Paralegal Studies

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School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety

CONTACT INFORMATION

Program information is available from the School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety office at (505) 224-4111 or Academic Advisement and Career Development (505) 224-4321 or from Program Director/Chair at (505) 224-3863.

cnm.edu/depts/hwps/progs

Program Description

The Paralegal Studies program prepares students for careers in the legal profession. Paralegals are skilled professionals who perform substantive legal tasks under the supervision of a licensed attorney. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law. Responsibilities include interviewing and assisting clients and witnesses, investigation, data analysis, drafting legal documents, research, litigation support and case management. The Paralegal Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Note: The associate of applied science degree transfers at least 30 technical credits and applicable arts and sciences credits to the University of New Mexico College of Education toward the Technology and Training program. Contact (505) 224-4111 for more information.

Special Requirements

Students with a criminal background may have limited employment opportunities. Students should contact appropriate agencies and employers for hiring and employment practices.

Career and Educational Opportunities

Employment opportunities include placement in law firms, corporate legal departments, legal aid offices, public agencies and insurance companies.

Exit competencies (see Program Exit Competencies ) for this program of study are available at cnm.edu/exitcomp.

For the graduation policy refer to the Moving On  section, cnm.edu or the Students tab in my CNM.

PL Current Goals and Objectives

The goal of the Paralegal Studies program is to provide quality education and training to qualified men and women so that they might assist the legal profession in rendering more economical and efficient legal services to a greater number of persons. The following objectives support this goal:

• Understand the various functions and roles of a paralegal in a variety of legal specialty areas
• Knowledge of substantive and procedural law and the legal system
• Knowledge of the ethical responsibilities affecting paralegals and attorneys with emphasis on the prohibitions against unauthorized practice of law
• Master effective communication skills: oral, interpersonal and written
• Demonstrate proficiency in using technology, including performing legal research

Students should see an academic advisor to customize their educational plans. Students must meet prerequisites by placement scores or specific course work. Please see Course Descriptions for prerequisite(s) information.

See  Prerequisite Requirement Guide   for Accuplacer score equivalencies.

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