Dutchess Community College

Enroll at Dutchess Community College Paralegal Program

This one year Certificate Program is a concentrated one to provide students with certification as a paralegal, and provide them with the knowledge and basic skills to find employment under the supervision of an attorney. The program required the successful completion of courses in business and liberal arts studies, and also legal specialties. The latter place emphasis on the part played by paralegals in their work with client's procedures and documentation, and it is possible to apply credits earned to the Paralegal Associate in Applied Science degree course.

Purpose of the program

The purpose of this program is to teach the legal skills and theoretical knowledge needed for graduates to seek entry-level employment as legal assistants, otherwise known as paralegals. The course involves the study of legal specialties, liberal arts, business studies and elective courses that will them with the skills and knowledge to find employment in government agencies and the legal offices of insurance companies, banks and corporations, and any other entity that has the need for a legal department. Paralegals will work under the supervision of a qualified lawyer, and specialty courses include training in working with clients, drafting and writing documents, and other procedures commonly carried out in law offices. On successful completion of the course, graduates will be awarded the Associate of Applied Science degree (A.A.S.).