PARALEGAL INTERNSHIPS INFORMATION & REQUIRED FORMS

Transcription

1 PARALEGAL INTERNSHIPS INFORMATION & REQUIRED FORMS MADISON AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE Paralegal Associate Degree Program & Paralegal Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Madison Area Technical College 3550 Anderson Street Madison, WI (608) 246-MATC Introduction 2 Getting Started 2 Deadlines 2 Application Materials 3 General for Applicants 3 Placement Options 3 Required Forms 4 FAQs 4 Course Outline of Instruction 8 Forms 11

2 MADISON AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE PARALEGAL INTERNSHIPS INFORMATION & REQUIRED FORMS INTRODUCTION Paralegal Internship ( ) is a required course for all Paralegal Associate Degree students and an elective legal specialty course for all Paralegal Post-Baccalaureate students. This course is an integral part of the Paralegal Program at Madison Area Technical College. It is designed to enhance a paralegal student s total academic experience through a period of observation, study, and participation in a law firm, governmental agency, or other lawrelated organization. The Internship course is the capstone to the paralegal student s academic experience. Prospective paralegals benefit greatly from the opportunity to observe and work with practitioners in the field. Internships provide students with the opportunity to apply concepts and principles learned in the classroom, to network with professionals in the legal community, and to analyze on-the-job experiences in light of academic learning. If you are enrolled in the Paralegal Program, you should become thoroughly familiar with the materials provided here. Detailed information is provided regarding deadlines for internship placements, required forms, and the internship placement process. The Program Director may assign any of the Program Director s responsibilities relating to this Internship course to one or more Instructor-Coordinators. GETTING STARTED Successful paralegals know the importance of identifying and meeting deadlines. Successful interns are no different. The first deadline facing a prospective paralegal intern occurs well in advance of the semester in which the Internship will occur. Internships must be established in the semester prior to the semester in which the internship will occur. Applications for Spring internships must be submitted by the announced deadline in the prior Fall semester. DEADLINES For internship in the Spring semester, your application materials must be received in hard copy by the Program Director by the second Friday in November of the Fall semester prior to the desired Internship 2

3 APPLICATION MATERIALS All application materials must be received by the stated deadline for the student to be considered for placement in a paralegal internship. The required materials include: Application Form Writing Sample. The writing sample should be work from one of your legal specialty classes and should be less than 5 pages in length. You will need to submit the work returned to you by your instructor, including the instructor s comments. In addition, you must submit a clean copy of the work reflecting your revisions based on your instructor s comments. Resume Cover Letter GENERAL REQUITEMENTS FOR APPLICANTS To be eligible for the Internship course and site placement, you must have completed the following courses in the Paralegal Program, all with grades of at least a C : Introduction to Paralegal & Ethics; Civil Litigation 1, and Legal Research. It is strongly suggested that students complete Legal Writing prior to Internship. However, students who have not yet completed Legal Writing may enroll in Legal Writing to take this concurrently with Internship. Students who have not previously completed Legal Writing and who are not concurrently enrolled in Legal Writing will not be permitted to enroll in the Internship course. Some firms and agencies enforce standards requiring background and records checks. Consequently, you may be required to authorize related investigations and checks as a condition of acceptance. It is also important to be aware that it is common for hiring managers to check out prospective employees, including interns, on the Web. Begin now to manage your online information (Face Book, MySpace, blogs, and the like) or risk having your resume end up in the do-not-call stack. Know that offices are routinely Googling applicants, and digital dirt can quickly take you out of the running. PLACEMENT OPTIONS Students secure their own internship placements. Internship placement involves a competitive process in which students apply for positions in area law firms, agencies, and organizations. The Program Director maintains a roster of placement sites that have taken MATC interns in the past. However, students are encouraged to contact law firms, agencies, and organizations not on the list but which practice in the areas in which the student is interested. Each semester, we have students at sites not on the list who are pleased to have our interns. Placement Process. Follow the steps below to begin the placement process: 1. Mark your calendar with the due date for submission of internship materials. 3

