Paralegal Studies
Paralegal
The Paralegal Studies program at Paradise Valley Community College is specifically tailored to help you shape your future as a legal professional. We are dedicated to nurturing your passion for law and empowering you with the skills needed to thrive in this dynamic field. As a paralegal, you'll play a vital role in legal proceedings, from conducting research and interviewing witnesses to drafting crucial legal documents.
Mission Statement
With a focus on excellence, accessibility, and career readiness, the Paralegal Department at Paradise Valley Community College strives to inspire and prepare the next generation of knowledgeable, skilled, and innovative paralegals to excel in the legal field.
Career Opportunities
Our comprehensive curriculum offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) and a Certificate of Completion (CCL), ensuring you're equipped for entry-level employment in law offices or legal divisions of government agencies. Or, if you are looking to continue your legal education into law school or beyond, our program offers transfer opportunities to bachelor’s programs.
Paradise Valley Community College offers an affordable, convenient degree with experienced faculty.
- Affordability--Our core Paralegal Studies courses are zero cost and can be incorporated into a ZTC-degree--That means ZERO cost for textbooks!
- Convenience-- Our in-person hybrid courses are designed to be a short eight weeks ensuring that you can conveniently attend classes once a week without disrupting your busy schedule.
- Experience-- Our faculty includes experienced legal professionals who provide mentorship and guidance, offering valuable insights into the practical application of legal concepts. This mentorship ensures that students are well-prepared for the challenges they may encounter in their paralegal careers.
Learning Outcomes
- Define the boundaries of the paralegal career field.
- Explain the duties assigned and the responsibilities delegated to paralegals, including the knowledge of legal ethics.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a culturally responsive manner with lawyers, clients, witnesses, court personnel, co-workers and other legal/business professionals.
- Analyze factual and legal information for use in preparing legal documents.
- Research print and electronic sources.
- Analyze legal sources including statutes, rules of court, rules of evidence, case law and regulations, and apply them to a given set of facts.
- Describe the sources of law, hierarchy and powers of various state and federal courts.
- Demonstrate the paralegal's role during a legal matter, including preparing pleadings, motions, discovery and other documents.
- Analyze substantive and procedural areas of law, including legal ethics, civil procedure, criminal procedure, legal writing, and legal research.