Paralegal - Certificate of Achievement (3208)
Division: Social Sciences Division
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements (21 Credits) | ||
| PLS 101 | Intro. to Law for Paralegals | 3 |
| PLS 102 | Legal Research and Writing | 3 |
| PLS 105 | Torts | 3 |
| PLS 107 | Contracts | 3 |
| PLS 202 | Adv. Legal Research & Writing | 3 |
| PLS 205 | Administrative Law | 3 |
| PLS 206 | Litigation Procedures | 3 |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Notes:
- For an explanation of why General Education courses are included in this Program, please refer to the Section on General Education for an explanation of its Purpose and Requirements.
- This plan assumes the student is eligible to enroll in College Level Courses (designated as 100 +, e.g., ACC 102 Prin Accounting II Managerial, HST 131 Latin American History I, MTH 221 Calc with Analytic Geom III). Placement results will determine College Level Readiness in English and Mathematics.
Paralegal
Curriculum Code: 3208
Will Earn Upon Program Completion: Certificate of Achievement (COA)
Why major in Paralegal Certificate?
Law firms, corporations, government agencies, title and insurance companies, state and federal courts, and other entities increasingly seek paralegals to assist with legal tasks. Duties of paralegals include conducting interviews, investigations, and legal research; preparing legal documents and memoranda; assisting with clients; and being involved in daily operations of law offices.
Are there any requirements I must satisfy before I start taking courses in my major?
Certificate program is only open to individuals who already earned an A.A., A.S., B.A., B.S., or graduate degree in any discipline from regionally-accredited institutions and have completed 18 or more general education credits in: 1) Written & Oral Communications; 2) Society & Human Behavior; 3) Quantitative Knowledge & Skills; 4) Science; 5) Humanities; and 6) History as required by Essex County College.
May I transfer Paralegal courses from another college?
Students may transfer up to 9 legal specialty courses from ABA-approved institutions into the program. Upon matriculation, students must submit all academic transcripts to Enrollment Services to determine whether they have successfully completed (with a minimum grade of “C” or better) the 18 or more general education credits required. Subsequently, transcripts are evaluated by Paralegal Program Coordinator to determine legal courses considered for transfer.
If I major in Paralegal Certificate, can I transfer to a four-year college or university?
Paralegal certificate is career oriented and not designed for transfer to a bachelor’s, but courses completed may be applied to an associate’s at ECC. Most or all credits earned in certificates applied to associate’s, transfer to four-year institutions. See a Social Sciences Division academic advisor (faculty member) for more information.
How long will it take for me to complete this degree?
Depending upon when you matriculate, Paralegal Certificate can be completed in one year taking three to four courses each semester.
Where should I direct specific questions about this program?
Call the Division at (973) 877-3250.
NOTE: To enter this certificate of achievement program, you must possess at least an associate’s degree (in any discipline) and be able to demonstrate that you have met the general education requirements of Essex County College by completing 18 or more general education credits.
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Explain the role of a paralegal in today’s legal system;
- Demonstrate knowledge of American legal system, fundamental legal principles, and the litigation process;
- Demonstrate knowledge of principles of legal ethics and of the Model Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Guidelines for Enforcement of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc.;
- Proficiently access, locate, and research the law by both traditional and electronic methods;
- Demonstrate problem-solving and critical, analytical thinking skills within context of evaluating legal issues; and
- Communicate effectively with accurate legal terminology in written and/or oral form, with demonstrated proficiency in use of technology.