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Transfer Options
NHCC's Paralegal AS Degree is designed to transfer to:
- Concordia University: Organizational Management and Leadership BA degree
- Concordia University: Business BA degree
- Concordia University: Public Policy BA degree
- Concordia University: Criminal Justice BA degree
- Hamline University: Legal Studies BA degree
- Metropolitan State University: Individualized Studies BA degree
- Winona State University: Legal Studies BS Degree
After completing all of the admissions steps to the college, students must complete a Paralegal Admission Request and make an appointment with a Paralegal Advisor for review. Contact Advising at 763-424-0703 to schedule your appointment.
Paralegal Credits: Information on transferring legal specialty credits into the NHCC Paralegal Program.
The goal of the paralegal program is to deliver a comprehensive paralegal education that will graduate ethical, employable, competent professionals for careers in the legal field. Our paralegal program prepares students to assist lawyers and administrators of law-related occupations in providing efficient legal services to the public. The specialty courses are the core of the program and include the following areas of law: legal research and writing, contracts, family law, property, wills and estate administration, criminal law and litigation. The Paralegal Program does not train graduates to provide legal services directly to the public. Any person who attempts to provide legal services directly to the public, but is not licensed to practice law, engages in the illegal and unauthorized practice of law.
To prepare students for emerging trends in the legal profession, NHCC's paralegal program offers an elective course in Intellectual Property that covers the major areas of intellectual property law in the United States: trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets. In addition, students taking the Computer Applications course are introduced to the use of specialized e-discovery software to better prepare them for the workplace.
Licensed attorneys teach the legal specialty courses offered at North Hennepin. The faculty is active in the profession and most maintain private law practices in addition to their teaching responsibilities. The depth of experience of the faculty ensures that you will receive practical and timely information relevant to paralegal duties.
Instructor Bios:
You can perform legal work for attorneys in private law firms, government agencies or large corporations with a Paralegal AS or Paralegal Certificate from North Hennepin Community College. Paralegal duties vary according to the nature of employment, level of experience, and level of education. Examples of tasks include:
- Interviewing clients and witnesses
- Performing research and investigating facts
- Drafting documents and correspondence
- Conducting compliance and regulatory activity
- Conducting a variety of transactional services
- Managing attorney's case load
Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that the demand for paralegals is still high. North Hennepin maintains alliances with local placement agencies and temporary agencies to further enhance the student's job seeking activity. Education and experience are the two most important factors in securing the most challenging and highest paying positions – you can get them both at North Hennepin Community College.
The following links to non-NHCC websites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement:
Program Roadmaps
Program roadmaps provide students with a guide to understand the recommended course sequence to complete their degree.
Scholarships at NHCC
One scholarship application automatically considers you for any NHCC scholarship you're eligible for. Awards range from $500 to $5,000.
Paralegal Curriculum
Course Code | Title | Course Outlines | Goal Areas | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|
PLEG 1111 | Introduction to Law and Paralegal Studies | View-PLEG 1111 | n/a | 3 |
PLEG 1210 | Computer Applications in the Legal Profession | View-PLEG 1210 | n/a | 2 |
PLEG 1411 | Litigation I | View-PLEG 1411 | n/a | 3 |
PLEG 1412 | Litigation II | View-PLEG 1412 | n/a | 3 |
PLEG 2211 | Legal Research and Writing I | View-PLEG 2211 | n/a | 3 |
PLEG 2212 | Legal Research and Writing II | View-PLEG 2212 | n/a | 3 |
PLEG 2930 | Legal Studies Seminar and Internship | View-PLEG 2930 | n/a | 3 |
Course Title: Introduction to Law and Paralegal Studies Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course introduces students to the paralegal profession, including the nature of paralegal work, job requirements and opportunities. Students will study the Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct and the ethical standards applicable to paralegals. The students will learn about the American legal system, including sources of law, court systems and procedures. The students will study the relationship between state and federal laws and procedure and alternative dispute resolution. Students will also study the substantive areas of torts and criminal law.PSEO students may not register for this course until they have completed all general education courses required for the Paralegal A.S. degree.
