Essential Functions

The purpose of the essential functions list is to allow prospective students who are considering a career to be informed of the physical, emotional, and psychological demands related to training and employment in a field of study. These lists are provided to allow prospective students to make informed career choices by providing them with a summary of the physical abilities and personality traits that are generally required for the successful completion of a curriculum and result in employment in a field of study after graduation. To be successful in the Paralegal Studies program, students must meet these essential functions:

General Functions.

• Communication: The ability to read, write, speak, listen, and use nonverbal skills effectively with different audiences (has mastered necessary legal vocabulary).
• Critical Thinking: The ability to think using analysis, synthesis, evaluation, problem solving, judgment, and the creative process.
• Personal Growth and Responsibility: The ability to understand and manage self, to function effectively in social and professional environments, and to make reasoned judgments based on an understanding of the diversity of the world community.
• Information Technology and Quantitative Literacy: The ability to locate, understand, evaluate, and synthesize information and data in a technological and data-driven society.

Specific Functions.

• Researches: The ability to research and analyze law sources (primary and secondary).
• Validates: The ability to validate law using citators (Shepardizes).
• Drafts: The ability to draft correspondence, memorandums, pleadings, briefs, discovery, and legal documents (e.g., wills, contracts, articles of incorporation, deeds, etc.).
• Investigates: The ability to investigate facts of case, including witness interviewing, and drafts and delivers subpoenas.
• Communicates: The ability to conduct initial and subsequent interviews of clients and to maintain contact with clients.
• Documenting, Recordkeeping, and Case Management: The ability to:
  • Maintain and organize client files and litigation documents.
  • Index, synthesize, and summarize documents such as depositions.
  • Produce documents.
  • Maintain billing and other records.
  • Maintain docket control, calendars, etc.
  • Schedule matters such as court dates, depositions, etc.
• Using Technology: The ability to use appropriate technology to complete tasks set forth above, including, but not limited to, word processing, spreadsheet applications, databases, computer-assisted legal research, litigation management, timekeeping, and client information.