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Length: 2 years (2 semesters for those entering with A.A. or B.A.) Award: Associate of Arts degree Description: Paralegals are legal professionals who assist lawyers. A lawyer may delegate any legal work to a paralegal except tasks that involve giving legal advice or representing a client in court (although paralegals may assist at trial). Iowa prohibits the practice of law by non-lawyers. Kirkwood's American Bar Association-approved program prepares students for entry-level positions in the paralegal job market. The program also provides career-enhancing credentials for people already employed in law-related work. Graduates work in law firms, corporate legal departments and other business and government offices such as prosecutors' offices, banks, title companies and insurance companies. Program graduates who have gone to law school after completing bachelor's degress have found their paralegal education at Kirkwood served as an excellent pre-law experience. In addition, any student wishing to explore law careers will find program courses useful. Paralegal Studies Orientation, the first law class, satisfies three credit hours of the social science requirement toward an A.A. (Associate of Arts) or A.S. (Associate of Science) degree. The program coordinator shall have discretion to evaluate and approve the transfer of all legal specialty courses. A maximum transfer of eight credits of legal specialty course work is allowed. Paralegal Internship (PRL-932) must be taken through Kirkwood Community College.
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Getting Started
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