Academic Program
Certified Legal Assistant
Professional Certificate
As defined by the American Bar Association, "A paralegal is a person qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible."
The paralegal studies program at the University of Cincinnati is designed for those who wish to pursue careers in the legal profession. The program offers a challenging course of study that prepares students for a variety of paralegal job opportunities. A paralegal performs substantive legal work under the direct supervision of an attorney. The utilization of paralegals improves the efficiency, economy and availability of legal services.
Paralegals must have knowledge and understanding of various legal concepts. Responsibilities most often assigned to paralegals include maintaining client files, drafting correspondence, performing factual research and legal research, monitoring deadlines, maintaining conflict-of-interest systems, drafting, investigating and analyzing documents, and acting as liaison with clients and others. Some paralegals have extensive client contact, and some do not. Experienced paralegals often accompany counsel during trial and help with document management and organization, witness preparation and research. These tasks may be performed in a variety of legal areas that include probate, real estate, family law, bankruptcy, corporate, litigation and intellectual property.
Prospective students should be aware that paralegal education is not the equivalent of a law school education. Graduates of paralegal programs are not qualified or eligible to take the bar examination. Academic credit for paralegal courses is not transferable for advanced standing in law school.
Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
Freshman Admission Requirements
To be eligible, students must meet the following requirements:
- Possess a baccalaureate degree or be matriculated in a baccalaureate degree program AND
- Have a 2.75 cumulative grade point average
Transfer Admission Requirements
Students transferring from schools other than UC will be considered based on the same criteria listed above. Transfer students must submit an official transcript.
Application Information
Program Code: 18CERT2-LGAS
Application Deadlines
Application deadlines are as follows: fall quarter - June 1; winter quarter - November 1; spring quarter - January 15; summer quarter - April 15.Students applying for admission after closing dates may be referred to Raymond Walters College or Clermont College.
UC operates on a quarter system, with 10-week grading periods beginning late September, early January, late March and mid-June. While midyear admission is possible, fall is generally the best time to enter the college, since many course sequences begin that quarter.
Program Requirements
Duration
Full-time program duration: 1 year
Majoring Details
The paralegal program is part of the Criminal Justice Division located in the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services. The main goal of the program is to provide the student with a quality education in paralegal studies based in an ethical, technological and contemporary understanding of the law that is responsive to the needs of the legal community.
The courses in the program teach practical job skills in conjunction with the underlying legal theory. Classes are taught by experienced attorneys and paralegals and offer practical, hands-on legal training. The curriculum covers such courses as legal research, litigation, ethics and business organization. Courses develop students' critical thinking, communication, computational, computer and organizational skills, and competency to handle ethical issues. The program culminates in an experiential learning component - the practicum.
Students in the post-baccalaureate certificate program will take only legal specialty courses, since they have completed general education requirements in attaining their bachelor's degree.
Students may begin the certificate program at any quarter and choose day or evening classes, along with a weekend class option. Fall quarter is the preferred quarter to begin; however, students can begin any quarter. Not all legal courses are offered every quarter or year and some are sequential. Completion of the program option varies depending on whether students attend full or part time. The certificate program can be completed in 3 quarters if the student attends full time.
Graduation Requirements
To graduate from the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, a student must:
- Complete all required course work and certificate requirements.
- Attain at least a 2.0 grade point average.
- Be in good academic standing; that is, not on academic or disciplinary probation or suspension.
- Submit a certificate completion form to the Student Services Center.
Accreditation
UC’s paralegal studies program is approved by the American Bar Association.Student Success Factors
Paralegals are expected to write clearly and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Paralegals must possess a high degree of motivation and analytical reasoning capability. They need to pay attention to detail. Candidates should also be responsible, well-organized, mature individuals who are sincerely interested in pursuing a career as a paralegal. They must be trustworthy and discreet. Paralegals, like attorneys, are required to hold a position of trust with their client. As a paralegal, you must respect attorney-client confidentiality. Paralegals must possess good people skills and be able to work as part of the legal team. Computer skills are essential.Career Possibilities
The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected the paralegal profession to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012. Employment growth stems from law firms and other employers with legal staffs increasingly hiring paralegals to lower the cost and increase the availability and efficiency of legal services. The employment opportunities for program graduates are excellent. Graduates of UC's program are currently working as paralegals in large and small law firms, corporate legal departments, governmental agencies, banks, real estate companies and legal publishing companies.Core Curriculum
This curriculum information is intended as a general information guide for students considering enrollment in this major. These online tools are designed to assist you, but are not a substitute for planning with an academic or faculty advisor.