Course Title: Computer Applications in the Legal Profession Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 2
Course Description: This course presents a study of the computer software commonly used in legal organizations, including programs in word processing, spreadsheets, database management systems, timekeeping and billing, case management and docket control, litigation support, presentation graphics, and electronic mail. Students will also study legal ethics as applied to the use of computer technology in the law office. CIS 1000 or knowledge of keyboard recommended. Prerequisite: PLeg 1111
Course Title: Litigation I Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course is the first part of a two-part Litigation course. This course presents a study of the processes and procedures undertaken in litigation and the role of the paralegal in a litigation practice. Students will study the requirements and applications of the Rules of Civil Procedure and the general rules of practice in District Court. Students will also study the various methods of alternative dispute resolution and their application to a litigation practice. Students will learn to prepare the documents essential to a litigation practice, such as complaints, discovery requests and discovery responses. This course also examines the ethical considerations relating to litigation.Prerequisite: PLeg 1111
Course Title: Litigation II Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course is the second part of a two part Litigation course. This course presents a study of the processes and procedures undertaken in litigation and the role of the paralegal in a litigation practice. Students will study the requirements and applications of the Rules of Civil Procedure and the general rules of practice in District Court. Students will also study the various methods of alternative dispute resolution and their application to a litigation practice. Students will draft litigation documents and learn the role of the paralegal before, during and after trial. This course includes a study of the rules of evidence, and tips for preserving and protecting evidence in civil and criminal trials. Students will learn methods of investigation and fact gathering. In addition, this course also examines the ethical considerations related to evidence and the trial process. Prerequisite: PLeg 1411
Course Title: Legal Research and Writing I Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course presents a study of methods of legal research related primarily to case law, which include the use of digests, encyclopedias, reporter systems, and practice manuals. The students will gain an understanding of law libraries and will be introduced to computer assisted legal research. Students will learn analytical writing skills for use in preparation of legal memoranda. Use of Blue Book citation methods will be emphasized.
Course Title: Legal Research and Writing II Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course is a continuation of Legal Research & Writing 1. This course focuses on primary sources other than case law such as constitutional law, statutory law, administrative law, and court rules. The student will also study secondary sources. This course provides the student with additional experience in the advancement of analytical writing skills for use in the preparation of legal memoranda. Blue Book citations relative to sources studied will be emphasized. The student will also gain additional experience with computer assisted legal research.
Course Title: Legal Studies Seminar and Internship Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: The course is designed to ready the student for transition from the classroom to the work place, emphasizing practical skill development and additional development of the student's organizational, communication and critical analysis skills. This is also a course designed to measure the student's learning and mastery of the program's goals and objectives. The course is designed with in-class and out of class internship experiences. Through in-class discussions and exercises, the student develops the basic skills necessary for the paralegal work setting. The student gains actual work experience under the supervision of an attorney or experienced paralegal in day-to-day, on-site office work completed at an internship site. The student must complete 150 hours of work at the internship site, which may be a private or public law office, corporate or government legal department, or other appropriate law-related setting or complete the alternative legal practicum coursework. Prerequisites: PLeg 2211
Course Code | Title | Course Outlines | Goal Areas | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|
Must take at least 10 credits | ||||
PLEG 1330 | Family Law or | View-PLEG 1330 | n/a | 3 |
PLEG 1430 | Alternative Dispute Resolution or | View-PLEG 1430 | n/a | 1 |
PLEG 1510 | Intellectual Property or | View-PLEG 1510 | n/a | 2 |
PLEG 1610 | Immigration Law or | View-PLEG 1610 | n/a | 3 |
PLEG 1990 | Paralegal Special Topics or | View-PLEG 1990 | n/a | 1-4 |
PLEG 2310 | Criminal Law and Procedure or | View-PLEG 2310 | n/a | 3 |
PLEG 2430 | Torts & Personal Injury Law or | View-PLEG 2430 | n/a | 3 |
PLEG 2510 | Contracts and Business Organizations or | View-PLEG 2510 | n/a | 3 |
PLEG 2620 | Property or | View-PLEG 2620 | n/a | 3 |
PLEG 2710 | Wills, Trusts and Estate Administration or | View-PLEG 2710 | n/a | 3 |
PLEG 2810 | Employment Search for Paralegals | View-PLEG 2810 | n/a | 1 |
Course Title: Family Law Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course presents a study of the processes and procedures undertaken in a family law practice. Students will study the procedures applicable to marriage dissolution and learn to prepare the legal documents associated with such procedures. Students will also study other substantive family law topics such as marriage and premarital agreements, child custody and support, domestic abuse, and adoption. In addition, this course examines the ethical considerations relating to a family law practice. Prerequisite: PLeg 1111
Course Title: Alternative Dispute Resolution Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 1
Course Description: This course introduces students to the understanding of conflict and provides a working knowledge of the major forms of adjudicative and non-adjudicative alternative dispute resolution processes. Students will apply the theory and practice of alternative dispute resolution to their personal as well as their professional lives. Prerequisite: PLeg 1111.
