Paralegal Studies
This program is designed to give you a specific certification that can be immediately applied to your career.
What You'll Learn
Refine analytical and organizational skills vital to legal team success.
Get the knowledge and experience to step confidently into the legal field. You’ll study how to conduct legal research, draft documents, and support attorneys in a variety of practice areas. Local law firms, corporations, and government offices rely on skilled paralegals who understand the details of legal procedure and communication. This certificate helps you launch or advance a career that combines precision, professionalism, and purpose.
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 [ 33 credits + 2.0 GPA or higher ]
Additional Details:
- To be admitted into this program, a student must have already earned a baccalaureate degree.
- For any course requirement waived, another course must be substituted, chosen with the approval of the program chair.
- CRJU205, PARC205, PARC213, PARC215, PARC225 are offered fall semesters only
- BUAD202, PARA206, PARC210, PARC216 & PARC220 are offered spring semesters only.
| Course ID | Course Name | Credits | Minimum Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUAD201 | Business Law I | 3 | |
| PARC101 | Introduction to Paralegalism | 3 | |
| PARC130 | Legal Research and Drafting | 3 | |
| or GENERIC | PARC130 Legal Research and Drafting MUST be completed at Tompkins Cortland Community College. This requirement may not be satisfied via transfer. | ||
| PARC205 | Civil Litigation & Procedure | 3 | |
| PARC215 | Family and Domestic Relations Law | 3 |
| Course ID | Course Name | Credits | Minimum Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| PARC210 | Real Estate/Property Law | 3 | |
| PARC220 | Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning | 3 | |
| PARC230 | Paralegal Internship | 3 | |
| or GENERIC | PARC230: A student with prior experience working under the supervision of a lawyer may apply to obtain Experiential Learning credit for this requirement. | ||
| PARC231 | Paralegal Seminar | 3 | |
| CRJU205 | Concepts of Criminal Law | 3 | |
| or PARA206 | Special Education Law & Advocacy | 3 | |
| or PARC213 | Constitutional Law | 3 | |
| or PARC216 | Legal Aspects of Evidence | 3 | |
| or PARC225 | Criminal Law and Procedure | 3 | |
| or PARC226 | Bankruptcy | 3 | |
| or BUAD202 | Business Law II | 3 | |
| or GENERIC | Paralegal Elective options: Students should select an elective course from a subject area in which they intend to seek employment or have a special interest. CRJU205, PARA206, PARC213, PARC216, PARC225, PARC225, PARC226, or BUAD202. With program chair permission, a student can choose an alternative class in place of a Paralegal Elective. A waiver form must be submitted and approved to make a substitution. |