Paralegal Program

Paralegal is an exciting career in the law profession. You will work with lawyers on research, problem solving, document preparation, and much more.

The DMACC Paralegal Degree Program prepares students to perform a broad spectrum of services needed by attorneys.

Program Details

Gainful Employment Information

Graduates are employed in:

  • Private law firms
  • Courts
  • Public agencies
  • Legal departments of large companies

Skills and Abilities needed:

  • Good reading skills
  • Effective communication skills
  • Strong technical writing skills
  • Critical thinking and analytical skills
  • Basic computer skills

For more information:

Debra Phipps at 515-248-7208 or daph​ipps@dmacc.edu 

 


 

Paralegal in the News

19 Best Jobs for Community College Graduates (It made #18 on the list!)

 

Meet Your Professor(s)

Debra Phipps

Debra Phipps

Program Chair
Urban Campus
Building 1, Room 226
515-248-7208
daphipps@dmacc.edu

​Debra began her teaching career at DMACC in January 2017, and serves as the program chair for the paralegal program located at the Urban campus. 

She teaches a variety of law classes to students interested in becoming paralegals and working in the legal field after graduation. 

As an alumna of DePaul University, Debra earned her Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree with a major in Business Administration.  Her Doctorate of Jurisprudence is from Drake University Law School.  She is licensed to practice law in the State of Iowa and in the Southern District of the State of Iowa.  She holds her Senior Professional Human Resource Management (SPHR) and Society of Human Resource Management Senior Certified professional (SHRM-SCP) Certifications. 

Prior to coming to DMACC, Debra has approximately 20 years of experience as an attorney most of which was spent in the corporate environment in positions of Associate General Counsel and General Counsel.  Debra brings experience in the areas of contracting and negotiation, litigation management, risk management, corporate governance, employment and labor, safety, regulatory and environment compliance.  Debra has executive team experience functioning as a collaborative key business partner, planning strategic legal and corporate direction. 

Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.