The Program is the only community college paralegal program in the North Central Texas area that is approved by the American Bar Association. Under the supervision of a lawyer, a graduate of the program may be expected to perform such duties as researching legal data, drafting legal documents and forms, interviewing clients, organizing material for trial, and managing various law office procedures. El Centro's Paralegal Studies Program is a two-year associate's degree program designed to prepare the student to function as a technically qualified assistant to the lawyer to contribute to the efficient and economical delivery of legal services.
Paralegals typically work in law firms, governmental agencies, and corporations.
The program does not qualify a graduate to take a bar exam, represent clients in court, or give legal advice. The college's location is particularly advantageous for paralegal students. The federal courthouse, the district courthouse, the county clerk, the county law library, and numerous law firms are all within walking distance. The Program was initiated in 1975 to meet the growing need for legal assistants to aid lawyers in the economic and efficient delivery of legal services in both the private and public sectors of our society. Since the inauguration of the Program through Summer 1997, over 900 students have graduated with an associate's degree.