Approved by the American Bar Association, the Paralegal/Legal Assistant Certificate program is a 39 credit generalist program which prepares students to work in a variety of legal environments including civil and criminal litigation, insurance, banking, public and governmental agencies, law offices and corporate legal departments. Emphasis is placed on the development of core skills in legal research techniques including: compilation and analysis of data, understanding legal vocabulary; preparation of legal documents, and management of a law office. Hands-on experience is gained through an internship in a legal or law-related setting. South Suburban College’s Paralegal Certificate is structured to help you meet your goals. Courses are offered primarily at night. Some courses may also be taken online. A student who is able to successfully complete the Paralegal/Legal Assistant Certificate will have done so after demonstrating adequate skills in each of the following competencies:

• knowledge of the various functions and roles of a paralegal;
• knowledge of the ethics and professional responsibility of attorneys and paralegals;
• knowledge of legal terminology;
• knowledge of the various court systems;
• knowledge of evidence and investigations;
• proficiency in manual and computerized legal research;
• proficiency in legal writing and analysis;
• knowledge of technology used in the law office;
• successful completion of an approved internship;
• an appreciation and understanding for the importance of continuing legal education; and
• ability to apply paralegal skills in potential areas of practice, such as but not limited to:
  • Alternative dispute resolution,
  • civil and criminal litigation,
  • domestic relations,
  • probate and estate planning,
  • real estate,
  • contracts and commercial transactions, and
  • legal research and writing

 

PLA Certificate Program Admission Requirements

The paralegal/legal assistant certificate program is open to any person possessing at least a baccalaureate or an associate of arts degree from an accredited postsecondary institution. Forward all High School or HSE/GED®, and college transcripts directly to the Office of Admissions and Records. A person can take paralegal classes without being in the paralegal program.

However, a person must be in the paralegal program in order to take any of the legal research and writing classes and an internship class. To be accepted into the Paralegal program, students must complete the following: an application for admission to the program, successfully complete PLA 101 and BLW 201 with a grade point of 2.66, complete a resume, submit three letters of reference and copies of all college transcripts to the Program Coordinator. Upon completion of the above requirements, schedule a personal interview with the Program Coordinator.

NOTE: Paralegals may not provide Legal Services directly to the public except as permitted by law.
 

Program Objectives

1. Demonstrate effective legal knowledge and practical skills necessary to perform substantive legal work under the direction of an attorney.
2. Demonstrate appropriate paralegal skill development and professionalism through practical experience.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of ethical responsibilities in the legal profession.
4. Analyze and synthesize clearly complex information, both in writing and verbally, in an organized and logical manner.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the technology necessary to meet employer needs.
6. Articulation of the paralegal role in the delivery of legal services to the public.
7. Maintain equality of opportunity in the educational program without discrimination or segregation on the grounds of race, color, religion, disability, national origin, or sex.

 

Program Acceptance Requirement

Students must complete all Paralegal (PLA) and Business Law (BLW) course requirements with a grade of “C” or better. Students enrolled in the Certificate Program must successfully complete PLA 101 & BLW 201 with a cumulative GPA of 2.66 or better, provide the Coordinator with a resume, and an application to be formally admitted into the Program.

Students must be accepted into the Paralegal Program prior to registering for PLA 203, Legal Research and Writing I or PLA 205, Legal Research and Writing II, and also PLA 204, Internship I.

These clusters are offered by way of guidance; the ultimate decision what to take is the student’s. Also, the student should note that certain classes (PLA 203 and PLA 205 for example), are only offered once per year and should plan accordingly.

Paralegal/Legal Assistant Certificate (PLA.CERT)

Gainful Employment Information