Paralegal Certificate - Academic Plan
Paralegals play an important role in assisting attorneys to provide affordable legal services.
ACC's American Bar Association – approved Paralegal Program provides a solid foundation of knowledge and practical experience to prepare students for this profession. While paralegals may not practice law, they work under the supervision of attorneys in private law firms or businesses, as well as in many government agencies. Tasks performed by paralegals include interviewing, investigation, research, preparing legal forms, assisting attorneys in court and other activities.
Please contact the Paralegal Program Chair or Coordinator if you have questions about the academic requirements.
Prerequisites, Corequisites, and Recommendations
Where requirements are listed as course categories (e.g. Electives, Arts/Humanities) rather than as specific courses, please note that depending upon course choice, prerequisites may be required.
*Grade C or better required
Recommended Course Sequence (Full-Time Track)
Paralegal Elective - 3 credits
Paralegal Elective - 3 credits
Paralegal Elective - 3 credits
Notes
- Course availability is subject to change. Please consult the Paralegal Department for specific course planning information and official advising. Students should use DegreeCheck (available via myACC) to monitor progress toward completion. Spring starts will have a different course sequence recommendation. Please discuss course sequencing for different start times with the Paralegal Program.
- Paralegal Electives: Select three (3) courses from the following: PAR 1117 Family Law, PAR 1126 Administrative Law, PAR 1127 Legal Ethics, PAR 2202 Evidence, PAR 2205 Criminal Law, PAR 2207 Current Issues in the Law, PAR 2208 Probate and Estates, PAR 2216 Employment Law, PAR 2217 Environmental Law, PAR 2218 Bankruptcy Law, PAR 2219 E-Discovery and Litigation Technology, PAR 2227 Immigration Law, PAR 2228 Intellectual Property. Paralegal electives are offered on a rotating basis. Not all Paralegal electives are offered every semester. The pre-requisites for all Paralegal electives are PAR 1110 Legal Analysis and PAR 1115 Introduction to the Law.
- The Paralegal Program at ACC is ABA-approved and Paralegal course content is demanding and rigorous. The program strongly encourages that students take no more than four paralegal classes per semester.
- Students must apply for graduation; visit www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.
- Recommended courses may be listed above for certain electives; consult with the Academic Advising Office (advising [at] arapahoe [dot] edu or 303.797.5664) for additional elective recommendations.
- Refer to 2024/2025 catalog for specific requirements and important information about this certificate.