The backstory
As previously reported by Community Impact, the LSC board of trustees authorized the expansion of the paralegal program to LSC-UP during an Aug. 1 board meeting. The program was previously only available at LSC-North Harris.
About the program
According to a Dec. 18 news release, the American Bar Association-approved program will prepare students for careers in the legal field through comprehensive curriculum and hands-on training. Degrees offered through the program include:
- An Associate of Applied Science, or AAS, in Paralegal Studies, which is geared toward first-time students
- An Advanced Technical Certificate, or ATC, in Paralegal Studies, which is geared toward students who have already completed a degree
Students in both the paralegal studies and criminal justice programs at LSC-UP will be able to utilize a fully-functional, on-campus courtroom for mock trial competitions and litigation courses, LSC officials noted.
The courtroom will allows students to develop skills such as courtroom appearances, fact investigation, legal document preparation, witness interrogation and trial processes, per the release.
Quote of note
"We are proud to offer the paralegal studies program to our students, providing them with the tools needed to pursue meaningful careers in the legal field," David Gaer, dean of instruction for behavioral and social sciences at LSC-UP, said in a statement. "The new courtroom gives students the opportunity to engage directly with current legal practices, ensuring they are well-prepared for professional environments in Harris County and beyond."
