The curriculum is designed to provide students with a “hands-on” approach to gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the functions of a paralegal while understanding the professional and ethical responsibilities of the position. Courses in computer software applications, office procedures, and law office management train the student for administrative responsibilities. General courses in oral communication, written communication, and social sciences serve to develop the student’s interpersonal skills, customer focus, and writing expertise. Finally, specialty courses in legal terminology, legal research and writing, civil litigation, and other areas of law such as probate, criminal and family law, allow students to tailor their educational experience to accommodate their interests.
Duties of the paralegal may include researching and analyzing a variety of legal sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, treaties, constitutions, and legal codes. Under the supervision of an attorney, a paralegal may prepare many of the following documents: briefs, pleadings, motions, contracts, initial and amended articles of incorporation, stock certificates and other securities, buy-sell agreements, deeds, closing papers and binders, and wills and trusts instruments. Additional functions may include filing documents, performing factual research, preparing affidavits, maintaining case files, inventorying real and personal property for estate planning, and interviewing clients and witnesses. With experience, a freelance paralegal could provide support on an “as-needed” basis, helping law firms meet deadlines on special projects.
To graduate, the student must achieve a minimum grade of “C” in all PAR classes.
~"I just wanted to let you know how I have been using my Paralegal Degree. I am happy to announce that I accepted a position with George E. Loucas Co., L.P.A in Independence. I started on January 3, 2005 handling about 80 cases for their foreclosure department. I also do a lot of work on the medical malpractice cases which are the bulk of what the Loucas' practice involves. They are the GREATEST people in the world. I never thought I would be so happy to come to work each day.
I want the faculty at Stautzenberger to know that I have heard many comments about my skills and education. In fact, my supervising attorney said that she has hired people from schools specializing only in Paralegal and I know more and have a broader range of skills than those individuals. I found that surprising and flattering, for both myself and Stautzenberger. I know that towards the end of my graduating class's journey, a lot of students spoke out about not being sure where the education/degree they were about to receive would take them. They also spoke of the fear of not being able to find a job. Those fears were quickly put to rest, at least in my case. In fact , this job was offered to me in the first five minutes of my first interview with Penny Loucas.
The foreclosure aspect of the practice was sort of a test run to see how lucrative handling these types of cases could be. Since I have been with them we have closed virtually all case referrals received prior to my starting with the firm. I was recently told by Mr. Loucas that they will be taking on more referrals and I will be the head Paralegal for this department. The bottom line is that what I learned took me farther in the last five months or so than I ever thought it could and I really appreciate and value the education I received."~
Jamie L. Shoup
GEORGE E. LOUCAS CO., L.P.A.