Minnesota Paralegal Associations and Information

Statewide Paralegal Associations

The Minnesota Paralegal Association (MPA)

Description: The Minnesota Paralegal Association (MPA) is a voluntary, non-profit professional association composed of paralegals living or working in the State of Minnesota dedicated to fostering the growth and development of the paralegal profession by: promoting a high standard of professionalism to the legal community as well as the general public; encouraging communication among paralegals and related organizations; supporting the ongoing education and professional development of paralegals; encouraging pro bono or community service involvement through MPA or other non-profit organizations; promoting diversity of its members; and demonstrating a commitment to honesty and integrity of all members.

Contact:
Minnesota Paralegal Association
2345 Rice Street, Suite 220
St. Paul, MN 55113
Telephone: (651) 633-2778
Fax: (651) 317-8048
Email: info@mnparalegals.org
Website: http://www.mnparalegals.org/

Paralegal Schools and CLE

Alexandria Techical College

Description:  Alexandria Technical College’s 72-credit Paralegal AAS program prepares students to perform legal work under the direct supervision of an attorney and to work in many areas of law. Coursework focuses on substantive law, legal procedures, and government. Students study civil litigation, criminal procedures, family law, business organizations, real estate, estates and probate, bankruptcy, and intellectual property. They also receive extensive training in the preparation and handling of legal documents, legal research, legal writing, legal ethics, trial preparation, investigation, and the interpersonal skills vital to success in the business world. The legal business world requires an advanced knowledge of computer applications. Students of this program develop knowledge of word processing techniques, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation graphics software applications. A laptop computer, leased from the college, is required.

Possible Job Titles:  Paralegal, Legal Assistant, Credit Investigator, Title Company Closer, Senior Court Clerk, Property Specialist, or Bankruptcy Analyst

Contact:

Mavis Pattee

Paralegal Instructor/Program Director

Email Address: mavisp@alextech.edu

Phone Number: 320-762-4516

Hamline University

Description: Hamline University offers a paralegal program that integrates the liberal arts and specific paralegal instruction. The students learn to use the library and engage in joint litigation projects with the aspiring lawyers of the Hamline law school. The university which is located in a dynamic urban environment, the Twin Cities of Minnesota, helps to place the students in a wide variety of interesting internship positions and jobs. The university offer full-time placement, counselors and a wide variety of extracurricular activities in an exciting urban environment known for music, sports, the arts and entertainment. Hamline is Minnesota’s oldest university.

Type of Institution: Private, 4 yr, ABA Approved.

Degrees Offered & Conditions: Bachelor of Arts, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Minimum length of time to complete program: certificate-9 months; BA-4 yrs
Internships: Mandatory

Contact:
Leondra M. Hanson
Paralegal Certificate Program
1536 Hewitt Avenue, MB - 148
St. Paul, MN 55104
Telephone: 651.523.2768
Fax: 651.523.3170
Email: lhanson18@hamline.edu
Website: http://www.hamline.edu/cla/acad/depts_programs/legal_studies/paralegal.html

Inver Hills Community College

Description: Inver Hills Community College Paralegal Program develops graduates who are prepared to assume the general and ethical responsibilities of paralegals. It offers quality, practical coursework (traditionally or online) including a paralegal internship that is approved by the American Bar Association, and provides excellent continuing legal educational opportunities for students and paralegals.

Degrees Offered: Associate Degree.

Contact:
Sally Dahlquist
Legal Assistant Program
2500 80th Street East
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076-3224
Telephone: 651.450.8567
Fax: 651.450.8679
Email: sdahlqu@inverhills.mnscu.edu
Website: http://www.inverhills.edu/AcademicPrograms/CareerPrograms/Paralegal.aspx

Minnesota Paralegal Institute

Description: The objectives of the Minnesota Paralegal Institute are: to recruit and enroll students with an interest in legal service and the potential to succeed as paralegals; to provide quality instruction based on relevant curricula, emphasizing the practical skills most needed by paralegals for career success; to instill in students a clear understanding of the role of the paralegal and the principles of professional responsibility; to assist graduates of the program in finding positions; and to promote within the community a greater recognition and acceptance of the important role of the paralegal. The Paralegal program offered by the institute is an ABA approved one.

Degrees Offered: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate.

Contact:
Pamela E. Hufstader
Legal Assistant Program
13911 Ridgedale Drive
Minnetonka, MN 55305
Telephone: 952.542.8417
Fax: 952.545.1524
Email: mpi@mnparalegal.com
Website: http://www.mnparalegal.com/index.htm

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Description: Minnesota State University Moorhead is an institution that offers a rigorous course of study and places high expectations upon its students. Its strong commitment to faculty-mentored research and intellectual growth will provide students with continual opportunities for personal and professional achievement. To earn the Bachelor of Science degree, Minnesota State University Moorhead’s paralegal majors must complete a core program of at least 12 courses, plus an internship. A year-long sequence of legal research and writing is the foundation of the core. In addition to the core and internship, students must complete a series of courses in at least one of four major areas

Type of Institution: Public, 4 yr, ABA Approved.

Degrees Offered & Conditions: Bachelor of Science
Minimum length of time to complete program: 2 yrs (with prior liberal studies requirements completed).
Internships: Mandatory

Contact:
Director: Deborah Kukowski
Paralegal Department
1104 7th Avenue South
Moorhead, MN 56563
Telephone: 218.477.5806
Fax: 218.477.2590
Email: kukowskd@mnstate.edu
Website: www.mnstate.edu/paralegal

North Hennepin Community College

Description: The objectives of the North Hennepin Community College program are: 1) To teach the nature and scope of occupational opportunities in the paralegal field; 2) To provide students with a well-rounded educational background; 3) To train paralegals to carry out specific legal procedures in specific areas of law; and 4) To teach students legal ethics, critical thinking, and the exercise of discretion in carrying out specific legal procedures. Paralegal courses are offered in the afternoon and evening. The program prepares students for entry into a paralegal career and provides employed paralegals with an opportunity to enhance their legal knowledge and skills.

Type of Institution: Public, 2 yr, ABA Approved.

Degrees Offered & Conditions: Associate in Science, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Minimum length of time to complete program: 12 months (if general education requirements have been met).
Internships: Mandatory

Contact:
Director: Renae Fry
Paralegal Program
7411 85th Avenue North
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Telephone: 763.493-0546
Fax: 763.493.0560
Email: renae.fry@nhcc.edu
Website: www.nhcc.edu/What_can_I_study/Programs_and_majors/Paralegal/index.cfm

Winona State University

Description: The Paralegal Program of the Winona State University, which is an ABA approved program, enables students to develop both intellectual and professional skills in the law. The program is designed to meet the needs of students wishing to enter into a career that demands knowledge and experience with legal systems and institutions. This includes careers working for law firms, government agencies, insurance companies, banking institutions, and more.

Degrees Offered: Baccalaureate Degree

Contact:
Director: Kurt A. Hohenstein
Paralegal Program
212 Minne Hall
P. O. Box 5838
Winona, MN 55987-5838
Telephone: 507.457.5400
Fax: 507.457.5086
Email: khohenstein@winona.edu
Website: http://www.winona.edu/coursecatalog/Paralegal.asp

Minnesota Paralegal Blog

http://paralegals.uslegalblogs.com/category/states/minnesota/