Associate in Applied Science - Legal Studies

A degree in Paralegal Studies can open the doors into a fascinating career in law. One of the fastest-growing occupational categories in the country, the paralegal profession offers a wide range of employment opportunities.

In the two-year sequence of courses, GCC’s paralegal program prepares students to become qualified legal assistants working under the supervision of an attorney providing a variety of legal services to clients. Taught by attorneys, program courses prepare students to execute key paralegal duties, such as legal document preparation, researching law, public records searches and trial preparation.

Upon the completion of the Paralegal Studies Program the graduate will be able to :

• Apply critical thinking skills as demonstrated by the analysis of a fact pattern and the formulation of a legal analysis. • Demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge expected of individuals possessing an associate’s degree in paralegal studies. • Write clearly and concisely, utilizing appropriate legal citation format. • Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical standards that affect the role of a paralegal in a law office. • Demonstrate adequate preparation for career development and/or successful transfer to a baccalaureate degree program. • Demonstrate appropriate use of primary and secondary legal research tools, including legal digests, citators and online data banks. • Identify the appropriate methods for conducting an intake interview and a preliminary investigation. • Employ the proper format in drafting office memoranda, client correspondence and basic legal documents.