Capstone Information for Students

Completing the Paralegal Capstone

Your Capstone project will demonstrate that you have satisfied some of the PCC Paralegal Program Learning Outcomes. Your Reflection Essay, due at the end of the term and separately from your Capstone, will demonstrate that you have satisfied the other PCC Paralegal Program Learning Outcomes. These instructions cover your Capstone project only. The Reflection Essay has its own set of instructions that you should review at the beginning of the class. You are expected to work on both the Capstone and the Reflection Essay throughout the term.

What is a capstone?

This capstone is an electronic and oral presentation of your work that displays and reflects upon what you have learned in the Paralegal Program. A capstone is your demonstration that you have attained sufficient knowledge in all of the Paralegal Program Learning Outcomes to show entry-level competence in each. 

The capstone should demonstrate your ability to produce well-formatted professional work in electronic form. The capstone should be well-organized and helpful to your capstone reviewers, some of whom are busy attorneys and paralegals donating their time to the program. Your capstone should be as easy to review and understand as possible – including a table of contents, page numbers, bookmarks and other tools to help navigate your document.

Your capstone will consist of a ten-page-or-less writing sample, a memo explaining the writing sample, and a cover letter and resume. Using this Capstone, along with your Reflection Essay (due at the end of the term), you will demonstrate your competence in the program outcomes. 

Your capstone will be reviewed by a legal professional and you will have an informational interview with that legal professional at the end of the term. These instructions explain how to complete this assignment.

Materials that must be included in the capstone

1. Title Page
2. Table of Contents
3. Cover Letter
4. Resume
5. Memorandum Explaining Writing Sample
6. Writing Sample of ten pages or less

Using the Capstone to demonstrate entry-level competence in the program outcomes. 

Program outcomes set the standard for what you will be expected to be able to do as an entry-level paralegal. The program needs to know that your education, along with your experiences influenced by your studies, has resulted in your competence in these areas. You also want to know what you can do. Your Capstone will display your competency in the following program outcomes through your writing sample, your memo explaining your writing sample, and your resume and cover letter:

Outcome 2

Demonstrate basic principles of legal analysis and apply critical thinking skills. (e.g., integrate and synthesize concepts, generate options, and make logical and rational decisions).

Outcome 6 

Compose cogent, well-organized, and plain English legal documents satisfying at least one set of local & specific practice area rules and customs.

Outcome 7

Communicate effectively in writing.

Outcome 8 

Conduct efficient legal research.

Your writing sample should be the primary document you use to demonstrate competency in these four outcomes, though you will also discuss each of these outcome areas in your memo explaining your writing sample. Please follow the instructions below in completing your writing sample.

Writing Sample

Your writing sample should be a substantive legal document that demonstrates your analytical, critical thinking, legal research and writing skills, both in compliance with legal writing standards, and the standards of proper English. Your Writing Sample must be ten pages or less.  

This document can be of any type, including:

• Letters
  • Client letters
  • Demand letters
  • Letters to opposing counsel/parties
  • Emails to members of the legal team
• Pleadings
• Factual Memoranda
• Objective Memoranda of Law
• Motions and Supporting Materials
• Petitions
• Other Course Projects *
  • Presentations
  • Analytic research papers

*if you plan on using an “other course project,” you must let me know as soon as possible and explain why this document is superior to all others that you have completed.

Typically, your document should be selected from projects and activities in paralegal courses, but you can use material from jobs, internships, and other experiences, provided you receive the proper permissions and satisfy all ethical duties. As you review your work throughout the Paralegal Program, identify a writing sample that satisfies these basic requirements:

• the document is work that you did and are capable of doing;
• the document includes content that is accurate;
• the document is work that illustrates your ability to conduct legal analysis, synthesize and clearly explain the law relevant to a legal issue, e.g., integrate and synthesize concepts, generate options, and make logical and rational decisions.
• the document demonstrates your ability to compose cogent, well-organized, and plain language legal documents satisfying at least one set of local & specific practice area rules and customs (including proper citation).
• the document shows your skill in communicating effectively in writing;
• the document demonstrates your ability to conduct efficient legal research; and
• the document is ten pages or less.

Memorandum Explaining Writing Sample

Your memo explaining your writing sample, you will explain how your writing sample demonstrates entry-level competence in each of the four outcome areas (critical thinking and legal analysis; creating proper legal documents; communicating effectively in writing; and conducting efficient legal research). For each outcome, your memo explaining your writing sample should discuss your reflection upon whether and how you achieved proficiency. Assuming you have achieved proficiency, describe how you did so. If you do not think you are proficient in an area right now, describe your plan to become proficient. In addition, your memo explaining your writing sample should explain everything a reader needs to know to understand and evaluate your writing sample. 

