Purpose: The curriculum is designed to provide an individual with a sufficient level of knowledge, understanding, and proficiency to perform the tasks associated with meeting a client's needs. These tasks can be performed by a trained, non-lawyer assistant working under the direction and supervision of a lawyer. A paralegal or legal assistant will have a basic understanding of the general processes of American law, along with the knowledge and proficiency required to perform specific tasks under the supervision of a lawyer in the fields of civil and criminal law. Occupational objectives include employment in corporate law firms, government agencies, and any of the varied law related fields.
Recommended Preparation: Proficiency in high school English.
Completion Requirements: To remain in the program, students must complete each of the legal courses in the program with a C or better. No more than 50% of the paralegal studies credits required for the A.A.S. degree program, approved by the American Bar Association, may be transferred from another college. Case-by-case exceptions may be made at the discretion of the assistant dean for paralegal studies.
Special Approval Status: The Paralegal Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association.
1 The PED requirement may be met by one of the following options: PED 116, 2 cr.; PED 116, 1 cr. plus a PED activities course, 1 cr.; or PED 116, 1 cr. plus RPK activities course. PED 116 is offered as both a 1-credit and a 2-credit course.
2 Students may substitute a humanities/fine arts elective selected from the humanities/fine arts courses listed under General Education Electives.
3 Students may substitute the SDV 101 Orientation section related to this program.
4 Any higher level MTH course or a science course (BIO, CHM, GOL, NAS, PHY) may be substituted.
5 Elective courses should be selected after consultation with a counselor or academic advisor, and should be designed to further a student’s career and educational goals.
6 Students may substitute a social science elective selected from the social/behavioral science courses listed under General Education Electives.