Paralegal Studies

Associate of Applied Science Degree

(575) 527-7642

If you have an interest in the law and how it affects individuals and society as a whole, then a career as a paralegal could be an excellent choice for you. Paralegals enjoy the intellectual challenge of assisting attorneys in finding legal solutions for their clients’ problems.

A precise description of the paralegal’s role is found in the New Mexico Supreme Court’s definition in the Rules Governing Paralegal Services (Rule 20-102A), which states that a paralegal is one who:

1. contracts with or is employed by an attorney, law firm, corporation, governmental agency or other entity;
2. performs substantive legal work under the supervision of a licensed attorney who assumes professional responsibility for the final work product; and
3. meets one or more of the education, training or work experience qualifications set forth in Rule 20-115 NMRA of these rules; ...

In the same Rules mentioned previously, the Court’s examples of substantive legal work include, “case planning, development and management; legal research and analysis; interviewing clients; fact gathering and retrieving information; drafting legal documents; collecting, compiling, and utilizing technical information to make an independent decision and recommendation to the supervising attorney; and representing clients before a state or federal administrative agency if that representation is authorized by law.” (Rule 20-102B NMRA)

The DACC Paralegal Studies program focuses on developing skills necessary to perform substantive legal work. Examples of courses leading to that end include Litigation, Legal Research and Writing, Interviewing and Investigation, Virtual Law Office, Legal Ethics, and Torts. Through classroom instruction (including practical exercises and assignments), computer lab practice, and an internship/cooperative experience, students gain essential skills, as well as a broad background in many different areas of law.

Graduates of the Paralegal Studies program are eligible to apply to take the national certification examination offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). Those who successfully complete this two-day exam are designated Certified Legal Assistants (CLA).

The employment outlook for paralegals is good. Program graduates are employed with private firms, various courts, community legal services, state and federal governmental agencies (e.g., Human Services Departments, public defenders, and district attorneys), as well as a variety of businesses.

Associate Degree (66 credits)

NOTE: Students must pass ENGL 111G and all PL S courses with a minimum grade of C. Courses appearing in italics are identical to those offered at New Mexico State University Las Cruces (main) Campus.