Paralegal Studies

Overview

Students with a Bachelor's Degree or higher can enroll in this paralegal certificate program to learn the skills needed for this career.

The Paralegal Studies Certificate program is an eight-course, 24-credit-hour program that prepares students to assist lawyers in carrying out their professional responsibilities. Working under the direct supervision of an attorney, the paralegal does research, prepares documents, and interviews clients. In addition to law firms and traditional legal environments, employment opportunities are available in diverse areas such as government agencies, courts, insurance companies, real estate companies, mortgage companies, banks, and more.

Legal specialty courses, which are taught by attorneys, judges, and doctorate-level legal educators, are specifically designed to provide students with practical paralegal skills and substantive legal theory.

Many of our legal specialty courses are project-based and offer hands-on, real, practical experience. Assignments may include analyzing hypotheticals, engaging in simulated litigation processes, drafting correspondence, pleadings, discovery, estate planning documents, deeds, and legal memoranda, analyzing documents, and conducting legal research. These learning experiences for students are provided in classrooms (daytime and/or evening) as well as online.

This program is approved by the American Bar Association. Pursuant to ABA requirements, students must take at least nine (9) semester credits through synchronous instruction. Synchronous instruction includes traditional face-to-face courses as well as live virtual courses.

This Program is a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education and has satisfied all membership requirements as set forth in the Association’s Bylaws and Standing Rules as an Institutional Member of AAfPE.

In the United States, paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public or engage in the practice of law, except as permitted by law.

Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL) Statement: Paralegals work under the supervision of a licensed attorney and are not authorized to practice law in South Carolina (S.C. Code § 40-5-310).

Mission

The mission of the ABA-approved Paralegal Studies Program is to meet the evolving needs of the legal community and prepare students for employment as paraprofessionals by providing a comprehensive legal curriculum taught by experienced legal professionals that includes procedural and substantive law; ethics; and legal research, writing, and analysis.

Program Goals

The goal of the Paralegal Studies Program is to teach students the skills and knowledge they need to become effective and productive paraprofessionals in the public and private sectors through the integration of skills, knowledge, and ethical values. Program graduates will develop practical legal skills; acquire foundational knowledge in substantive areas of law; understand legal ethics and the role of the paralegal in the legal environment; understand legal concepts, legal terminology, and the court structure; understand legal writing, research, and analysis; and practice appropriate technology use in the legal environment.

In furtherance of said goals, the program will provide quality instruction that will promote student success in developing: 1) strong verbal and written communication skills; 2) requisite knowledge and practical skills experience in the curriculum; 3) technology skills needed for the profession; and 4) a strong sense of ethics and professionalism.

Paralegal Program Legal Specialty Course Transfer Policy

Upon a student’s admission to Midlands Technical College (MTC) and enrollment in the Paralegal program, we review transfer credits and may accept up to two-thirds of the requisite number of legal specialty credits from regionally accredited, ABA-approved schools. This translates to as many as five legal specialty courses in the certificate program and seven legal specialty courses in the associate degree program.

Each legal specialty course submitted for transfer consideration is evaluated by the program director. Transferability is based on course content, hours of instruction, and the grade earned in the course by the student. College transcripts are reviewed to determine whether acceptance of transfer credits is appropriate.

Legal specialty courses cannot be accepted from a college that does not have regional accreditation. We may accept credits from non-ABA approved schools if adequate evidence is provided to document that the course meets an appropriate level of academic rigor and compliance with ABA guidelines for paralegal education.

Basic typing skills are required for the successful completion of the program.

Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all legal courses for the grade to be counted toward graduation. This includes all courses with the LEG prefix.

Approvals and Affiliations

ABA Approved Paralegal Program

Approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), our Paralegal Studies Program includes skilled instructors and nearly 50 years of educational excellence. Pursuant to ABA requirements, students must take at least nine (9) semester credits through synchronous instruction. Synchronous instruction includes traditional face-to-face courses as well as live virtual courses.

American Association for Paralegal Education

This Program is an Institutional Member of the American Association for Paralegal Education.

In the United States, paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public or engage in the practice of law, except as permitted by law.

Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL) Statement: Paralegals work under the supervision of a licensed attorney and are not authorized to practice law in South Carolina (S.C. Code § 40-5-310).

Program Type

Academic Certificate

How to Enroll

To pursue this degree, you must apply to MTC using our online application.

Apply Now

Questions?