Application Materials

Cover Letter 

A cover letter is like a calling card. It explains to your reader why they should be interested in talking to you further, and does so in impeccable format and writing. For this project, you will draft a resume and cover letter as if you are applying for your dream position following graduation from the Paralegal Program. 

The cover letter should include the following: 

• your name, address (use the same header/letterhead as you use for your resume), followed by the date on its own line following a blank line, followed by the name and title of the person to whom you are writing, the company or organization, and the relevant greeting (Dear Ms. Smith:) You should also include a notation of how you will send the letter. If you plan to send via email, indicate that and the email address to which it will be sent. Here is who it should look like.

LETTERHEAD (this is something you make that provides your name and contact information in a visually appealing and professional manner.)

June 17, 2024

Inside Address (this is a single spaced address of who you are writing)

Via email only to james@earthrise.org

• a first paragraph of the cover letter that explains why you are writing and indicates how you found out about the available position other than a job posting. For example, “I am writing to apply for the position of paralegal with your firm,” or “We met last month at the paralegal conference and I am following up on my interest to obtain a paralegal position in your law firm;” 
• one or two other paragraphs where you highlight and discuss your qualifications, achievements and experience. Summarize your experience rather than repeat what already is in the resume;
• a paragraph why your qualifications and experience are a good fit with the company and what you can contribute to that company; 
• a final paragraph explaining that you’d like to hear from your reader and how to contact you and thanking the employer for considering your application; and
• a closing and signature line with an actual signature.*

*You cannot simply type your name. Your signature must appear. You can do so with an electronic signature (a signature that you have created an image of – you can easily find how to do this via google – the instructions are different for each type of computer and program). Here is an example of what that should look like: 

Sincerely,

Signature

Resume

You may have another, or many other, resumes.This particular resume must be prepared in compliance with the following guidelines that will constitute the major part of your grade on this assignment:

• Tailor your resume. Your resume should always be tailored to the employer that you are applying to, focusing on the education and experience relevant to that employer. This resume should be tailored to the employer you are writing to in your cover letter. 
• Ensure that your resume is error free.
• Create a one page resume. Most paralegal employers are quickly looking at many resumes. The employer will likely not take the time to look at your second page, and might be turned off by your presumption that your background requires more than one page. This is because a single page, that is, one side of a piece of paper/one page of a pdf, is the industry standard.
• Use the letterhead you created for your letter on your resume. 
• Use plain, letter-size paper, and more common computer fonts, such as 12-point Times New Roman or Ariel. Don’t use color, pictures, or fonts smaller than 11 pt. 
• Use the same font throughout that is compatible with your letterhead.
• Include contact information, education, and experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first). 

Capstone Informational Interview & Evaluation by a Legal Professional

Your capstone will be reviewed by at least one legal professional, who will also meet with you. The volunteer professionals are usually program faculty, PCC staff, members of the Program Advisory Counsel, and alumni of the program. Professionals review the capstone using the Capstone Scoring Rubric included below. If the student scores in the “Fails to demonstrate proficiency at entry-level” range (0 – 8 points on the rubric), the legal professional may ask follow-up questions, or may request changes to the capstone that the student must work with the PL 295 instructor to accomplish before the student can receive a degree or certificate from the program.

Steps in the process: You will contact a legal professional assigned to you to schedule your Capstone Interview. You will also provide a copy of your Capstone to the Reviewer at least two days before your scheduled meeting. On the day of your scheduled interview, you will attend the interview (in person or virtually at your interviewer’s preference if possible), which will be similar to a mock interview or an informational interview, to discuss your capstone with the reviewer.  Come prepared with your own questions for the interviewer (i.e. questions about their speciality area or their career, how they utilize paralegals in their office, what they value in an entry-level paralegal, any tips or advice they wish to share, etc.)

Consider the following prompts as you prepare for the interview. You don’t have to answer any or all of the questions, but the questions can help you reflect on your learning and your preparedness for the profession. They can also help prepare for questions you might be asked of you in the interview.

• What are your strengths and weaknesses as a new paralegal? 
• What course, or work or internship experience was the hardest for you? Why?
• Of what project completed in the program, or work or internship experience are you most proud.
• If you were to take the program again, would you do anything differently? Why?
• Identify the three most important lessons you learned in the program. How did you learn them? How will those lessons contribute to your success in your chosen profession?
• Have you learned something you didn’t think you could learn? What? How did you feel once you had learned it?