4 2. Complete the Application Form (found at the end of this handbook). 3. Prepare an updated resume. (If needed, plan ahead and get help with this at the MATC Advising & Career Services Office.) 4. Identify the areas of law and/or types of practice in which you would like to do your internship. 5. Identify site locations in which you are interested. Keep an open mind. Nail down a list of 5-7 sites at which you would like to intern. Get the name of the office manager, complete street address of the office, and contact information. All of this information is readily available on the Web. 6. Research your sites on the Web. Find out as much as you can about them. 7. Write an articulate, well-informed, and individual cover letter which can be sent to each site but, do not send them yet. (If needed, plan ahead and get help with this at the MATC Advising & Career Services Office.) 8. Set up a meeting with the Program Director. When you meet with the Program Director, bring in hard copies of your Application Form, Resume, and Cover Letters. Bring in all of your research notes about the offices in which you would like to intern. 9. After the Program Director approves your Application Form, Resume, and Cover Letters, send your Resume and unique Cover Letter to each site. 10. Interview and secure your site. REQUIRED FORMS Appended to this material you will find the Application Form which you must submit to begin the internship application process. Make a hard copy of the form and complete it (typewritten preferred). By 5 p.m. on the due date, your hard copy Application Form and Writing Sample must be turned into the office of the Program Director (320A Truax). Faxed and copies will not be accepted. Late Applications and Writing Samples will not be accepted. FAQs 1. How do I register for the Internship course? Within 7-10 days of submitting your Application and Writing Sample, you will be notified by the Program Director (via ) of the decision on your application for internship. Students who are accepted will be registered for the Internship class. 2. Will I be paid for my internship hours? Most internships are unpaid. However, if the site offers to pay you, this is acceptable. 4

5 3. What should I expect in my internship interview? The foremost rule to remember in an interview is to relax and be confident. Be a good communicator. MATC s Career Services office offers workshops on interviewing and job-seeking skills. The interview is a good opportunity for you to let the firm know that you are a capable and knowledgeable person, even though you may not have had actual job experience as a paralegal. Emphasize what you've learned in Legal Research and Legal Writing, and your other legal specialty classes. Take writing samples with you to the interview and offer them even if they are not requested. The interview is also the appropriate time for you to discuss specific tasks and projects you would have as an intern. If at the time of the interview you are accepted, you may wish to complete the Paralegal Internship Site Agreement before leaving. 4. What should I expect during the internship? Above all else, remember that you are involved with a professional team delivering quality legal services to real people. The goal of the internship is to give you an orientation and exposure to how a law office operates. You should conduct yourself and dress professionally. If you have a cell phone, keep it in your purse or bag, turned off, during the hours that you are on site. The same rule applies to MP3 players. Confidentiality cannot be overemphasized. As an intern, you are bound by this rule just as are the attorneys, paralegals, and other employees of the firm. You should receive an orientation to the office so that you are comfortable being there. If this is not offered to you, politely ask for it. You should have a clear understanding of the lines of communication between yourself and others in the office, e.g., to whom you are accountable, from whom you will receive projects, where to go with your questions, etc. Initiative and self-starting are essential qualities for paralegals, but don't be afraid to ask questions when necessary. Most attorneys and paralegals enjoy the opportunity to "teach" you. They would prefer to answer questions about your assigned projects at the beginning or while it is in progress, rather than to end up with an unsatisfactory work product, which in turn leads to frustration for the attorney and you, as well as reflecting negatively on our interns in general. Although initiative and self-starting are important, you must also keep in mind at all times that everything you do in the office should have attorney approval and supervision. Thus, do not undertake tasks on your own without prior approval. Remember the prohibition against the unauthorized practice of law. Do not expect to receive assignments or requests in writing from your supervisor, as you are used to written assignments in your classes. Most instructions are given orally; this will help your listening and communication skills. Try to get experience in as many paralegal tasks as possible, but keep in mind that because your time is limited, you may not get to do everything you would like to. The firm that takes you on as an intern is not compensated for its time in mentoring you and supervising your work. Your supervisors provide a valuable teaching service for you. Do not forget to thank the attorneys and staff for giving you the opportunity to learn. 5. How many hours do I have to work to satisfy the Internship course requirement? A minimum of 140 on-site hours of paralegal work is required. This work must be supervised, although each of the 140 hours need not be done on-site. Hours spent in the law library, in court, in the field doing interviews, at the clerk of courts office, for example, count toward your hours. 5

