Paralegal Studies
As defined by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, a Paralegal is a person,
qualified through education, training or work experience to perform substantive legal work that requires
knowledge of legal concepts and is customarily, but not exclusively, performed by a lawyer. This person
may be retained or employed by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency or other entity or may be authorized
by administrative, statutory or court authority to perform this work. Substantive shall mean work requiring
recognition, evaluation, organization, analysis, and communication of relevant facts and legal concepts. (NFPA)
Instructors in the Paralegal program are licensed, practicing attorneys from diverse fields of law, including
District Attorneys and private practitioners. Current faculty include G. Coleman Lee (Program Coordinator),
Satrica Williams, Ralph Williams, David Palay, Sharon Wilson, and Michael Landry. Courses ranging from legal
writing and research to criminal law and procedures are offered in our evening programs to accommodate the
adult learner. Interns are often retained as employees at the conclusion of their internship. The department
is currently exploring new ways paralegals can serve our community. Information on new and upcoming opportunities
and programs will be available on the paralegal section of the Social Science website.