Course Title: Intellectual Property Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 2
Course Description: This course presents a study of the major areas of intellectual property law in the United States: trademarks, copyrights, patents and trade secrets. Students will study relevant statutes and case law, as well as the key policy considerations in the subject area. This course also examines the ethical issues relating to intellectual property law. Prerequisite: PLeg 1111
Course Title: Immigration Law Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: Immigration Law aims to: (1) Introduce students to U.S. immigration law as an important and dynamic body of administrative policies and regulations with broad social, economic, and political impact; (2) Present an overview of substantive immigration law and its processes and procedures for those seeking to enter and remain in the United States as nonimmigrants and immigrants, including employment and family-based processes, waivers, humanitarian relief such as DACA, U visas for victims of crime, and asylum, defenses to deportation, and U.S. citizenship; and (3) Address the role, responsibilities, and ethics of paralegals within the field, with a focus on the practical skills needed to be successful, including client interviewing, case management and communication, factual and legal research, and case preparation (including writing cover and support letters, drafting forms, and collecting supporting evidence).
Course Title: Paralegal Special Topics Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 1-4
Course Description: This course will provide flexibility in offering an in-depth review of topics of immediate importance and topical interest. These topics will go beyond the introductory courses in examining specific aspects of the subject matter.
Course Title: Criminal Law and Procedure Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course presents a study of the substantive and procedural aspects of criminal law and the role of the paralegal working in the area of criminal defense or criminal prosecution. Students will study the general principles of criminal liability, analysis of particular crimes, parties to crimes, and the substantive defense to crimes. Constitutional safeguards and procedures from arrest through trial, sentencing, punishment, and appeal are also studied. This course also examines the ethical considerations relating to criminal law and procedure.Prerequisite: PLEG 1111Please Note: All Paralegal program and course prerequisites are enforced. This course may not be used as a substitute for SOC 1710 in any NHCC programs which include SOC 1710 as a required course.
Course Title: Torts & Personal Injury Law Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course covers the procedural and substantive law of torts and personal injury, including negligence, insurance, strict liability, products liability, and intentional torts. Students will prepare documents used in both a plaintiff and defense personal injury practice.
Course Title: Contracts and Business Organizations Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course presents a study of contracts, sales of goods, products liability, secured transactions, creditor rights, consumer protection and bankruptcy. The students also study basic principles of employment law. This course also presents a study of business entities, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies, and other business entities. Students will learn the fundamental principles of law applicable to each entity type and how to prepare documents necessary to the organization and operation of each. In addition, this course examines the ethical considerations relating to business law practice. Prerequisite: PLeg 1111
Course Title: Property Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course presents a study of personal and real property.  Students study landlord and tenant law, real estate conveyance, real estate financing, foreclosure and mechanic's liens.  Students will learn to prepare deeds and other real estate documents, and the documents used in mortgage foreclosure and mechanic's lien foreclosure. The general concepts of legal descriptions, Torrens and Abstract titles, and contract for deed procedures are covered.  In addition, this course examines the ethical considerations related to a property law practice.Prerequisite: PLeg 1111
Course Title: Wills, Trusts and Estate Administration Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course presents a study of estate administration, including the preparation and use of wills and trusts as estate planning tools. Students will study powers of attorney and the use of health care directives for disability planning. The students will learn the fundamental principles of probate law and how to prepare documents used in probate procedures. Students will also learn about the impact of estate taxes on estate planning. In addition, this course examines the ethical considerations relating to estate planning, wills and trusts. Prerequisite: PLeg 1111
Course Title: Employment Search for Paralegals Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 1
Course Description: This course presents a study of the skills and tools needed for locating paralegal employment opportunities. Students will study employment opportunities in both legal and non-legal settings. Students will study attitudes and work habits for a more successful career. Students will learn to prepare a professional resume and conduct an interview. Prerequisite: PLeg 1111
Course Code | Title | Course Outlines | Goal Areas | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|
COMM 1010 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | View-COMM 1010 | n/a | 3 |
ENGL 2320 | Writing: From Structure to Style | View-ENGL 2320 | n/a | 3 |
POLS 1100 | American Government and Politics | View-POLS 1100 | n/a | 3 |
PSYC 1150 | General Psychology | View-PSYC 1150 | n/a | 3 |
or | ||||
PSYC 1160 | Introduction to Psychology | View-PSYC 1160 | n/a | 4 |
or | ||||
PSYC 2360 | Psychology, Race, and Law | View-PSYC 2360 | n/a | 3 |
SOC 1110 | Introduction to Sociology | View-SOC 1110 | n/a | 3 |
College Writing I | ||||
ENGL 1200 | Gateway College Writing or | View-ENGL 1200 | n/a | 4 |
ENGL 1201 | College Writing I | View-ENGL 1201 | n/a | 4 |
PHIL 1110 PHIL1050 - 1 course | ||||
PHIL 1050 | Introduction to Logic or | View-PHIL 1050 | n/a | 3 |
PHIL 1110 | Informal Reasoning for Problem Solving | View-PHIL 1110 | n/a | 3 |
Course Title: Fundamentals of Public Speaking Goal Areas: 01 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course provides instruction and practical experience in the basics of public speaking. This course has a performance component: students are expected to create and deliver informative, persuasive and other types of speeches.