6 6. I already work at a law firm. Can I serve my internship there? Generally, yes. 7. How am I supposed to complete an internship if I already work full time, take classes, and have a lot of other things on my plate? Experience has shown that hours per week, in the form of one long day and one half day (or two 6-hour days), over the course of a semester, will be needed for a successful internship. Block this time for internship or taking the class when you are able to do so. 8. Will I be graded on my performance as an intern? Yes. You will be evaluated by your site supervisor, and you will have the opportunity to evaluate the site. 9. What are the Site Agreement and Confidentiality Statement? The Paralegal Internship Site Agreement is completed and signed by you and your supervising attorney after you discuss your projected activities. This agreement is then submitted to the Program Director prior to commencement of the internship. You will not be allowed to begin your internship hours prior to approval of the agreement form by the Program Director. Once students are cleared for Internship, they will become part of the BlackBoard Internship site. Important course information, including the Site Agreement & Confidentiality Statement will be posted on the Bb site. Students are reminded that every piece of information concerning clients, whether it is written or unwritten, which comes to their attention in the course of their internship must be treated with utmost confidentiality. If this confidentiality is not observed strictly, the result will not only be extremely injurious to the client, but it may also subject the lawyer to possible disciplinary action for breach of the Rules of Professional Responsibility. Accordingly, you will also be required to sign the Confidentiality Statement agreeing to protect the confidentiality of your work as an intern. 10. What are the Weekly Reports? You are required to submit detailed, typed reports of work performed at the office on the Weekly Reports form. Unless otherwise directed by the Program Director, students submit Weekly Reports by to the Program Director each week throughout the internship. Reports are due each Monday for the preceding week. Failure to submit these reports as directed may result in no credit for the internship. Do not use client names or identifying information on your Weekly Reports. Remember the rule on confidentiality. The Program Director is not part of the legal team, and thus should not see or hear such information. Note that your Weekly Reports do not have to be reviewed and approved by your supervising attorney. 11. What is the site visit and when will the site visit occur? The Program Director will at some point during the semester visit with you and the intern supervisor at the job site in order to do an interim progress evaluation. 12. What are the other course requirements to complete the Internship class? Students are responsible for the following written work as part of the Internship course: Written Exit Report: A final written report must be submitted to the Program Director no later than May 31. The report should be 4 to 6 pages and must be typed/word processed. The purposes of the report are to give you the chance to 6

7 reflect on the experience, and to allow evaluation by the Program Director. The report will not be shared with the supervising attorney or with others at the internship site without your consent. The final report should be in narrative form and must include the following points: 1. Summarize the types of cases, projects, and issues you handled. If there were one or more cases which were especially interesting or involved, you may wish to discuss those in more detail. 2. Your thoughts on whether you were adequately prepared for the internship. Which parts of the Paralegal curriculum did you feel were most valuable? Were there courses you wish you would have taken before doing the internship? Were there courses you took outside of the Paralegal curriculum which were especially helpful? 3. What changes do you plan to make in the remainder of your Paralegal education, if any, as a result of having had your internship experience? 4. What suggestions, if any, do you have for changes in the Paralegal program, or specifically in the internship course? 5. What are your observations about the use of paralegals as professional members of the legal services delivery team in the office where you worked? 6. How would you evaluate the supervising attorney/paralegal? Did he/she provide you with a good experience? If you worked more directly with a paralegal or other office staff person, answer the same questions as to that person. Would you recommend your internship site to other students? Explain. 7. Discuss the impact of the internship on your choice of paralegal as a career. 8. Any other comments, suggestions, or observations that you wish to convey to the Program Director. They will be much appreciated. Ethics Project (Assigned prior to first classroom meeting) Professional Portfolio (Assigned prior to the first classroom meeting) Two required, 3-hour, evening classroom sessions during summer interim session with all of the interns (Dates and times to be announced) 7

