Work in a Law Firm or Corporation or Pursue Law School
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Paralegal Studies
The region's only ABA approved three and four-year paralegal programs, College of Saint Mary's three andfour-year bachelor of arts degree in paralegal studies prepares you for work in law offices, government agencies and corporate legal departments. What you learn also serves as a pre-law track, providing excellent preparation for the law school entrance exam. Law firms and departments in other businesses welcome our paralegal studies graduates because they know you will hit the ground running with research and writing skills and a depth of knowledge of the law that is second to none. All courses are taught by attorneys.
During your senior year, you will complete a semester-long internship in a law firm, a corporate legal department, government agency or non-profit legal services organization.
What you learn in our program will prepare you to work under the supervision of an attorney in crafting legal documents, researching legal precedent, preparing for trial and directing and coordinating law office activity. Should you choose to work in a business, the job options open to you with this degree include contract analyst, quality assurance officer, software compliance manager, legal brief reviewer and more.
Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
All students at College of Saint Mary enrolled in paralegal programs must complete a minimum of nine (9) semester credits or their equivalent in legal specialty courses, which can be fulfilled through synchronous instruction methods, including face-to-face class meetings or remote-synchronous classes like Zoom.
Required Courses in Your Major
Intro to Paralegal Studies
This survey course discusses the legal environment, law office procedures, legal ethics including confidentiality, avoiding unauthorized practice of law, professional responsibilities of the paralegal, interpreting statutes, employment opportunities, salary surveys, regulations and other sources of law.
The Legal Environment
This survey course considers the different substantive areas of the law: the history of the American legal system; a general overview of the type of law applicable to the legal assistant; an introduction to basic legal principles including the judicial system and more.
Legal Research and Writing
This course emphasizes the basics of legal research methods and good written communication, with an emphasis on precise writing. The course uses a case-study approach for developing organizational, legal style and analytical skills.
Legal Research and Writing II
A continuation of Legal Research and Writing (LAW 200).
Law Office Administration and Technology
This course includes a study of administrative systems, file management, docket control, retrieval, time keeping, billing, accounting dictation, word processing, types of legal fees and their handling and the role of the attorney, paralegal, legal administrator and legal secretary in a law office.
Litigation I
This course is an introduction to the civil litigation process, with emphasis on the practice associated with a civil action. Topics covered include: civil procedure, preparation and use of pleadings, discovery, evidence, client interviewing and investigative techniques.
Litigation II
This course is a continuation of Litigation I (LAW 230) with an emphasis on the functions of a paralegal in trial preparation and pretrial and trial procedures including the gathering and organizing of materials, investigating, interviewing, appellate procedures, preparation of the trial notebook and assisting during and after a trial.
Torts
This course is an introduction and overview of intentional torts, negligence, strict liability, product liability, professional negligence, worker’s compensation, medical malpractice and their defenses.
Advanced Business Law
This course emphasizes the practice related to formation and operation of sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability corporations, limited liability partnerships and corporations.
Estates, Trust, and Tax Law
This course includes a study of intestate succession, wills, and trusts with an emphasis on the administration of an estate. It includes the preparation and drafting of wills, trust instruments and documents related to the probate process.
Real Estate Law
This course deals with laws and regulations affecting real estate ownership and use, including ownership interests, conveyances, mortgages, title assurance, landlord-tenant relationships, public and private land-use controls, foreclosures and the preparation of real estate documents, such as leases, contracts and deeds.
Contracts
This course is an introduction to principles of contract law with an emphasis on contract interpretations and clear and effective contract drafting and editing.
Family Law
This course is an introduction to family law, including the role of the lawyer as counselor. Emphasis is placed on the practical aspects related to divorce, separation, the scope of family law, custody, support, adoption, guardianship, tax consequences, legal rights of women, juvenile law and interfamily torts.
Paralegal Internship
Law 470 is a 3 credit class and consists of the following: mock interview, orientation, work experience and online discussion board and assignments.
Requirements for Graduation from College of Saint Mary
To graduate with a bachelor of arts degree in paralegal studies, you need 128 credit hours:
- 44 hours in required law courses
- 18 hours in a minor
- 18 hours in supporting courses
- 48 hours in general education courses and electives
To complete the pre-law studies curriculum, you’ll select from four majors: paralegal, humanities, English or business and you will need 128 credit hours comprising, in part:
- 30 or more credit hours in your chosen major
- 17 hours in required law courses
- 17 hours in a minor
- 48 hours in general education courses and electives
Pre-law courses cannot be used as a concentration area for business administration majors or as credit for a paralegal certificate.
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
College of Saint Mary’s Bachelor of Arts Degree in Legal Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association, Standing Committee on Paralegals, 312-998-5618.
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements for College of Saint Mary
-
Submit your application and transcripts.
-
Transcripts from any post high school institutions for transfer students. Students who have earned 12 or more credit hours with a minimum GPA of 2.0 from other institutions qualify as transfer students.
Test-Optional Admissions
CSM accepts undergraduate students with or without test scores (ACT/SAT). Below are a few key details to consider:
- Choosing not to submit test scores will not result in any penalties during the admission or merit scholarship evaluation process.
- If you decide to submit scores after being admitted, we will assess your eligibility for a potential increase in merit scholarship (scores must be submitted by March 31). No merit scholarship will be revoked due to test scores submitted after admission.
