Nov 09, 2024  
2024-2025 CATALOG 
    
2024-2025 CATALOG

Paralegal Studies, A.A.S.


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Associate of Applied Science Degree

Business Division

The goal of the Paralegal Studies degree program is to provide students with a general education with emphasis on substantive legal and ethical principles which prepare them for paralegal positions working under the supervision of an attorney in the private or public sector. Upon completion of the Paralegal Program the student will: locate sources of law, using both printed and online resources; use and understand legal terminology; demonstrate knowledge of court system structures and policies; demonstrate proficiency in legal software; prepare legal documents and forms; draft cover letters, briefs and memos; conduct client and witness interviews; apply ethics in a legal environment; and apply communication skills in a legal setting.

“This program of study is designed as a terminal degree for a specific career field. The associated courses are not designed to transfer to a four-year institution. 

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate ( Paralegal Studies Technical Certificate  )

 

Approved by the American Bar Association

Summary of Required Hours


Freshman


Fall (15)


Spring (15)


Summer (3)


Humanities/Fine Arts Elective Course (3)

Sophomore


Fall (15)


Spring (15)


Total Hours: 63/64


Note(s):


All students must complete a minimum of 9 credit hours of Legal Specialty courses in a synchronous class room setting.

The Paralegal Program accepts up to 9 hours of transfer credit of Legal Specialty courses from ABA approved paralegal programs.

 

NOTE:       Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL) 

 UPL is 1) the application of a rule of law 2) to a particular person’s fact pattern and 3) giving a response or answer. UPL occurs when the person seeking legal advice from a person who s/he knows has legal knowledge but who is not a lawyer. The following have been considered UPL when carried out by someone other than an attorney admitted to practice law in a designated jurisdiction:

 * Preparing any document in any medium intended to affect or secure legal rights for a specific person or entity;

* Preparing or expressing legal opinions; * Representing another in a judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative proceeding, or other formal dispute resolution process such as arbitrations and mediations; * Preparing any document through any medium for filing in any court, administrative agency or tribunal for a specific person or entity; or * Negotiating legal rights or responsibilities for a specific person or entity.

 

 

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