What is a Paralegal?
- Legal professional who works in a legal environment
- Perform all of the functions of an attorney except...
- Give legal advice
- Accept clients
- Set legal fees
- Present a case in court
- Possible responsibilities & duties
- Do background work for an attorney
- Help attorneys prepare for trial
- Conduct client interviews
- Produce reports for use by attorneys to determine how the case should be handled
- Etc.
Why should I complete a Paralegal Program?
- Hawaiʻi has no credential requirement for working as a paralegal
- Other states are beginning to require a Paralegal Degree
- Shows employers that you have specialized knowledge in the field regarding many important issues that regularly arise, such as:
- Attorney-client privilege
- Confidentiality
- Legal process
Note: KCC Paralegal Program credits do not apply toward any law degree program and may not apply towards the requirements of a bachelor’s degree.
Although some students who are considering applying to law school may take paralegal program classes first, they are not required for prospective law students.
Admissions
- For University of Hawaiʻi (UH) System students,
- No selective admission requirements for the KCC Paralegal Program
- May transfer into the program or take classes in the program according to his/her need
The KCC Paralegal Program offers:
- Associate in Science, Paralegal degree - 60 credits
- Legal Secretary Certificate - 18 credits
- Both via an evening program that prepares students to perform the duties of either a paralegal or legal secretary
If you wish to see a comprehensive list of certified paralegal programs nationwide, please view ABA Approved Paralegal Education Programs.
Paralegal Program Coordinator
Kimberly Iwao, Esq.
Email: koidek@hawaii.edu
808-734-9444