MCCCD Official Course Competencies:

LAS100  20066-99999

The Paralegal Profession

1.

Describe the historical development of the paralegal profession. (I, V)

2.

Compare and contrast the different professional paralegal organizations at the local, state, and national level. (I, II)

3.

Compare the titles used to describe paralegal responsibilities. (II)

4.

Explain the differences in the roles and responsibilities of certified document preparers and paralegals in Arizona. (II)

5.

Describe the types of paralegal regulation. (III)

6.

Describe the scope of work a paralegal may perform and explain the issue of "unauthorized practice of law." (II, III, IV, VI)

7.

Explain the importance of systems, forms, and checklists in paralegal employment. (V, VI)

8.

Describe the types of paralegal employment, including paralegal specialties. (VI, VII)

9.

Identify potential areas of employment in both the public and private sectors. (VI, VII)

10.

Identify critical communication skills when working in the legal area. (VI, VII)

11.

Demonstrate the ability to research a lawyer, law firm, and public agency prior to attending an interview for a paralegal position. (VI, VII)

12.

Describe job hunting strategies. (VII)

13.

Prepare a resume for a paralegal position. (VII)

14.

Demonstrate the ability to prepare for and participate in an interview for a paralegal position. (VII)

MCCCD Official Course Outline:

LAS100  20066-99999

The Paralegal Profession

I. Historical Development of the Paralegal Profession

A. Genesis of the profession

B. Paralegal organizations

C. Certification exams

II. Definition of Paralegal

A. Different titles

1. Paralegals

2. Legal Assistants

3. Document Preparers

B. Different Arizona roles and responsibilities

1. Paralegals

2. Document Preparers

III. Regulation of Paralegals

A. Types of regulations

B. Bar Associations and their roles

C. Overtime/exempt issues

D. Unauthorized practice of law statutes

IV. Role of the Paralegal

A. Ethics/professional responsibilities

B. Ethical standards of national paralegal organizations

C. Conflicts, privilege, and confidentiality

V. Paralegal Education

A. Types of programs

B. Approval process

C. Educational trends

VI. Role of the Paralegal in the Legal System-Workplace

A. Organizational systems and research tools

B. Legal documents and forms

C. Checklists

D. Working with attorneys and other legal staff

VII. Job Hunting Strategies

A. Public sector

B. Private sector

C. Resume preparation

D. Job interview