Paralegals provide specialized legal assisting
knowledge and fundamental office technology
skills in law firms, mortgage companies,
banks, title insurance companies, and firms
associated with the mining industry, private
corporations, and government and administrative
agencies.
Get Started with a Certificate
Graduates of MECC’s Paralegal Studies program
receive an Associate in Applied Science degree.
Students can now complete the program through
distance learning. Individuals may begin their
training in a one-year Legal Office career studies
certificate program to gain basic office skills
for entry-level positions, such as receptionists,
keyboard operators, and file clerks.
Employers want Paralegals who:
- Understand legal terminology.
- Possess legal office skills.
- Demonstrate good organizational and analytical
skills.
- Possess excellent reading comprehension
skills
- Demonstrate effective time management
skills
- Enjoy working with complex and detailed
material.
- Possess excellent communication and interpersonal
skills.
- Possess excellent computer skills.
Certification
MECC’s Paralegal Studies program
prepares students for certification
examinations:
- Certified Legal Assistant
- Certified Paralegal
- Certified Legal Assistant Specialist
- PACE-Registered Paralegal (Paralegal
Advanced Competency Exam)
Internships
MECC Paralegal students have the
opportunity to gain on-site training through
internships with local agencies.
Employment Outlook
Paralegal/Legal Assisting is a fairly new field
of employment where job opportunities continue
to grow.
- Over 100 work locations in southwestern
Virginia
- Projected growth is 17.7 percent between
2002 and 2012.
Salary
The average entry-level salary in southwestern
Virginia is $17,000. Salaries range
from $24,000-$28,000 with experience.
Student Spotlight
 |
Ashley Turner, a graduate of MECC’s Paralegal
Studies program, is an administrative assistant
for the Law Office of Henry S. Keuling-Stout
in Big Stone Gap. |
You will find other MECC graduates at:
Commonwealth’s Attorney Office —
Lee, Scott, and Wise Counties,
Scott County Courthouse,
Wise County Courthouse,
Local attorneys’ offices,
Regional title abstracting companies
Professional Organizations
Contact MECC 
