Merritt College recognizes that there is a growing need for trained paralegals who know substantive law and administrative procedures required by the law and the court systems. The paralegal performs various legal tasks under the supervision of attorneys, including conducting legal research and drafting legal documents. Paralegals provide staff support for attorneys in a law office or in a legal setting. Many of these tasks are done by attorneys; however, under the law, they could be provided by paralegals under the supervision of an attorney.

Upon successful completion of this Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies program, students will be able to: • Draft various legal documents including motions, complaints, answers, discovery requests, declarations, legal forms, and other legal documents. • Conduct legal research using online research methods, such as Lexis and the Internet, as well as legal books. • Perform effective legal analysis and communicate effectively through oral communication and written documents. • Communicate effectively with attorneys, clients, and other persons, including but not limited to effectively interviewing clients and witnesses. • Assist attorneys in and demonstrate knowledge of particular areas of law, including criminal law, tort law, family law, business law and estate planning, and probate procedures.