Essential Functions

The purpose of the essential functions list is to allow prospective students who are considering a career to be informed of the physical, emotional, and psychological demands related to training and employment in a field of study. These lists are provided to allow prospective students to make informed career choices by providing them with a summary of the physical abilities and personality traits that are generally required for the successful completion of a curriculum and result in employment in a field of study after graduation. To be successful in the Paralegal Studies program, students must meet these essential functions:

Specific Functions.

• Researches: The ability to research and analyze legal sources (primary and secondary).
• Validates: The ability to validate law using citators (Shepardizing).
• Drafts: The ability to draft correspondence, memorandums, pleadings, briefs, discovery, and other legal documents (e.g., wills, contracts, articles of incorporation, deeds, etc.).
• Investigates: The ability to investigate facts of case, including client witness.
• Communicates: The ability to conduct initial and subsequent interviews of clients and to maintain contact with clients and communicate efficiently with other legal professionals.
• Documenting, Recordkeeping, and Case Management: The ability to:
  • Maintain and organize client files and litigation documents.
  • Index, synthesize, and summarize documents such as depositions.
  • Produce documents.
  • Maintain billing and other records.
  • Maintain docket control, calendars, etc.
  • Schedule matters such as court dates, depositions, etc.
• Using Technology: The ability to use appropriate technology to complete tasks set forth above, including, but not limited to, word processing, spreadsheet applications, databases, computer-assisted legal research, litigation management, timekeeping, and case management.