The Associate in Science degree in Paralegal Studies is designed for students seeking a professional career in a law-related field. The program trains students in many diverse areas of law. Subjects include legal research and writing, real estate law, criminal law, family law, wills and trusts, torts, and litigation.
Program graduates will be professionals who can manage law office operations, assume certain routine duties of attorneys, and directly assist attorneys in handling legal problems. Other roles may include performing legal research, developing new procedures, and drafting of legal documents. The program is designed for both full-time and part-time students. Classes are offered in day, evening, and weekend scheduling format.
Successful completion of this program qualifies students to sit for the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) Certified Legal Assistant/Certified Paralegal exam (CLA/CP). The program does not qualify students to practice law, sit for a state bar exam, nor act as or represent themselves as lawyers. Paralegals and legal assistants are advised to acknowledge the American Bar Association definition of a paralegal or legal assistant as “a person, qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, a law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.”
The Associate in Science degree in Paralegal Studies transfers directly into the Edison State College Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Public Safety Administration, as well as any public Florida college or university’s Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice.
For additional information on Transfer Services, contact the department at 239-489-9132 or go to http://www.edison.edu/academics/asparalegal/paralegalstudies.php.
Continuing Toward A Bachelor’s Degree?
Students intending to continue toward a Bachelor’s degree are encouraged to consult with their transfer school prior to choosing their Associate’s Degree and/or elective coursework. Contact the Edison State College Law and Public Service Program office at (239) 489-9132, or go to www.edison.edu for current information on Bachelor’s degree partnerships with Edison State College.
The Florida Registered Paralegal Program:
In the state of Florida, a paralegal is generally defined as a person with education, training, or work experience who works under the supervision of a member of the Florida Bar and who performs specifically delegated legal work for which a member of the Florida Bar is responsible. The Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP) is now recognized and approved by the Supreme Court of Florida. Refer to the Florida Bar Association website at www.floridabar.org for more information on becoming a Florida Registered Paralegal.
Industry Positions:
- Paralegal
- Legal Assistant
- Contract Administrator
- Victim’s Advocate
- Talent/Sport’s Agent
- Title Researcher/Abstracter
- Legislative Analyst
- Real Estate Closing Agent
- Judicial Assistant
Related knowledge and skills:
- Strong Communication Skills
- Fact Management
- Research Skills
- Computer Skills
- Telephone Skills
- Negotiation/Mediation Skills
- Time Management
- Financial Skills
- Organizational Skills
- Interviewing Skills
- Document Management
Course Prerequisites:
Refer to specific course descriptions listed in this Catalog.
Program Prerequisites:
None
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