Build your case.
Develop the legal knowledge, research and writing skills needed to support attorneys and legal teams.
Paralegals perform a variety of tasks* to support lawyers, including maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research and drafting documents and helping them prepare for hearings, trials and corporate meetings. They typically work in law firms, corporate legal departments and governmental agencies.
Most paralegals and legal assistants have at least an associate degree or a certificate in paralegal studies.
The Moraine Valley paralegal program is offered at the main campus in Palos Hills.
*Paralegals do not set legal fees, give legal advice or represent clients in court proceedings.
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Break into the legal field with a Career in Paralegal Studies
Get introduced to essential concepts and acquire valuable knowledge that will aid you in your career in paralegal studies.
Learn to prepare legal documents, conduct legal research, manage case files and apply ethical practices while preparing for careers in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
Locations
This program is offered at the Palos Hills campus and online.
The Certificate in Paralegal Studies is designed to be completed in two years.
This program prepares the next generation of educated, ethical legal professionals who provide support to lawyers, judges, and others in the legal community. The program鈥檚 goals and objectives are identical to those of the Paralegal Studies AAS degree except it is suited to completers of the Associate in Science (AS), Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Engineering Science (AES), Associate in Fine Arts (AFA), or higher postsecondary degrees. Associate in Applied Science (AAS) or Associate in General Studies (AGS) degree holders need to meet with an academic advisor to determine eligibility for the program and if needed develop a bridge program to satisfy the Paralegal Studies AAS general education requirements.
Moraine Valley鈥檚 Paralegal Studies Program requires that your entire first year (18 semester hours) of legal specialty (100-level) coursework be completed in a synchronous format. A synchronous format provides for real-time interaction with your professor and your peers. This format also allows you to collaborate on in-class activities and discussions. Most of your second-year legal specialty (200-level) coursework is offered in an asynchronous online format. This allows you to work on each week鈥檚 deadlines on your own time and at your own pace with online feedback from your professor and your peers. Please see program coordinator, Professor Dave O鈥機onnor (oconnor@morainevalley.edu), for any questions about your program or this policy.
Mission
We are charged with preparing the next generation of educated, ethical legal professionals who provide support to lawyers, judges and others in the legal community served by the college. We are committed to educating 21st century paralegals focused on access to justice, current trends in the law and continuous learning and professional development.
Goals
- To develop paralegals鈥� skills in writing, research and technology, which will result in exceptional support and assistance to those employing our graduates.
- To develop paralegals鈥� substantive and procedural paralegal skills in bankruptcy law, civil litigation, criminal law, family law, real estate law and estate planning and probate law, which will result in a value-added contributor to the legal support team.
- To develop paralegals鈥� ethical and professional competencies, which will result in invaluable assistance to lawyers in the pursuit of access to justice for all citizens.
Objectives
- MVCC paralegal graduates will define, describe and demonstrate the role of the paralegal in the legal profession through the mastery of legal vocabulary, the development of fundamental research and writing techniques and the focus on paralegal ethics and professional responsibility.
- MVCC paralegal graduates will research, analyze and apply both civil and criminal authorities to a variety of fact patterns and further, analyze and apply the rules of evidence as they apply to these fact patterns.
- MVCC paralegal graduates will develop the necessary skills in a variety of substantive areas of the law and will apply those substantive skills to a variety of documents produced under direct attorney supervision.
- MVCC paralegal graduates will perform fundamental tasks involved in the running of a law office, including managing files, complying with ethical rules and generating billable hours.
- MVCC paralegal graduates will apply the skills developed during paralegal coursework into an internship opportunity with an area employer who will directly supervise the work of the paralegal in training.
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Program Details
View the catalog to explore program requirements, a suggested course sequence and prerequisite information.
| Program | Type of Credential | Curriculum Code | Department or Division |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | 1491 | Public Service |
Faculty Spotlight
Celebrating the passionate instructors who inspire, support, and engage our students every day inside and outside the classroom.
Dr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
鈥淟isa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.鈥�
鈥� Colleague, Communications DepartmentDr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
鈥淟isa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.鈥�
鈥� Colleague, Communications DepartmentDr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
鈥淟isa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.鈥�
鈥� Colleague, Communications DepartmentDr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
鈥淟isa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.鈥�
鈥� Colleague, Communications Department
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