Legal and Paralegal Studies Program
Contact Information
Nilufar A. Jamir, LL.M.
Director of Paralegal Studies
610-359-5264
Email
Are you looking for a rewarding career that makes a difference in people’s lives?
Every day paralegals work with lawyers to effect social change. Whether their work impacts one specific individual or impacts those around the world, paralegals are making a difference.
Delaware County Community College has been preparing individuals to become professionally qualified and highly skilled paralegals since the inception of its Paralegal Studies Program in 1985. The College offers an associate degree and a post-baccalaureate certificate in Paralegal Studies. Our graduates go on to attain jobs at major law firms, corporate offices, and government agencies. Other graduates continue their education and some eventually attending law school.
Our Legal and Paralegal Studies Program, which is approved by the American Bar Association, gives you the foundation for a successful legal career. Students in the program are taught by legal experts actively involved in the legal community at the local, regional and national levels. These team of legal experts allow the program’s curriculum to continually meet the demands of a constantly evolving legal industry.
Not only does the Legal and Paralegal Studies Program ready you for a successful career by teaching the legal skills you will need to become a paralegal, it also makes it affordable and accessible. The College provides a combination of traditional classroom and online courses to meet your busy schedule.
Ready to make a difference? Apply today.
Options
Paralegal Studies, Associate in Applied Science
61-63 credits
Paralegal Studies, Certificate of Proficiency
36-37 credits
Note: Students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction
Saturday & Evening Classes
Starting this fall classes will be offered on Saturdays at the Upper Darby Center. Evening classes are also offered at the Marple Campus.
Classes Offered
| PLG 100, Introduction to Paralegal |
| PLG 110, Legal Research and Writing I |
| PLG 120, Legal Research and Writing II |
| PLG 130, Technology in the Law |
| PLG 140, Contract Law |
| PLG 200, Family Law |
| PLG 210, Civil Litigation and Tort Principles |
| PLG 211, Civil Litigation and Tort Applications |
| PLG 220, Real Estate Law |
| PLG 230, Estates, Trusts and Wills |
| PLG 240, Criminal Law |
Internship Requirement
All students in the Paralegal Studies Program (both associate degree and certificate candidates) are required to complete a 180-hour paralegal internship (PLG 199 Paralegal Experience) in the law office or legal environment of their choice. Internship Information »
Transfer
The Paralegal Studies Program welcomes students from other institutions to continue their education in our ABA-approved paralegal studies program. No more than 50 percent of approved general education courses or 50 percent of approved paralegal courses from an ABA-approved program will be accepted for transfer.
Alumni Profile
Michael Monastra, Paralegal and Lien Operations Manager for Providio MediSolutions
After earning a bachelor’s degree from West Chester University, Monastra decided to narrow his career options and enter the legal field. He discovered the College’s paralegal postbaccalaureate certificate program and liked that it was accredited by the American Bar Association and that it would give him an affordable and convenient pathway to becoming a paralegal.
"What I enjoyed most about Delaware County Community College were the courses and staff. All ten courses in the program helped prepare me for a successful career as a paralegal. Plus, being part of the evening program, I felt that all of my instructors understood the demands of our life outside the program."
Business, Computing & Social Science
Social work falls under the Business, Computing & Social Science Division at the College.
Unauthorized Practice of Law
No person shall engage or assist a person who is not a member of the bar in the performance of activities that constitutes the unauthorized practice of law.
