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:
- Analyze pertinent factors related to a legal case including issues and arguments
- Compile and organize data and documentation relevant to the case
- Locate, retrieve, and interpret public records
- Apply legal and ethical standards
- Demonstrate legal research and writing skills
Also see Career and College Promise for additional options for high school students.
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 semester hours credit 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 |
| HUM 115 | Critical Thinking | 3 | |
| HUM 230 | Leadership Development | 3 | |
| 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 semester hours credit 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 |
| POL 120 | American Government | 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 | SP |
Other Courses
Select 2 semester hours credit from the following courses
| LEX 282 | Immigration Law | 2 | SP (Odd Years) |
| LEX 286 | Medical Evidence Analysis | 2 | SP |
| WBL XXX | Work-based Learning (up to 2 semester hours credit) | 1-2 | |
To enroll in Work-based Learning course, student must have completed 30 semester hours of credit toward the program of study
Total Credit Hours: 67