Thank you for your interest in the Paralegal Studies Program at Reynolds Community College. We are pleased that you are considering our American Bar Association approved program.

For over 35 years our Paralegal Program has prepared students like you to enter the exciting and challenging legal field as a paralegal. We can personally attest to the tremendous value of a qualified paralegal. Paralegal's really make a difference in the lives of the clients they help serve. You are about to embark upon a rewarding career path of which you can be proud.

We work hard to ensure that our courses are delivering practical content and preparing you to start your career on the right foot. Our paralegal and attorney instructors bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the classroom. Their dedication and passion for teaching is second to none. The skills you learn here today will be the foundation for your career tomorrow.

We invite you to explore our program offerings, and learn how you too can become a paralegal. With convenient day and evening classes including virtual hybrid schedules with synchronous lecture, we aim to provide equitable access to a class schedule that fits a busy life.

If you have any questions about the program or would like to schedule a time to talk, please feel free to contact Melissa Brooks at mbrooks@reynolds.edu or (804) 523-5605. We hope you will choose Reynolds Community College for your paralegal education.

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Program Goal

To provide an educational foundation that assists students in becoming ethical, professional and effective paralegals or legal assistants.

Objectives

  • All paralegal studies graduates will demonstrate the ability to conduct comprehensive legal research and effectively evaluate the credibility and relevance of various sources, including online databases, case law, statutes, and secondary materials, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the sources collected.

  • All paralegal studies graduates will develop the skill to articulate complex legal concepts clearly and concisely. They will use precise legal terminology, proper grammar, and Bluebook citation conventions to produce well-structured legal documents including but not limited to memos, briefs, contracts, and legal correspondence.

  • All Paralegal Studies graduates will demonstrate knowledge of the core competencies to assist in substantive legal content including but not limited to real estate transactions, bankruptcy proceedings, estate planning, probate matters, trial preparation, discovery, or ePractice. 

  • All Paralegal Studies graduates will achieve proficiency through certification in select software programs used in the legal field. Additionally, students will evidence proficiency in search and retrieving of information on various government and administrative websites including but not limited to Virginia Courts Online, Virginia State Corporation Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and PACER. Graduates will explore developing artificial intelligence tools within the legal field.

  • All Paralegal Studies graduates will demonstrate knowledge application of ethical responsibilities associated with the Canons of the NALA Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, court rules, agency rules, and governing statutes to resolve ethical problems.

Students may work in the following areas

  • Law firms
  • Government agencies
  • Corporations
  • Court System
  • Mortgage Companies
  • Title Insurance Companies
  • Banks

Full-time or part-time

Students may attend full-time or part-time. Substantive legal classes are offered in fall, spring and summer. Many students are employed while attending school. The Program offers classes during the day and evening utilizing hyflex technology where students can experience a live classroom experience from anywhere in the world. A minimum of 9 credit hours of substantive legal specialty courses must be taken through synchronous lecture.

Ethics statement

Legal Assistants, paralegals and other non-lawyers are prohibited from practicing law without a license and may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.

ABA Approval