Paralegal Studies, AS

Purpose

The Associate in Science (AS) in Paralegal Studies program prepares students for further education and careers in law-related fields. The content includes legal research and writing; litigation and trial practice; criminal, tort, family, constitutional, and corporate law; real property, tax, and contract law; wills, estates and trusts; and law office management. The AS equips students with professional responsibility, employability, leadership, and human relations skills.

The mission of the Associate in Science (AS) in Paralegal Studies degree program is to prepare students to become paralegal professionals for employment in law, real estate, title companies, and related offices. The program prepares students to sit for one or more recognized paralegal certification examinations.

 

www.americanbar.org/aba.html

Program Learning Outcomes

• Analyze legal and ethical issues to develop solutions that adhere to professional standards in paralegal practice.

• Evaluate complex legal problems using research tools and analytical reasoning to compose effective legal documents.

• Apply substantive tort, constitutional, and criminal law principles to resolve case scenarios.

• Apply contract and business organization principles to facilitate commercial transactions.

• Design comprehensive case preparation strategies by integrating procedural rules and law office management practices.

• Investigate civil and criminal procedures to develop effective trial preparation and litigation support materials.

• Implement estate planning and probate administration procedures to facilitate property transfers and estate settlements.

• Apply family law principles and procedures to resolve domestic relations cases.

Course Prerequisites

Many courses require prerequisites. Check the description of each course in the list below for prerequisites, minimum grade requirements, and other restrictions.  Students must complete all prerequisites prior to registering for a course.

ABA Requirements

FSW Paralegal Studies students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.

Course Transfer Policy - Only a total of nine legal specialty credits from another institution will be accepted.  The other institution must have an American Bar Association (ABA) - approved paralegal program.  The description of the course in the course syllabus must closely mirror an equivalent legal specialty course offered by FSW.  The Paralegal Studies Program Director evaluates requests for the transfer of legal specialty credits from other institutions.  The Program Director will not consider any legal specialty courses taken at another institution more than five years ago.

Graduation Requirements

Students must fulfill all requirements of their program to be eligible for graduation.