Raritan Valley Community College

Raritan Valley Community College

Gain a successful career in the paralegal field

The Paralegal Studies Certificate program has been prepared from students who either have or are studying for an associate degree, or a baccalaureate in a subject other than that involving legal assistance studies. The Certificate will be awarded to student still studying for either of these degrees upon successful completion of their studies. The objective is to enable students to obtain an education in paralegal studies rapidly and cost effectively. This is a 24 credit certificate that will aid students in meeting the requirements of potential employers that largely demand both a paralegal certificate and a college degree prior to employment.

The paralegal program of Raritan Valley Community College, which is approved by the ABA (American Bar Association), provides courses in practically every area of legal study, and offers specialized courses in litigation, family law, real estate and legal writing and research among many other legal topics. Tutors are practicing attorneys and paralegals, each providing tuition sin their own specific area of expertise.

Graduate will work under the supervision of an attorney, and on completion of the course will be able to:

• Understand where a paralegal fits into the structure of the legal profession, and also understand the ethical aspects governing the conduct of legal assistants, paralegals and the legal professions in general
• Carry out analysis and assessment of problems relaying to legal issues, identify such issues, and carry out research using both traditional and computerized techniques
• Draft and carry out interpretation of legal documents, including mortgages and deeds, wills and testaments, pleadings, contracts and probate forms
• Apply the required technical skills to use the appropriate legal software applications as used in a law office
• Show an understanding of substantive law and the development o f practical skills in such areas as real estate and family law, litigation, torts, wills and estates, resolution of disputes, intellectual property and the management of a law office

The Paralegal Studies Certificate is offered via the Business and Public Services Dept., whose mission is the provision of challenging programs oriented to the development of undergraduate programs designed to enable those seeking a career in legal assistance to attain a level of competency needed for transfer to 4 year colleges, or alternatively, immediate entry-level employment into the global market.