Frequently Asked Questions

How will I present my capstone?

You will be assigned a legal professional to contact to schedule your capstone interview. You will meet with the legal professional, who will review your capstone and meet with you to discuss it. While no formal presentation is required, students should be prepared to present the information in their capstones.

How does the capstone process work?

Students will turn in draft documents early in the PL 295 course. Students will receive feedback on the draft and use that feedback to improve. Students will turn in the final several weeks before the last class. The instructor will grade the capstone.

Why is a capstone required?

The project has three purposes: 1) to produce a body of work that reflects what the student has learned in the Paralegal program; 2) to evaluate the quality of Paralegal courses, instructors and general implementation of the program’s objectives based on student performance in the Capstone, and 3) to highlight student achievement in a way that can be reviewed by any person, including a potential employer.

When is the capstone required?

Completing the capstone is a required component of PL 295 – Paralegal Capstone. Student work on the capstone starts as soon as the student enters the Paralegal program, though, because students can choose the material to be used in the capstone from all available sources. At the end of every term, students should critically evaluate the work they completed during the term to decide whether any of the work will be useful for the capstone as potential writing samples. Students are also encouraged to revise their work based on feedback provided by the course instructor EVEN WHEN NOT REQUIRED BY THE COURSE. Revision is both an excellent learning opportunity, and an opportunity to prepare the material to be included in the capstone.

How is the capstone produced?

Students will turn in a single PDF containing everything needed to review the capstone. The title page, cover letter, resume, writing sample, and explanatory memorandum will be contained within the single PDF.

How is the capstone evaluated?

The PL 295 instructor assigns a numeric or letter grade to the capstone. That grade is used in calculating the student’s final grade for the PL 295 course. A legal professional reviews the student’s capstone to determine if the capstone demonstrates minimum competence in the program outcomes.

What types of tasks indicate competence for each outcome? 

Outcome 2

Demonstrate basic principles of legal analysis and apply critical thinking skills. (e.g., integrate and synthesize concepts, generate options, and make logical and rational decisions).

• Read, evaluate, and analyze legal authorities to determine applicable legal rules.
• Apply legal rules to fact scenarios.
• Analyze a problem, formulate and evaluate alternative solutions, and construct written evaluations of those solutions.
• Apply rules of English grammar and principles of writing to written tasks.
• Write in a style that conveys legal theory in clear and concise language.
• Apply effective legal writing techniques targeted to specific audiences. 

Outcome 6 

Compose cogent, well-organized, and plain English legal documents satisfying at least one set of local & specific practice area rules and customs.

• Assist attorneys with pleadings and legal documents by writing drafts of documents or sections of documents that will be used in litigation
• Prepare, file and arrange to serve subpoenas and other notice documents
• Prepare wills and trusts
• Use formats appropriate to the legal office
• Prepare stock certificates and appropriate transfer documents
• Prepare closing documents
• Prepare cover letters

Outcome 7

Communicate effectively in writing.

• Communicate with attorneys, colleagues, clients, opposing counsel, third parties and the courts/administrative agencies about legal matters, including logistical, procedural and substantive matters
• Provide experts with necessary documents and information to elicit their opinion within the requirements of court rules for expert testimony
• Draft client letters
• Draft letters to opposing counsel
• Prepare CVs and cover letters
• Complete forms
• Draft objective legal memoranda
• Draft persuasive legal memoranda

Outcome 8 

Conduct efficient legal research.

• Locate specific or relevant federal and state case law, statutory law, and regulations and administrative materials
• Determine best authority, primary and secondary sources, validate research for accuracy, apply legal research to client’s particular matter
• Develop, construct, plan and execute a legal research strategy
• Properly cite the Bluebook as amended and supplemented by the Oregon Appellate Style Manual to direct readers to legal research materials

Grading

The capstone is graded as the primary written assignment in the PL 295 course. The instructor will grade the Capstone on completeness, organization, neatness, compliance with the instructions, and other criteria established by the instructor. These criteria include:

1. the quality of the student’s explanatory memorandum, specifically (a) whether the student has adequately addressed analytic, critical thinking, and legal research and writing skills, (b) whether the student has adequately explained how the writing sample demonstrates the student’s learning in each of those areas, and (c) how well the memo explains the content of the writing sample so that the reader has the necessary context to understand it, and
2. the quality of the student’s writing sample, cover letter and resume.

