Paralegal Program Comes to CAS
Regent University’s College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) will be offering a paralegal program affiliated with an American Bar Association-approved law school. Students can work toward earning a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies from the comfort of their computer with this new, completely online program.
“Increasingly, legal work in the United States is being undertaken by paraprofessionals trained in the law but not J.D.-holding, practicing attorneys. You could join them in a thriving, rewarding career,” said Dr. Josh McMullen, CAS assistant professor and department chair of government, history and criminal justice. “Students will gain research, communication, organization and technology skills to help you become an indispensable member of a legal team in a law office, government unit or other law-practice setting.”
The program is put together to prepare its pupils for careers as legal assistants in corporations, government offices and not-for-profit organizations. Those looking to become legal aid advocates, clerks of court or judiciary clerks, administrative assistants in courts or litigation support analysts are encouraged to learn more about the new degree program. Regent’s School of Law professors are teaming up with practicing attorneys to create the curriculum. Professor Douglas Cook has spent 28 years of his career with the school and will serve as the new program’s chair.
“Regent has for 29 years been a leader in educating professionals for work in a variety of legal fields, as lawyers, judges and corporate counsel,” said Cook. “We are now expanding our reach to train the large array of para-professionals who increasingly are the ones in the legal trenches, doing the day-to-day work of the law. In a world and a profession yearning for meaning and significance, skilled paralegals trained from a biblical perspective answer an important need.”
The goal of the program is to equip graduates to enter these “legal trenches” armed with knowledge and confidence in multiple areas of law. This includes marriage and family, real estate, personal injury and contracts. Courses will cover legal terminology, drafting motions, briefs and pleadings, and encourage development and excellence in the areas of writing, interviewing and case managing skills. The degree is now being reviewed by the SACSCOC, and admissions counselors are enrolling students for Fall 2015.