| Academic Programs |
(32 credits)
You may also visit the Paralegal web site at http://depts.inverhills.edu/paralegal for more information.
Certificate Overview: The Paralegal Certificate is designed for students who wish to become paralegals and already have a bachelor’s or requisite associate’s degree. The certificate prepares graduates to assume the general responsibilities of paralegals with specific training in paralegal coursework. Our experienced paralegal instructors are practicing attorneys who educate students in American Bar Association approved courses.
Purpose: Lawyers often can deliver legal services more efficiently and economically with the aid of paralegals, also called legal assistants. Although not independently licensed to practice law, our paralegal certificate graduates are professionals trained to assist lawyers in specifically delegated substantial legal work for which lawyers are responsible.
Competencies: The Paralegal Certificate prepares graduates for attorney-supervised work in a variety of legal specialty areas, such as corporate law, criminal law, domestic relations (family law), estate administration, litigation, and real estate. Our graduates are trained to: (1) apply the law and legal procedures in direct assistance to lawyers; (2) do competent legal research; (3) prepare and interpret legal documents; (4) analyze procedural and substantive legal problems; (5) work in teams; (6) interview clients and witnesses; and (7) investigate and manage cases.
Program Highlights: The Inver Hills Community College Paralegal Program has received American Bar Association approval since 1975. This Paralegal Certificate can be completed in a three semester curriculum or at each student’s desired pace. Students may attend the classes on a full-time or part-time basis. The entire coursework is available during the evening at Inver Hills, and most are available during the day.
Paralegal Credit Transfer Requirements: The Paralegal Certificate in the Inver Hills Paralegal Program has specific credit transfer requirements for paralegal courses. Students must prepare a petition for transfer of credits that shall be reviewed and approved by the Paralegal Program Director unless the Paralegal Department has documented prior approval of the paralegal course transfer.
Paralegal Internship: A valuable feature of the program is an internship, which provides the student with firsthand experience in a supervised legal environment. Paralegal internships have been established in seven major metropolitan counties.
(Paralegal course descriptions)
PA 1102 Introduction to Law and Contracts, 4cr
PA 1103 UCC and Business Organization, 4cr
PA 1105 Criminal Justice System, 2cr
PA 1110 Legal Research, 3cr
PA 1112 Legal Writing and Analysis, 3cr
PA 1189 Paralegal Internship1, 4cr
PA 2201 Domestic Relations, 3cr
PA 2202 Litigation and Trial Practice, 3cr
PA 2204 Probate, 3cr
PA 2205 Real Estate for the Paralegal, 3cr
1. Students must obtain Paralegal Program Director’s written approval one semester in advance of registration for the paralegal internship.
Students with paralegal experience may petition to waive the 4- credit Paralegal Internship course (PA 1189) and substitute 4 credits from the paralegal elective classes listed below. Contact the paralegal program director for details. Also, the paralegal elective courses are not required for the Paralegal Certificate (except for petitions) and may be taken to enhance students’ skills.
PA 2206 Interviewing and Investigating Techniques for the Paralegal, 2cr
PA 2208 Employment Law, 2cr
PA 2212 Selected Personal Injury Issues, 2cr
PA 2215 Introduction to the Law Office, 2cr
PA 2218 Computerized Legal Research and the Internet, 2cr
For more information on the Paralegal program call Sally Dahlquist at 651/450-8567 or email sdahlqu@inverhills.edu.