Descriptions
  

For Additional Information

For more information regarding the Paralegal Program or registration, call (209) 384-6120 or visit the Guidance Center in the Administration Building and talk with the counselor for this program.