2018-2019 College Catalog 
    
    Mar 19, 2024  
2018-2019 College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Paralegal Studies, A.A.S.


Degree: Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

Accreditation. The Paralegal Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association.

Program description. A paralegal works in a law office under the direct supervision of an attorney doing legal work such as drafting legal documents, organizing files, conducting legal research and investigation, and managing the office. The Paralegal Studies program offers a core of general education and a core of legal specialty courses designed for paralegals. Although paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law, they can, while working under the supervision of an attorney, perform many law office tasks once done solely by an attorney.

Typical job opportunities: Law firms, legal aid services, corporate law departments, insurance and accounting firms, real estate and title companies, government legal departments

Program goals. Upon completion of the Paralegal Studies program, the graduate will have developed the skills, knowledge and abilities to accomplish the following:

  1. Apply the basic principles of law and legal ethics.
  2. Qualify for entry-level positions using skills acquired through the legal specialty courses.
  3. Identify problems and use analytical skills to find solutions.
  4. Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication.
  5. Demonstrate an understanding and practical application of law-office management and related computer applications in the legal environment.

Contact(s): Business and Computer Technology, (865) 694-6656

Courses and Course Sequence


Special note: Only students with college-level English skills (i.e., those eligible to enroll in ENGL 1010 ) may enroll in LEGL courses.

This sequence can be followed by students who begin college-level work in the fall semester. Prerequisites may apply to specific courses; it is the student’s responsibility to determine if prerequisites have been met. An academic advisor is provided for each student. Prior to registering each semester, the student is expected to consult with his/her assigned advisor.

Total Credit Hours Needed for Graduation: 61


1HUM/FA / MATH/NS / SBS
See the General Education  section of this Catalog for electives.

2LEGL
Electives to be chosen from LEGL 1310 LEGL 1315 , LEGL 1340 , LEGL 1360 LEGL 1370 , LEGL 2300 , LEGL 2305 , LEGL 2350 .

3LEGL 2390
To enroll in this Internship course, students must be in pursuit of an A.A.S. degree in Paralegal Studies; have completed 15 hours of LEGL courses with a minimum 2.5 GPA in LEGL courses and an overall minimum 2.0 GPA; be enrolled in the semester in which the student will graduate; have completed and submitted the Internship application to the BCT internship coordinator prior to enrollment in the course and beginning of the term. Application and instructions are available on the Business and Computer Technology Internships webpage.