Accreditation

American Bar Association
321 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60654
800-285-2221
https://www.americanbar.org/about_the_aba/
https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/paralegal-resource-directory/
https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/

Program Description

The Westchester Community College Paralegal Program is approved by the American Bar Association. The goal of the Paralegal Program is to provide students with substantive knowledge of the law, together with hands-on working experience, which will enable them to work ethically under the supervision of an attorney in the public or private sector.

The Paralegal Program provides graduates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform competently as paralegals in law-related occupations under the supervision of an attorney. Paralegals work in all phases of practice except providing legal advice to clients, appearing in court, and setting fees. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.

Students entering into the Paralegal Certificate Program must have obtained at least 60 college credits from an accredited institution, eighteen hours of which must be in general education as defined by the American Bar Association. The certificate can be earned in two semesters of full-time study or on a part-time basis determined by the student (not to exceed three years).

Students requesting transfer credit must meet satisfy Westchester Community College transfer credit requirement. Paralegal Studies Program students are required to complete at least 18 semester credit hours of legal specialty courses as a graduation requirement. The program will accept as transfer credits a maximum 15 semester credits of legal specialty courses toward the A.A.S. degree. Additionally, paralegal studies students must complete at least 9 semester legal specialty credits in synchronous format through live simultaneous instruction on ground or remotely. 

Program Requirements

Required Courses - 30 credits 

• LAW 103 - Introduction to Legal Studies  
• LAW 104 - Legal Research and Writing  
• LAW 105 - Litigation  
• LAW 106 - Computer Applications for the Law Office  
• LAW 108 - Family Law  
• LAW 109 - Administrative Law  
• LAW 111 - Torts and Investigation  
• LAW 112 - Real Property Law  
• LAW 113 - Criminal Law and Procedure  
• LAW 120 - Contracts and Contract Administration  

Program Map

The program map is a recommended semester-by-semester schedule of courses based on degree requirements and serve as a general guideline to help students complete their program in two years. Although designed for full-time enrollment, these are easily adaptable for part-time study. For additional, individualized guidance, students should review Degree Works and consult an Academic Counselor or Faculty Advisor to ensure they are on track to complete their program.

Semester 1 (Fall)

Semester 2 (Spring)

Minimum Total Credits: 30

OR If first semester is spring, follow this course sequence:

Semester 1 (Spring)

Semester 2 (Fall)

Minimum Total Credits: 30

Gainful Employment Disclosure

For information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who have completed this program, and other important information please visit Paralegal Certificate - GE Disclosure. For an overview of all gainful employment disclosures at Westchester Community College, visit www.sunywcc.edu/gainfulemployment. 

Career Opportunities

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