Paralegal Studies Certificate Program
Curriculum for students entering program in 2008-09.
This certificate program is approved by the American Bar Association and is designed to prepare students to perform effectively in today’s legal and business communities. The program trains men and women for professional status as lawyer’s assistants in corporations, banks, insurance companies, government agencies and law firms. The program provides students with a broad-based academic curriculum which emphasizes the skills, substantive knowledge and ethics a paralegal needs to assist lawyers effectively.
The work of the paralegal requires discretion and independent judgement. It is essential that a paralegal have strong writing ability, an analytical approach to organizing and reviewing material, and a foundation in computers and word processing. Although a paralegal always works under the supervision and direction of an attorney, it is important that he/or she be well-motivated and self-starting. While a paralegal can perform many of the tasks which have otherwise been performed by attorneys, a paralegal may not give legal advice, represent a client in court, or otherwise engage in the practice of law. For more information contact Stacey Peters at 603-271-7104. This program is available evenings only. This program is “financial aid eligible.”
NHTI, Concord's Community College’s (NHTI’s) graduates will be exposed during their course of studies to the legal system and the role of paralegals within the profession, the ethical rules governing lawyers and paralegals, and the operation of a law office. Through the course sequence in the certificate program, NHTI’s graduates will be:
- able to assist in most aspects of legal research, and in the preparation of clear and concise legal writings, on a topic of their choosing;
- introduced to Lexis/Nexis;
- able to assist in virtually all phases of litigation and real property transactions;
- able to assist in the formation, daily administration and dissolution of a corporate entity;
- able to assist in the planning and administration of a decedent’s estate;
- prepared to assist in the drafting of pleadings and in the completion of preliminary research in the area of family law;
- exposed to the various elements of New Hampshire criminal practice and procedure.
Specific Admission Requirements
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PL 101 | Foundations of Paralegal Studies | 2 |
| PL 103 | Causes of Action in Contract and Tort | 2 |
| PL 104 | Legal Research+ | 3 |
| PL 110 | Litigation and Trial Preparation | 3 |
| PL 221 | Real Estate | 3 |
| PL 231 | Business Organizations and Bankruptcy | 3 |
| PL 241 | Family Law | 1 |
| PL 251 | Probate Estates and Trusts | 3 |
| PL 261 | Criminal Process | 1 |
| PL 270 | Internship (Optional) | 3 |
| PL 271 | Legal Writing | 1 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 22-25 | |
+ A $100 fee will be assessed for all students taking PL 104. This fee will cover costs associated with ABA dues, Lexis/Nexis, Franklin Pierce Law Center Library, Supreme Court Library and PLS Associate Membership.
Internship Considerations
The college must ensure that individuals (customers, employees, etc.) at internship and service learning sites are not adversely affected by students during learning experiences. Therefore, students participating in internship and field experiences must demonstrate the emotional stability required to exercise sound judgement, accept direction and guidance from a supervisor or faculty member and establish rapport and maintain sensitive interpersonal relationships with employees, customers and clients.
Character Expectations
Applicants should be aware that background checks are completed by potential employers prior to obtaining any position with arrest or detention powers, and typically, even before being accepted for an internship. Applicants who have been in difficulty with the law may not be employable, or even eligible for an internship. Because future goals may be compromised, applicants are advised to discuss any concerns with the Department Head.
Revised June 5, 2008