What You Will Learn
The Criminal Justice-Legal Assistant program provides students with a solid background in the legal system. Students study legal topics within the criminal, civil and family court systems. The program provides students with a strong foundation in different types of law, how cases are investigated and prepared, negotiated and taken to court.
This CCM Certificate of Achievement is designed for students who seek to have a career as a paralegal or legal assistant. The curriculum provides students with a foundation in the law, litigation procedures and places a strong emphasis on legal ethics. Students are specifically trained to work with attorneys in preparation of legal cases and law office management.
Some of our students join us right after high school, while others begin at CCM after taking a few years off or planning a career change. Graduates gain extensive knowledge in research, legal writing, preparing a case and litigation procedures and can put these skills to immediate use in their legal system career.
Curriculum
Our Criminal Justice-Legal Assistant Certification of Achievement program features a 18-credit curriculum, including courses such as Criminal Law and Procedure, Business Law and Fundamentals of Law.
Learn a foundation in the law, litigation and procedures with a strong emphasis on legal ethics, and be trained to work with attorneys in preparation of legal cases and law office management. You will gain extensive knowledge in research, legal writing, preparing a case and litigation procedures and put these skills to immediate use in a legal system career.
Careers in the Field
Be prepared to work in the legal system and also you may further your education at CCM towards an associate degree in Criminal Justice or Justice Studies.
- Case Manager
- Claims Examiner
- Clerk of the Court
- Court Investigator
- Court Staff Member
- Equal Opportunity Compliance Investigator
- Foreclosure Processor
- Human Relations Specialist
- Legal Assistant / Paralegal
- Legal Research Specialist
- Legislative Analyst
The average base salary for a paralegal in New Jersey is $55,813, according to Indeed.com. The average salary for a legal assistant in New Jersey is $56,111, according to Salary.com.
Why Legal Studies?
There are over two million attorneys in the United States and over 98,000 in New Jersey. Our state ranks sixth out of 51 judicial jurisdictions in the country. Morris County is home to the third highest number of attorneys in the state—over 3,000 attorneys in our county!
The National Association for Presiding Judges and Court Executive Officers notes that remote and hybrid work arrangements are becoming increasingly popular in the paralegal field, which could further impact job growth and opportunities.
The program is available on campus and may be earned 100% online through our Virtual Campus.
Paying for Your Legal Studies Education
Earning a certificate of achievement from CCM is a powerful investment that will pay off over the course of your life, in both increased earnings and job satisfaction. But what is the upfront cost, and how do you afford it?
There’s good news: Money is available to help you pay for school! Our Financial Aid staff can provide lots of information about the process of finding funds to help pay for your education.
Featured Courses
Litigation Procedures
This course is an introduction to the legal system with a focus on the New Jersey Court System. A review of substantive areas of law and application of procedural concepts from initiation of a lawsuit through entry of judgment will be undertaken. The course will also address the process of client interviewing, investigation, drafting of pleadings and other documents, and preparation for trialrn
Fundamentals of Law
Fundamentals of Law is an introduction to the court system and the principles of substantive law in the field of contracts, torts, property, and family law.
Business Law I
This course is a basic study of the fundamentals of legal liability, the growth of our legal system, and the legal rights, duties and obligations of the individual. Specifically covered are law and society, contracts, agency and employment. Where applicable, the Uniform Commercial Code is used as the basis for statutory interpretation
