Overview


[ Faculty | Part-Time Faculty | Degree Requirements | Catalog ]

The DACC Paralegal Studies program focuses on developing skills necessary to perform substantive legal work. Examples of courses leading to that end include Litigation, Legal Research and Writing, Interviewing and Investigation, Virtual Law Office, Legal Ethics, and Torts. Through classroom instruction (including practical exercises and assignments), computer lab practice, and an internship/cooperative experience, students gain essential skills, as well as a broad background in many different areas of law.

Graduates of the Paralegal Studies program are eligible to apply to take the national certification examination offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). Those who successfully complete this two-day exam are designated Certified Legal Assistants (CLA).

The employment outlook for paralegals is good. Program graduates are employed with private firms, various courts, community legal services, state and federal governmental agencies (e.g., Human Services Departments, public defenders, and district attorneys), as well as a variety of businesses.


General Requirements

Related Requirements

Technical Requirements


 

Faculty

Matthew Huchmala J.D.
Part-Time Faculty

John Dickey J.D.

Peter Ossorio J.D.

Jodie Schwebel

 


 

Degree Requirements

Note: Students must pass ENGL 111G and all PL S courses with a minimum grade of C.

Core Requirements 19 credits

  • MATH 120 - Intermediate Algebra, OR
    BOT 106 - Business Mathematics (3 credits)
  • COMM 265G - Prin. of Human Communication (3 credits)
  • ENGL 203G - Business & Professional Communication (3 credits)
  • ENGL 111G - Rhetoric and Composition (4 credits)
  • PHIL 211G - Informal Logic (3 credits)
  • BMGT 240 - Human Relations, OR
    PSY 201G - Introduction to Psychology, OR
    SOC 101G - Introductory Sociology (3 credits)

Related Requirements 16-17 credits

  • BMGT 201 - Work Readiness and Preparation (2 credits) OR                    BMGT 202 - Career Management (1 credit)
  • OECS 105 - Introduction to Microcomputer Technology, OR
    C S 110G - Computer Literacy (3 credits)
  • BOT 120 - Accounting Procedures I, OR
    ACCT 252 - Financial Accounting (3 credits)
  • BOT 101 - Keyboarding Basics (3 credits)
  • GOVT 100G - American National Government (3 credits)
  • BOT 211 - Information Processing I (3 credits)

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Technical Requirements 34-40 credits

  • PL S 160 - Legal Systems for the Paralegal (3 credits)
  • PL S 161 - Legal Terminology (3 credits)
  • PL S 162 - Virtual Law Office (3 credits)
  • PL S 190 - Criminal Law for the Paralegal (3 credits)
  • PL S 200 - Legal Ethics for the Paralegal (3 credits)
  • PL S 221/222- Cooperative Experience I* (2–4 credits)
  • PL S 231 - Law of Commerce for the Paralegal (3 credits)
  • PL S 274 - Legal Research and Writing for the Paralegal I (3 credits)
  • PL S 275 - Tort and Insurance Law for the Paralegal (3 credits)
  • PL S 278 - Litigation for the Paralegal (3 credits)
  • PL S 279 - Legal Research and Writing for the Paralegal II (3 credits) 
  • Approved PL S electives (3–5 credits)


*NOTE: PL S 221 and 222 are restricted to PL S majors; a maximum of six credits of PL S 221 and 222 may be applied toward a degree. All PL S classes must be passed with a "C or better" or have to be retaken.

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2800 N. Sonoma Blvd, Las Cruces, NM, 88011 Phone: 575-527-7642 Fax: 575-528-7280
Email: huchmala@nmsu.edu

© Copyright 2004 DACC-Paralegal Studies Program