Code: AAS.LS.PARALGL

Approved by the American Bar Association, the Bergen Community College Paralegal Studies program offers an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science. The program combines a general education background with law related specialty courses to provide the graduate with communication skills, knowledge of the legal system, and practical hands-on-experience immediately applicable to the legal workplace. The student will receive instruction on the basic principles of the law, along with the analytical, technical, and communication skills necessary for a career in the legal field. Topics of instruction include ethics and professional responsibilities of the legal profession, effective legal research and writing, and practical aspects of varied legal subject matters such as estates and trusts, commercial transactions, criminal and civil litigation, family law, real estate, legal accounting and business law.

Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public or give legal advice, except as permitted by law.

In accordance with ABA guidelines, students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

1. Demonstrate knowledge in a range of substantive legal fields and practical skills that are necessary to enter the workforce as a paralegal or legal nurse consultant.
2. Demonstrate techniques of legal research, practice and procedure, investigation, interviewing, drafting of documents, motions and pleadings and other practical skills needed for an array of positions in the public and private law sectors.
3. Practice ethical behavior and professional responsibility as a paralegal and legal nurse consultant.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the legal environment and work under the supervision of lawyers in the private and public sector.
5. Respond to the needs of the legal community and promote the economical and efficient delivery of legal services through paralegals and legal nurse consultants working under the supervision of attorneys.
6. Provide students with a general education that develops communication, quantitative and analytical skills and knowledge to advance their intellectual and personal growth.
7.  Ensure that students have up-to-date skills in law office technology including but not limited to the use of computers and other technology,  artificial intelligence, conferencing technology and computer assisted legal and non-legal research tools.

Career Pathways