Legal Assistant (Paralegal) Studies
School of Business & Computer Technologies
Breuder Advanced Technology & Health Sciences Center, Rm. E257 · (570) 327-4517
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I represent clients when I have a paralegal degree?
- What are the benefits of a bachelor's degree (4 year) over an associate's degree (2 year)?
- Are there opportunities for me to participate in the paralegal field outside of class?
- What is the difference between a paralegal and a legal assistant?
- Can I transfer into the bachelor-degree program from another institution?
- What does the required paralegal internship involve?
- What assistance is available to help me locate a job following graduation?
- What services are available in the Library to help me?
- Can I stop after my two-year degree to find work, and then later continue with the four-year degree without losing my credits?
- What is the difference between a certificate and a degree? Which will I receive?
- How much time is expected of me outside of class for class preparation?
- Can I work and go to school at the same time?
- What assurances do I have that the major meets appropriate educational standards and is recognized nationally?
Q: Can I represent clients when I have a paralegal degree?
A: No. Paralegals are prohibited from practicing law and must work under the supervision of a licensed attorney. Representing a client or providing legal advice is considered the unauthorized practice of law.
Q: What are the benefits of a bachelor's degree (4 year) over an associate's degree (2 year)?
A: As the market for jobs becomes increasingly competitive, those with higher credentials have an advantage in the application and promotion process. Although both degrees are marketable, government and larger city firms tend to favor the bachelor’s degree. Recent statistics indicate that more than 40% of employed paralegals hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, a bachelor’s degree is required for admission to law school. Graduates of both our associate- and bachelor-degree majors have successfully secured employment. Graduates of our bachelor-degree major have continued on to law school.
Q: Are there opportunities for me to participate in the paralegal field outside of class?
A: The program has a very active student club, the Penn College Legal Society, which has sponsored College and community service activities, guest speakers, field trips, and social events. The Society also offers affiliation with the Lycoming County Paralegal Association and national paralegal organizations.
Q: What is the difference between a paralegal and a legal assistant?
A: There is really no difference. Although “paralegal” seems to have become the preferred term, they are used interchangeably.
Q: Can I transfer into the bachelor-degree program from another institution?
A: Yes, typically most two-year degrees in paralegal studies easily transfer into the College. Transfer of individual courses is also an option. Contact our Admissions Office or a program representative for more details and to address your particular situation.
Q: What does the required paralegal internship involve?
A: This course involves 300 hours of work with a legal employer, allowing real-world application of concepts taught in the classroom. Program interns have been placed with private firms, judges, real estate companies, hospitals, corporations, public service agencies, district attorneys, public defenders, and government agencies. In many instances the internship has resulted in job placement.
Q: What assistance is available to help me locate a job following graduation?
A: The College provides instruction and assistance with career opportunities, the application process, resume and cover letter preparation, interviewing, and job search skills. The College sponsors many programs to assist students in reaching their career goals.
Program faculty play an active role in monitoring and publicizing employment opportunities, networking with the legal community to place graduates, and assisting students with the job search process. Students are encouraged to join the Penn College Legal Society and the Lycoming County Paralegal Association, providing networking opportunities and a job bank service. Many graduates have secured initial employment directly or indirectly through the required paralegal internship experience. The Office of Counseling and Career Services invites employers to campus and coordinates spring and fall Career Expos on campus. Students are also encouraged to attend the Penn State Career Fair at University Park and the Career Consortium Job Fair held each spring in Williamsport.
Q: What services are available in the Library to help me?
A: The College maintains an extensive law library with both state and federal resources. Valuable computerized legal research sources, Lexis and Westlaw, are networked throughout campus and available via any Internet-accessible computer. The library offers a knowledgeable staff and a dedicated paralegal program tutor.
Q: Can I stop after my two-year degree to find work, and then later continue with the four-year degree without losing my credits?
A: The bachelor degree program at Penn College is a “2 + 2” program that allows students with an associate’s degree in paralegal studies to earn a bachelor's degree by completing two additional years of coursework. Therefore, after earning the associate’s degree, you may discontinue schooling and rejoin the four-year major at a later, more convenient time, without losing credit.
Q: What is the difference between a certificate and a degree? Which will I receive?
A: A degree program requires more credits and a broader range of study than a certificate program. A degree is more highly regarded by most employers. Penn College offers both associate (2-year) and baccalaureate (4-year) degree majors in paralegal studies. Students with a health care degree, such as in nursing, may enroll in the Nurse/Health Care Paralegal certificate program.
Q: How much time is expected of me outside of class for class preparation?
A: Law classes are intellectually challenging. You should expect that for every one hour in class, you will spend at least three hours outside class in preparation and review.
Q: Can I work and go to school at the same time?
A: Yes, many students find that, with flexible schedules, they are able to locate employment during their academic career. There is no policy against seeking employment; however, each student must choose how and when to pursue a job based upon personal goals.
Q: What assurances do I have that the major meets appropriate educational standards and is recognized nationally?
A: Our paralegal programs are approved and regularly reviewed by the American Bar Association, the nation’s largest organization of attorneys. ABA approval indicates that the programs meet educational standards set by that organization. Our associate-degree major exceeds the minimum number of paralegal credits required by the ABA for approved programs.