Following the assignment of a grade by the instructor, the following rubric will be used by the reviewing legal professional to evaluate the Capstone: 

Capstone Legal Professional Score Sheet

Student Name: _______________________________ Date: _________

Reviewer Name: _______________________________ Date: _________

Criteria

Points Awarded (1-3 points possible in each category):

Extent to which the Capstone demonstrates basic principles of legal analysis and applies critical thinking skills. (e.g., integrate and synthesize concepts, generate options, and make logical and rational decisions).

_________/3

Extent to which the student has composed a cogent, well-organized, and plain language legal document satisfying at least one set of local & specific practice area rules and customs.

_________/3

Extent to which the student can communicate effectively in writing.

_________/3

Extent to which the Capstone demonstrates the student’s ability to conduct efficient legal research.

_________/3

TOTAL:__________/12

*A score of 0-7 fails to meet expectations; a score of 8-10 meets expectations; a score of 11+ exceeds expectations. Any score of 8 or above is satisfactory.

Capstone Legal Professional Scoring Rubric ­­­­­­­­­­­­­

Criteria	Score Based on Capstone and Interview
	Exceeds Expectations (3)	Demonstrates Entry-Level Proficiency (2)	Fails to Demonstrate Proficiency at Entry-Level (1)
Demonstrates basic principles of legal analysis and applies critical thinking skills.	Identifies and reasonably states the issue. Analyzes the issue and provides clear context, including the influence of the context. Usually states assumptions for reader. Takes a position drawing support from the law. Analogous reasoning used where possible.  If an objective memorandum, approaches issue from a neutral, unbiased and disinterested perspective, and favoring neither a positive nor a negative conclusion until all of the relevant law and facts have been considered. If a persuasive document, crafts compelling arguments.	Identifies the areas of law relevant to issues in a factual scenario. Identifies levels and jurisdictions of authority mostly accurately with some detail. The analysis demonstrates the ability to perceive some important legal and factual issues, though the analysis may omit some important legal and factual issues. If an objective memo, approaches the problem from a neutral perspective. If a persuasive document, focuses on positive arguments for client. Reasons to a conclusion supported by the facts and law.	Identifies the areas of law relevant to issues in a factual scenario, but understanding is limited and analysis contains few details. May not be able to locate relevant legal authority, and recitation of the law may be missing or flawed. Demonstrates difficulty with reasoning to a rational conclusion and may include either irrelevant or conclusory statements of law and fact for support.
Demonstrates the ability to conduct efficient legal research.	Student correctly identifies binding precedent, using the strongest possible precedents in analysis. Student demonstrates the ability to locate governing legal authority and interpret an object of the law – a statement, rule, decision or action – accurately and in significant detail.	Student largely identifies binding precedent and uses persuasive authority effectively. Student successfully identifies the governing rule and interprets an object of the law – a statement, rule, decision or action – mostly accurately and with the detail necessary to understand the object.	Student identifies the correct jurisdiction for the issue, but may fail to identify binding precedent, at times relying on out-of-jurisdiction law. Student has trouble stating the governing rule of law and interpretations of object of law are vague.
Demonstrates the ability to compose cogent, well-organized, and plain language legal documents satisfying at least one set of local & specific practice area rules and customs.	Legal document reflects clear organization of ideas and typically accepted legal writing form and style. Plain language is evident and  effectively communicates ideas. The document conforms to the relevant rules and customs.	Legal document reflects basic organization of ideas. Legal writing form and style may be tentative, but are basically appropriate. Student uses plain language, though may slip into legalese occasionally. The document conforms to relevant rules and customs with some exceptions.	Legal document reflects lack of organization of ideas. Legal writing form and style are tentative or inappropriate. Student uses legalese rather than plain language. The document fails to conform to relevant rules and customs.
Demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively in writing.	Communicates appropriately, taking into consideration audience, purpose, professional etiquette and tone of communication. Demonstrates ability to express ideas with accuracy, clarity and economy.	Communicates appropriately, taking into consideration audience, purpose, professional etiquette and tone of communication. Writing mostly expresses ideas with accuracy, clarity and economy. Transitions connect ideas, but may be mechanical. Format is appropriate, though at times inconsistent.  Language communicates ideas, with errors that do not interfere with understanding.  There may be some problems with more difficult aspects of grammar, style and voice.	Communication is not appropriate for a legal audience. The purpose of the writing is unclear, or lacks professional etiquette. Paragraphs are not well developed, and few details/examples are offered.  Grammar & typographic errors interfere with understanding.