Program Objectives:

1. To train students as paralegals to assist attorneys in law offices, legal services corporations, banks, corporations, and various government agencies by providing instruction and experience in general education, business, and law.
2. To provide students with a basic understanding of legal concepts and terms of subjects which are vital to practicing paralegals. To provide students with legal writing and research skills to enable graduates to perform as efficient members of a legal team.
3. To support the general principles of ethical and professional responsibilities and to support the prohibitions against the unauthorized practice of law by lay persons.
4. To provide knowledge of the principles of ethical and professional responsibilities as these relate to lawyers, legal assistants, and clients and to the legal profession.
5. To provide a broad background in general education for the development of a well-rounded individual.
6. To constantly improve and adjust the program to meet the needs of the community by seeking input from judges, local attorneys, legal assistants, and students.
7. To maintain equality of opportunity in the education program without discrimination on the grounds of race, religion, natural origin, or gender.

The W’s legal studies program is designed for the education of paralegals. Paralegals shall not provide legal services directly to the public, unless otherwise permitted by law. The legal studies minor and the pre-law minor are not approved by the American Bar Association and not intended to prepare students as paralegals.