Paralegal Program

Paralegal Studies

“Becoming a paralegal is the best career move I could have made. The program was 100% online, so I could get the training I needed while continuing to work full-time .�

Paralegal Studies Although lawyers assume ultimate responsibility for legal work, they often delegate many of their tasks to paralegals. In fact, paralegals are continuing to assume new responsibilities in legal offices and perform many of the same tasks as lawyers. If you enjoy administrative work, research, and critical thinking, Paralegal Studies may be just what you’re looking for. The program is designed to prepare you with basic knowledge and training necessary to function as an entry-level paralegal employee. Paralegals may be found in all types of organizations, but most are employed by law firms, corporate legal departments, and various government offices. In these organizations, paralegals can work in many different areas of the law, including civil litigation, personal injury, criminal law, bankruptcy, family law, contracts, wills, estates, trusts, legal ethics, administrative law and real estate.

Job Outlook

Employment of paralegals is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, although competition for jobs is expected to continue as many people seek to go into this profession; formally trained paralegals should have the best employment opportunities.

Demand for paralegals is also expected to grow as an expanding population increasingly requires legal services, especially in areas such as intellectual property, healthcare, international law, elder issues, criminal law, and environmental law. The growth of prepaid legal plans also should contribute to the demand for legal services.

Private law firms will continue to be the largest employers of paralegals, but a growing array of other organizations, such as legal departments, insurance companies, real estate and title insurance firms will also hire paralegals.

Paralegals usually are given more responsibilities and require less supervision as they gain work experience. Experienced paralegals who work in large law firms, corporate legal departments or government agencies may supervise and delegate assignments to other paralegals and clerical staff. Advancement opportunities also include promotion to managerial and other law-related positions within the firm or corporate legal department. However, some paralegals find it easier to move to another law firm when seeking increased responsibility or advancement.

Online Program Diploma • 11 Month program and classes begin approximately every 4 weeks Degree • 21 month program and classes begin approximately every 4 weeks • Associates Courses Online or On Campus Monday through Thursday 9:00am-11:50am

Application Process Interested candidates should apply early. Applications can be made in person at 4242 South Sheridan or by contacting an Admissions team member at 918.610.0027 or via email at admissions@communitycarecollege.edu. Log on to www.communitycarecollege.edu for an online application.

Working Conditions

Paralegals handle many routine assignments, particularly when they are inexperienced. As they gain experience, paralegals usually assume more varied tasks with additional responsibility. Paralegals do most of their work in offices and law libraries. Occasionally, they travel to gather information and perform other duties.

Physical Requirements

Paralegals employed by corporations and government usually work a standard 40-hour work week. Paralegals who work for law firms sometimes work very long hours when they are under pressure to met deadlines.

Hearing Must demonstrate ability to functionally perceive the nature of sounds and the spoken word and may use adaptive techniques or devices.

Speech Must demonstrate ability to functionally express self orally and/ or in writing.

Vision Must possess normal vision or correctable to within normal ranges.

Mental & Emotional Requirements Because paralegals deal with the public, they must be neat and well-groomed and have a courteous, pleasant manner.

Paralegals often work long hours, and are expected to develop their professional knowledge on a constant basis.

Financial Assistance • Pell Grant and Federal Student Loans are available to those who qualify • Private Lenders • Voc-Rehab, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Workforce Oklahoma and Veteran’s Education

Entrance Requirements • High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) • Admittance Essay

Degree Program Students who wish to further their education beyond the diploma program have the option of attending CCC’s Associates of Occupational Science Degree Program. The degree program is designed to provide a foundation that will enable degree holders to seek and apply for management roles in their specialties.

Community Care College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) and is licensed by the Oklahoma Board of Private Vocational Schools and is recognized by the United States Department of Education and authorized by Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to offer Associate Degrees.

Disclosures regarding the College’s programs related to consumer information/gainful employment are provided for each eligible program at http://www.collegesooner.com/consumer-information/ Community Care College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital or veteran status, or qualified disability.