Roane State is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Paralegal Studies
The Roane State Community College paralegal studies program is designed to educate and make students proficient in legal ethics, procedural law, substantive law, and working in a legal environment. It is open to students who meet the minimum course standards for other two-year technical degree programs. RSCC's paralegal program is intended for students who do not plan to transfer to baccalaureate degree programs.
Why Roane State Community College Stands Head and Shoulders Above the Rest Director of Legal Studies Chris Whaley said, "I would have to say that the factors combining to make our A.A.S. Paralegal Studies degree 'head and shoulders' above the rest are as follows: 1) our outstanding adjunct faculty. Our program has one full-time faculty member (myself), and many of our classes are taught by our outstanding adjunct faculty members, many of whom are judges, law office managers, and state and regionally recognized experts in the areas of the law in which they teach. 2) Our program is unique in that we offer some of our paralegal classes at seven different Roane State campuses via distance education (simultaneous audio/video conferencing). This feature makes it very convenient for students to take our classes. 3) Finally, our students set us apart. Those who employ our graduates tell us that they are very pleased with the emphasis we place on practical legal skills. Two of our alumnae have been the recipient of the Lawassa B. Jones Memorial Scholarship, a competitive award provided by the Tennessee Paralegal Association." |
Students who complete the curriculum are able to apply basic legal concepts and have become familiar with Tennessee's court system and its substantive and procedural laws. Upon completion, students are competent in legal ethics, research, writing, problem solving, and communication. Additionally, students gain practical experience by participating in internship programs.
Roane State Community College's paralegal studies program aligns its curriculum with the general principles of ethical legal practice, professional responsibility, and the prohibition against the unauthorized practice of law by non-lawyers, including paralegals.