Paralegal Studies

Welcome to the research guide for Paralegal Studies at Coastal Pines Technical College. This guide contains key resources from the Coastal Pines Library that will help you with all of your legal research needs. Links to books/eBooks, databases and other online resources have all been hand-picked by a Coastal Pines Librarian.

The goal of the Paralegal Studies program is to educate, train and prepare students for a paralegal career. Carefully developed, the curriculum emphasizes practical skills and knowledge in both substantive and procedural law that is designed to enhance the student's ability to succeed in the legal profession. Learning opportunities develop academic, technical and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The knowledge and skills emphasized in the Paralegal Studies program include ethical obligations; research in state and federal law; legal correspondence preparation; family law matters; basic concepts of real property law, criminal law and procedure, civil litigation, tort law, and substantive contract law; and wills, trusts, and probate. 

As paralegals work under the supervision of licensed attorneys, opportunities are available for a semester-long internship, where students will bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world legal experience while gaining work-related references and networking opportunities to enhance marketability as a legal professional. While aiding lawyers in the delivery of legal services, paralegal duties may include legal research; drafting of memoranda, legal forms, and correspondence; client interviews, case investigation and witness interviews; case and practice management; as well as participation in trials. Paralegals work in traditional private law firms, agencies of the state and national government, offices for criminal prosecution and criminal defense, and the legal departments of corporations involved in banking, insurance, real estate, and technology.

Graduates of this program are eligible to become certified through successful completion of the certification examination from the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook describes various careers for Paralegals, including what these professionals do, their work environment, salaries and how to pursue a career in the field. Learn more about Paralegals and Legal Assistants.

O*NET OnLine is a web-based application that provides user-friendly access to occupational information contained in the O*NET database. Learn more about Paralegals and Legal Assistants.

Career OneStop is a U.S. Department of Labor-sponsored Web site that offers career resources and workforce information to job seekers, students, businesses, and workforce professionals. Learn more about Paralegals and Legal Assistants.

The Georgia Career Information System is a project of the Georgia Career Information Center. It contains assessments, explorations, and search strategies to help individuals determine their career interests, as well as comprehensive and accurate state and national occupational and educational information. The password needed to access the site is available from your school counselor, librarian, or other administrator.

“Paralegal—Career Q&A: Professional Advice and Insight.” Films Media Group, 2017,

fod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=237536&xtid=133153. Accessed 13 Aug. 2019.

The transcript for "Paralegals: Day on the Job" can be found here.