“A legal assistant or 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.”
[Guidelines for the Approval of Paralegal Education Programs, American Bar Association Standing Committee on Paralegals, Effective September 1, 2008 at page 1]
The primary goal of the Legal Education Institute is the education of qualified individuals in the theory and philosophy of law and ethical responsibility under the supervision of attorneys. Further, “[a] legal assistant or 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.” [Guidelines for the Approval of Paralegal Education Programs, American Bar Association Standing Committee on Paralegals, Effective September 1, 2008 at page 3.]
The overall program goal is the educational training and development of students which fosters an understanding and appreciation of the law, ethical responsibilities and practical training which enhances personal and professional ability to adapt and grow with changes in the legal environment.
The goals established by the Legal Education Institute reflect the prevailing ethical and educational standards established by the American Bar Association to enhance the competent and effective delivery of legal services to all segments of society.
Program Objectives: The specific objectives of the Legal Education Institute including but are not limited to:
- To provide students with the training and skills necessary to become competent paraprofessionals in the legal field.
- To prepare students with the ability to conduct legal research utilizing traditional and technology-based tools and legal writing.
- To prepare students to draft documents and pleadings in a variety of legal settings.
- To provide students with an understanding of the legal system and the process of civil and criminal litigation as well as public and private law.
- To enable students with the tools to interview clients and witnesses and investigate cases.
- To develop students’ technology skills utilizing current litigation software packages and electronic discovery tools.
- To enhance the students understanding of his/her ethical responsibility and role under the supervision of attorneys.
- To provide students with the skills to assist in real property closings by preparing documents, drafting memos, interviewing clients, title search, liens, judgments and foreclosures.
- To provide students with a well rounded legal education which includes various legal topics, competency in legal technology, and preparation for graduation.
- To assist in all phases of litigation including interviewing, discovery, depositions, pleadings, trial notebook as well as hand-on training in a “War Room”.
- To teach students active listening and effective communication skills.
- To assist in all phases of a criminal law case, including interviewing and investigation, discovery and pretrial motions.
- To assist in all phases of a health law cases including review and development of medical malpractice case files, chronologies, negligence-based claims vicarious and strict liability.
- To develop an understanding of various types of corporate law cases such as copyright and patent law, bankruptcy, corporate filings, limited liability companies, chancery court and partnerships.