Transcript South Omaha Campus Connector Building

Paralegal Program – South Campus
Omaha, NE
What is a Paralegal?
The American Bar Association (ABA) definition of
a paralegal:
A paralegal is a person, qualified by education,
training or work experience who is employed or
retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation,
governmental agency or other entity and who
performs specifically delegated substantive legal
work for which a lawyer is responsible.
Where Do Paralegals Work?
Law Firms
Corporations
State & Federal
Government
Insurance Companies
Mortgage Departments
Social Security
Immigration Offices
Banks
Financial/Brokerage
Houses
Career Choice
The paralegal career is
exciting and challenging.
As a paralegal working in
a law firm, your work will
be delegated and
supervised by a licensed
attorney. The skills
developed will be in
demand, giving you an
opportunity to earn a
good salary.
Types of Legal Work
Attorneys will delegate
many tasks to paralegals.
Examples of these tasks
are preparation for
hearings, mediations,
trials, corporate mergers
and acquisitions, will
preparation, tax work,
and real estate closings.
In addition, you may draft
research memos,
pleadings, agreements,
and correspondence.
Unauthorized Practice of Law
Nebraska Statutes prohibit the
practice of law by non-lawyers
and provides criminal penalties
for those engaging in the
unauthorized practice of law.
The practice of law is generally
held to include accepting a
client, setting a legal fee,
giving legal advice, and
representing a client in court.
Outside of these restrictions,
paralegals may perform legal
tasks as properly delegated
and supervised by licensed
attorneys, or as may be
permitted by law.
Accreditation
MCC is accredited by the
Higher Learning
Commission (formerly
North Central Association
of Colleges and Schools.)
The MCC paralegal
program is approved by
the American Bar
Association.
Elkhorn Campus of MCC
Paralegal Studies
What is Paralegal
Studies (LAWS)?
This is an introduction
to legal ideas, legal
institutions and legal
processes to help you
decide what career
path interests you.
This coursework may
inspire you to be
paralegal, a criminal
justice student or
other legal advocate.
Paralegal Program History
1987 - Program Began
1989 - First graduated
class
1990 - American Bar
Association (ABA)
approval
ABA reapproval
subsequently obtained
Member of American
Association for Paralegal
Education (AAfPE)
Program Strengths
Courses are taught by
licensed attorneys and
experience paralegals in
good standing in
Nebraska. Courses are
geared to projects and
hands-on experience.
Internship program
provides corporate and
law office environment as
real-life practicum.
Main MCC Campus at Fort Omaha
Paralegal Faculty
The faculty have
longevity with MCC
Our faculty come with
first-hand legal
experience
Our faculty are
dedicated to providing
the best educational
experience
Paralegal Program Director
Jo V. Wandel
Department Head since
2008
24 years private practice
JD – Creighton Law
School
BA Sociology – College
of St. Mary
Graduate Studies at UNO
and Iowa State
Certified Federal and
Family Law Mediator
Faculty
The strength of the MCC Paralegal Program lies in its
faculty. Their dedication goes to the heart of the
program.
There are about 10-12 local attorneys and paralegals
who teach regularly sharing their expertise in the varied
courses.
Adjunct Instructors
Many adjunct faculty
members have
separate law
practices and teach in
our evening courses.
Their hands-on
teaching techniques
are valuable
experiences for
graduates.
Faculty and Students
Paralegal Advisory Committee
The advisory committee
plays a critical role in
planning and revising the
curriculum to reflect
changes and
advancement in
technology and job
requirements.
This committee meets
twice a year and is a vital
link between the legal
community and
Metropolitan Community
College
Paralegal Advisory Committee
The Paralegal Advisory
Committee consists of
attorneys, paralegals,
law office administrators,
representatives from the
general public and
student members.
Advisory Committee
members are listed at
http://www.mccneb.edu/
______________
Paralegal Degrees
MCC offers an
Associate Degree in
Paralegal Studies,
which may be earned
in 2 years.
Students with a
bachelor’s degree
may earn a Certificate
of Paralegal Studies.
Is the legal field for You?
To be successful you need:

Critical thinking skills

Oral and written communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Computer technology skills
Paralegal Program
No Bachelor Degree?
Curriculum for paralegal students without
a bachelor’s degree, click on
http://www.mccneb.edu/catalog/programs/t
ransform.asp?program=LSPAO
There is a suggested class schedule for
students wishing to attain an associate’s
degree.
Paralegal Program
Do you have a Baccalaurate
Degree?
To earn an accelerated certificate in
paralegal studies, click on
http://www.mccneb.edu/catalog/programs/transform.asp
?program=LSACC
The suggested class schedule provides a
guide to acquire the accelerated
certificate.
Transfer Agreements
The MCC Paralegal
Associate Degree may
transfer to the College of
St. Mary toward credit of
its four-year degree
program.
Bellevue University
accepts MCC pre-law
credit hours toward its
four-year degree in prelaw.
Career Education Requirement
The Bureau of Labor
Statistics lists the
Associate Degree as
the most significant
source of education
or training for the
paralegal career field,
but with over 40%
listed as having a
college degree or
higher.
Career Future Projection
The Bureau of Labor
Statistics (BLS) projects
2006 – 2016 growth to be
at 22%, greater than all
other occupations. This
trend has continued for a
decade, but is slowing
due to the number of
individuals entering into
career field. This career
emphasizes the need for
verbal skills.
NePA
Nebraska Paralegal Association
NePA promotes the paralegal
profession and provides legal
education. Students enrolled
in the MCC’s program are
encouraged to join as student
members.
NePA holds monthly luncheon
meetings with speakers who
address legal issues.
NePA provides an annual
scholarship to paralegal
student.
Certified Paralegal
Preparation Course
After receiving your Associate Degree, you are
eligible to participate in the CLA/CP Review
Course offered at MCC.
The CLA/CP program is recognized nationally as
the competency standard for exceptional
paralegals.
Having this credential identifies one as being
capable of providing quality legal services.
Certified Paralegal Preparation
Course
To be eligible for the CLA/CP exam, a
paralegal must meet one of these criteria:
*Graduation from an ABA approved paralegal program
*Graduate of an associate degree program
*Post Baccalaureate certificate in paralegal studies
*Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies.
Graduate Recognition
To graduates who acquire the
CLA/CP designation, a special
recognition and pinning
ceremony is held in
conjunction with the Nebraska
Paralegal Association.
Local Job Placement
Jobs continue to be
available for those
excelling in course
work. Those
graduates who have
worked hard and
have received good
grades are rewarded
with unique jobs and
competitive salaries.
Make the Decision Today to join
the Paralegal Career
Admissions and
Registration Center
Services
Call with questions at
402- 457-2400.
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Campus City Bus Stops
South Omaha Food Court
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Connector Building
Discussion points
Testimonials of Paralegal on specific
Paralegal web site
Testimonial of attorney using intern or
graduate
Testimonial of campus convenience
because of locations and services
MAT bus services