Paralegal/Legal Assistant 

The Paralegal/Legal Assistant program prepares students for a career in the legal field. The blending of extensive classroom instruction, on-the-job internships, and specialized projects allows the student to develop skills required for employment in traditional and non-traditional legal settings as assessed through the program completion exam, program competencies, internship evaluations, graduate/student surveys, and employer surveys.

Paralegals are highly skilled professionals with well-developed communication, problem-solving and computer skills who work closely with a team of other legal professionals. Paralegals may work in all areas of the law, including litigation, bankruptcy, corporate law, criminal law, employee benefits, patent and copyright law, and real estate. Paralegals work under the supervision of attorneys.

Although prohibited by law from establishing an attorney/client relationship, offering legal advice, representing a client in court, or setting legal fees, paralegals may conduct investigations and interview witnesses, communicate with clients, carry out legal research assignments, draft legal documents, prepare a case for trial, and assist the attorney in the courtroom. Paralegalism is among the nation's 20 fastest-growing occupations. Generally, employers require formal paralegal training obtained through associate or bachelor degree programs. A prerequisite of 30 WPM typing proficiency is required to enter this program. This program is approved by the American Bar Association.

See WDT course descriptions.