8 PARALEGAL INTERNSHIP COURSE NUMBER COURSE OUTLINE Title and Description: Paralegal Internship Students gain practical experience working in a legal environment under the supervision of an attorney or other qualified professional for a minimum of 140 hours. In addition, students meet one hour weekly to discuss legal office experiences and ethical considerations, learn effective job search techniques, and develop professional image. Credits: 3-Credit Course (54 contact hours) Required Course Associate Degree; Selective Course Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Texts and Other Materials: Concise Guide to Paralegal Ethics, 2d Ed., by Cannon, ISBN # Course Competencies: 1. Demonstrate competence as an entry-level paralegal 2. Demonstrate effective writing skills in a legal environment 3. Demonstrate effective oral communication skills in a legal environment 4. Demonstrate interpersonal effectiveness in relationships in a legal environment 5. Demonstrate research skills (finding and interpreting statutes and case law and demonstrating proper citation techniques) in a legal environment 6. Identify areas of practice for local paralegals and understand the qualifications necessary for securing employment in those areas 7. develop a job search strategy which includes customized resumes and cover letters, skills in interviewing and presentation of a professional portfolio 8. Demonstrate effective use of technology in a legal environment 9. Apply ethical rules in a legal environment 10. Recognize and document the need for and benefits of continuing education and the associations providing continuing educational opportunities 11. Identify professional associations for paralegals and become familiar with potential licensure Instructional Methods: Students spend a minimum of 140 at an internship site working under the supervision of a paralegal and/or attorney and engaged in paralegal work. Students also meet for 8-10 hours in the classroom as a group at the conclusion of their internship site experiences. Evaluation of Student Performance: The evaluation of the student by his/her site supervisor accounts for two-thirds of the student s course grade. The classroom portion of the course 8

9 requires students to do in-depth work on ethical dilemmas and to create a professional portfolio containing specified samples of work from their legal specialty classes, as well as a current resume and cover letter suitable for use in a job search. Outside Written Assignments: 1. Weekly Reports detailing and documenting the student s work (140 hours) at their internship site 2. Exit Report 3. Ethics Project 4. Professional Portfolio Course Content with Time Allocation: NOTE: All course competencies (1-11) are part of the internship site experience (140 hours). An additional 11 hours of classroom work focuses on (1) an in-depth review of ethics for the practicing paralegal (9 hours) and (2) preparation of the student s professional portfolio in anticipation of their job search and entry to the profession (9 hours). 1. UNIT 1 Criteria Unit 1: Related Course Competency #1 Demonstrate competence as an entry-level paralegal Measured by site supervisor evaluation of intern; part of the 140-hour site experience 2. UNIT 2 Criteria Unit 2: Related Course Competency #2 Demonstrate effective writing skills in a legal environment Measured by site supervisor evaluation of intern; part of the 140-hour site experience 3. UNIT 3 Criteria Unit 3: Related Course Competency #3 Demonstrate effective oral communication skills in a legal environment Measured by site supervisor evaluation of intern; part of the 140-hour site experience 4. UNIT 4 Criteria Unit 4: Related Course Competency #4 Demonstrate interpersonal effectiveness in relationships in a legal environment Measured by site supervisor evaluation of intern; part of the 140-hour site experience 5. UNIT 5 Criteria Unit 5: Related Course Competency #5 Demonstrate research skills (finding and interpreting statutes and case law and demonstrating proper citation techniques) in a legal environment Measured by site supervisor evaluation of intern; part of the 140-hour site experience 6. UNIT 6 Criteria Unit 6: Related Course Competency #6 Identify areas of practice for local paralegals and understand the qualifications necessary for securing employment in those areas Classroom: 1 hour 7. UNIT 7 Criteria Unit 7: Related Course Competency #7 Develop a job search strategy which includes customized resumes and cover letters, skills in interviewing and presentation of a professional portfolio Classroom: 4 hours 8. UNIT 8 Criteria Unit 8: Related Course Competency #8 Demonstrate effective use of technology in a legal environment Measured by site supervisor evaluation of intern; part of the 140-hour site experience 9

