Paralegal Technology A.A.S.
A25380
The Paralegal Technology curriculum prepares individuals to work under the supervision of attorneys by performing routine legal tasks and assisting with substantive legal work. A paralegal/legal assistant may not practice law, give legal advice, or represent clients in a court of law.
Coursework includes substantive and procedural legal knowledge in the areas of civil litigation, legal research and writing, real estate, family law, wills, estates, trusts, and commercial law. Required courses also include subjects such as English, mathematics, and computer utilization.
Graduates are trained to assist attorneys in probate work, investigations, public records search, drafting and filing legal documents, research, and office management. Employment opportunities are available in private law firms, governmental agencies, banks, insurance agencies, and other business organizations. Students should consult their advisor for information about course scheduling.
Western Piedmont’s Paralegal Program has been recognized by the North Carolina State Bar Paralegal Certification Board as a Qualified Paralegal Studies Program (QLSP).
Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:
- Use written and oral discussion to discover and to articulate ideas
- Identify and state problems, issues, arguments, and questions contained in a body of information
- Demonstrate organization and documentation skills
- Demonstrate the ability to locate, retrieve, and interpret public records
- Demonstrate knowledge and application of the ethical standards of the practice of law
- Demonstrate legal research and writing skills
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of relevant substantive and procedural authority
General Education
Required Courses
ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
ENG 112 | Writing/Research in the Disc | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
ENG 114 | Prof Research & Reporting | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
MAT 143 | Quantitative Literacy | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
Humanities/Fine Arts
Select 3 SHC from the following
ART 111 | Art Appreciation | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
DRA 111 | Theatre Appreciation | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
DRA 126 | Storytelling | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
MUS 110 | Music Appreciation | 3 | FA, SP |
PHI 240 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
REL 110 | World Religions | 3 | FA, SP |
Social/Behavioral Science
Select 3 SHC from the following
ECO 252 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 | SP, SU |
GEO 111 | World Regional Geography | 3 | |
HIS 112 | World Civilizations II | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
SOC 210 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
Major Courses
Core Required Courses
Other Major Required Courses
ACC 120 | Principles of Financial Accounting | 4 | FA, SP, SU |
CIS 110 | Introduction to Computers | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
CJC 231 | Constitutional Law | 3 | SP, SU |
LEX 121 | Legal Research/Writing II | 3 | SP |
LEX 141 | Civil Litigation II | 3 | SP |
LEX 160 | Criminal Law & Procedure | 3 | FA |
LEX 211 | Real Property II | 3 | SP |
LEX 280 | Ethics & Professionalism | 2 | FA, SP |
LEX 286 | Medical Evidence Analysis | 2 | SP, SU |
Total Credit Hours: 67