The Paralegal Studies Program, approved by the American Bar Association, offers students a balanced and varied background in theoretical and practical aspects of law, which are necessary for work as a paralegal. Over 50% of our graduates go on to work as paralegals or continue onto law school. The minor in Paralegal Studies provides a solid foundation for students aspiring to work in the legal field, go to law school or graduate school. It also develops intellectual and analytical skills, educates students for direct employment opportunities in the paralegal field, and provides additional career possibilities in combination with other majors/minors. The Montclair State University Paralegal Studies Program was the first program in New Jersey to receive American Bar Association approval. ParalegalEDU.org named Montclair State University’s Department of Justice Studies as the #1 pick in New Jersey for paralegal students interested in a paralegal studies.
Paralegals (sometimes referred to as legal assistants or legal analysts) work under the supervision of an attorney, in a variety of areas ranging from real estate, litigation and family law to intellectual property, estate and criminal practice.
This is a 21-credit minor with a requirement of a 2.75 overall GPA, and a minimum 2.75 minor GPA.
With the exception of giving legal advice, making court appearances and setting fees, a paralegal may carry out many tasks. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
Program Requirements
Complete with a minimum 2.75 GPA:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PALG 210 | Law and Litigation | 3 |
| PALG 312 | Research and Writing for Paralegals | 3 |
| PALG 497 | Paralegal Seminar and Internship | 3 |
| or PALG 498 | Cooperative Education: Paralegal Studies | |
| Select 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
Select 3-12 credits from the following: | ||
| Real Estate Law | ||
| Contract Law | ||
| Fundamentals of Patent, Trademark and Copyright Law | ||
| Wills, Trusts and Probate Law | ||
| Family Law | ||
| Corporations and Partnerships | ||
Select 0-9 credits from the following: | ||
| Criminal Law and Procedure | ||
| Immigration Law | ||
| Negotiation, Mediation and Arbitration | ||
| Evidence | ||
| Computer-Assisted Research in the Legal Environment | ||
| Bankruptcy Law | ||
| Administrative Law and Procedure | ||
| Personal Injury Law | ||
| Computer Applications in the Legal Environment | ||
| Employment Law | ||
| Independent Study in Paralegal Studies | ||
| Special Topics in Paralegal Studies | ||
| Advanced Patent, Trademark and Copyright Law | ||
| Consumer Law | ||
| Elder Law | ||
| Civil Trial Preparation | ||
| Entertainment Law | ||
| Trademark Law | ||
| Criminal Trial Preparation | ||
| Law Office Management and Technology | ||
Select 0-3 credits from the following: | ||
| Juries and Justice | ||
| Rights, Liberties and American Justice | ||
| Skills for Bilingual Legal Personnel | ||
| Law in Society: Criminal Law | ||
| Total Credits | 21 | |