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 outcomes. Upon completion of the Paralegal Studies program, the graduate will have developed the skills, knowledge and abilities to accomplish the following:
I. Apply ethical rules of attorneys and paralegals to given legal work environment situations.
II. Produce examples of legal communication.
III. Apply legal concepts to factual situations necessary to perform substantive legal work under the supervision of an attorney.
IV. Demonstrate legal and factual research using traditional and computerized legal research methods.
V. Demonstrate an understanding of the technology necessary to meet employer needs in the legal community.
Contact(s): Liberal Arts Department, (865) 694-6475