Program Overview

Paralegal Plus, Certificate

Requirements

Prerequisites

• Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university or enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program- BA must be completed prior to completion of certificate.
• Some or all of the following are required. Talk to a faculty adviser.
• This paralegal program is approved by the American Bar Association. See statement in the college catalog.
• The program can be completed remotely, without coming to campus.
• Some classes have entry requirements not listed here.

Specific Requirements

Professional-Technical Core Courses

• LEGAL 101 - Legal Ethics and Professionalism
• LEGAL 102 - Civil Procedures I
• LEGAL 103 - Civil Procedures II
• LEGAL 135 - Law Office Technology
• LEGAL 139 - Getting Started: Paralegal Orientation
• LEGAL 140 - Internship (3 credits minimum)
• LEGAL 141 - Internship Seminar
• LEGAL 199 - Legal Research and Writing I
• LEGAL 200 - Legal Research and Writing II
• LEGAL 216 - Introduction to Law

Total Core Credits: 40

Supporting Courses

• Select 15 credits from courses listed below. Talk to a faculty adviser.
  • LEGAL 106 - Torts
  • LEGAL 119 - Criminal Law and Procedure
  • LEGAL 120 - Forming and Maintaining a Nonprofit Organization
  • LEGAL 136 - Advanced Law Office Technology
  • LEGAL 162 - Constitutional Law and Issues
  • LEGAL 164 - Sports Law and Issues of Diversity
  • LEGAL 166 - Immigration Law and the Rights of Non-Citizens
  • LEGAL 168 - Legal Issues of Civil Rights Theory and Law
  • LEGAL 201 - Estate Planning and Probate
  • LEGAL 202 - Contracts & Negotiations
  • LEGAL 210 - Family Law
  • LEGAL 211 - Intellectual Property
  • LEGAL 220 - Computer Search and Seizure
  • LEGAL 235 - Employment Law
  • LEGAL 240 - Internship II
  • LEGAL 241 - Cooperative Work Experience Seminar
  • LEGAL 252 - Legal Investigation
  • LEGAL 262 - Professional Development Seminar
  • LEGAL 281 - Special Topics in Law
  • OR
  • LEGAL 285 - Special Topics in Law 1-5
  • LEGAL 218 - Business Law

Total Supporting Course Credits: 15

Total Program Credits: 55 credits

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate proficiency in legal research and application of procedural and substantive authorities, including areas of law in which the student may not be familiar.
• Demonstrate writing skills that are consistent with generally accepted standards within the legal profession, including the ability to communicate legal analysis and application through organized and well-written correspondence, memoranda and pleadings.
• Analyze and articulate the different sides to any argument using critical-thinking skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to develop discovery plans, prepare cases for trial and capably assist in all courtroom proceedings.
• Use technology commonly found in the legal environment, including the electronic courtroom. This technology includes Microsoft Office products, electronic databases and other appropriate legal software.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and clients utilizing good listening skills and through appropriate interactions in small group work.
• Demonstrate professionalism through leadership, cultural awareness, appropriate attire and conduct, and attention to detail.
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently, comply with preset deadlines and utilize well defined problem-solving skills as required by an assignment and/or situation.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding and application of ethical issues in and out of the legal employment setting.
• Explain the need for civic responsibility in diverse and multifaceted environments and the role that legal professionals play in providing access to justice to those who currently or historically have been denied access.

Important Notes

• The paralegal program is approved by the American Bar Association. See statement in the college catalog.
• The program can be completed remotely, without coming to campus.
• Students must achieve a minimum 2.0 GPA in each LEGAL course to attain a Paralegal Plus Certificate.
• This program emphasizes preparation in specific job skills required for entry-level employment.
• Not all classes are offered every quarter.
• Coursework is highly interactive and includes field-based internships.
• Highline’s Paralegal Plus certificate program is designed for students with strong verbal and written skills, individual initiative and discipline, and high ethical standards.
• A conference (telephone, zoom or in person) with a faculty advisor is recommended prior to enrolling.
• All Paralegal students are required to complete a course satisfying the Diversity & Globalism requirement.