2019-2020 Academic Catalog

Offered in: Chicago | Schaumburg

Overview

The Paralegal Studies minor allows students to learn about the field of law as part of their undergraduate studies. The curriculum, which stresses critical thinking and includes practical training in legal concepts, is applicable to almost any discipline. The minor will also help students be better prepared for the rigorous first year of law school. The Paralegal Studies minor is not intended to prepare students to work as paralegals and is not an American Bar Association-approved program option. Students who wish to pursue a paralegal certificate from the American Bar Association-approved Paralegal Studies Program should contact the Paralegal Studies Program director for information on the additional requirements.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the fundamentals of a variety of substantive areas of law.  Students will know how to conduct legal research both manually in a law library as well as online using Lexis and Westlaw. Students will have basic knowledge of legal terminology and procedures and be able to draft basic legal documents.

Faculty

Paralegal Studies courses are taught by legal professionals, including adjunct instructors and one full-time faculty member. The faculty have many years of experience in their field and in teaching for the paralegal program. They include practicing attorneys and a Cook County Circuit Court Judge.

Prerequisites

Students must have completed 60 credit hours of course work prior to enrolling in the 300-level paralegal studies minor courses. It is recommended that students have a 2.5 or higher grade point average prior to enrolling in the 300-level paralegal studies minor courses. There are no prerequisites for PARA 101. Students will be allowed to transfer in a maximum of six semester hours from other institutions. All courses for the minor must be completed with a grade of C or better.

Requirements