Paralegal  Program

Lansing Community College is proud to offer two excellent Paralegal education programs:  The Associate Degree in Business and the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate.  Both are approved by the American Bar Association.  The approval of the American Bar Association is a designation that is recognized by members of the legal community as an indicator of quality and is respected by leaders in the field of paralegal education.

The Associate Degree curriculum consists of in-depth legal specialty classes along with a general basic education.  Students in this curriculum may be in college for the first time or may have some previous college experience.  A student with no previous college can usually complete the curriculum in two years, attending full-time.

The Post-Baccalaureate certificate program is offered for students who have already earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.  These students can usually complete the program in one year, attending full-time.

Program Objectives:
The overall objective is to provide education and training to produce graduates who have the motivation, skills and abilities to meet the high standards of this challenging career.  To this end, the specific objectives are:

• To encourage career preparation and personal development through legal training.

• To define paralegal roles and identify employment opportunities in traditional and non-traditional settings.

Role of a Paralegal:
Paralegals are professionals who provide non-clerical services under the supervision of an attorney.  Tasks that might be performed by paralegals include maintenance of important documents relating to lawsuits or business transactions, preparation of trial exhibits, legal research and investigation, drafting of court pleadings and legal documents, and completion of form documents.  The actual practice of law is restricted to licensed attorneys. Work performed by paralegals allows attorneys to commit more time to activities that specifically require the expertise of a trained lawyer.  Use of paralegals results in lower costs for legal services and greater efficiency and economy for all concerned. 

Student Profile:
The students in the program are as diverse as the opportunities that await them upon graduation.  Many enter the program directly from high school.  Some bring with them significant work experience or other educational background.  Some students have used this training as a springboard to law school and career as an attorney.