Paralegal Programs Goals & Objectives

Program Goals

The overall goal of the legal studies program is to educate students to understand fundamental principles of law and the role and function of law in our society.  The program seeks to instill in students a commitment to lifelong learning and respect for others in a global society.

The ABA- approved paralegal studies program options, in particular, seek to prepare students to become paralegals with the knowledge, values, and skills to perform effectively as professionals working under the supervision of attorneys in various legal environments. Additionally, the program educates students to become competent and ethical participants in the legal system.

Program Objectives

• Provide a broad, interdisciplinary course of study that exposes students to a commonality of intellectual experiences which are the distinguishing traits of a university graduate.
• Develop students' communication, analytical, quantitative reasoning, and writing skills.
• Teach students to conduct legal research using standard law library materials as well as computer-assisted legal research programs to locate both primary and secondary source materials.
• Provide students with an understanding of the American legal system, including governmental structure and the court system.
• Teach students to understand inductive, deductive and analogical reasoning processes and to use legal reasoning in the application of legal principles to fact situations.
• Teach students to be able to read cases with understanding and apply case law to legal problems.
• Provide students with an understanding of attorney's rules of professional conduct and their application to paralegals.
• Provide the foundation for ethical decision-making as legal professionals and develop values of ethical conduct and professionalism.
• Teach students to conduct effective factual investigations, including best-practice procedures for accessing information and materials, and to interview clients and witnesses using effective oral communication skills.
• Develop students' knowledge of the special concerns and skills involved in a legal setting, including case and time management, billing, client relations, and working with attorney supervisors.
• Expose students to alternative methods of dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration.
• Ensure that students have an appreciation for different cultures and backgrounds and respect for persons different from themselves.