Paralegal
This program is designed to give you the skills and knowledge to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation.
What You'll Learn
Gain the research, writing, and case-preparation skills law firms depend on.
Develop the precision and professionalism to assist attorneys and navigate the legal system. You’ll learn how to research cases, draft legal documents, and manage law office procedures. Graduates are prepared for careers in law firms, courts, government, or corporate legal departments—or to continue on to law school.
Where You’ll Go
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
- Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
- Prepare, edit, or review legal documents, including legislation, briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
- Investigate facts and law of cases and search pertinent sources, such as public records and internet sources, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
- Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
Salary information presented are estimates and can be different for each individual based on education, experience, and the specific employer. Labor market data is based on 2021 estimates derived from Lightcast (Career Coach | Lightcast)
The careers listed above are just a starting point. Our programs mix together important concepts and hands-on skills—but that doesn’t mean your future has to follow the same script. Find out more at Career Exploration & Support.
Program Requirements
To graduate [ 61-63 credits + 2.0 GPA or higher ]
Additional Notes:
- Any student wishing to complete the program in three semesters must take PARA101 and PARA130 concurrently in the first semester.
- Alternative program requirement plans are available for students intending to transfer, honors college students, and students with prior college credits or degrees.
- CRJU205, PARA205, PARA213, PARA215, PARA225 are offered fall semesters only; PARA206, PARA210, PARA216 & PARA220 are offered spring semesters only.
| Course ID | Course Name | Credits | Minimum Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL098 | Accelerated Writing Skills for ENGL 100 | 3 | |
| RDNG116 | College Reading and Study Skills | 3 |
| Course ID | Course Name | Credits | Minimum Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECON101 | Introduction to Economics | 3 | |
| or ECON120 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 | |
| or ECON121 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 | |
| ENGL100 | Academic Writing I | 3 | |
| or GENERIC | A student exempt from ENGL100 must substitute a three-credit unrestricted elective. The course should be in consultation with the student’s advisor. | ||
| PARA101 | Introduction to Paralegalism | 3 | |
| PSYC103 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
| or PSYC103H | Introduction to Psychology-Honors | 3 | |
| SUNY GE #3 Mathematics | Mathematics | 3 - 4 |
| Course ID | Course Name | Credits | Minimum Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCT101 | Financial Accounting | 4 | |
| BUAD201 | Business Law I | 3 | |
| ENGL101 | Academic Writing II | 3 | |
| or ENGL101H | Academic Writing II-Honors | 3 | |
| PARA130 | Legal Research and Drafting | 3 | |
| or GENERIC | PARA130 Legal Reseach and Drafting MUST be completed at Tompkins Cortland Community College. This requirement may not be satisfied via transfer. | ||
| SOCI101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | |
| or SOCI101H | Introduction to Sociology-Honors | 3 |
| Course ID | Course Name | Credits | Minimum Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL102 | Approaches to Literature | 3 | |
| or ENGL102H | Approaches to Literature-Honors | 3 | |
| or GENERIC | ENGL102: Students who have met the SUNY GEN ED Diversity: Equity, inclusion, and Social Justice requirement through another course may instead take ENGL103 if they choose. A waiver would not be required. | ||
| PARA205 | Civil Litigation & Procedure | 3 | |
| PARA215 | Family and Domestic Relations Law | 3 | |
| SUNY GE #4 Natural Sciences | Natural Sciences | 3 - 4 | |
| UNRE ELEC | Unrestricted Elective | 3 | |
| or GENERIC | Students should select a course from a subject area in which they intend to seek employment. CRJU205, PARA206, PARA213, PARA216, or PARA225 is recommended. |
| Course ID | Course Name | Credits | Minimum Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL204 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | |
| or GENERIC | ENGL201 Public Speaking or ENGL210 Intercultural Communication may be substituted without a waiver. | ||
| PARA210 | Real Estate/Property Law | 3 | |
| PARA220 | Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning | 3 | |
| PARA230 | Paralegal Internship | 3 | |
| or GENERIC | A student with prior experience working under the supervision of a lawyer may submit a portfolio to seek Experiential Learning credit for PARA230. Consult with the Chair for more details. | ||
| PARA231 | Paralegal Seminar | 3 |
On this page
Take on as much (or as little) as you want. Our microcredentials and certificates provide you with credits to apply to 2-year programs – when you’re ready!