Program Overview:

The mission of the Paralegal Studies Program at Stautzenberger College, Brecksville is to provide quality paralegal education and career services assistance in a personalized environment, emphasizing ethics and respect for the judicial system, service to the community, and advancement of the profession through practical application.

Our goal is to make sure you are comfortable performing those skills before you graduate. We use a personalized, career-focused approach to give you hands-on training in the paralegal field, including a heavy emphasis on legal research and writing—two of the skills most valued by employers. Our paralegal classes are held in discussion format in beautiful conference rooms, so you learn not only the law, but the look and feel of the profession you are entering. You will also purchase a laptop, and use it daily in your classes. Our strong emphasis on technology ensures that you will be able to hit the
ground running, with no fear of the software you may be asked to use!

Consumer Information for the Paralegal Studies Associate Degree Program

Various agencies require Stautzenberger College to disclose both aggregate (across all campuses) and local (Brecksville campus only) data on program performance. As these agencies may require the use of different formulas, calculations for a particular area may vary

ACICS *

The following information is derived from data submitted to the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools in the College’s 2011-2012 (7/1/11-6/30/12) Campus Assessment Report (CAR). This data represents an aggregate picture of the performance of this program across all Stautzenberger College campuses.

Median Loan Debt:

The median Title IV loan debt for Stautzenberger College students (across all campuses) for the Paralegal Associate Degree Program is $26,750 for the 2011-2012 academic year. (The median private and institutional loan debt for this program are 0.) This figure represents all funds borrowed by students in this program during that academic year, including monies to support these students during their time as students. It is not limited to the cost of tuition and fees for this program.

On-time Completion Rate:

Within the Paralegal Studies program, 33.3% of our graduates have graduated within the 24 months allotted to complete the program by a student attending full-time. Students attending part-time will generally take longer to complete the program.

 Placement: 60 %

State of Ohio *

The following information is derived from data submitted to the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools in the College's 2010-2011 Annual Report. This data represents an aggregate picture of the performance of this program across all Stautzenberger College campuses.

Placement: 75 %

*The placement rates disclosed above reflect historical outcomes for this program. That is, they reflect the College’s ability to place its graduates in prior years. This data is, therefore, always dated. Please bear in mind that many factors (both in a given individual’s life and in a given market) impact whether a graduate secures or chooses to secure employment in field or in a related field after graduation. These rates are not a promise of future employment, nor should you rely upon them as such. These rates are only intended to assist you in comparing student outcomes at colleges you are considering.

Career Summary

Individuals interested in becoming Paralegals should first be aware of how this profession functions within the practice of law. Specifically, per the American Bar Association – A legal assistant or paralegal is a person, qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.

Individuals training in this field may become legal assistants, paralegals, or law office managers (SOC Code 23-2011). Under the supervision of an attorney, a paralegal prepares legal documents such as pleadings, motions, contracts, deeds, closing papers and binders, and wills and trust instruments, among others. Additional functions may include filing documents, performing factual research, preparing affidavits, maintaining case files, inventorying property for estate planning, and interviewing clients and witnesses.

Click to see your earnings potential* as a paralegal in Northeast Ohio.

* Incomes provided by Salary.com represent industry averages. Actual income may vary by employer, experience and skill level.

Summary of Estimated Paralegal Studies Associate Degree Direct Program Costs
(July 2012 to July 2013)

• Tuition and Administrative Fees -$26,816

For a detailed breakdown of the estimated cost of this program, please click here!

Mission:

The curriculum is designed to provide students with a “hands-on” approach to gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the functions of a paralegal while understanding the professional and ethical responsibilities of the position. Courses in computer software applications, office procedures, and law office management train the student for administrative responsibilities.

General courses in oral communication, written communication, and social sciences serve to develop the student’s interpersonal skills, customer focus, and writing expertise. Finally, specialty courses in legal terminology, legal research and writing, civil litigation, and other areas of law such as probate, criminal and family law, allow students to tailor their educational experience to accommodate their interests.

A Day in the Life of a Paralegal*

A paralegal is an integral part of a legal team. While lawyers are ultimately responsible for legal work, they often delegate many of their tasks to paralegals. As a paralegal, you will:

• Help prepare for and assist attorneys during closings, hearings, trials and corporate meetings
• Investigate case facts
• Identify appropriate laws, judicial decisions and other materials that are relevant to your client’s case
• Analyze and organize information, and prepare reports that help determine how a case will be handled
• Prepare legal arguments
• Draft pleadings and motions
• Obtain affidavits
• Organize and track case documents

Each year the court reporting and paralegal students participate in a mock deposition to utilize their skills. Here are photos taken from our August 30th, 2011 mock court.