Paralegal Studies
Objectives
The Paralegal Program prepares students to work as paralegals (sometimes referred to as legal assistants). Graduates will be knowledgeable about and have expertise in the operation of the legal system, substantive laws, and legal procedures. Paralegals may perform functions delegated by an attorney, such as conducting interviews with clients and witnesses, conducting legal research, and drafting documents. Paralegals are typically employed by lawyers, law offices, corporations, or governmental agencies. (Paralegals may not perform attorney functions, such as providing legal advice or representing a client in court.)
This program is housed in the Department of Justice, Law and Public Safety Studies. It is offered in both a sixteen-week traditional format and in an eight-week accelerated format (for students 24 years and older). All Paralegal core courses offered at Lewis University include instruction in substantive law or legal procedures or processes, have been developed specifically for paralegals, and emphasize practical paralegal skills. All applicants are reviewed by the Program Director and Chair of the Department of Justice, Law, and Public Safety Studies.
Criteria Affecting Transfer Students
Students who transfer from an ABA (American Bar Association) approved school may be eligible for transfer credit for specific Lewis University paralegal course requirements (up to a maximum of 24 credit hours). Students who transfer from a non-ABA approved school may also be eligible for transfer credit for specific Lewis University paralegal course requirements (up to a maximum of 18 credit hours). All transfer credit for both ABA approved and non-ABA approved schools is premised upon the following:
- The paralegal courses were completed within seven years of the date credit is to be granted. Paralegal transfer credit for those students who have completed paralegal course work more than seven years before the date they apply to the Lewis University program will be evaluated on an individual basis.
- Course content is equivalent to the course(s) for which credit is being requested.
- With one exception, transfer credit will not be awarded for the following three courses, which must be taken at Lewis University:
- 90-301 Legal Research, Analysis, and Writing for Paralegals (3)
(This requirement will be waived for those students who have achieved a final grade of B or better in the second course of a two-course legal writing sequence. In this case, a maximum of three additional transfer credit hours may be applied to the Lewis University Paralegal Program.)
- 90-303 Ethics and Professional Responsibility for Paralegals (3)
- 90-401 Paralegal Capstone: Practicum (3).