The Community College of Baltimore County
The Community College of Baltimore County
Gain a successful career in the paralegal field
Our program, approved by the American Bar Association, prepares students for employment as paralegals or legal assistants by providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the legal field. According to the American Bar Association, a paralegal is a qualified individual by education, training or work experience, who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.
Upon completion of this program, students will possess a knowledge of the jurisdiction and function of legislative, judicial, and administrative bodies; the structure of the court system; and the roles of attorneys and paralegals as they pertain to the legal system. The areas that they will have a practical understanding of include: personal injury law, estate administration, contract and criminal law, civil litigation, and business organizations. The basic research and writing skills applicable to fields like this will be mastered. The graduate will be able to competently assist any law professional in the law practice with this combination of skills and knowledge. However, paralegals and other non-lawyers are prohibited by law from participating in the practice of law themselves.
Program Goals and Objectives
- To promote a basic understanding of legal concepts and terms on a broad range of topics which are essential to the practice of law.
- To become proficient in writing, research, analysis and communication.
- To develop a general comprehension of the ethics and responsibilities that apply to lawyers and paralegals.
- To combine legal theory and practical tactics so that the graduate can completely help a lawyer in law practice.
