The Paralegal Studies Program at Husson University offer tomorrow's professionals an array of research, reporting, and writing skills required in the modern legal environment. The programs' intensive training provides students with sound legal content, analytical skills, and communication competencies--making Husson grads attractive in the job market of one of the top ten fastest growing professions across the United States.
Since the introduction of paralegals to the legal industry in the
1960s, there has been considerable growth in the number of paralegals
in the profession. Law firms and independent practitioners have sought
ways to make the delivery of the legal system more efficient and cost
effective through the use of paralegals.
Paralegals find work
in all types of organizations, but most are employed by law firms,
corporate offices, and various governmental agencies.
The title
of paralegal is interchangeable with legal assistant and legal
secretary. These positions often involve the following tasks:
- Conducting client interviews and maintaining contact with clients
- Locate and interview witnesses
- Conduct investigations and statistical and documentary research
- Conduct legal research
- Draft legal documents and correspondence
- Analyze and summarize testimony, medical records and discovery documents
- Attend real estate closing, depositions, administrative court hearings, and execution of wills
- Assist lawyers in preparing for depositions, hearings, closings and trials.
Paralegals must also master the skills of
- Communicating effectively
- Demonstrating professionalism
- Using legal terminology correctly
- Working effectively with the courts
- Becoming proficient with computer technology, software and database
Three Avenues of PreparationParalegal Studies offer you three avenues of preparation for one of the fastest growing professions on today's job landscape. These are the Bachelor of Science degree program, the Associate of Science degree program, and the non-degree Certificate Program in Paralegal Studies.
Research ResourcesAn online resource that is available to Paralegal Studies students is access to
Westlaw, the most advanced and up-to-date way that lawyers research case law and statutes. Training in this manner of research as well as preparation in book based research is an integral part of the program.
Minors can also be obtained in conjunction with a B.S. Paralegal Studies degree in the areas of: Psychology, Behavioral Science, Natural Science, History, Biology, Accounting, Mathematics, English, or Hospitality Management.