Course Title: Introduction to Logic Goal Areas: 04 Credits: 3
Course Description: Investigation of the principles of deductive and inductive reasoning. The course includes Aristotelian logic, propositional and symbolic logic, validity, invalidity, and proofs. Since this course can be taken to fulfill the Mathematical-Logical Reasoning general education requirement, students should expect a Math-like course, with exercises, and exams.
Course Title: American Government and Politics Goal Areas: 05,09 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course is a general introduction to American politics with emphasis on the Constitution, citizen participation, elections, and the role of the major governmental institutions - Congress, presidency and judiciary - in the formulation of public policy in the United States.
Course Title: Introduction to Sociology Goal Areas: 05,07 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course is a study of social and cultural aspects of human behavior. Topics include society and culture, roles and norms, groups and organizations, deviance, inequality, social and cultural change, and research methods.
Course Title: Informal Reasoning for Problem Solving Goal Areas: 02,09 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course studies methods of problem solving, utilizing principles that distinguish good reasoning from poor reasoning. Students will evaluate claims and arguments in natural language, applying the concepts of validity, truth, induction, deduction, and relevance. Students will develop clear thinking, and recognize, criticize and avoid common fallacies. Conceptual analysis will be applied to areas of practical reasoning, to human values, to develop science and media literacy, and to further student self-awareness.
Course Title: General Psychology Goal Areas: 05 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course provides an overview of topics in psychology. Topics may include history of psychology, research methods, physiological psychology, sensation and perception, consciousness, learning, memory, motivation and emotion, personality, stress and coping, abnormal behavior, therapy, and social psychology. Students are strongly encouraged to check with an advisor to determine if this is the appropriate course for their degree/program. You must meet perquisites or obtain instructor permission to take this course.
Course Title: Introduction to Psychology Goal Areas: 05 Credits: 4
Course Description: This course provides an in-depth introduction to psychology. Topics may include history of psychology; research methods; physiological psychology; sensation and perception; consciousness; learning; memory; cognition; motivation; emotion; personality; stress, health and coping; abnormal behavior, therapy; social psychology; human development; sexuality; and gender. Students are strongly encouraged to check with an advisor to determine if this is the appropriate course for their degree/program. You must meet perquisites or obtain instructor permission to take this course.
Course Title: Gateway College Writing Goal Areas: 01 Credits: 4
Course Description: This class provides extended practice in critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. Students will develop an effective writing process and work to achieve college-level competence in reading and responding to texts, visuals, events, and ideas in a variety of written formats, with an emphasis on the academic essay. Audience awareness, interpretation and analysis, logical reasoning, and persuasive and argumentative skills will be developed. MLA style documentation of primary sources will be included.
Course Title: College Writing I Goal Areas: 01 Credits: 4
Course Description: This class provides extended practice in critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. Students will develop an effective writing process and work to achieve college-level competence in reading and responding to texts, visuals, events, and ideas in a variety of written formats, with an emphasis on the academic essay. Audience awareness, interpretation and analysis, logical reasoning, and persuasive and argumentative skills will be developed. MLA style documentation of primary sources will be included.
Course Title: Writing: From Structure to Style Goal Areas: 06,07 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course focuses on the structure of language as well how its rules and applications affect written communication and authorial choices in professional and academic settings. The course further intends to create confidence in written and oral expression, to support students in business, graphic arts, paralegal, and other programs.
