Paralegal Goals & Objectives

Our number one goal is equipping you with the skills to be successful as a paralegal. Upon graduation from the program, it is expected that students will be able to perform the following functions:

  • Analyze legal problems;
  • Engage in legal writing and preparation of litigation and mediation summaries
  • Conduct legal research;
  • Evaluate, analyze and understand the elements of a lawsuit
  • Complete necessary legal documents, forms, and formats for litigation and other purposes;
  • Effectively communicate legal findings and research findings;
  • Effectively communicate with clients of the law firm or agency;
  • Effectively assist attorneys and other legal professionals with the routine and unique aspects of a legal practice;
  • Demonstrate knowledge and an understanding of the ethical principles governing conduct within the legal environment.

Program Goals & Objectives

OCC's Paralegal Paralegal Program is committed to a culture of assessment, evaluation, innovation, and improvement. The overall goals of the program are as follows:

  1. Designed to provide the legal profession with qualified paraprofessionals who will perform legal research, aid in discovery and analyze evidence in preparation for litigation in the various court systems at the local, state and national levels. 
  2. Provide quality instruction and training for students to assume responsible employment with attorneys and the courts
  3. Provide training to students at the college level in assisting attorneys and the courts with specified tasks of the legal assistant;
  4. Provide an understanding, appreciation, and commitment to the ethical principles which govern legal assistants in their jobs--to their employers and the client communities they serve.
  5. Provide quality education to residents of Oakland County and surrounding areas who desire employment as paralegals; 
  6. Provide excellence in training in the following critical skills:
  • Interviewing clients
  • Handling follow-up legal activities
  • Performing legal research tasks
  • Follow-through investigation
  • Gathering and assembling legal information
  • Drafting legal documents and pleadings
  • Analyzing, organizing, summarizing and maintaining legal documents through the development of a legal document control-management system
  • Filing legal documents with courts and agencies
  • Assisting in various court litigation-related tasks

7.  Contribute to the economical and efficient delivery of legal services for the private and public sectors of the communities served by the institution.