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Understand the differences between civil and criminal practice Analyze (by briefing) reported legal opinions. Research legal problems using primary and secondary resources. Write clear, effective legal memoranda, using proper citation form, and to write with good grammar and spelling skills. Conduct effective interviews with clients and witnesses. Understand the procedure in a civil suit and draft appropriate pleadings. Be familiar with basic concepts of business organizations and contract law. Recognize the ethical standards of the paralegal profession.
A paralegal must follow the guidelines regarding the unauthorized practice of law of the state in which he/she is performing legal services. Legal Assistants/Paralegals provide professional services in a variety of legal, business settings, and corporations, usually, but not exclusively under the supervision of a lawyer. These services can include: interviewing, investigation, legal research, preparation of legal documents, review of transcripts, and participation in adversary and regulatory proceedings. One of the fastest growing professions nationally, legal assistants/paralegals are employed by individual attorneys, law firms, courts and government legal offices. They are also in growing demand by corporations, government agencies, financial institutions, insurance companies and real estate firms. Program graduates are advised not to confine their search for employment to the Erie market. Employment should be sought throughout the United States and beyond. Gannon University's ABA approved program offers three options: a four-year baccalaureate degree, a two-year associate degree, and a certificate option. Students pursuing other majors may double major or complete a certificate while completing their chosen four-year degree program, with the permission of the program director and the Dean of the College where the program lies. Transfer students may not use legal specialty coursework as a substitute for required legal specialty courses, unless the courses are transferring from an ABA approval paralegal program. If the coursework is from a non-approved program, they may be used as cognates or electives at the discretion of the Dean of CHESS. The Bachelor Degree Program The Baccalaureate Degree Program is designed to prepare students for advanced positions in the legal assistant/paralegal profession that increasingly require a four year degree in legal studies or another major with a legal studies/paralegal certificate. Among the 128 credits required for the degree are 39 credits in Liberal Studies, 34 credits of Legal Studies courses, 33 credits in supplementary requirements, and 22 credits in unspecified cognates and electives. Students are encouraged to take a strong minor or even a double major in a related field. The Associate Degree Program The two year, Associate Degree Program is for the student who is not ready to commit to a four year program. It is attractive to non-traditional students or students who are working while pursuing a degree. Requirements are 20 credits in Liberal Studies, 28 credits in Professional Studies including an internship, 7 credits of supplementary work, and 12 credits of unspecified cognate classes. All work taken may be applied toward a four year degree. Legal Studies Certificate The Legal Studies Certificate may be earned as a post-Associate degree or the equivalent thereof, or a post-Bachelor degree. It may also be taken in conjunction with any four year degree program, if the Program Director of the student's major accepts the required 18-25 credits as cognates and/or electives. The Program Director may waive up to 7 credits to earn