What are the special features or strengths of the program?
Our two-year program which is American Bar Association approved and an Ohio Board of Regents Program of Excellence, is designed to give students a broad background in many different areas of the law. The program was designated as a National Demonstration Program by the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges, and serves as a model for paralegal programs across the nation. The four-year bachelor program is approved by the American Bar Association, and Ohio Board of Regents..
Program courses are not theory courses, but rather practical "how to" courses taught by attorneys and judges who specialize in the areas in which they teach. Students can gain greater specification in many areas by electing advanced specialty courses. Also, to give the graduate even more "hands-on" knowledge of the field, each student completes an internship which consists of 180 hours of practical experience.
Because program faculty are licensed attorneys and sitting judges, legal specialty courses are, for the most part, offered only in the evening. General and business courses are offered day and night.
Approximately 50 percent of the two-year graduates continue their education at the baccalaureate level.
What particular strengths and academic backgrounds does the faculty possess?
The Department Chair is an attorney and former paralegal with over ten years of legal experience and over ten years of experience in paralegal education. The rest of the faculty consists of full-time and part-time licensed attorneys and judges in the local community who hold the juris doctor degree (J.D.). Each faculty member has been identified by his or her peers as an expert in the particular field in which they teach. Other community attorneys and judges offer their services as guest lecturers.
What are the program objectives?
Graduates of our programs are able to apply knowledge of the law and legal procedures in rendering direct assistance to lawyers. Most graduates work in one of the four major specialty areas of the legal profession: civil litigation; real estate law; wills, trusts and estates administration; or corporate law. In addition, there are many other social and business services which may hold an exciting Paralegal career. Whatever the specialty, there are many opportunities for graduates to handle a wide variety of fascinating and exciting duties.
What are the admissions criteria?
Individuals who contemplate entering this program should enjoy meticulous work, intellectually challenging assignments, and possess excellent verbal and written skills. Maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0 during completion of the program is highly recommended.
General program of study
An associate degree program is a program of practical and general education for which an associate degree is awarded upon the completion of 60 semester hours of course work. Approximately one-fourth of the curriculum is devoted to general education and another one- fourth is devoted to basic studies. The remaining 50 percent of the curriculum is devoted to technical studies.
There are certain prerequisites and courses required of all programs of study at The University of Toledo and, therefore, required as prerequisites to our programs.
These courses may be waived as a result of proficiency determined by placement tests. For additional information consult with the Chair of the Department of Undergraduate Legal Specialties.