What is a Paralegal?
- Legal professional who works in a legal environment
- Perform all of the functions of an attorney except...
- Give legal advice
- Accept clients
- Set legal fees
- Present a case in court
- Possible responsibilities & duties
- Do background work for an attorney
- Help attorneys prepare for trial
- Conduct client interviews
- Produce reports for use by attorneys to determine how the case should be handled
- Etc.
Why a Paralegal Program?
- Hawaiʻi has no credential requirement for working as a paralegal
- Other states are beginning to require a Paralegal Degree
- Shows employers that you have specialized knowledge in the field regarding many important issues that regularly arise, such as:
- Attorney-client privilege
- Confidentiality
- Legal process
Note: KCC Paralegal Program credits do not apply toward any law degree program and may not apply towards the requirements of a bachelor’s degree.
Although some students who are considering applying to law school may take paralegal program classes first, they are not required for prospective law students.
Admissions
- For University of Hawaiʻi (UH) System students,
- No selective admission requirements for the KCC Paralegal Program
- May transfer into the program or take classes in the program according to his/her need
The KCC Paralegal Program offers
- Associate in Science, Paralegal degree - 60 credits
- Legal Secretary Certificate - 18 credits
- Both via an evening program that prepares students to perform the duties of either a paralegal or legal secretary
A list of courses offered at KCC which can be applied toward the paralegal program may be viewed here.
If you are interested in the KCC Paralegal Program, please see the KCC Paralegal Program website
If you wish to see a comprehensive list of certified paralegal programs nationwide, please see ABA Approved Paralegal Education Programs
Susan Jaworowski
Paralegal Program Coordinator
Email: susanjaw@hawaii.edu