Print Plan

Sample Program Plan and Costs

On-Campus Traditional. Classes meet on campus.
Virtual 100% online. Meets with a live instructor and classmates on specific days, at specific times. Uses web conferencing software, like Zoom.
Hybrid Some classes on campus. Some classes online or virtual.
Online 100% online. Due dates for projects and assignments. Self-paced work on your time.
Semester Course ID Course Title Classroom Online Hybrid Virtual Credits
Semester 1
(12 Credit Hours)
LEG-120 Torts

Torts

ID: LEG-120

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the various classifications and functions of tort law, including intentional and negligent torts, causation, proximate cause, and defenses.

3
LEG-121 Business Law I

Business Law I

ID: LEG-121

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the basics of commercial law, with emphasis on the formation and enforcement of contracts and the rules particular to the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and sales of goods.

3
LEG-135 Introduction to Law and Ethics

Introduction to Law and Ethics

ID: LEG-135

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides a general introduction to law, including courts, legal terminology, procedures, systems, and laws of society. Emphasis is on ethics and the role of the paralegal in the legal system.

3
LEG-232 Law Office Management

Law Office Management

ID: LEG-232

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the basic principles of office management, including administrative procedures, client relations, and office operating procedures.

3
Semester 2
(12 Credit Hours)
LEG-132 Legal Bibliography

Legal Bibliography

ID: LEG-132

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the methods of legal research, proper citation of authority, use of legal treatises, texts, reporters, and digests. This course introduces students to the techniques and procedures of legal writing and analysis.

3
LEG-201 Civil Litigation I

Civil Litigation I

ID: LEG-201

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the principles of litigation and the rules of procedure for each court in the South Carolina system, including pleading, practice, and discovery procedures.

3
Approved LEG Elective 3
Approved LEG Elective 3
  Total Credit Hours 24
  Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
$4,800.00
Not including fees and equipment
Semester Course ID Course Title Classroom Online Hybrid Virtual Credits
Semester 1
(9 Credit Hours)
LEG-120 Torts

Torts

ID: LEG-120

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the various classifications and functions of tort law, including intentional and negligent torts, causation, proximate cause, and defenses.

3
LEG-121 Business Law I

Business Law I

ID: LEG-121

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the basics of commercial law, with emphasis on the formation and enforcement of contracts and the rules particular to the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and sales of goods.

3
LEG-135 Introduction to Law and Ethics

Introduction to Law and Ethics

ID: LEG-135

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides a general introduction to law, including courts, legal terminology, procedures, systems, and laws of society. Emphasis is on ethics and the role of the paralegal in the legal system.

3
Semester 2
(3 Credit Hours)
LEG-232 Law Office Management

Law Office Management

ID: LEG-232

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the basic principles of office management, including administrative procedures, client relations, and office operating procedures.

3
Semester 3
(6 Credit Hours)
LEG-132 Legal Bibliography

Legal Bibliography

ID: LEG-132

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the methods of legal research, proper citation of authority, use of legal treatises, texts, reporters, and digests. This course introduces students to the techniques and procedures of legal writing and analysis.

3
LEG-201 Civil Litigation I

Civil Litigation I

ID: LEG-201

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the principles of litigation and the rules of procedure for each court in the South Carolina system, including pleading, practice, and discovery procedures.

3
Semester 4
(6 Credit Hours)
Approved LEG Elective 3
Approved LEG Elective 3
  Total Credit Hours 24
  Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
$4,800.00
Not including fees and equipment

What’s next after I complete this program?

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies

If you are just starting out, consider MTC’s Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies as it articulates directly into a bachelor’s degree program after completion. Once you have earned this degree, you can consider transferring to a four-year institution and earning a bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies or another law-related major. MTC has articulation agreements with several four-year institutions that will accept general education courses and legal specialty courses from MTC as transfer credits toward your new degree.

Pursue a Career as a Paralegal

If you already possess a bachelor’s degree and want to become a paralegal, you can select MTC’s post-baccalaureate paralegal certificate to prepare you for your paralegal career.

Continue Education Toward a Law Degree

Students wishing to pursue a degree in law will find this program covers many of the substantive law topics covered in a law school curriculum.  As such, a paralegal degree can help prepare you for success in law school. 

Want more information?

Academic programs count as academic credit for a certificate, diploma or degree and may transfer toward future academic endeavors at four-year colleges and universities.
Training programs can be completed in a matter of weeks or months, are focused on career training, and provide credentials and certificates needed in the specific fields of study. Coursework does not transfer.
Not sure: Check out these resources to explore what fits your goals.

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