About the Program

For Students WITHOUT a college degree:
Degree: Associate in Science
Length: 2-year curriculum (22 months or longer) - 62 credits

For Students WITH a college degree already completed:
Certificate: Postgraduate Paralegal Certificate
Length: 18 month curriculum or longer - 32 credits

Mission

The mission of the Inver Hills Community College - Paralegal Program is to develop graduates who are prepared to assume the general responsibilities of a paralegal. We offer quality traditional and online coursework that is approved by the American Bar Association. Also, we provide excellent continuing legal education for students and presently employed paralegals.

Vision

The Paralegal Program's vision is to provide top-notch education and training for paralegal students to work under the supervision of lawyers. We achieve this through up-to-date, continuous advice and collaboration with the paralegal advisory board, faculty, administration, law firms, governmental agencies, universities, law schools, and legal associations. We provide access and flexibility for all learners through strategic marketing, recruiting, and retention efforts as well as alternative course delivery techniques.

American Bar Association (ABA) Approved

The Inver Hills Community College Paralegal Program has received American Bar Association approval since 1975. Our ABA approval is very important to us! Out of approximately 1,200 paralegal programs across the U.S. only about 330 programs are approved by the ABA. Attorneys, paralegals, legal administrators, employers and recruiters all respect the ABA and its stringent guidelines for an occupationally competent paralegal education.

Goals

The goals of the Paralegal Program are to:

Develop and implement a paralegal e-learning program that will provide qualified learners with enhanced access and flexibility, and increase enrollment in the Paralegal Program.
Recruit and retain paralegal students and faculty from diverse backgrounds.
Encourage student completion of the paralegal degree and certificate awards.

Content and Objectives

Students of the Paralegal Program are trained to work directly under the supervision of lawyers in civil, criminal, and family law, as well as litigation, probate and estates, real estate, and business organizations areas. Paralegals do not practice law or give legal advice unless authorized by law. Below are the objectives of the Paralegal Program.

Graduates are able to:

Apply the law and legal procedures in rendering direct assistance to lawyers,
Do competent legal research and writing,
Prepare legal documents and interpret laws,
Analyze procedural and substantive legal problems,
Interview client and witnesses, and
Investigate and manage cases.

Program Completion

Paralegal students who complete the required curriculum qualify for an Associate in Science degree or a Postgraduate Paralegal Certificate from an ABA approved program. A high percentage of paralegal graduates go to work as paralegals or in law-related positions. Paralegal Program graduates may continue on to earn a bachelor's degree through transfer agreements with Hamline University and Metropolitan State University or set a clear path to obtain a law degree.

Contact

Contact the Paralegal Program Director, Sally Dahlquist, J.D. or call 651-450-8567.