Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to
the public except as permitted by law.

Thank you for your interest in the paralegal program. Kellogg Community College has operated an AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION APPROVED program since 1978. Why is this important to you? Of the 1,000 or more institutions offering paralegal programs across the nation, less than a quarter undergo the rigorous approval process of the ABA. ABA approved programs assure a standard of excellence that the Bureau of Labor Statistics believes, “enhances employment opportunities.” The paralegal profession is one of the fastest growing and most dynamic professions in the United States. The United States Department of Labor predicts employment opportunities for paralegals and legal assistants will grow much faster than average through 2014.

Career opportunities are many and varied.  Paralegals may work in private law firms, corporate legal departments, insurance companies, real estate and title insurance firms, hospitals, banks, community legal services programs, and federal, state, and local governments.  With further education, paralegal graduates may become lawyers, judges, nurse consultants, professors, or law librarians.
Students interested in a pre-law curriculum may find that paralegal specialty courses provide an excellent introduction to legal studies and can help prepare you for the rigors of law school. 
Additional information on the paralegal profession can be found in the nature of the work and related occupations and job opportunities and earnings. 

Kellogg Community College has the program option that’s right for you.  If you are just beginning college you should follow the guide for a Paralegal Associate of Applied Science Degree.  If you already possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university you should follow the guide for the Paralegal Post-Baccalaureate Certificate.  For more detailed course information please look in the current college catalog.

In addition to following the 6 steps for new students, paralegal students are also required to complete the paralegal program verification form.  Completed verification forms should be mailed or brought to the Criminal Justice Department and must be accompanied by either proof of high school graduation or GED (Applied Science candidates) or an official copy of bachelor degree transcripts (Post Baccalaureate Certificate candidates). 

To learn more about the Paralegal Program at Kellogg Community College please feel free to contact the Program Coordinator:

Susan McCabe, J.D.
KCC Paralegal Program
450 North Ave.
Battle Creek, MI  49017-3397

Office Phone 269-965-3931, extension 2520
Fax:  269-966-4086

E-Mail:  paralegal@kellogg.edu

Introduction to Paralegalism: 

• Minimum COMPASS Reading score of 70 or a minimum grade of “C” in College Reading and Study                 Skills (STSK 98)
• Minimum COMPASS Writing score of 78 or a minimum grade of “C” in Writing Improvement (ENGL 120). 

All other paralegal specialty courses (courses with the “PARA” prefix) require successful completion of Introduction to Paralegalism (PARA 110). 
Internships and Cooperative Education courses (PARA 201, 202, 220, 221) have an additional requirement of Sophomore standing and approval of the Paralegal Program Coordinator. 
Advanced Legal Research and Writing (PARA 251) has an additional requirement of completion of Basic Research and Writing (PARA 120) with a “C” or better. 

A maximum of 60% (16 semester credit hours) of paralegal specialty coursework may be transferred in to meet Paralegal degree/certificate requirements.  Courses must meet the competencies of the equivalent KCC course, have a grade of “C” or higher, and be from an institution approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) at the time the course was taken.   Courses completed more than five years prior to evaluation for transfer do not qualify without department exemption.

• Communicate effectively in written, spoken, and non-verbal forms.
• Work in collaborative settings while demonstrating individual initiative and responsibility.
• Employ effective interpersonal skills in a variety of work-related settings with an emphasis on excellent customer service and treating people with respect and courtesy.
• Use critical thinking skills and creativity to solve problems and make well-reasoned, ethical decisions in a legal environment.
• Master legal concepts and use legal terminology and resources effectively.
• Conduct accurate, effective, and efficient legal research and investigations.
• Exhibit professionalism and respect for the legal system.
• Value and commit to continually upgrade technical skills and substantive legal knowledge.
• Understand the role of paralegals in the legal profession, and observe all appropriate legal codes of ethical conduct.
• Use technology effectively and appropriately.
• Effectively organize information and demonstrate efficient time management skills.