Associate of Applied Science - Paralegal

The Paralegal Associate of Applied Science degree is designed to ready a student to work as part of a legal team and assist with research, interviewing, administration, and preparation. A paralegal could work for the courts, private law firms, corporate legal departments, or in the nonprofit sector. Many students go on to seek a bachelor’s degree or even law school. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law, as required by the Guidelines.

Upon graduation, students will: • Demonstrate proficiency in legal research and application of procedural and substantive authorities, including areas of law in which the student may not be familiar. • Demonstrate writing skills that are consistent with generally accepted standards within the legal profession, including the ability to communicate legal analysis and application through organized and well-written correspondence, memoranda and pleadings. • Analyze and articulate the different sides to any argument using critical-thinking skills. • Demonstrate the ability to develop discovery plans, prepare cases for trial and capably assist in all courtroom proceedings. • Use technology commonly found in the legal environment, including the electronic courtroom. This technology includes Microsoft Office products, electronic databases and other appropriate legal software.