Paralegal Certificate (CAS.PARA)

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Certificate in Applied Science

39 Credit Hours

This certificate prepares students to work under the direct supervision of an attorney to prepare legal documents, recommend solutions for procedural problems, and create and implement detailed office procedures for efficiently handling specialized fields of law. This program can provide hands-on experience and serve as a first step for students whose ultimate goal is to attend law school. Students who hope to be successful in this field should possess strong communication and computer/word processing skills.

This program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and is an institutional American Association for Paralegal Education (AAFPE) member. In accordance with ABA Guideline G-302.J.3, students must complete at least nine credit hours or equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.

Accreditation

American Bar Association
Standing Committee on Paralegals
321 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60654

Major Requirements

BUS 121 - Business Law I Credit: 3
CRJ 115 - Criminal Law I Credit: 3
or
LEG 234 - Title Examination Procedures I Credit: 3
*LEG 234 is offered only in the spring semester. Students should speak with their faculty advisor to determine the best course option.
LEG 120 - Torts Credit: 3
LEG 132 - Legal Bibliography Credit: 3
LEG 135 - Introduction to Law and Ethics Credit: 3
LEG 201 - Civil Litigation I Credit: 3
LEG 213 - Family Law Credit: 3
LEG 214 - Property Law Credit: 3
LEG 230 - Legal Writing Credit: 3
LEG 232 - Law Office Management Credit: 3
LEG 233 - Wills, Trusts and Probate Credit: 3
LEG 240 - Claims Investigation Credit: 3
LEG 242 - Law Practice Workshop Credit: 3

Total: 39

Program Requirements

In addition to meeting the college’s general admission requirements, including submission of official high school and college transcripts, APPLICANTS TO THE PARALEGAL CERTIFICATE PROGRAM MUST HAVE COMPLETED THE FOLLOWING:

27 semester hours of college credit at a C or better from an approved, accredited postsecondary institution of which 18 hours must be general education courses spread across three disciplines with six of those 18 hours being comprised of ENG 101 and SPC 205 or SPC 209 , or
Associate of Arts or Associate of Science Degree or higher from an approved, accredited postsecondary institution.

Program Goals

Provide a well-rounded program of education for students who wish to seek employment as paralegals in a variety of settings.
Provide students with the knowledge, skills and understanding of legal ethics necessary to work under the supervision of attorneys to assist in the delivery of legal services.

Program Objectives

Prepare students to apply principles of legal ethics
Prepare students to draft legal documents
Prepare students to perform legal research
Prepare students to enter legal profession as entry level paralegals

Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL) Statement

S.C. Code Ann. § 40-5-310

Paralegals work under the supervision of a licensed attorney and are not authorized to practice law in South Carolina.