Academic Description
Work in a Law Firm or Corporation or Pursue Law School
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Paralegal Studies
The region's only ABA approved three and four-year paralegal programs, College of Saint Mary's three andfour-year bachelor of arts degree in paralegal studies prepares you for work in law offices, government agencies and corporate legal departments. What you learn also serves as a pre-law track, providing excellent preparation for the law school entrance exam. Law firms and departments in other businesses welcome our paralegal studies graduates because they know you will hit the ground running with research and writing skills and a depth of knowledge of the law that is second to none. All courses are taught by attorneys.
During your senior year, you will complete a semester-long internship in a law firm, a corporate legal department, government agency or non-profit legal services organization.
What you learn in our program will prepare you to work under the supervision of an attorney in crafting legal documents, researching legal precedent, preparing for trial and directing and coordinating law office activity. Should you choose to work in a business, the job options open to you with this degree include contract analyst, quality assurance officer, software compliance manager, legal brief reviewer and more.
Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
All students at College of Saint Mary enrolled in paralegal programs must complete a minimum of nine (9) semester credits or their equivalent in legal specialty courses, which can be fulfilled through synchronous instruction methods, including face-to-face class meetings or remote-synchronous classes like Zoom.
Accreditation
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
College of Saint Mary’s Bachelor of Arts Degree in Legal Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association, Standing Committee on Paralegals, 312-998-5618.
Admissions Requirements
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements for College of Saint Mary
-
Submit your application and transcripts.
-
Transcripts from any post high school institutions for transfer students. Students who have earned 12 or more credit hours with a minimum GPA of 2.0 from other institutions qualify as transfer students.
Test-Optional Admissions
CSM accepts undergraduate students with or without test scores (ACT/SAT). Below are a few key details to consider:
- Choosing not to submit test scores will not result in any penalties during the admission or merit scholarship evaluation process.
- If you decide to submit scores after being admitted, we will assess your eligibility for a potential increase in merit scholarship (scores must be submitted by March 31). No merit scholarship will be revoked due to test scores submitted after admission.
Curriculum
Required Courses in Your Major
Intro to Paralegal Studies
This survey course discusses the legal environment, law office procedures, legal ethics including confidentiality, avoiding unauthorized practice of law, professional responsibilities of the paralegal, interpreting statutes, employment opportunities, salary surveys, regulations and other sources of law.
The Legal Environment
This survey course considers the different substantive areas of the law: the history of the American legal system; a general overview of the type of law applicable to the legal assistant; an introduction to basic legal principles including the judicial system and more.
Legal Research and Writing
This course emphasizes the basics of legal research methods and good written communication, with an emphasis on precise writing. The course uses a case-study approach for developing organizational, legal style and analytical skills.
Legal Research and Writing II
A continuation of Legal Research and Writing (LAW 200).
Law Office Administration and Technology
This course includes a study of administrative systems, file management, docket control, retrieval, time keeping, billing, accounting dictation, word processing, types of legal fees and their handling and the role of the attorney, paralegal, legal administrator and legal secretary in a law office.
Litigation I
This course is an introduction to the civil litigation process, with emphasis on the practice associated with a civil action. Topics covered include: civil procedure, preparation and use of pleadings, discovery, evidence, client interviewing and investigative techniques.
Litigation II
This course is a continuation of Litigation I (LAW 230) with an emphasis on the functions of a paralegal in trial preparation and pretrial and trial procedures including the gathering and organizing of materials, investigating, interviewing, appellate procedures, preparation of the trial notebook and assisting during and after a trial.
Torts
This course is an introduction and overview of intentional torts, negligence, strict liability, product liability, professional negligence, worker’s compensation, medical malpractice and their defenses.
Advanced Business Law
This course emphasizes the practice related to formation and operation of sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability corporations, limited liability partnerships and corporations.
Estates, Trust, and Tax Law
This course includes a study of intestate succession, wills, and trusts with an emphasis on the administration of an estate. It includes the preparation and drafting of wills, trust instruments and documents related to the probate process.
Real Estate Law
This course deals with laws and regulations affecting real estate ownership and use, including ownership interests, conveyances, mortgages, title assurance, landlord-tenant relationships, public and private land-use controls, foreclosures and the preparation of real estate documents, such as leases, contracts and deeds.
Contracts
This course is an introduction to principles of contract law with an emphasis on contract interpretations and clear and effective contract drafting and editing.
Family Law
This course is an introduction to family law, including the role of the lawyer as counselor. Emphasis is placed on the practical aspects related to divorce, separation, the scope of family law, custody, support, adoption, guardianship, tax consequences, legal rights of women, juvenile law and interfamily torts.
Paralegal Internship
Law 470 is a 3 credit class and consists of the following: mock interview, orientation, work experience and online discussion board and assignments.
Degree Requirements
Requirements for Graduation from College of Saint Mary
To graduate with a bachelor of arts degree in paralegal studies, you need 128 credit hours:
- 44 hours in required law courses
- 18 hours in a minor
- 18 hours in supporting courses
- 48 hours in general education courses and electives
To complete the pre-law studies curriculum, you’ll select from four majors: paralegal, humanities, English or business and you will need 128 credit hours comprising, in part:
- 30 or more credit hours in your chosen major
- 17 hours in required law courses
- 17 hours in a minor
- 48 hours in general education courses and electives
Pre-law courses cannot be used as a concentration area for business administration majors or as credit for a paralegal certificate.
