PARALEGAL SPECIALIST: CERTIFICATE

THE NEXT LEVEL

Expand your law office skills, and get to work as a paralegal.

Are you looking to take your law office job to the next level? If you have obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and have some previous paralegal experience, TCL’s Paralegal Specialist Certificate program is designed for students like you.

Paralegals, under the supervision of a lawyer, conduct research, prepare documents and perform substantive legal tasks. Paralegals work in law offices, inside courtrooms and in other government and business settings. The S.C. annual mean wage for paralegals is $52,060, according to 2022 reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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The Program

TCL’s Paralegal Specialist Certificate, which is approved by and subject to the guidelines of the American Bar Association (ABA), can be completed in as little as two full-time semesters. Study focuses on general information about court systems and the functions of a paralegal with emphasis on the practical performance of paralegal duties.

Students must take at least nine (9) semester credit hours of required Paralegal Studies Legal Specialty courses through synchronous instruction, which can include the traditional class format as well as other remote synchronous formats.

With regard to the Legal Specialty Courses needed to earn this degree, The Technical College of the Lowcountry will only consider for transfer credit those Paralegal Studies Legal Specialty courses earned at ABA Approved schools.

*Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law, per S.C. Code Ann. § 40-5-310, and must work under the supervision of an attorney in good standing with the State Bar of South Carolina.

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Quick Facts

WELL RESPECTED

TCL’s paralegal program is approved by the American Bar Association.

BEST IN CLASS

It is one of only nine S.C. colleges and universities to hold ABA approval.

A GREAT CAREER

The S.C. annual mean wage for paralegals is $52,060.

ACCREDITATION

Technical College of the Lowcountry is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Technical College of the Lowcountry may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

PROGRAM APPROVAL

Paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association
321 North Clark Street
Chicago, Illinois 60654-7598
Phone: 800-285-2221

PROGRAM COST

Tuition: 30 credits x $214 per credit = $6,420.*

Remember, this is before S.C. Lottery Tuition Assistance and other financial aid, which could drop your costs by more than half. In fact, after financial aid, many TCL students attend for free. See more about paying for TCL.

*Based on Fall 2022 in-state, in-service-area tuition. Your actual cost may differ. Does not include fees, books and other costs. Qualifications vary; all subject to change.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“The American Bar Association approval helps graduates get careers here in the Lowcountry and across the country.”

Laura Dukes

Program Director

FAQS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Career & Educational Opportunities

A graduate of the Paralegal Program, working directly under the supervision of a practicing attorney*, should be able to:

Review and apply the law to the facts while drafting a variety of litigation, contract, property, probate and domestic relations documents with accuracy and attention to detail;
Research and apply substantive and procedural law to hypothetical situations involving issues concerning torts, domestic relations contracts, property law, and/or probate;
Articulate and apply the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure to the process of drafting and filing legal pleadings, motions, written and oral discovery and other procedural issues;
Demonstrate the ability to analyze procedural issues and recommend appropriate courses of action;
Apply ethical principles of honesty, confidentiality, attorney-client privilege, the need for attorney supervision to hypothetical situations and in the internship. Recognize those aspects of the legal practice that are reserved to attorneys and that constitute the unauthorized practice of law;
Demonstrate professional conduct, time management skills and reliability inside and out side the classroom;
Prepare various legal documents using appropriate computer technology and software;
Understand and apply the preparation necessary for client and witness interviews and investigations;
Apply strategies for effective client communication when providing appropriate legal information.

*Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.