Paralegal Certificate

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.