Paralegal Studies (Associate's)

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2014. Employers are trying to reduce costs and increase the availability and efficiency of legal services by hiring paralegals to perform tasks formerly carried out by lawyers.*

In response to this growing need for knowledgeable, skilled paralegal professionals, the AS in Paralegal Studies is designed to provide students with a real-world understanding of:

• The legal process and the role of the paralegal in providing legal services.
• Legal research, analysis and writing skills.
• The steps of the litigation process.
• Legal technology commonly used by paralegals.
• The interpersonal and organizational skills that allow the student to work effectively as a problem-solving team member.
• Key legal concepts and terminology.

This real-world degree program features course content covering civil litigation, torts, contract law, criminal law, legal technology and numerous other career-focused topics.

Courses are taught by instructors with applicable experience in the paralegal field. Students can absorb relevant perspectives and professional insights from people who can help them acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to qualify for in-demand positions like Paralegal 1, Legal Secretary, Law Clerk, Legal Aid 1, Court Clerk and many others.

* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos114.htm#outlook (visited November 12, 2007).