10 9. UNIT 9 Criteria Unit 9: Related Course Competency #9 Apply ethical rules in a legal environment Measured by site supervisor evaluation of intern; part of the 140-hour site experience AND Completion of Ethical Dilemmas project Classroom: 3 hours 10. UNIT 10 Criteria Unit 10: Related Course Competency #10 Recognize and document the need for and benefits of continuing education and the associations providing continuing educational opportunities Classroom: 1.5 hours 11. UNIT 11 Criteria Unit 11: Related Course Competency #11 Identify professional associations for paralegals and become familiar with potential licensure Classroom: 1.5 hours 10

11 INTERNSHIP APPLICATION Academic Year: Semester: Student ID#: Your Name: Current Home Address: Current Telephone Number: Associate Degree: or Post-Bac: MATC Address: Legal Specialty Courses Taken (Include those in which you are currently enrolled): Top Choices for Internship Offices or Practice Areas:

12 MADISON AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE Madison, Wisconsin Internship Site Agreement agrees to accept (Internship Site) (Student Intern) at its place of business as a Paralegal Intern for at least 140 hours to be completed at such times and hours as are mutually agreed to by the Internship Site and the Student Intern. The following stipulations are understood, and will be part of this agreement. 1. The Student Intern is at least 18 years of age, enrolled in the Paralegal Internship course, and is in good standing at Madison Area Technical College. 2. A definite time schedule for completion of the internship is planned and will be supervised. A copy of the tentative schedule is attached to this Agreement. 3. Observation and assistance in this extended classroom experience is considered part of the educational program. Specific obligations of the Instructor-Coordinator are outlined on a page attached to and made part of this Agreement. 4. The Student Intern agrees to perform to the best of his/her ability, to abide by all rules of ethics and confidentiality of the legal profession, and to conform to the policies of the internship site and the standards of conduct required of students at Madison Area Technical College. Specific obligations of the Student Intern are outlined on a page attached to and made part of this Agreement. 5. The Internship Site agrees to cooperate with the Instructor-Coordinator to offer verified training experiences and confer with the Instructor-Coordinator at periodic intervals to report on the Student Intern s performance. Specific obligations of the Internship Site are outlined on a page attached to and made part of this agreement. 6. The Student Intern is not an employee of either Madison Area Technical College or the Internship Site. 7. The Student Intern acknowledges that Madison Area Technical College does not provide workers compensation coverage in the event of injury. 8. The internship is unpaid. If the Internship Site chooses to pay the Student Intern for internship hours worked, the Internship Site will provide the Student Intern with a written agreement stipulating the rate of pay. 9. The Internship Site is under no obligation to offer part or full-time employment to the Student Intern prior to or after graduation. The Student Intern is under no obligation to the Internship Site after completion of the internship. 12

13 Student Intern: Name Address Phone (Signature) Date: Site Supervisor: Name Address Phone (Signature) Date: Instructor-Coordinator: Name Madison Area Technical College 3550 Anderson Street, Madison, WI Phone (Signature) Date: 13

14 TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR COMPLETION OF THE INTERNSHIP (To be completed by Site Supervisor and Intern) 14

