Law and Paralegal Studies

Paralegals are expected to write clearly and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Paralegals must possess a high degree of motivation and analytical reasoning capability. They need to pay attention to detail. Candidates should also be responsible, well-organized, mature individuals who are sincerely interested in pursuing a career as a paralegal. They must be trustworthy and discreet. Paralegals, like attorneys, are required to hold a position of trust with their client. As a paralegal, you must respect attorney-client confidentiality. Paralegals must possess good people skills and be able to work as part of the legal team. Computer skills are essential.  Persons with felony convictions may not be eligible for some positions as Paralegals.

Graduates of this program will be prepared for the careers listed below. All opportunities may not be listed. 

CECH Student Services Center
College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services
360 Teachers-Dyer Complex
PO Box 210014
Cincinnati, OH 45221
cechssc@uc.edu

In choosing a paralegal program, there are many variables to consider. It is particularly important to consider the program's reputation, accreditation/approval, services provided by the program -- including career counseling and job placement -- the program's ties to the legal community, the curriculum and the program's administration and faculty.

UC’s law and paralegal studies program was established in 1980 and is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) -- the first program in the Tristate area to gain such approval. More than 1,000 paralegal programs exist in the United States alone, but only around 240 have met the requirements to be approved by the ABA. ABA approval has served as a benchmark for many employers who hire paralegals. The ABA requires thorough self-studies and periodic site visits to the program, which ensures quality in faculty, curriculum, advisory boards, student services, library holdings and resources.   

Our program enjoys an excellent reputation and has meaningful ties to the legal community. Its advisory board is made up of experienced attorneys, paralegals, paralegal managers, educators and other legal professionals who provide valuable insight into what is expected in the workforce. Graduates are highly sought after by law firms, corporations and government agencies in the Tristate area. Placement rates continue to be excellent. The program coordinator, along with UC’s Career Development Center, is available to assist students in resumé writing, interviewing skills and placement. In addition to the Career Development Center, assistance for paralegal students is offered in the following areas: orientation, tutoring, academic counseling and financial aid.

Our program also prepares graduates at two levels: bachelor's degree or professional certificate. The certificate is available to those students who already hold a bachelor's degree OR students who are already matriculated in another bachelor's degree program. UC paralegal students benefit from an on-campus law library, faculty who are practicing attorneys and small class size.

UC’s law and paralegal program requires students to complete a internship as a part of the curriculum. The practicum enables a student to utilize skills acquired in the program and to gain practical on-the-job experience. Internships are available in a variety of settings, including private law firms, offices of a public defender or attorney general, banks, corporate legal departments, legal aid organizations and many government agencies. Students must attain at least a grade of "C" in all legal specialty coursework and the permission of the program coordinator to participate in the internship.

The faculty of paralegal classes consists of experienced attorneys. Instructors of legal classes are selected on the basis of their knowledge and expertise in the area of law taught, as well as their demonstrated commitment to the education and role of paralegal students.

To graduate from the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, a student must:

• Complete all required course work and certificate requirements
• Attain at least a 2.0 grade point average
• Be in good academic standing; that is, not on academic or disciplinary probation or suspension

Prerequisites:

• Bachelor’s Degree (in any field of study) from a regionally accredited university
• Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75

Transfer Course Eligibility Based On:

1. Accreditation of the former institution

2. Comparability of the course including evaluation of practical assignments

3. Year the course was taken

4. Assurance that the student will have at least 9 semester credits of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction

5. Documented proof that the grade received was a ‘C’ or above

6. Transferring credit from schools that are not regionally accredited is prohibited

UC’s Law & Paralegal Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).