Academics

Paralegal – Certificate

The mission of the Paralegal certificate is to produce competent, well-rounded individuals who are able to work under the supervision of an attorney in the many areas of the practice of law, specifically, the student will be prepared to perform such tasks as legal research, client interviews, investigations, preparation of legal documents, and other legal work as delegated by an attorney. Paralegals are employed by private law firms, corporations, governmental agencies, insurance companies, title companies, and financial institutions. Paralegals must work under the supervision of an attorney in good standing under the state bar and must not engage in the unauthorized practice of law, as set forth in the Code of Professional Conduct.

Admission to the Program:

• A bachelor's degree (4 years/undergraduate) or associate degree from an accredited college or university is required for admission to the program.
• Student must submit an application for admission to Illinois Central College and must submit an official transcript from the college or university granting the degree to ICC Enrollment Services, L211.
• Student must submit a separate application for the Paralegal Certificate Program to the Program Coordinator and have an interview with the Program Coordinator before gaining admission to the program.  The form is available from the Program Coordinator at ICC Peoria, Poplar Hall 117, by calling (309) 690-7691 or on-line at http://paralegal.icc.edu at least 30 percent of the total program of study must be completed at Illinois Central College.  
• Student must take at least 10 credit hours or the equivalent of legal specialty course through the 'in person' format. PRLGL 113, 116, and 260 must be taken at ICC to graduate from the program.  
• Students must attain a grade of “C” or higher in each PRLGL course (included equated PRLGL transfer courses).  

Accreditation

This program is approved by the American Bar Association.

Degree

Certificate (Certificate Program)
Total Credit Hours: 38

Program Requirements

Select a course number below to see a course description.

Required Program Courses

Course	Name	Credit Hours
PRLGL 110	INTRODUCTION TO PARALEGAL	3
PRLGL 112	LEGAL RESEARCH I	3
PRLGL 113	LEGAL RESEARCH II	3
PRLGL 114	FAMILY LAW	3
PRLGL 115	WILLS, TRUSTS AND ESTATE ADMINISTRATION	3
PRLGL 116	CIVIL LITIGATION	3
PRLGL 117	ADMINISTRATIVE LAW	3
PRLGL 118	LAW OFFICE MANAGEMENT	3
PRLGL 120	MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY FOR PARALEGALS	2
PRLGL 215	BUSINESS ORGANIZATION AND PRACTICE	3
PRLGL 260	PARALEGAL INTERNSHIP	3

Elective Courses

Course	Name	Credit Hours
	APPROVED ELECTIVES *	6

*  PRLGL 121, 141; CRJ 111, 225, 227, 230

Recommended Course Sequence

Semester	Courses
Fall Semester 1	PRLGL 110; PRLGL 112; PRLGL 116; PRLGL 117; PRLGL 215
Spring Semester 1	PRLGL 113; PRLGL 114; PRLGL 115; PRLGL 118; Approved Elective
Summer Semester	PRLGL 120; PRLGL 260; Approved Elective

Program Contact Information

Business, Legal, and Information Systems Department

Peoria Campus

Poplar Hall  Room 117

(309) 690-7691

Illinois Career Cluster

Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security

Career Pathway:
Legal Services

Career Pathway

Pathway programs at ICC have a map that shows the courses/degree requirements that will lead students to their desired education and employment goals.