15 RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENT INTERN As the Student Intern begins his/her placement at the Internship Site, he/she is expected to assume, as much as possible, the role of a regular staff member. The responsibilities include: 1. Adhering to scheduled work hours, policies, procedures, and rules governing professional staff behavior. 2. Adhering to company policies governing the observation of confidentiality and the handling of confidential information. 3. Assuming personal and professional responsibilities for his/her actions and activities. 4. Maintaining professional relationships with company employees and customers/clients. 5. Utilizing a courteous, enthusiastic, open-minded, critical approach to policies and procedures within the profession. 6. Relating and applying knowledge acquired in the academic setting to the Internship Site setting. 7. Developing self-awareness in regard to attitudes, values, and behavior patterns. 8. Preparing for and utilizing conferences and other opportunities of learning afforded by the Internship Site. 9. Being consistent and punctual in the submission of all work assignments to the site supervisor and the Instructor-Coordinator. 10. Providing the Instructor-Coordinator with periodic progress reports, both written and oral. 11. Notifying the Site Supervisor and Instructor-Coordinator of absences and tardiness. 12. Participating in scheduled internship group sessions and completing course projects. 15

16 RESPONSIBILITIES OF SITE SUPERVISOR It is the responsibility of the Site Supervisor to provide direct, on-the-job supervision of the Student Intern which includes the following: 1. Identifying work activities which will be provided for the Student Intern. 2. Providing paralegal appropriate work experience for a minimum of 140 hours. 3. Orienting the Student Intern to the Internship Site s structure and operations. 4. Orienting the Student Intern to the Internship Site s policies and procedures regarding appropriate dress, work hours, reporting absences from work, etc. 5. Introducing the Student Intern to the appropriate professional and clerical staff. 6. Providing the Student Intern with adequate resources to accomplish job assignments. 7. Affording the Student Intern the opportunity to identify with the Site Supervisor as a professional staff person by jointly participating in meetings, conferences, projects, and other functions. 8. Assigning and supervising the completion of tasks and responsibilities that are consistent with the Student Intern s role at the Internship Site. 9. Consulting the Instructor-Coordinator in the event the Site Supervisor becomes aware of personal, communication, or other problems that are disrupting the Student Intern s learning and performance. 10. Providing scheduled meetings to discuss the behavior assessment and final evaluation of the Student Intern with the Student Intern. 11. Completing a behavior assessment and final evaluation of the Student Intern s performance and personal behavior. 16

17 RESPONSIBILITIES OF INSTRUCTOR-COORDINATOR The Instructor-Coordinator assumes overall responsibility for consultation with the Internship Site and the Student Intern on objectives, agreements, and other job-related tasks. The Instructor- Coordinator is available to the Student Intern in an advisory capacity with respect to assisting the Student Intern to achieve the stated objectives of the internship. The role of the Instructor- Coordinator involves: 1. Verifying the Student Intern s eligibility to enroll in the Paralegal Internship course. 2. Orienting and introducing the Student Intern to the nature and purpose of the internship. 3. Orienting and introducing the Site Supervisor to the purpose and objectives of the internship. 4. Consulting with the Site Supervisor and the Student Intern as necessary regarding the Student Intern s performance. 5. Arranging internship group meetings on campus. 6. Developing internship group activities that incorporate professionalism, ethics, and strategies for seeking employment. 7. Assuming responsibility for the removal of a Student Intern from the Internship Site whenever necessary. 8. Assuming responsibility for assigning the final grade for the internship course. 9. Implementing program improvements per Student Intern and/or Site Supervisor input. 17

18 MADISON AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE PARALEGAL INTERNSHIP STUDENT INTERN CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT, Student Intern, has agreed to complete an internship at the office of, Internship Site. Legal work performed at this office is sensitive in nature and strictly confidential. As part of the Paralegal Internship Agreement, the Student Intern agrees to hold legal information, procedures, client lists, and client information inviolate and not to disclose by words, actions, or intimation any information learned at the office of the internship. The Student Intern understands that such disclosure is a violation of federal and state privacy laws and is punishable by criminal penalties. In addition, failure to abide by this confidentiality agreement subjects the student to disciplinary action as outlined in the Madison Area Technical College Student Code of Conduct. (Student) Date: 18

