Goals and Objectives

The primary mission and goal of Cuyahoga Community College’s Paralegal Studies program is to meet the needs of Northeast Ohio’s legal community by educating and graduating ethical and competent paralegals who are prepared to serve in both public and private environments and ready to adapt to the ever-changing legal landscape. 

Upon completion of this program, graduates should be able to:

1. Professionalism and Ethics: Act in accordance with the rules of professional conduct, attorney and paralegal ethical codes and organizational policies, displaying the adaptability and flexibility needed to effectively perform a variety of roles as a member of a legal team, as well as the ability to organize, prioritize, schedule and track assignments and appointments to meet deadlines.

2. Communication: Communicate appropriately and professionally, both verbally (including to prepare, conduct and summarize party, witness and expert interviews to aid in case development) and in writing (including pleadings, contracts, discovery, briefs, motions, forms, etc.) to diverse audiences while maintaining confidentiality and data security.

3. Legal Technology: Use the latest technology and software utilized by the legal community to ensure accurate billing and timekeeping, file and maintain case information, and prepare accurate legal documents and correspondence.

4. Legal Research: Demonstrate the research and investigative skills needed to analyze fact patterns; identify legal issues; and proficiently locate, apply and cite law in both printed and online resources.

5. Critical Thinking, Analysis and Problem-Solving: Demonstrate effective legal knowledge and the practical skills necessary to perform substantive legal work under the direction of an attorney while maintaining a client service orientation.