JCCC's paralegal program is the only one approved by the American Bar Association in the Kansas City area. Approved since 1980, the ABA standards and guidelines pertain to the program's organization, administration, curriculum, faculty, admissions, placement, library and support facilities.

The expanding role of the legal assistant in the delivery of legal services has created increased opportunities for people with paralegal training. Private law firms continue to be the largest employer of legal assistants, but opportunities also are available in corporate legal departments, insurance companies, real estate and title firms, banks and government agencies.

The JCCC paralegal program is a challenging one. The law is a complex subject, so paralegal students must have a high degree of analytical reasoning ability, excellent oral and written communication skills and a high level of motivation.

JCCC offers an associate of arts degree in paralegal. The 68-credit-hour program offers a variety of legal specialty courses.

If you have already completed a two-year or a four-year degree and have satisfied JCCC and American Bar Association general education requirements prior to admission, then you can pursue a 37-credit-hour paralegal certificate program.

Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. For more information, contact Professor Anita Tebbe, professor/chair, legal studies, at atebbe@jccc.edu.