StudyQA — Bachelor: Paralegal Studies — University of Cincinnati

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Description Contents Requirements Funding

The UC paralegal program is part of the School of Criminal Justice located in the UC College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services (CECH). The main goal of the program is to provide the student with a quality education in paralegal studies based in an ethical, technological and contemporary understanding of the law that is responsive to the needs of the legal community.

The courses in the program teach practical job skills in conjunction with the underlying legal theory. Classes are taught by experienced attorneys and paralegals and offer practical, hands-on legal training. The curriculum covers legal research and writing, litigation, ethics, contracts, business organizations and torts. Courses develop students' critical thinking, communication, computational, computer and organizational skills and competency to handle ethical issues. The program culminates in an experiential learning component: the practicum.

Students enrolled in the bachelor's degree programs will take a combination of general education classes along with legal specialty courses. Those in the bachelor's degree program will also choose a focus area or official minor of 18 semester credit hours. Students in the post-baccalaureate certificate program will take only legal specialty courses, since they have completed their general education requirements.

Students may begin the program at any semester and choose day or evening classes, along with some online and weekend classes. Fall semester is the preferred semester to begin; however, students can begin any semester. Not all legal courses are offered every semester or year and some are sequential. Completion of the program options vary depending on whether students attend full or part time. The bachelor's degree can be completed in four years and the certificate in one year, if the student attends full time.

Program Mission

To aid students in becoming ethical, competent paralegals with the analytical, interpersonal communication, and technological skills needed to succeed and excel in a diverse and ever-changing legal profession. The program teaches skills in legal research and analysis, drafting legal documents, interviewing and fact gathering where the students will have an opportunity to learn through practical application. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will have the legal skills necessary to assist in the legal activities of law firms, businesses, insurance companies, financial institutions, public agencies, title companies and/or government offices. Classes are offered in day and evening and may be completed on a part or full-time basis.

PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:

Upon graduation from the paralegal program, students will:

Demonstrate effective legal knowledge and practical skills necessary to perform substantive legal work under the direction of an attorney
Understand their ethical obligations in the legal profession
Read, analyze and synthesize complex information in an organized an logical manner
Effectively communicate orally, in writing and in interpersonal situations
To be proficient in technology necessary to meet employer needs and provide the student with a quality education in paralegal studies based in an ethical, technological, and contemporary understanding of the law that is responsive to the needs of the legal community.

Year 1

English Composition (EC)
Introduction to Legal Studies (SE,SS)
Legal Research & Writing I
Student must select one 3 credit hour course to satisfy the Technology and Innovation requirement.
Student must select one 3 credit hour college level mathematics course.
Legal Research & Writing II
Law Office Technology
Family Law (SE,SS)
Introduction to Effective Speaking (HU)
Student must select one 3 credit hour Social Science (SS) elective.

Year 2

Civil Litigation I (SE)
Real Estate Law (SE,SS)
Corporate Law & Business Organizations (SE,SS)
Student must select one 3 credit hour course to satisfy the Fine Arts (FA) or Historical Perspective (HP) requirement.
Student must select one 3 credit hour course from the Lower Level Legal Specialty Directives list.
Student must select one 3 credit hour Natural Science (NS) course.
Intermediate Composition (EC)
Civil Litigation II (SE,SS)
Estate Planning & Probate (SE)
Administrative Litigation (SE,SS)
Student must select one 3 credit hour course from the Lower Level Legal Specialty Directed Elective list.

Year 3

Investigative Techniques and Evidence
Student must select a Diversity & Culture (DC) or Social & Ethical Issues (SE) course. (DC,SE)
Student must select one 3 credit hour course to satisfy the Focus Area/Minor/Certificate requirement.
Student must select one 3 credit hour course from the Upper Level Legal Specialty Directed Elective list
Student must select one 3 credit hour Free Elective.
Student must select one 3 credit hour course to satisfy the Focus Area/Minor/Certificate requirement.
Student must select one 3 credit hour course to satisfy the Focus Area/Minor/Certificate requirement.
Criminal Procedure
Student must select one 3 credit hour course from the Upper Level Legal Specialty Directed Elective list
Student must select one 3 credit hour Free Elective.

Year 4

Advanced Legal Research
Student must select one 3 credit hour course to satisfy the Focus Area/Minor/Certificate requirement.
Student must select one 3 credit hour course to satisfy the Focus Area/Minor/Certificate requirement.
Student must select one 3 credit hour course from the Upper Level Legal Specialty Directed Elective list.
Student must select one 3 credit hour Free Elective.
Paralegal Internship
Advanced Paralegal Seminar
Student must select one 3 credit hour course to satisfy the Focus Area/Minor/Certificate requirement.
Student must select one 3 credit hour Free Elective.

Lower Level Legal Specialty Directed Electives

Introduction to Criminal Law & Procedure (SE,SS)
Bankruptcy Law (SE,SS)
Employment Law (SE,SS)
Special Topics in the Law (SE)
Study Abroad: Cultural and Legal Systems of the World (DC,SS)

Focus Area, Minor or Certificate (18hrs)

Students may select from any available university minors that consist of 18 credit hours OR select 18 credit hours of coursework that has been approved by an Academic Advisor to further enhance the educational experience and knowledge base.