May 13, 2024  
2024-2025 Arapahoe Community College Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Arapahoe Community College Catalog

Paralegal Certificate - Academic Plan


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Paralegals play an important role in assisting attorneys to provide affordable legal services. 

ACC’s American Bar Association – approved Paralegal Program provides a solid foundation of knowledge and practical experience to prepare students for this profession. While paralegals may not practice law, they work under the supervision of attorneys in private law firms or businesses, as well as in many government agencies. Tasks performed by paralegals include interviewing, investigation, research, preparing legal forms, assisting attorneys in court and other activities. 

Please contact the Paralegal Program Chair or Coordinator if you have questions about the academic requirements.

Prerequisites, Corequisites, and Recommendations


Where requirements are listed as course categories (e.g. Electives, Arts/Humanities) rather than as specific courses, please note that depending upon course choice, prerequisites may be required.

*Grade C or better required

Required Course Prerequisite, Corequisite, or Recommendation
PAR 1114 - Computers and the Law   PrerequisitePAR 1110 - Legal Analysis  and PAR 1115 - Introduction to Law  with a grade of “C” or better
PAR 1116 - Torts   CorequisitePAR 1110 - Legal Analysis  and PAR 1115 - Introduction to Law  
PAR 1118 - Contracts   CorequisitePAR 1110 - Legal Analysis  and PAR 1115 - Introduction to Law  
PAR 2201 - Civil Litigation   PrerequisitePAR 1110 - Legal Analysis PAR 1115 - Introduction to Law , and PAR 1116 - Torts  with a grade of “C” or better
PAR 2211 - Legal Research   PrerequisitePAR 1110 - Legal Analysis PAR 1115 - Introduction to Law PAR 1116 - Torts , and PAR 1118 - Contracts  with a grade of “C” or better
PAR 2219 - E-Discovery and Litigation Technology   PrerequisitePAR 1110 - Legal Analysis PAR 1114 - Computers and the Law PAR 1115 - Introduction to Law PAR 1116 - Torts , and PAR 2201 - Civil Litigation  with a grade of “C” or better
PAR 2087 - Cooperative Education   PrerequisitePAR 1110 - Legal Analysis PAR 1115 - Introduction to Law PAR 1116 - Torts , PAR 1118 - Contracts , and PAR 2201 - Civil Litigation  with a grade of “C” or better

 

Recommended Course Sequence (Full-Time Track)


Year 1 - Summer


Paralegal Elective - 3 credits

Paralegal Elective - 3 credits

Year 2 - Fall


Paralegal Elective - 3 credits

Notes


  • Course availability is subject to change. Please consult the Paralegal Department for specific course planning information and official advising. Students should use DegreeCheck (available via myACC) to monitor progress toward completion. Spring starts will have a different course sequence recommendation. Please discuss course sequencing for different start times with the Paralegal Program.
  • Paralegal Electives: Select three (3) courses from the following: PAR 1117  Family Law, PAR 1126  Administrative Law, PAR 1127  Legal Ethics, PAR 2202  Evidence, PAR 2205  Criminal Law, PAR 2207  Current Issues in the Law, PAR 2208  Probate and Estates, PAR 2216  Employment Law, PAR 2217  Environmental Law, PAR 2218  Bankruptcy Law, PAR 2219  E-Discovery and Litigation Technology, PAR 2227  Immigration Law, PAR 2228  Intellectual Property. Paralegal electives are offered on a rotating basis. Not all Paralegal electives are offered every semester. The pre-requisites for all Paralegal electives are PAR 1110  Legal Analysis and PAR 1115  Introduction to the Law.
  • The Paralegal Program at ACC is ABA-approved and Paralegal course content is demanding and rigorous. The program strongly encourages that students take no more than four paralegal classes per semester.
  • Students must apply for graduation; visit www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.
  • Recommended courses may be listed above for certain electives; consult with the Academic Advising Office (advising@arapahoe.edu or 303.797.5664) for additional elective recommendations.
  • Refer to 2024/2025 catalog for specific requirements and important information about this certificate. 

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