2023-2024 Catalog

Paralegal Technology A.A.S.

A25380

The Paralegal Technology curriculum prepares individuals to work under the supervision of attorneys by performing routine legal tasks and assisting with substantive legal work. A paralegal/legal assistant may not practice law, give legal advice, or represent clients in a court of law.

Coursework includes substantive and procedural legal knowledge in the areas of civil litigation, legal research and writing, real estate, family law, wills, estates, trusts, and commercial law. Required courses also include subjects such as English, mathematics, and computer utilization.

Graduates are trained to assist attorneys in probate work, investigations, public records search, drafting and filing legal documents, research, and office management. Employment opportunities are available in private law firms, governmental agencies, banks, insurance agencies, and other business organizations. Students should consult their advisor for information about course scheduling.

Western Piedmont’s Paralegal Program has been recognized by the North Carolina State Bar Paralegal Certification Board as a Qualified Paralegal Studies Program (QLSP).

Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:

  • Analyze pertinent factors related to a legal case including issues and arguments
  • Compile and organize data and documentation relevant to the case 
  • Locate, retrieve, and interpret public records
  • Apply legal and ethical standards
  • Demonstrate legal research and writing skills

Also see Career and College Promise for additional options for high school students. 

General Education

Required Courses

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
ENG 111Writing and Inquiry

3

FA, SP, SU
ENG 112Writing/Research in the Disc

3

FA, SP, SU
ENG 114Prof Research & Reporting

3

FA, SP, SU
MAT 143Quantitative Literacy

3

FA, SP, SU

Humanities/Fine Arts

Select 3 semester hours credit from the following

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
ART 111Art Appreciation

3

FA, SP, SU
DRA 111Theatre Appreciation

3

FA, SP, SU
DRA 126Storytelling

3

FA, SP, SU
HUM 115Critical Thinking

3

HUM 230Leadership Development

3

MUS 110Music Appreciation

3

FA, SP
PHI 240Introduction to Ethics

3

FA, SP, SU
REL 110World Religions

3

FA, SP

Social/Behavioral Science

Select 3 semester hours credit from the following

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
ECO 252Principles of Macroeconomics

3

SP, SU
GEO 111World Regional Geography

3

HIS 112World Civilizations II

3

FA, SP, SU
POL 120American Government

3

FA, SP, SU
PSY 150General Psychology

3

FA, SP, SU
SOC 210Introduction to Sociology

3

FA, SP, SU

Major Courses

Core Required Courses

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
LEX 110Intro to Paralegal Study

2

FA
LEX 120Legal Research/Writing I

3

FA
LEX 130Civil Injuries

3

SP
LEX 140Civil Litigation I

3

FA
LEX 150Commercial Law I

3

FA
LEX 210Real Property I

3

FA
LEX 240Family Law

3

SP
LEX 250Wills, Estates, & Trusts

3

FA

Other Major Required Courses

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
ACC 120Principles of Financial Accounting

4

FA, SP, SU
CIS 110Introduction to Computers

3

FA, SP, SU
CJC 231Constitutional Law

3

SP, SU
LEX 121Legal Research/Writing II

3

SP
LEX 141Civil Litigation II

3

SP
LEX 160Criminal Law & Procedure

3

FA
LEX 211Real Property II

3

SP
LEX 280Ethics & Professionalism

2

SP

Other Courses

Select 2 semester hours credit from the following courses

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
LEX 282Immigration Law

2

SP (Odd Years)
LEX 286Medical Evidence Analysis

2

SP
WBL XXXWork-based Learning (up to 2 semester hours credit)

1-2

To enroll in Work-based Learning course, student must have completed 30 semester hours of credit toward the program of study

Total Credit Hours: 67