19 MATC - PARALEGAL INTERNSHIP PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR ASSESSMENT (TO BE COMPLETED BY INTERNSHIP SITE SUPERVISOR) Name of Intern: Date: This assessment is divided into 11 categories. For each category, there is a list of desirable behaviors that serve as the basis for evaluation using a 4-level assessment scale as follows: EXCEEDS BASIC REQUIREMENTS: The student consistently demonstrates all of the desirable behaviors. MEETS BASIC REQUIREMENTS: The student demonstrates most of the desirable behaviors the majority of the time, and will perform adequately in an employment situation. NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: The student shows improvement but, on occasion, needs to be reminded of appropriate behaviors. The noted deficiencies will not severely hamper employability. UNACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE: The student has numerous deficiencies and/or demonstrates undesirable behaviors which will severely hamper employability. If the student receives either a Needs Improvement or Unacceptable Performance rating in any category, comments concerning specific problem areas and suggestions for improvement should be included. When assessing each category, it is helpful to give feedback to students by circling the desirable behaviors where they have exceeded requirements as well as those specific behaviors where there is improvement needed. 1. ORGANIZATION: Linked Core Ability: Self-Management Desirable behaviors: Plans, prioritizes, and organizes work Completes assigned work in a timely manner Is capable of performing more than one task at a time Is efficient Unacceptable Performance Needs Improvement Meets Exceeds Comments: 19

20 2. PRODUCTIVITY AND INITIATIVE: Linked Core Ability: Self-Management Desirable behaviors: Begins assigned tasks without prompting Occupies time productively when supervisor is unavailable Completes work independently Unacceptable Performance Needs Improvement Meets Exceeds Comments: 3. SUPERVISION: Linked Core Ability: Social Interaction Desirable behaviors: Works well with minimal supervision Understands work requirements Responds appropriately to supervisor Interacts effectively with supervisor Unacceptable Performance Needs Improvement Meets Exceeds Comments: 20

21 4. RELIABILITY: Linked Core Ability: Self-Management Desirable behaviors: Is dependable Has minimal absences Is not tardy Calls in when ill or late Arranges to make up work missed during an absence Follows through until work is completed Takes responsibility for completing work on time Unacceptable Performance Needs Improvement Meets Exceeds Comments: 5. PROBLEM SOLVING ABILITIES: Linked Core Ability: Critical Thinking Desirable behaviors: Readily identifies and communicates problems to the appropriate individual Recognizes potential problems Identifies possible solutions Solves problems in a logical manner Thinks things through before asking questions Uses common sense Unacceptable Performance Needs Improvement Meets Exceeds Comments: 21

22 6. ATTITUDE TOWARD LEARNING: Linked Core Ability: Self-Management Desirable behaviors: Appears eager to learn Seeks additional information or clarification by asking appropriate questions or consulting references Assumes responsibility for learning Unacceptable Performance Needs Improvement Meets Exceeds Comments: 7. PROFESSIONAL ETHICS: Linked Core Ability: Ethics Desirable behaviors: Respects client confidentiality Admits errors and corrects them Follows standard protocol, does not cut corners Accepts constructive criticism well Demonstrates knowledge of academic & professional ethics as applied to appropriate situations. Unacceptable Performance Needs Improvement Meets Exceeds Comments: 22

23 8. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS: Linked Core Ability: Social Interaction Desirable behaviors: Is flexible in changing situations Works well with supervisor and/or clients Communicates effectively Treats others courteously and with respect Uses appropriate language Unacceptable Performance Needs Improvement Meets Exceeds Comments: 9. PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE: Desirable behaviors: Wears appropriate attire in professional environment Meets professional standards for neatness and cleanliness Unacceptable Performance Needs Improvement Meets Exceeds Comments: 23

24 10. TEAMWORK: Linked Core Ability: Social Interaction Desirable behaviors: Is willing to help others Actively participates is problem solving Understands the importance of and performs tasks to support a common goal. Understands and respects the roles of staff Makes positive contributions to morale and team spirit Unacceptable Performance Needs Improvement Meets Exceeds Comments: 11. CUSTOMER SERVICE: Desirable behaviors: Empathizes with clients Respects clients Responds efficiently and effectively to clients needs Unacceptable Performance Needs Improvement Meets Exceeds Comments: 24

