Southwestern College

Southwestern College

Find a job as a paralegal professional

Lawyers are assisted by paralegals and Legal Assistants by researching legal precedent, investigating facts, or preparing legal documents. They conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action. In general, the paralegal is a legal assistant who works under the supervision of an attorney.

There are extensive and wide-ranging responsibilities together with outlining and formulating legal documents, interviewing clients, performing legal investigation, anticipating for assessment, and organizing and administrating citations. Paralegals will often find themselves working with attorneys in these specialized areas of law such as immigration,family law,personal injury,contracts,wills, trust ,and probate.

Two programs are available at Southwestern College, paralegal studies and paralegal studies-bilingual, which give students a background in litigation and help them to develop an awareness of and sensitivity to the language, culture, and common legal issues of clients from various local ethnic groups. Students also develop an understanding of international legal issues which impact the San Diego geographical region, the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and other legal and business actions.

There are different types and levels of employment in this field:

• Bachelors degrees are usually required by bigger, well-established law firms, while two-year associate degrees (or equivalent) are more commonly required by smaller law firms and legal agencies. Individuals who will have the greatest success in the job market are those with advanced education, knowledge of foreign languages and an legal emphasis. A quality paralegal education is paramount in finding a job in the legal profession that will lead to a satisfying a career in law.
• Graduates of the University of San Diego Paralegal program,are titled as paralegals, legal assistants, or lawyers assistants, these graduates are well equipped to deliver to the private and public sector highly effective legal services. Upon completion of the program, students will have the skills to work in banks, law firms, government agencies, and more. The program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and offers both day and evening classes, employment aid, financial assistance and internship opportunities.

Topics such as legal research, civil and business litigation, intellectual property, contracts, real estate, bankruptcy and criminal law are covered in the classes. Students with an interest in careers in the law field may complete the Paralegal Studies Certificate Program. The program gives basis for future decisions about their legal career, alongwith useful insights for students interested in law school. Paralegals are trained members of a legal team and work under the supervision of attorneys. They provide legal services on various levels which include interviewing clients, legal research, and drafting documents.

Graduates of the program can be employed in law firms, banks, corporations, and government agencies. Upon completion of a program and graduation from USD, successful students will receive a certificate. Graduates are qualified to receive employment assistance. Pre-employment workshops help the student in getting on with the job search. The American Bar Association has approved this program.