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Charter Oak awards 2013 Community College Transfer Scholarship
Charlene Hill of Meriden, CT is awarded annual scholarship Read more »

2013 Charter Oak commencement ceremony held June 2
Theme of ceremony was "Perseverence" Read more »

Charter Oak Awarded Prestigious National Grant
State's Online College Recognized Read more »

Charter Oak announces 2013 commencement student speaker
Glastonbury resident John Thomas will address graduates Read more »

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Charter Oak to hold 2013 commencement ceremony on June 2
Approximately 500 students comprise the class of 2013, with 150 attending Read more »

Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education
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Concentration - Paralegal Studies

Paralegal Studies

The Paralegal Studies concentration was developed with the Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) and with input of practitioners, lawyers, and educators. The program is approved by the CBA for continuing legal education (CLE) credits. The concentration will prepare graduates to either enter the paralegal field or to further develop the skills of those already in the field. The concentration is not designed to prepare students for law school.

The concentration is intended to focus on the different kinds of law, legal ethics, effective verbal and written legal communication, the use of technology, doctrines of the Attorney/client privilege, and the state’s court structure and the role of the paralegal’s law firm in that structure. Students will learn legal research techniques, practical applications required of paralegals, and basic management skills.

Concentration Requirements:

Requirements

Credits

Examples

Business Law

3 credits

 

Introduction to Management

3 credits

 

Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibilities

3 credits

 

Legal Research & Writing

3 credits

 

Technology in Law

3 credits

 

Communication

3 credits

Interpersonal Communication or Business Communication

Civil Procedures

3 credits

 

Paralegal Electives

12 credits

Public Administrative Law, Family Law, Wills, Probate and Administration, Intellectual Property, Elder Law, Environmental Law, Bankruptcy Law, Criminal Law, Real Estate Law, Health Care Law, Insurance Law, Juvenile/Education Law, Internships

Capstone

3 credits

PLG 499 (Culminating course in concentration)

Co-requisite: American Government

3 credits

 

Co-requisite: Constitutional Law

3 credits

 


Recommended courses: Introduction to Psychology and State and Local Government.

Notes: Internship is required for those with no paralegal experience. Students must secure their own internship and have it approved by the faculty of Charter Oak State College.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate with a concentration in Paralegal Studies will be able to:

  1. articulate the role of a paraprofessional in various settings;
  2. articulate, apply and adhere to ethical and professional practices within the scope of their position;
  3. communicate effectively orally and through writing;
  4. use technology – software and hardware, required of the industry and for communication (i.e., Legal Technology Certificate);
  5. explain the doctrines of the Attorney/client privilege and apply that to legal review;
  6. explain the state and federal court structures and the role of the paralegal’s law firm or corporate legal department within that structure;
  7. conduct legal research effectively;
  8. explain the different kinds of law;
  9. demonstrate practical applications required of paralegals;
  10. demonstrate basic skills of management;
  11. demonstrate the ability to work in teams; and
  12. discuss diversity concepts and apply them to the workplace and the law.