Legal Studies/Paralegal

Paralegal image

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 through synchronous 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.

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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/

MATC's Legal Studies/Paralegal program was named "Best Paralegal Program in the Midwest" by readers of the Wisconsin Law Journal. 

 

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Post-Baccalaureate Legal Studies/Paralegal

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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

2023-24 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.

2023-24 Program Cards

View/print pdf (link)

Important Dates

Deadlines and important dates can be found on:
Cost & Aid Deadlines

Also, you can find dates and deadlines on the MATC Events 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 Paralegal
Government 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

Accreditation

This program is approved by the American Bar Association, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654; 800-285-2221;
www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/

 

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP? 

Use the buttons below to get more information, visit the college or apply now. 

Request Info    Visit Us    Apply Now

 

QUESTIONS?

Community & Human Services Academic & Career Pathway
414-570-4426
servepathway@matc.edu

 

Last updated: 08/25/2023