Program Outcomes

Graduates of the ECC paralegal program will demonstrate entry-level competency for employment in the local legal community by being able to:

1. Technology
   • Complete Microsoft Word Certification and Microsoft Excel Certification.
   • Use word processing software to format professional legal documents.
   • Mark, incorporate, and uncover document changes using redlining or blacklining.
   • Convert file formats, adjust file sizes, and prepare searchable PDF documents with bookmarking to comply with efiling requirements and judge preferences.
   • eFile documents with courts and county records offices.
   • Facilitate business video conferences.
   • Manage workflow, communicate with team members, and update client matters using enterprise software.
2. Communication
   • Use grammar rules and proofreading principles to meet attorney expectations in legal document preparation and written communication.
   • Listen attentively to spoken information, without interrupting, and produce accurate, complete, and useful written summaries.
   • Develop rapport with clients and peers through professional and friendly communication.
   • Dress, speak, write, and act in a professional manner on the job, paying attention to details.
   • Observe deadlines by calendaring due dates, setting advance reminders, and checking in with the legal team.
   • Formulate questions for guidance on work-related projects and determine appropriate timing for asking those questions.
3. Research
   • Locate and request medical, corporate, and other non-governmental records, using proper releases and forms.
   • Evaluate records for relevancy to a particular fact pattern and accurately summarize record information.
   • Obtain reliable information through internet-based factual searches.
   • Find primary sources of law and secondary legal materials that, when considered together, inform answers to specific legal issues.
   • Correctly read, interpret, and cite primary sources of law and secondary legal materials.
4. Legal Ethics
   • Avoid claims of unauthorized practice of law by working under the supervision of a licensed attorney and not giving legal advice.
   • Protect confidential client information and preserve attorney-client privilege in all communications.
   • Recognize and report a potential conflict of interest to a supervising attorney.
   • Demonstrate integrity and candor in all interactions.
   • Safeguard client property through proper client trust account procedures.