25 INTERN S FEEDBACK: Complete the following self-assessment form as it pertains to your professional behavior performance. STRENGTHS List strengths: Explain why this is a strength: AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT List areas where State how you plan to improve performance is this area: improvement is needed: INSIGHTS Supervisor s comments: Student Supervisor Date Date 25

26 MADISON AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE INTERNSHIP EVALUATION To be completed by Internship Site Supervisor Course Name: Paralegal Internship Date: Student Name: Internship Site: Address: Telephone: Fax: Supervisor s Name: Title: Telephone: Fax: address: Dates of Internship: From: To: Total Number of Hours Student Worked: Evaluation Date: SECTION I Please rate the student s performance using the following table (see next page): 26

27 DYNAMIC LEADERSHIP Focuses on task Follows proper procedures Evokes confidence in his/her ability Reasoning and Problem Solving Defines problem Seeks assistance as needed Uses relevant data Offers suggestions Teamwork Cooperates Participates with a positive attitude Adapts to workplace dynamics UNIVERSAL COMMUNICATIONS Listens attentively Effectively uses verbal/nonverbal communication Follows directions Uses standard English grammar Documents properly Completes forms accurately Recognizes cultural differences PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE Demonstrates honesty and integrity Understands ethical Excels Above Average Average Needs Improvement Lacks This Skill N/A 27

28 principles Maintains confidentiality Demonstrates respect Is accountable Completes assigned responsibilities on time Shows dependability Is punctual Computer Proficiency Demonstrates appropriate computer skills Utilizes appropriate software Mathematical Literacy Completes mathematical calculations, as required CAREER SKILLS Wears appropriate attire for the site Practices good hygiene Utilizes skills to perform assigned functions Strives for quality in performing tasks 28

29 SECTION II Please rate the intern in the following areas using the scale described below: 1. Outstanding, exceeds expectations for entry-level employee 2. Above average 3. Average, meets expectations for entry-level employee 4. Below average 5. Needs substantial improvement 6. Not enough opportunity to observe (Circle One) Knowledge of Litigation Procedures Critical Thinking Written Communication Skills Oral Communication Skills Computer Skills Knowledge of Legal Ethics Legal Research Skills Knowledge of one or more Legal Specialty Areas (Family, Probate, etc.) Knowledge of Role of Paralegal in relation to Firm and its Clients

30 SECTION III 1. What are the greatest strengths of the intern assigned to your office? 2. Were there any areas in which your intern could improve his/her skills? 3. What additional skills/training would you prefer that the intern possess? 4. Does your firm currently employ a paralegal? Yes No 5. Based on your experience this semester, would you be interested in participating in future sections of our internship program? Yes No 6. Please feel free to add any additional comments you believe might be helpful to the intern, the Program Director and/or the MATC Paralegal Program: I certify that the responses given on this evaluation are based on observations I have made or information of which I have knowledge. I have had the opportunity to read and/or supervise the content of the Feedback Form of the intern assigned to this office and have determined that it contains no confidential information. Signature of Site Supervisor Date Signed

31 MATC INTERNSHIP FEEDBACK FORM (TO BE COMPLETED BY THE PARALEGAL INTERN) Name: Internship Placement: Date: Firm Name Street Address City, State and Zip Code 1. List the four types of work that you performed most often during your internship: a) b) c) d) 2. What did you like best about your internship experience? 3. What did you like least?

32 4. Would you recommend this internship placement to other students? Why or why not? 5. Do you have any advice for other students who are going to be completing the Paralegal internship? 6. Do you have any suggestions for improving the Paralegal Internship course at MATC? 7. Which of your courses did you find to be most helpful during your internship?

33 8. Is there any other course work or training which you did not have and which would have been helpful to you during your internship? If yes, please describe. 9. Would you be willing to discuss your internship experience with other students? Yes No 10. Can this feedback form be made available to assist other students who are choosing an internship site? Yes No Signature of Student Intern Date Signed