Paralegals gain client exposure via Help Center

The Paralegal Studies Certificate Program at Monroe Community College requires work-related experience, including some pro bono work, so a partnership with Volunteer Legal Services Project, Inc. has worked well for many years.

More recently paralegal students have helped to staff the Seventh Judicial District and
Rochester Central Library Help Centers, assisting VLSP staff attorney Scott MacPherson and VLSP paralegal Danielle Sharp with filling the 22.5 hours-per- week schedule.

The ABA approved paralegal studies program at MCC is headed by Michael Martella. The
curriculum was developed in partnership with the Monroe County Bar Association and the Paralegal Association of Rochester.

Judi Bogart, MCC paralegal at Help Center

“Since 2015, we’ve had about 40 paralegals gain experience at the Help Center,” MacPherson, who oversees the Help Centers for VLSP, said. “Paralegals tend to be very good with procedures and can provide assistance with forms.”

MCC’s Martella explained: “The students need internship experience and we ask that at least 10% of that experience is pro bono. The students get excellent paralegal experience under the supervision of VLSP’s staff attorneys while those in our community who vitally need civil legal services have access to help.”

In its fifth year of operation, the number of people seeking Help Center guidance has grown year after year. In 2016, the Help Centers served 2,831, compared to 2,305 in 2015.

“MCC Paralegal Program graduates have also landed jobs at VLSP, and students have come back to the classroom with experiences that are not only practical but impactful,” Martella continued.

To qualify for the approximately 15-month paralegal program, students must already have an Associates or Bachelors Degree. MCC students have gained pro bono experience through VLSP clinics and office work for a number of years, but the Help Center experience provides a new array of work-related experience.

Written by Nora A. Jones