Paralegal, Certificate

Location: Urban/Des Moines, Online

Pathway: Public & Community Services

Graduation Requirements: To earn a Paralegal certificate, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed, maintain a 2.0 grade point average and earn a grade of "C" or higher in each PRL course. Students must complete a minimum of 12 semester credit hours of legal specialty (PRL) course work at DMACC in formats where all required seat time is delivered face-to-face or Virtual Real Class Time. All students must successfully complete an approved internship under the supervision of an attorney.

Total Credits Required to Complete this Certificate - 27*

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?: - Good reading skills. - Strong technical writing skills. - Critical thinking skills. - Ability to analyze and synthesize legal materials. - Strong academic background. - Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision. - Self-discipline and emotional stamina under stress. - Interpersonal communication skills.

What Else Should I Consider about this Specialist Certificate?: - Legal classes are predominately offered at night. - Must have good reading and writing skills. - A full time student may be able to complete the certificate program in three semesters of enrollment depending on when he/she enrolls. - Some courses require out-of-class work that must be done in a law library. - Class attendance is important. - Heavy homework load in some classes.

Program Competencies: - Evaluate the importance of a legal assistant to the law office, corporate legal department, or government agency - Develop time management techniques - Demonstrate organization skills - Perform effective oral and written communication skills - Prove knowledge of substantive law principles - Apply the principles of research and document preparation to meet the needs of the workplace - Describe steps of the litigation process - Demonstrate an ability to perform as a team member - Identify ethical constraints - Transfer legal training to the workplace environment

Program Entry Requirements: 1. Successful completion of with a C or better, and . 2. Students must submit official transcripts showing completion of a baccalaureate or an academic associate degree in Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS). Students with associate degrees in Associate in Applied Science (AAS), or Associate of Applied Arts (AAA) or Associate in General Studies (AGS) do not necessarily meet the requirement.