Mercy College

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational law subjects with practical paralegal skills. Core topics typically include legal research and writing, civil litigation procedure, contracts, torts, criminal law and procedure, family law, real property, and evidence. Students also study professional responsibility and legal ethics, legal technology (case management software, e‑discovery basics), and administrative and statutory interpretation.

• Advanced legal research and writing and drafting of pleadings, motions and transactional documents
• Civil litigation practice, including pleadings, discovery, motion practice and trial preparation
• Substantive courses such as contracts, torts, criminal law, property and family law
• Specialist electives such as immigration law, corporate and business law, landlord/tenant and real estate closing procedures
• Professional ethics, client interviewing and office management
• Practicum or internship placements providing supervised experience in law firms, corporate legal departments, courts or public interest organisations
• Capstone or integrative project that simulates real-world legal tasks

The degree is structured to balance theory and practice: students complete general education requirements, core legal studies modules, concentration electives and a supervised work placement or practicum to develop workplace-ready skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised high school diploma or equivalent. Typical admission criteria include a satisfactory overall academic record and completion of required or recommended preparatory subjects. Mature applicants with relevant work experience are considered.

• Academic transcripts demonstrating secondary school completion
• Evidence of English language competence where English is not the applicant's first language
• Some programmes may require a personal statement or interview to assess motivation and fit
• Successful placement often depends on passing background checks required by internship hosts or legal employers

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of legal-support roles. Common job titles include paralegal, legal assistant, litigation support specialist, title examiner, court clerk and compliance support officer. Paralegal graduates work in private law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, courts, non‑profit organisations and real estate or insurance companies.

The programme also provides a foundation for further study: many graduates go on to professional qualifications, specialised certificates (for example in e‑discovery or compliance), or postgraduate study in law- or policy-related fields. Practical workplace experience gained through internships often leads directly to employment or improved employability in competitive legal markets.

Why study at Mercy College

Mercy College emphasises applied learning and small-class teaching that lets students work closely with faculty who have legal practice experience. The college maintains relationships with local law firms, courts and public agencies to support internship placements and networking opportunities.

• Hands-on practicum and internship opportunities to build real-world skills
• Faculty with practitioner backgrounds who focus on legal skills and professional standards
• Career services and employer links that help with job search, résumé building and interview preparation
• Flexible scheduling options and support for students balancing study with work

Overall, the programme is designed for students seeking a practical, career-oriented bachelor’s degree that readies them to enter the legal support workforce or to continue into further legal or professional study.