Paralegal, Certificate

Program Details

Semester 1

• PRL 102 - Intro to Paralegal Studies Credits: 3
• PRL 103 - Introduction to Law Credits: 3
• PRL 104 - Legal Tech and eDiscovery Credits: 3
• PRL 112 - Legal Research & Writing I Credits: 3

Semester 2

• PRL 135 - Civil Litigation and Pro Credits: 3
• PRL 113 - Legal Research & Writing II Credits: 3
• Select 2-3 credit from Option 1 Credits: 2-3

Semester 3

• PRL 105 - Legal Ethics Credits: 1
• PRL 932 - Internship Credits: 3
• Select from Option 2 Credits: 2-3

Total Credits Required to Complete this Certificate - 26*

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

*Program total credits do not include 3 entry requirement credits.

These credits are applicable to the AAS degree in Paralegal .

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$193.00 per credit

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

Varied Costs

Approximate total cost of this certificate: $5,783-$6,169**

**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 Specialist Certificate?

• Legal classes are predominately offered at night.
• Must have good reading and writing skills.
• A full time student may be able to complete the certificate program in three semesters of enrollment 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.

Program Competencies

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

AY2023

Nondiscrimination Statement

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, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs.

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 Executive Campus Dean’s office, the Executive 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, dso@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. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

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Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at Academic Pathway website.₍₂₀₂₄₎