Paralegal, AAS

Program Details

Semester 1

• SDV 108 - The College Experience Credits: 1
• ENG 105 - Composition I Credits: 3
• PRL 103 - Introduction to Law Credits: 3
• Any AAS degree core Math or Science course   Credits: 3
• Any AAS degree core Social and Behavioral Science/Humanities course  Credits: 6

Semester 2

• PRL 112 - Legal Research & Writing I Credits: 3
• PRL 141 - Business & Corporate Law I Credits: 3
• ENG 106 - Composition II Credits: 3
• Select one course from Option 1 Course Credits: 3
• Any AAS degree core Social and Behavioral Science/Humanities course  Credits: 4

Semester 3

• PRL 131 - Torts & Litigation I Credits: 3
• PRL 113 - Legal Research & Writing II Credits: 3
• Select one course from Option 2 Credits: 3
• Any AAS degree core Social and Behavioral Science/Humanities course  Credits: 7

Semester 4

• SPC 101 - Fund of Oral Communication Credits: 3
• Select courses from Option 3 Credits: 9

Semester 5

• PRL 280 - Legal Internship & Ethics Credits: 4

Total Credits Required to Complete this AAS Degree - 64*

*Total credits are calculated using the least number of credits needed to satisfy the option requirements.

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$156.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs

Approximate total for the program: $11,259**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

• Interview clients and witnesses.
• Draft various legal documents.
• Investigate fact situations.
• Review and organize material for cases.
• Research legal questions.
• Search public records.
• Assist with tax returns.
• Prepare probate inventories.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?

• Good reading skills.
• Strong technical writing skills.
• Critical thinking skills.
• Ability to analyze and synthesize legal materials.
• Strong academic background.
• Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.
• Self-discipline and emotional stamina under stress.
• Interpersonal communication skills.

What Else Should I Consider about this Degree program?

• Some legal classes are offered only at night.
• Must have good reading and writing skills.
• Some off-campus work required.
• A full time student may be able to complete the AAS degree in two years, depending on when he/she enrolls.
• Some courses require out-of-class work that must be done in a law library.
• Class attendance is important.
• Heavy homework load in some classes.
• If you already hold a college degree and are interested in additional professional paralegal training, see the Paralegal Certificate  .

Program Competencies

This Program will..

1. Explain the importance of a legal assistant to the law office, corporate legal department, or government agency.
2. Demonstrate time management techniques.
3. Demonstrate organization skills.
4. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
5. Apply principles of research and document preparation to the needs of the workplace.
6. Describe steps of the litigation process.
7. Demonstrate an ability to perform as a team member.
8. Identify ethical constraints.
9. Transfer legal training into the workplace environment.

Nondiscrimination Statement

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:

Agriculture, National & Environmental Services /Architecture, Engineering, and Construction/Arts, Design, and Visual communications/Business, Management, and Marketing/Education, Public, and Human Services/Health Science/Hospitality and Culinary/Information Technology/Manufacturing/Transportation & Logistics

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, hiring practices or the provision of services, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age (in employment), disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status of a person. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA  50023, phone 515/964-6857, sgbittner@dmacc.edu.  Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA  50023, phone 515/964-6216, title9@dmacc.edu.  Question or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 W. Madison, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL 60661, phone 312/730-1560, tax 312/730-1576..

Legal references: Iowa Code §§ 216.6 and 216.9, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S. C. §§ 2000d and 2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S. C. §§ 1681-1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S. C. § 794), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.).₍₂₀₁₈₎