If you are currently enrolled at UC, you can audit your degree online. If you are considering transferring to this major from another school use the course applicability system (CAS) to see how credits you have earned will apply to this major at UC. For course descriptions by college, click here.
| Course Name | Course Number | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirement | 30 | |
| Introduction to Paralegal Profession | 18-PARA-180 | 3 |
| Basic Legal Principles | 18-PARA-256 | 3 |
| Litigation I | 18-PARA-256 | 3 |
| or Judicial Process | 15-POL-221 | 3 |
| Litigation II, III | 18-PARA-257, 258 | 6 |
| Legal Research I, II | 18-PARA-261, 262 | 6 |
| Constitutional Law (non-political science majors only) | 32-POL-251 | 3 |
| or Constitutional Law: Federal System | 15-POL-321 | 3 |
| or Constitutional Law: Civil Rights | 15-POL-322 | 3 |
| or Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties | 15-POL-323 | 3 |
| or Constitutional Issues & Proced. (non-political science majors only) | 18-CJ-372 | 3 |
| Paralegal Practicum | 18-PARA-290 | 3 |
| Legal Ethics & Professional Responsibility | 18-PARA-421 | 3 |
| Paralegal Specialty Courses(choose four) | 12 | |
| Estates & Probate I | 18-PARA-241 | 3 |
| Domestic Relations I | 18-PARA-251 | 3 |
| Administrative Litigation | 18-PARA-272 | 3 |
| Corporate Law & Business Organization | 18-PARA-275 | 3 |
| Real Estate Law for Paralegals | 18-PARA-280 | 3 |
| International Law | 15-POL-288 | 3 |
or one of the following if not previously selected | ||
| Constitutional Law (non-political science majors only) | 32-POL-251 | 3 |
| Constitutional Law: Federal System | 15-POL-321 | 3 |
| Constitutional Law: Civil Rights | 15-POL-322 | 3 |
| Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties | 15-POL-323 | 3 |
| Constitutional Issues & Procedure (non-political science majors only) | 18-CJ-372 | 3 |
| Paralegal Specialty Elective (choose one) | 3 | |
| Bankruptcy and Debt Collection Practices | 18-PARA-271 | 3 |
| Domestic Relations II | 18-PARA-252 | 3 |
| Criminal Procedures | 18-CJ-420 | 3 |
| Criminal Law | 18-CJ-421 | 3 |
| Constitutional Issues and Procedure | 18-CJ-372 | 3 |
| Tax Law for Paralegals | 18-PARA-270 | 3 |
| Interviewing & Investigating | 18-PARA-321 | 3 |
| Advanced Legal Research | 18-PARA-401 | 3 |
| Trademarks, Patents, & Copyrights | 18-PARA-402 | 3 |
| Introductio to Law Practice Management | 18-PARA-410 | 3 |
| Alternate Dispute Resolution | 18-PARA-419 | 3 |
| Advanced Paralegal Seminar | 18-PARA-471 | 3 |
| Any paralegal specialty course not previously taken | 3 | |
| TOTAL | 45 |
The curriculum provided herein is for the guidance of students. The college, however, reserves the right to change course curriculum without prior notice.
The provisions of this listing do not constitute an express or implied contract between the college and any member of the student body, faculty or general public.
The displayed information is the latest available from the academic program which is maintained by the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services Student Services Center.
Opportunities
In choosing a paralegal program, there are many variables to consider. It is particularly important to consider the program's reputation, accreditation/approval, services provided by the program, including career counseling and job placement, the program's ties to the legal community, the curriculum and the program's administration and faculty.
UC’s paralegal studies program was established in 1980 and was approved by the American Bar Association in 1990, making it the first program in the Tri-state area to gain such approval. ABA approval served as a benchmark for many employers who hire paralegals. The ABA requires thorough self-studies and periodic site visits to the program which ensures quality in faculty, curriculum, advisory boards, student services, library holdings and resources. More than 1000 paralegal programs are identified in the United States alone, but only about 240 have met the requirements to be approved by the American Bar Association.
UC’s paralegal studies program enjoys an excellent reputation and has meaningful ties to the legal community. Its advisory board is made up of experienced attorneys, paralegals, paralegal managers, educators and other legal professionals who provide valuable insight into what is expected from students in the workforce. Graduates are highly sought after by law firms, corporations and government agencies in the Tri-state area. Placement rates are excellent, with over 90% of graduates placed within three months of graduation. The program coordinator, along with UC’s Career Development Center, is available to assist students in resum? writing, interviewing skills and placement. In addition to the Career Development Center, assistance for paralegal students is offered in the following areas: orientation, tutoring, academic counseling and financial aid.
The paralegal studies program prepares graduates at three levels: associate degree, bachelor's degree or post-baccalaureate professional certificate. The certificate is available to those students who already hold a bachelor's degree OR students who are already matriculated in another bachelor's degree program. UC paralegal students benefit from an on-campus law library, faculty who are practicing attorneys and small class size. Many of the paralegal classes are offered in well-equipped computer labs.
UC’s paralegal studies program requires students to complete a practicum (internship) as a part of the curriculum. The practicum enables a student to utilize skills acquired in the program and to gain practical, on-the-job experience. Practicums are available in a variety of settings, including private law firms, banks, corporate legal departments, legal aid organizations and many government agencies. Students must attain at least a grade of "C" in all legal specialty coursework and have the permission of the program coordinator to participate in the practicum.
The faculty of paralegal classes consists of experienced attorneys or paralegals. Instructors of legal classes are selected on the basis of their knowledge and expertise in the area of law taught, as well as their demonstrated commitment to the education and role of paralegal students.
For further information on UC’s paralegal program, please visit the program Web site: www.criminaljustice.cech.uc.edu/paralegal.