Paralegal (PAD)
Type: Career, Degree (AS)
Open Admissions
Division: Career & Technical Education and Business
Paralegals are qualified through education and training to perform substantive legal work under the supervision of an attorney. The objective of the Paralegal Program is to provide high quality paralegal education combining legal theory and practice to enable students to achieve professional competence and to contribute to the advancement of the profession. The study of legal ethics, including the prohibition against the unauthorized practice of law by lay-persons, is an integral part of the curriculum. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. Students are prepared to assist attorneys in investigating facts, researching legal issues, drafting legal documents and correspondence, and preparing for trial.
The paralegal occupation is one of the fastest growing in America today. Paralegals are employed in law firms, federal, state, and municipal government, banks, insurance companies, corporate legal departments and business entities, and other public and private enterprises. The Paralegal program is offered at the Danvers Campus. Courses are also scheduled Evening/Weekend and Summer Sessions. Evening/weekend students should refer to Program Requirements in the College Catalog. The Paralegal Program is approved by the American Bar Association.
If you have questions related to program admissions or applications, please contact info@northshore.edu or call 978-762-4188.
If you have program advising related questions, please contact paralegal@northshore.edu or call 781-477-2215.
First Year
Fall
| CMP101 | Composition 1 | 3 |
| PLG101 | Introduction to Law and Paralegal Practice | 3 |
| PLG102 | Legal Research | 3 |
| PLG104 | Basic Criminal Law and Procedure | 3 |
| | |
| PLS104 | State and Local Government in America | 3 |
| OR | |
SS-ELECTIVE
| Social Science Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Spring
CMP102-150
| Composition 2 Elective | 3 |
| CPS100 | Information Technology and Its Applications | 3 |
| PLG106 | Legal Writing | 3 |
| PLG202 | Litigation | 3 |
| | |
| ACC101 | Basic Accounting 1 | 3 |
| OR | |
| ACC108 | Financial Accounting | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Second Year
Fall
| BUS102 | Business Law | 3 |
HUM-ELECTIVE
| Humanities Elective | 3 |
LIT202-216
| Advanced Literature Elective | 3 |
| PLG108 | Real Estate Law | 3 |
| PLG201 | Estates and Trusts | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Spring
OPN-ELECTIVE
| Open Elective | 3 |
| PLG203 | Business Organizations | 3 |
| PLG204 | Family Law | 3 |
| PLG206 | Field Placement for Paralegals | 3 |
| | |
| SPE102 | Speech | 3 |
| OR | |
| SPE104 | Small Group Communication | 3 |
| | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Requirement Notes
CPS100: May be fulfilled by challenge exam and 3 liberal arts elective credits.
Program Information
Communication and Mathematics proficiency required to graduate.
See guided pathway sheets for advising information specific to your area of focus.
Total Credit Hours: 60
Program Student Learner Outcomes
- Demonstrate ability to think critically, reason abstractly, use oral and written language effectively
- Display knowledge of legal theory, practice, and ethics
- Develop the organizational and interpersonal skills necessary to work as part of a legal team
- Demonstrate computer literacy
Occupational Skills Required
- Using computers and computer systems
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Interpersonal communication
- Critical thinking
Experiential Learning Required in Program
Most Common Linked Occupation Title – Associate’s or Less
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Average Annual Growth (10-Year Projection)
- US - 1.40%
- Boston MSA – 1.40%
- Essex County – 1.20%
- Boston MSA Average Entry-Level Wages (2016) – $34,700
- Boston MSA Median Wages (2016) – $53,300