10110142Legal Studies/Paralegal Internship
Course Information
Description
Students gain practical experience working in a legal environment under the supervision of an attorney or other qualified professional for a minimum of 140 hours and share these experiences with other students.
Total Credits
3
Prior Learning Assessment
  • Experiential-Portfolio
Course Competencies
  1. Demonstrate competence as an entry-level legal professional/paralegal
    Assessment Strategies
    Legal Studies/Paralegal Internship Agreement
    Confidentiality Agreement
    Madison College Internship Agreement (if necessary)
    Four - 35-hour reports
    Internship Feedback Form
    Final Site Supervisor Evaluation
    Verification of 140 hours of Work Experience
    E-portfolio
    Resume template
    Criteria
    you acquire an internship that is approved by your Teacher/Coordinator before starting
    you and your Site Supervisor complete the Internship Agreement and provide accompanying attachments
    you complete the Confidentiality Agreement
    you complete the Internship Feedback Form
    professional e-portfolio includes items as specified by the Teacher/Coordinator
    resume template includes items as specified by the Teacher/Coordinator
    you arrange a Site Visit with you, your Site Supervisor, and your Teacher/Coordinator
    Site supervisor completes the Final Site Supervisor Evaluation
    Site supervisor verifies 140 hours of work experience
    you submit all documentation to your Teacher/Coordinator

  2. Demonstrate effective writing skills in a legal environment
    Assessment Strategies
    by achieving a satisfactory evaluation on your written work from your site supervisor
    Criteria
    you proofread all legal documents
    you edit legal documents
    you compose legal documents in a clear, concise, logical, and effective manner, controlling emotional responses and withholding moral or value judgment
    you use correct spelling
    you use correct grammar
    you use correct punctuation
    you prepare legal correspondence

  3. Demonstrate effective oral communication skills in a legal environment
    Assessment Strategies
    by achieving a satisfactory evaluation on your oral communication skills from your site supervisor
    Criteria
    you communicate effectively (orally) in person with your site supervisor, attorneys, site co-workers and clients, controlling emotional responses and withholding moral or value judgment
    you use inclusive, non-alienating language
    you speak so others can understand
    you communicate when appropriate and within professional boundaries
    you adapt messages to audience and occasion
    you use body language appropriate for the audience and occasion
    you select most effective medium for conveying a message
    you locate resources to bridge language barrier, if applicable

  4. Demonstrate interpersonal effectiveness in relationships in a legal environment
    Assessment Strategies
    by achieving a satisfactory evaluation on your interpersonal effectiveness skills from your site supervisor
    Criteria
    you effectively and appropriately interact with your site supervisor, attorneys, and other co-workers in a law office setting
    you demonstrate cultural sensitivity towards cultures or subcultures other than your own
    you demonstrate dependability (on time, responsible, follow through on tasks)
    you respect diversity in people, cultures, and traditions
    you problem solve (locate and use resources efficiently)

  5. Demonstrate effective use of technology in a legal environment
    Assessment Strategies
    by achieving a satisfactory evaluation on your technology skills from your site supervisor
    Criteria
    you use word processing software in a law office setting
    you use legal software in a law office setting if requested of you
    electronic communication stays within professional boundaries

  6. Apply ethical and professional rules in a legal environment
    Assessment Strategies
    by achieving a satisfactory evaluation on your ethical behavior from your site supervisor
    Criteria
    you apply professional ethics in the workplace, such as honesty, trustworthiness, transparency, accountability, confidentiality, objectivity, respect, and obedience to the law
    you accept constructive criticism calmly, without being defensive
    you follow standard protocol in completing work and do not “cut corners” (do something the easiest way and produce a lower quality product)
    you admit errors and correct them
    you are honest in your dealings with co-workers, attorneys, and clients in a law office setting
    you uphold and promote confidentiality

  7. Demonstrate effective teamwork in a legal environment
    Assessment Strategies
    by achieving a satisfactory evaluation on your teamwork from your site supervisor
    by contributing to the course discussion board about your internship experience
    Criteria
    you are willing to help others
    you actively participate in problem solving
    you perform tasks to support and achieve a common goal
    you respect the diversity of a team and the roles of staff
    you empower team members by active listening and validating other’s contribution
    you demonstrate a positive attitude (own mistakes, accept feedback, adapt)
    you demonstrate trustworthiness, an eagerness to learn, and motivation to succeed as a group