Begin a professional career in the legal field by earning an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal. The American Bar Association (ABA) defines a Paralegal (or legal assistant) as follows: “A person, qualified by education, training, or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.”
Students who successfully complete our paralegal program are equipped with the skills necessary for an entry-level paralegal position. Paralegals work under the supervision of an attorney and perform many tasks traditionally performed by attorneys. For example, under the supervision of an attorney, paralegals may interview clients and witnesses, conduct investigations, perform legal research, organize and analyze data, assist in all stages of the trial process, summarize depositions and testimony, summarize interrogatories, prepare for and assist at real estate closings and will executions, maintain corporate and other entity records, and draft pleadings and other legal documents.
Paralegals must work under the supervision of an attorney. Paralegals are prohibited from engaging in the practice of law and may not give legal advice, sign pleadings, negotiate settlement agreements, accept cases, solicit legal business on behalf of an attorney, set legal fees, represent clients, appear in court on behalf of clients, or advertise or contract with members of the general public for the performance of legal services, except as permitted by law.
In addition to being employed by private law firms, paralegals are frequently employed by corporations, banks, real estate and title companies, governmental agencies, insurance companies, estate planning and investment service organizations, hospitals, public interest and legal aid organizations, and of course, the offices of public defenders, district attorneys, judges, and the courts.
Our paralegal classes are taught by licensed attorneys in classes with small student-to-faculty ratios. All paralegal classes have an online component, and many may be completed exclusively online.
Upon graduation, paralegal students are encouraged to seek voluntary certification with the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA).
An associate’s degree in paralegal is an excellent stepping stone for a rewarding legal career.
Paralegal stated goals:
- Law and Professions: Graduate(s) are conversant with the law and explain the differences between legal and paralegal professions and their roles in the legal system.
- Problem Solving: Graduate(s) solve problems appropriate to the role of a paralegal.
- Ethical Principles: Graduate(s) model the moral and ethical principles of the profession and explain how social issues can have legal implications in the delivery of legal services.
- Research and Communication: Graduate(s) perform legal research, communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and use the processes and technological tools of the paralegal profession.
Paralegal stated outcomes:
- Accurately use the legal terminology and apply foundational knowledge in civil litigation, constitutional law, business organizations, and legal ethics.
- Locate and analyze legal authorities, utilize effective research strategies, and draft legal documents using appropriate formats and writing styles.
- Identify and apply ethical standards relevant to paralegals, demonstrating integrity in legal research, writing, interviewing, investigation, and office management.
- Implement legal office management systems and technologies to efficiently support legal practices.
- Utilize interpersonal, teamwork, and communication skills necessary for client interaction, witness interviewing, and professional collaboration.
Marketable skills for this award include: building effective relationships, computer skills + typing, detail-oriented, organizational skills, team work and time management.
Associate of Applied Science
TSI Complete
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