Course Title: Psychology, Race, and Law Goal Areas: 05,09 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course will examine the interaction between psychology, the legal system and race. Topics we will explore include but are not limited to include eyewitness memory, the insanity defense, involuntary civil commitment, forensic evaluation in cases of child sexual abuse, false confessions, profiling, and child custody determinations. The class addresses various controversies in the law, including jury selection, jury decision-making, police interrogations and confessions, use of lie-detector tests, eyewitness testimony, repressed and recovered memories, and the role of psychologists as expert witnesses. We will survey real-world examples of what may be current at the time. These real-world examples will describe scenarios and cases that illustrate or explain an important legal concept or psychological principle covered in the chapter or section being discussed in class. This course provides a strong foundation of understanding for individuals interested in Forensic Psychology, Criminal Justice and Law.
15 Credits must be earned at NHCC |
Total Credits Required | 60 |
Knowledge of Human Cultures and the Physical and Natural World:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the sources of law, legal procedure, and operation of legal systems within state and federal government and apply that knowledge to the work of paralegals.
Intellectual and Practical Skills:
- Demonstrate written, verbal, and interpersonal skills appropriate to various legal and business settings.
- Think critically and creatively analyze, synthesize, and organize information.
- Demonstrate ability to use word processing, spreadsheets, data base and case management software as they are used in the legal profession.
Personal and Social Responsibility:
- Understand and apply the Rules of Professional Conduct as they relate to the practice of law and demonstrate ethical behaviors in all settings.
Integrative Learning:
- Conduct legal research using print and electronic resources, apply results to fact situations, and report findings in an appropriate format.
- Successfully complete projects performed by paralegals in the various substantive areas of law.
This program prepares students to perform paralegal work in private law firms, government agencies or large corporations or transfer to a four year institution in this discipline.
Program Goal: Deliver a comprehensive paralegal education that will graduate ethical, employable, competent professionals for careers in the legal field.
Program Outcomes: Upon completion of the paralegal program, NHCC graduates will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the sources of law, legal procedure, and operation of legal systems within state and federal government and apply that knowledge to the work of paralegals.
2. Understand and apply the Rules of Professional Conduct to the practice of law and demonstrate ethical behaviors in all settings.
3. Demonstrate written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills appropriate to various legal and business settings.
4. Think critically and creatively analyze, synthesize, and organize information.
5. Conduct legal research using print and electronic resources, apply results to fact situations, and report findings in an appropriate format.
6. Successfully complete projects performed by paralegals in the various substantive areas of law.
7. Demonstrate ability to use word processing, spreadsheets, data base and case management software as they are used in the legal profession.
Program roadmaps provide students with a guide to understand the recommended course sequence to complete their degree.
Information on careers, including salary and employment outlook data, is available at Minnesota State and the Bureau of Labor Statistics websites: careerwise.minnstate.edu and www.bls.gov.
If you are planning on transferring to another institution, follow the guidelines available on our transfer resources web page to help you plan the process: Transfer Information
The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree is intended for students whose primary goal is to complete the credentials for a specific career and/or prepare for transfer to complete a bachelor's degree at a college or university with whom North Hennepin Community College has an articulation agreement. The A.S. degree provides a balance of general education courses and the required scientific, professional or technical courses in the degree program.
A student shall:
- Earn a minimum of 60 semester credits as required in the program, with a grade point average of 2.00 (C) or above in courses taken at North Hennepin Community College. Specific programs may have additional requirements or a higher minimum grade point average.
- Earn a minimum of 15 semester credits at North Hennepin Community College. A student must complete at least 50% of career specific courses at North Hennepin Community College.
- Earn 30 credits in at least 6 Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) goal areas.
- Earn 30 professional/technical credits.
- Have four years to complete the graduation requirements as published in the catalog in effect at the time of their initial enrollment. Students taking more than four years to complete their graduation requirements may follow any catalog published during the four year period preceding their graduation.
Completion of an A.S. degree fulfills the Goal Area 2 requirement of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC).
Developmental Courses Some students may need preparatory course(s) in Math and/or English. Courses numbered below 1000 will not apply toward a degree.
Equal Opportunity Employer and Disability Access Information North Hennepin Community College is a member of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and an equal opportunity employer and educator. This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling 763-493-0555 or through the Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529.
North Hennepin Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602-2504
1-800-621-7440
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