This program prepares students for employment as paralegals in various areas of
law.
The following is a two-year Associate Degree Paralegal education program for Legal
Assistant / Paralegal career positions. The Paralegal Degree Program at MTI College
enjoys the distinction of being approved by the American Bar Association. The paralegal
degree offered at MTI College may be shortened to one year in total length if prior
college credits are accepted at the time of enrollment.
MTI also offers a partial online
Sacramento paralegal course option for the second year class requirements.
The OnlinePlus option, a partial online program, allows students to take
some of their law classes online; on-campus attendance for OnlinePlus paralegal
students may be as little as one night per week
Paralegal Studies Law Program Training Objective
The Paralegal Studies program at MTI College prepares students for employment as
paralegals working under the supervision of an attorney. The program is designed
to strengthen the student’s ability to reason, understand, and apply correct principles
of law by emphasizing analytical and critical thinking skills as well as practical
application of substantive and procedural law. Graduates will be able to serve as
paralegal career professionals who contribute to the economical and efficient delivery
of legal services to both the private and public sectors of the community. This
person can perform specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer
is responsible. Legal assistants or paralegals may not provide services directly
to the public except as permitted by law.
Paralegal Studies Law Program - Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to do the following:
- Represent the legal profession in a professional and ethical manner, adhering to
the Business and Professions Code 6450.
- Apply communication and problem-solving, and critical thinking skills to gauge and
supply needed information to supervising attorneys, colleagues, and clients, and
to assist the supervising attorney(s) with interviews, pre-trial preparation, depositions,
trials, and the preparation of legal documents.
- Utilize oral and written communication skills through the preparation of legal documents
and by conducting research, interviews, and investigations.
- Maintain and update legal skills and knowledge of the legal profession through continuing
education, independent learning, and/or community service.
- Work independently and as a team member to complete required projects and tasks
effectively and within specific time frames.
- Use technology effectively to research legal issues and cases; prepare, edit, and
transmit messages and legal documents; maintain client/case files; and perform electronic
filing and computerized calendaring.
Sacramento Paralegal Training Description
The Paralegal Studies program consists of two parts: general education and business
classes in the first year and legal specialty classes in the second year.
The first year of the program has three components: a broad-based general education
in five areas of study, an introduction to legal terminology and procedures, and
a solid foundation in the Microsoft Office suite of products. This program prepares
students for entry-level employment in various legal administrative capacities.
Upon completion of the first year, students are encouraged to work in a legal environment
while completing their second year.
Courses in the second year of the program emphasize legal writing and analysis,
the civil litigation process, and major areas of substantive and procedural law.
Graduates of the Paralegal Studies degree program are prepared to work as paralegals,
contributing to the economical and efficient delivery of legal services to private
law firms, corporations, government agencies, or other legal environments.
Students have the opportunity to become a licensed notary.
Paralegal Studies Law Program Course Requirements
The primary criteria for admission to the Paralegal Studies degree program are a
genuine interest and ability in pursuing a paralegal career, and a willingness to
become actively involved in an intense academic experience.
To be considered for admission into year one of the Paralegal Studies program, applicants
must successfully complete an admissions interview process which includes entrance
assessments. As students approach the completion of their first year, they will
be contacted regarding the upcoming year two start dates and the advancement process.
To be considered for admission into the year two of the Paralegal Studies program,
applicants are required to pass the entrance examinations, have a working knowledge
of Microsoft Windows and show proof of one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Paralegal Studies, year 1 program at MTI College with
a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher and good standing in the program;
- or transcripts from a recognized, accredited institution showing at least 54 acceptable
quarter units (36 semester units), in general education and business-related subjects;
- or transcripts from a recognized, accredited institution documenting the successful
completion of an Associate or Baccalaureate degree program.
Upon graduation paralegal students should possess a keyboarding speed of at least
55 wpm. Students accepted into the year two program will be given a keyboarding
assessment and may be required to take additional keyboarding classes in order to
meet the minimum requirement.
Finally, an interview with the Department Chair of Paralegal Studies or the Director
of Education may be required as part of the admissions process.
General Information on Paralegal Studies Law Program
MTI’s paralegal training program is one of a very select group of paralegal education
programs approved by the American Bar Association and accredited by the Western
Association of Schools and Colleges. Our faculty is comprised of attorneys, paralegals,
and other qualified law career individuals who have practical experience in the
fields they teach. It is our intent that our graduates will act as ambassadors for
this institution in proclaiming and supporting the demand for paralegal educational
excellence in the law training of paralegals.
Professional placement assistance is available to graduates. Our past experience
has shown that those students who actively participate in legal internship programs
or law-related employment are much more likely to obtain Sacramento paralegal career
employment upon graduation. The College will assist with the coordination and procurement
of employment and internship positions for those who wish to utilize this opportunity.
MTI is a member of the Sacramento
Valley Paralegal Association (SVPA), the National
Federation of Paralegal Associations, and the American
Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE), a national organization
comprised of paralegal educators and institutions offering paralegal and legal assistant
education programs.
Learn More
Take the next step and contact an MTI Admissions Advisor
to learn more about paralegal careers and your educational options!