Program Information
-
Location: Downtown Milwaukee Campus
- Pathway: Community & Human Services
- Program Code: 10-110-1
- Offering: In-class
- Degree Type: 2-Year Degree (Associate)
- Start Dates: August/January/June
About the Legal Studies/Paralegal Degree
DESCRIPTION
With coursework focused on the practical aspects of law, this program provides a broad background and prepares students to work as a paralegal in the legal community, in government, or in business and industry. Classes are offered face-to-face at the Downtown Milwaukee Campus. Selected courses are available online and in blended/accelerated format. At least 9-credits of legal specialty (PLEGAL) courses must be taken via face-to-face instruction.
Although this is a growing profession, competition in the job market is keen. Paralegals are required to work under the supervision of an attorney to avoid the unauthorized practice of law. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
Additional program details: Important to your success is the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines. You should present a professional well-groomed appearance; typing skills and computer literacy are helpful.
For more information from the American Bar Association, see www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/
Related Programs
Post-Baccalaureate Legal Studies/Paralegal
This program is designed for students who already have a bachelor's degree with at least 18 credits in Liberal Arts courses. You will gain the foundation for a paralegal career in a law office, government agency, private organization or corporation. The program is approved by the American Bar Association.
Criminal Justice Studies
This program is designed to prepare you for employment in law enforcement at the state, local and federal levels, as well as in the field of private security. Successful completion of this program may qualify you to enroll in basic recruit training that leads to certification in Wisconsin.
Detailed Program Information
2021-22 Curriculum
| Course | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BADM-106 | MS Office for Business Applications | 3 |
| ECON-195 | Economics (or) Any 200-level ECON course |
3 |
| ENG-195 | Written Communication (or) ENG-201 English 1 ‡ |
3 |
| OFTECH-103 | Keyboard and Keypad | 1 |
| PLEGAL-101 | Introduction to Paralegalism | 3 |
| ACCTG-102 | Basic Office Accounting | 3 |
| BADM-165 | Legal Environment of Business | 3 |
| ENG-196 | Oral/Interpersonal Communication (or) Any 200-level ENG or SPEECH course |
3 |
| PLEGAL-103 | Legal Research ‡ | 3 |
| PLEGAL-123 | Corporate Practice Systems ‡ | 3 |
| PLEGAL-140 | Legal Interviewing/Investigation ‡ | 3 |
| MATH-123 | Math With Business Applications ‡ (or) Any 200-level MATH course |
3 |
| PLEGAL-105 | Civil Procedure ‡ | 3 |
| PLEGAL-107 | Legal Writing ‡ | 3 |
| PLEGAL-114 | Trusts and Estates – Probate Systems ‡ | 3 |
| PLEGAL-121 | Domestic Relations and Divorce Practice Systems ‡ | 3 |
| PSYCH-199 | Psychology of Human Relations (or) Any 200-level PSYCH course |
3 |
| GEOSCI-112 | Principles of Sustainability (or) Any 200-level BIOSCI, CHEM, GEOSCI or PHYS course |
3 |
| PLEGAL-111 | Litigation Practice Systems ‡ | 3 |
| PLEGAL-116 | Real Estate Law and Practice ‡ | 3 |
| PLEGAL-118 | Criminal Practice ‡ | 3 |
| SOCSCI-197 | SOCSCI-197 Contemporary American Society (or) Any 200-level SOCSCI course |
3 |
|
TOTAL CREDITS |
64 |
‡ Prerequisite required.
It is recommended that PLEGAL-103 be taken before PLEGAL-107, and that PLEGAL-105 be taken before PLEGAL-111.
Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.
This Associate in Applied Science program will transfer to one or more four-year institutions.
Current MATC students should consult their Academic Program Plan for specific curriculum requirements.
Search for available classes now (link) to see course descriptions, class times and locations.
Already a student? You can visit Self-Service (link) and choose Student Planning to register for classes.
Important Dates
Deadlines and important dates can be found on:
Cost & Aid Deadlines
Also, you can find dates and deadlines on the MATC Calendar
Program Outcomes
- Apply ethical principles in a legal environment
- Process legal documents
- Perform legal research
- Apply critical thinking skills to address legal issues
- Demonstrate professionalism in a legal environment
Career Outlook
The use of paralegals permits more efficient and cost-effective use of an attorney's time, and typical job duties include conducting client interviews, obtaining case information, performing legal research, preparing and filing legal documents and court papers, and providing general assistance to attorneys. Positions are also available in governmental agencies, legal departments of banks and other private organizations and companies.
Possible Careers
Corporation ParalegalGovernment Paralegal
Law Office Paralegal
Real Estate Paralegal
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Transfer of legal specialty coursework credit (PLEGAL designated courses) is accepted, subject to review by the Program Coordinator for course compatibility, only from ABA approved paralegal programs or from accredited law schools. Transfer is limited to a maximum of 15 credits.
Scholarships
Learn about scholarship opportunities here.
Learn about Scholarships available for this program here: https://matc.academicworks.com
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Accreditation
This program is approved by the American Bar Association, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654;
312-988-5616; www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/
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QUESTIONS?
Community & Human Services Academic & Career Pathway
414-570-4426, servepathway@matc.edu
Downtown Milwaukee Campus, T Building, Room T200
Mequon Campus, Room A108
Oak Creek Campus, Room A121
West Allis Campus, Room 103