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Paralegal

Paralegal

Certificate

If you possess a bachelor’s or requisite associate degree and wish to become a paralegal/legal professional, the 30-credit  Paralegal Certificate is a concentrated legal option that prepares you to gain the practical education and competencies to work in the paralegal/legal field.

The Paralegal Certificate is designed for students who wish to become paralegals and already possess a bachelor’s or associate of science/ arts degree that includes completion of ENG 1111 or 1114 or equivalent. College graduates may complete the requirements for the certificate in 18 months and must submit an official transcript of their bachelor’s or requisite associate degree.

Approved by the American Bar Association, the Inver Hills paralegal program develops graduates who are prepared to assume the general and ethical responsibilities of paralegals, and offers quality, practical coursework (synchronous and asychronous online), that includes a paralegal internship.

Program information

Lawyers often can deliver legal services more efficiently and economically with the aid of paralegals. Although not independently licensed to practice law, paralegals are professionals trained to assist lawyers in specifically delegated substantive legal work for which lawyers are responsible

Outcome/Objectives

The paralegal program prepares graduates for work under the supervision of attorneys in civil, criminal and family law, as well as litigation, probate and estates, real estate, and business organizations. Graduates are trained to: 1) apply and interpret the law and legal procedures in rendering direct assistance to lawyers, 2) conduct competent legal research, writing, and communication, 3) prepare legal documents, 4) analyze procedural and substantive legal problems, 5) interview clients and witnesses, 6) investigate and manage cases, and 7) demonstrate technological skills and familiarity with computerized databases.

*Paralegals and program graduates do not practice law or give legal advice unless permitted by law.

**Students must take nine-semester credits of legal specialty course work through remote synchronous instruction.

 Paralegal Program Planning Guide

2023-2024 Required Courses

Paralegal Curriculum

Course # Course Name Credit(s)
  PA 1102
Introduction to the Law and Paralegal Profession
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
Introduces the student to the paralegal profession, the role paralegals play in the legal system, paralegal ethical obligations, and employment opportunities for paralegals. Students will learn about the elements of American law, state and federal court systems, civil and criminal law, including tort law, constitutional law, administrative law, and legal analysis.

Prerequisites:


Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Spring 2024
  PA 1103
Contracts, UCC and Business Organizations
4

Course Outline
Credits: 4
Introduces the student to the law of contracts and the Uniform Commercial Code, specifically Article 2-Sales and Article 9-Secured Transactions. Students will also gain knowledge in the formation of business organizations in terms of partnerships, corporations and other business entities, which includes the preparation of related documents.

Prerequisites:

  • LA 1102 Introduction to Law and Contracts
  • PA 1102 Introduction to the Law and Paralegal Profession

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Spring 2024
  PA 1105
Criminal Justice System
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
Introduces the student to the criminal justice system with special emphasis given to Minnesota law and procedure. Topics covered include: the Minnesota Criminal Code, police, attorneys, judges, constitutional rights, rules of evidence, plea bargaining, trials, and sentencing. Prerequisites: Placement into ENG 1108 or grade C or better in ENG 0099 and READ 0093/0094 or instructor or program director's permission. Recommended: Students should enroll in ENG 1108 concurrently with PA 1105.

Prerequisites:


Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Spring 2024
  PA 2201
Family Law
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
Examines family legal issues involved in marriage, separation, dissolution of marriage, cohabitation, child custody, child and spousal support and non-support, property issues, paternity, adoption, and domestic abuse. Prerequisites: C or better in PA 1102.

Prerequisites:

  • LA 1102 Introduction to Law and Contracts
  • PA 1102 Introduction to the Law and Paralegal Profession

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  PA 2202
Litigation and Trial Practice
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
Examines selected aspects of the rules of evidence, principles of investigating and interviewing, practical applications of selected rules of civil procedure, discovery and preparation for trial and rules of professional responsibility. Particular emphasis is placed upon the role of the paralegal in the litigation process. Prerequisites: C or better in PA 1102.

Prerequisites:

  • LA 1102 Introduction to Law and Contracts
  • PA 1102 Introduction to the Law and Paralegal Profession

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Summer 2024
  PA 2204
Probate Law
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
Examines wills, trusts, intestate succession, probate proceedings and estate administration under Minnesota Law. Provides an overview of relevant federal and state tax law as it pertains to estates. Provides practical experience in drafting estate, probate and tax documents. Prerequisites: C or better in PA 1102 or permission of instructor or program director.

Prerequisites:

  • LA 1102 Introduction to Law and Contracts
  • PA 1102 Introduction to the Law and Paralegal Profession

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Spring 2024
  PA 2205
  PA 2208
Real Estate Law    OR

Employment Law
3

Real Estate Law
Course Outline
Credits: 3
Provides the student with a general understanding of real property laws, the common types of real estate, and how to prepare certain routine real estate documents. The topics of mortgage foreclosure, contract for deeds, mechanics liens, title examination, and closings are also covered. Prerequisites: C or better in PA 1102 or permission of the Paralegal Director or Instructor.

Prerequisites:

  • LA 1102 Introduction to Law and Contracts
  • PA 1102 Introduction to the Law and Paralegal Profession

Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

Employment Law
Course Outline
Credits: 3
Provides an overview of the state and federal rules and regulations that govern the employment relationship. The topics of employment at-will shall be addressed, along with exceptions to the at-will doctrine. The course will also address the creation of implied employment contracts, wrongful discharge, employee privacy interests, occupational safety and health, immigration, and wage and hour regulations. Discrimination and sexual harassment will also be discussed with an emphasis on the Minnesota Human Rights Act. Students will study the Federal Title VII Civil Rights Act and its impact on the employment relationship. Recent legislative developments in the employment law arena will also be reviewed.

Prerequisites:

  • LA 1102 Introduction to Law and Contracts
  • PA 1102 Introduction to the Law and Paralegal Profession

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Spring 2024
  PA 2220
Legal Research
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
Provides an understanding of the law library and will assist the student in developing research skills through the use of digests, reporters, statutes, administrative materials and secondary materials. This course includes practice problems requiring legal research. The course also will include an introduction to computerized legal research.

Prerequisites:


Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Spring 2024
  PA 2222
Legal Writing And Analysis
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
Provides the student with experience in the development of analytical writing skills in the preparation of case and trial briefs, legal memoranda, and general legal correspondence.

Prerequisites:

  • ENG 0101 Composition I: Expository Writing
  • ENG 1108 Writing And Research Skills
  • LA 1110 Legal Research
  • PA 2220 Legal Research

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Spring 2024
  PA 2289
Paralegal Internship
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Gives the preservice student practical work experience in the paralegal area. Provides the student with the opportunity to develop skills and abilities to understand law office's operation, apply the law and legal procedures, conduct legal research, write letters and memorandums, draft documents, contact clients or individuals, and maintain confidentiality and professional ethics. Prerequisites: Written permission of the Paralegal Program Director one semester in advance; C or better in PA 2220.

Prerequisites:

  • PA 2220 Legal Research

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
Total Credits in Paralegal Curriculum 30

Note: Students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.

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