Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Designed for students in their final term in the Paralegal AAS Degree or Certificate Programs. Topics covered in this course include portfolio and writing sample creation, presentation and review. This course provides students with the opportunity to reflect upon and demonstrate their knowledge of ethics, legal principles, and the technical skills necessary for entry-level employment as a paralegal.

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

1. Discuss with specificity one's strengths in knowledge of the law and legal procedure.
2. Demonstrate interpersonal, written and oral communication skills necessary for the law office environment.
3. Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of basic legal principles necessary for an entry-level position in a law office.
4. Prepare and revise professional application materials and a career development or continuing education plan.

Students shall build confidence by identifying and describing what they have learned and develop the skills to communicate effectively about their knowledge.

Flexible dependent on needs of student population and preferred teaching style of instructor, but may include reading assignments; videos; lectures; guest speakers; small group projects and discussions; objective assessments; and preparation of a comprehensive reflection and portfolio.

Assessment strategies may include: written assignments; small group projects; preparation and presentation of reflection and portfolio; and other projects.

Themes, Concepts & Issues

Reflecting on learning and career readiness.

Demonstrating acquired skills and competencies.

Developing professional identity and confidence.

Assessing readiness for job searching and entry-level positions.

Lifelong learning.

Competencies & Skills

1. Discuss with specificity the one's strengths in knowledge of the law and legal procedure.
2. Demonstrate, through class and small group discussion, and presentation of the portfolio, the oral communication and interpersonal skills necessary for the law office environment.
3. Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of basic legal principles necessary for an entry-level position in a law office.
4. Demonstrate proficient grammar and written communication skills through work samples and a portfolio.
5. Prepare and revise a career development or continuing education plan, and professional application materials.

Approved Texts

Choice of texts is at the discretion of each course instructor.